Archive for category Impact Leaders
IL: Waseem Zaffar
Posted by sarah in Impact Leaders on May 2nd, 2012
Waseem Zaffar is a Labour Councillor for the Lozells and East Handsworth Ward in Birmingham, UK. He was elected on May 5, 2011, and he polled over 70 percent of the share of the vote.
Waseem has lived in the ward he now represents since birth. He not only addresses the challenges his ward faces, but he also works with local residents and groups as well as faith institutions to unite the community and provide strategic thought leadership. He also manages a social enterprise that assists young people into employment by providing them with relevant support and capacity building.
Upon graduating, Waseem pursued his passion of working in the community and became CEO of a third sector organization based in Handsworth developing initiatives to support the capacity building and development of young people as well as working on issues of Disaffected Young People and Community Cohesion.
Waseem was appointed a Magistrate in 2008, originally serving on the bench at Sutton Coldfield Magistrates Court before moving to Birmingham Magistrates Court following the closure of Sutton in July 2011.
Waseem has won a number of community awards, including, the Lozells Community Awards 2010 Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award and the United Streets of Birmingham Role Model Award 2009.
Waseem has since held many different roles in the community including being a Director of Birmingham Tribunal Unit, Advisor to the Board of Directors of National Youth Works Board, Grant Awarding Panel Member for Birmingham Foundation, Grant Awarding Panel Member for Community Champions, Management Committee Member of Holte Leisure Centre, Chairman of North East Lozells Neighbourhood Watch, Chairman of Handsworth Central Neighbourhood Forum, Community Crime Fighter [Home Office Approved], Union Learning Representative for Unite the Union [Birmingham Private Hire Drivers], Founder Member of Independent Advisory Group for Taxi Sector, West Midlands Police and Branch Organiser for Unite the Union [Birmingham Private Hire Drivers]. Over the past 10 years, Waseem has gained substantial experience in a variety of fields, which has allowed him to work more effectively as an elected member.
You can follow Waseem on Twitter at @WaseemZaffar or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Waseem.Zaffar.
1. What inspired you to pursue your current career path (to run for political office)?
I began my social and political activity at a relatively young age when I felt that young people were being neglected by the system but yet criticized for not succeeding. I began by holding elected members accountable. As a result, these same elected officials encouraged me to get involved and have supported me since. I am also proud that my work has broken ethnic barriers, having engaged with all irrespective of the skin color and, most importantly, promoted social cohesion.
I am also proud that I have tackled racism head-on, most notably when the English Defence League, a far-right organization that has travelled the breath of England spreading hate against Muslims. When the organization visitedBirmingham,I became the face of the opposition to them challenging the Home Secretary of the Government, Chief Executive of the local authority and Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police to ban their demonstration against Muslims.
Ultimately, I consider myself a campaigner against all forms of social inequality and injustice, and I strive to do just that as an elected official.
2. You recently participated in a Trans-Atlantic Training for Young Political Leaders; why was that experience important or meaningful? Why is it important to participate inTrans-Atlantic dialogues?
There were two very important and simple lessons that I learned at this conference:
- 1. We have a long way to go before all forms of social inequality are eradicated in the United Kingdom, but we are miles ahead in the equality agenda compared to most other countries across Europe.
- 2. The perception of America and Americans amongst some sections of the community in the United Kingdom, in particular amongst young Muslims is very negative specifically because of the United States’ role in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, talking to, engaging with, and connecting with Americans at this conference has changed already changed my perception, and I am encouraged that this is a step in the right direction.
Without participating in this conference and engaging with the participants, these two very important lessons would not have been uncovered. It is hugely important, in particular because of the global village we now live in, for transatlantic engagement to learn about other cultures and morals and to share and appreciate our common values. Learning from the sharing of stories and experiences is incredibly valuable and was the most rewarding for me.
I am also pleased that we now have the opportunity to sustain the relationships initiated at the conference by sustaining dialogue through social media. Social media is an exciting and useful tool that makes transatlantic learning not only so much easier, but also instant and continuous.
3. What is the key to balancing your professional and social commitments?
Like most people, I feel that there are not enough hours in the day; however, organizing and balancing my professional and social commitments is vital to my success. I feel that I am a relatively well-organized individual, which allows me to allot enough time to my professional and social duties. I believe that my energetic and motivated attitude also helps me stay balanced.
4. What is the biggest mistake young professionals make?
Run before they can walk.
Patience is key. Many a time professionals have been set up to fail by being thrown into the deep-end before they are ready to take on the challenge. It is important that young professionals take the time to develop and fine tune relevant experience, skills, and knowledge within their occupation.
