I grew up in an environment that I witnessed acts of kindness and giving to others often. My parents were my first role models that demonstrated the value of making a difference. I watched my Dad serve as President of the Parents and Teachers Association. He was a Cub Scout leader. My Mom always brought food to those who were sick and in need. She was actively involved in our church. It was not a surprise that the seeds they planted blossomed in my life, impacting my career and personal choices.
I’m fortunate to work professionally in a Community Affairs role where I spend a lot of time giving back to our community through my work with multiple organizations. Yet this commitment to using my time, talent, connections and financial resources is apparent in my hours beyond work. I’m honored to serve as Chair of this year’s Evening with the Stars, a fundraiser for a nonprofit called Education is Freedom. I personally witnessed the work of this organization and the impact they are making daily in the lives of young people. Education was critical to my success as an adult and I love that they are introducing young people in challenging environments to pursue higher education. More importantly, they not only assist them in applying to college, they expose them to professional role models through mentoring and offer scholarships to offset the costs of books, appliances, luggage, travel and other incidentals that college scholarships do not provide. This can be the very thing that deters a brilliant, low to middle income student from going to college. I am honored to lend my voice to this organization to help bring awareness to this need. (Your assistance is not only appreciated but needed.)
Being involved in my local community has been a mutually rewarding experience on so many levels. I can point to years of service from high school, college and later. Service has transformed my life. I was blessed with amazing experiences and even greater mentors as a result of these opportunities. My involvement means so many things to my life:
- My involvement is more than my money. Although donations are necessary for not for profit organizations to exist, your time and expertise are invaluable. How can you offer guidance as a board member or volunteer? I sit on the boards or serve as an advisor to several organizations such as Buckner International, Opportunity Dallas, Soul Rep Theater Company, Opportunity Rising, 25 Ladders, AAPA (Association of Persons Affected by Addiction) and others providing my experience in strategic planning, fundraising and sharing my connections to assist with development, growth, and visibility. My giving is multi-faceted and intentional. I focus on those things that are important to me—education, community development, addressing poverty and youth.
- My involvement is about my passion and fulfills my purpose. I am honored to serve as co-founder of Heritage Giving Circle. We are the first Giving Circle comprised of African American women in Texas. Our desire was to elevate organizations led by African American women and/or serve African American women and girls because of the disparities that exist for many of these small to mid-size grassroots organizations to receive funding. I have been a philanthropist for years and to be a part of a group that allows me to serve, lead and create a legacy is a dream. I always wanted to create a giving circle and when the founder, Akilah Wallace asked me, I said yes to this unknown journey which has broadened my skills tremendously. I feel like my life purpose is making the world a bit better because I existed. This is my way of aligning my purpose, my passion and my interests together to serve.
- My involvement helps me both personally and professionally. The skills I have acquired through my volunteering has increased my reservoir of tools to draw from at work and at home. In addition to an expanded network of new colleagues and friends, doors have opened that I would not have had access to. My communication skills are stronger. I’ve strengthened my strategic thinking. I’m more aware of the challenges in my community and instead of sitting on the sidelines, I’m actively contributing to making the change I’d like to see. I’m more educated on important issues allowing me to become even more civically engaged as an informed voter.
As businesswomen and change agents, we have a responsibility to lead and to serve. We can be the change we want to see in our world through our personal and professional contributions in our local, national and global communities. We are the ones we are looking for and if we all share through our time, talent and treasures, we can be the light our dim world needs to show the way.
Want to get involved? Here are some ways:
- Join me in supporting any of the organizations listed above. Click on the links to learn more about how you can assist in this great work.
- Get involved by joining a nonprofit board. Boardnetusa is a great way to be matched to a nonprofit that needs additional board members.
- Want to find an opportunity to volunteer in your local area? Reach out to VolunteerMatch.
- Taproot Foundation connects nonprofits with skilled volunteers. They help nonprofits solve critical challenges with the assistance of skilled volunteers providing pro bono services.
- Use your professional skills to make a difference by connecting with
- The Executive Service Corps-US provides consulting, coaching and many services to strengthen nonprofits, schools and government agencies. Learn how to volunteer.
- SCORE uses volunteers to share their talents and expertise with the small business community. You can serve as a mentor, subject matter expert, workshop presenter, and in many other ways.
Email us at managingeditor@thebusinesswomanmedia.com and let us know how you’ve decided to get involved! Tag on social media #BusinessWomanMedia #Bosschicksmakingadifference