5. What advice would you give other young professionals who desire to excel? Specifically in elected office?
Get involved because you want to make a change to the quality of life of those around you and your community and not because you want to become a leader. The intentions have to be correct to take up elected office—too often, this is where one fails and, as a result, becoming successful becomes difficult. There is nothing wrong in being ambitious but the heart and intentions have to be correct to be successful.
6. What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?
The best experience for me has been where a positive has been made of a negative. In my constituency, there were horrific riots in 1981, 1985 and 2005. During the most recent riots in the summer of 2011, many areas of the country were hit including all surrounding areas to the Lozells neighborhood in my ward. Lozells is widely recognized as a socially deprived area of the city of Birmingham.
During the most recent riots, I helped organize the community that stood together and prevented any form of rioting in Lozells; in fact, all sections of the community stood united and there was not one report of disorder in the neighborhood. This came as a pleasant surprise to all.
In a report commissioned by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Leader of the Opposition to look at the causes of the riots last summer across the UK, Lozells and my leadership were singled out as a positive case study. This was again highlighted by a former Home Secretary in the BBC flagship political program when discussing the report.
I would like to think my skills of community organizing and bringing people together as a unifying force were key to this success.
7. What’s next for you in your career? What should we look out for?
I want to make my constituency and my community the center of the universe. I doubt if this will ever be achieved, but I would like to work hard to improve the quality of life of my constituents. As to where next in my career? I am not sure as I take each day at a time. God willing, I would like to continue giving back to my community.
8. Lastly, give me three words to sum up Waseem?
Organizer, Activist, Strategic
America’s Immigration Crisis Goes to the Supreme Court
Posted by admin in Impact Leaders on April 26th, 2012
By Audrey Nicoleau
The case of Arizona v. United States now before the Supreme Court shines a light on how the complexity of the American identity is wrapped in the immigration debate. Since the federal government created the U.S. Immigration Bureau in 1864, the question of who is let in permanently, temporarily, or not at all has always been tied to the politics of identity and the viability of the economy.
Identifying an immigrant versus a citizen is a process that includes profiling, separation, and exclusion. But how do you profile an American? Over time, PR agencies have helped shape the American identity around apple pie, blond hair, baseball and blue eyes. Anyone else who did not fit into this category either took on a second class citizenship or hid in the shadows, praying to stay, but ready for deportation.
Times are good? America welcomes you. Times are rough? America cracks downs. This pattern of campaigning to attract and reject the “others” has revealed itself like clockwork throughout our history, so why be concerned that the same conditions are driving the current debate on the constitutionality of Arizona’s 2010 immigration law, SB 1070?
Since many Americans and their political leaders are still caught up on promoting our differences versus our similarities, we have those who buy into the ‘us vs. them’ mentality, which drives our policy and enforcement process. Just as there were states that condoned slavery, and others did not. Just as some states currently respect marriage equality, and others do not.
The federal government is not off the hook here. Laws to expand state power and identity are on the rise because national leadership keeps passing the buck on when and how to take action. It’s campaign season for much of Washington’s public officials where the priority is to stay balanced on the tightrope of power. They are in no position to lead states to a solution with federal comprehensive immigration reform. The only section of the federal government free and clear to respond is the judicial branch. A Supreme Court ruling in support of the constitutionality of Arizona’s immigration law, SB 1070, will help expand state’s rights and their ability to dictate conditions within their borders.
Instead of a national discourse on American identity and how it relates to forming and enforcing humane, protective, and fiscally responsible immigration policy, state’s determined to tip on the side of exclusion versus inclusion may let xenophobia be their guide.
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has already taken a preemptive strike against the possibility that the Supreme Court will decide in June to support the Arizona law by proposing legislative blockage of the controversial provisions. President Obama, who revived talk of the DREAM Act in January, has promised to prioritize comprehensive immigration reform as first on the agenda of his second term. In Romney’s thirst for the presidency, he is backing away from his initial support of SB 1070 to avoid alienating the Hispanic vote.
As Democrats and Republicans court the hispanic, black and female populations for their votes, how the immigration issue is handled over the next six months may be the wildcard ingredient that determines what American identity looks like after the November elections.
IL: Ify Ike
Posted by admin in Impact Leaders, march12, Newsletters, Slider on April 3rd, 2012
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Ifeomasinachi Ike (better known as “Ify” which means “Every good and perfect gift comes from above.” James 1:17) is an artist, athlete, advocate, and attorney. On a full academic scholarship, Ms. Ike left her hometown of Trenton, NJ to attend West Virginia University, obtaining her B.A. in Communication Studies, Minor in Art History, and her M.A. in Communication Theory & Research. After working at the State University of New York at Old Westbury for a year, Ms. Ike matriculated at The City University of New York School of Law. During her tenure at CUNY School of Law, Ms. Ike became the first AfricanAmerican Student Government President, and CUNY BLSA’s first Fundraising Chair. During her third year in law school, Ms. Ike was appointed to the National Black Law Students Association board as the Corporate Relations Director. Her efforts resulted in new corporate sponsors, stronger mentor alliances, and over $500,000 towards NBLSA’s programmatic efforts. At NBLSA’s 40th Anniversary Gala, Ms. Ike was awarded the “Board Member of the Year” Award.
Ms. Ike received her LL.M. in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, with highest honors, from The George Washington University Law School. She was selected as a researcher for the American Bar Association’s “Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions,” where she also published an article on the state of Alabama’s juvenile adjudications. Ms. Ike currently is a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Fellow. She has served in the personal office of the late Rep. Donald M. Payne (D-NJ) and currently serves with the US House Committee on the Judiciary. While on the Hill, Ms. Ike has advocated on behalf of Haiti in the areas of clean water, cholera attention, election protection, and housing; protecting the rights of AfroLatinos; and improving economic development plans within urban communities.
With a heart for urban communities, Ms. Ike has served as the Program Director for Project Hope—The Next Direction, where she created TND Academy, a Saturday academic enrichment supplement to middle and high school students. Ms. Ike is the founder of H.Y.P.E. (Helping You Professionally Excel); The Christian Minority Network, Inc.; Pink&Brown—an urban youth program; and Ike Professional, which assists professionals with various communication needs. She also is a weekly contributor of the spiritual blog “The Bold and Fab.” A licensed attorney, Ms. Ike was a real estate associate for Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP—a Wall Street firm, and Law Clerk for civil rights law firm, The Law Firm of Frederick K. Brewington.
You can follow Ify on Twitter at @DoubleEYEEsq.
IMPACT LEADER: A “Peek” Into Ifeomasinachi Ike
1. What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
James 1: 26-27: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Growing up, I was always a little sensitive. Even though most people assumed I was a “tough” chick (and maybe rightfully so), my heart would break down at the sight of a homeless person, or a lonely elderly person with tattered clothes, or a single mother with a child on each hip. I would imagine what I would do if I could help them—and make up little scenarios in my head. Then I would try to perfect those scenarios, while trying to understand the plight of those overlooked by society. For the most part, I learned not to judge too harshly how one chooses to survive because so much ‘life’ happens to people prior to us meeting them.
At the end of the day, I realized that humanity longs for three main types of people: people that love them; people that will listen to them; and people that will speak for them. The choices I make—as a researcher; a mediator; an advocate; an attorney; a (policy) wonk largely stem from those desires.
2. What compelled you to spearhead recent events in Washington, D.C. in honor of Trayvon Martin?
To be quite honest, I initially did not want to have anything to do with it; the news paralyzed me. I thought of my brothers: are they safe? I thought of the time my brother—with long locks, ebony skin, chiseled physique, and a heart of honey—was thrown in the back of a police car and handcuffed after the cops initially assumed he was the problem…even though he was actually the one who called the cops. Lucky for him, he has three siblings who are attorneys; when I got that call in the middle of the night from him—well let’s just say less than 30 minutes after I called the precinct he was released. But my heart still aches to know that my brothers, while raised in the same household, live a completely different life as black men in America.
A friend called me and he wanted to talk about Trayvon. He told me about his experience as a black man in America, the conversation he had with his father, and how all the education and connections in the world could not shield him from being profiled. Then he asked: “So what are we gonna do?” Probably out of self-pity and out of the “why me” syndrome, I whined “what can we do?” He reminded me that the one advantage we have is that we are in a city of influence and around people of influence. Our job is to make it important enough for them to act on their influence. After a day of reviewing the facts, I connected with friends, colleagues, PR experts, and mentors about the case and strategies. I drafted op-eds, letters, and other messaging tools that might be useful. I tweeted, facebooked, whatever! I did not want people to agree with me; I wanted people to engage in the discussion.
When I heard about the “Million Hoodies March” in New York, I debated on whether I was going to go. I stayed in DC, but had decided that the first day Congress went into recess—which happened to be the upcoming Friday—I would wear my hoodie on Capitol Hill. I put on my gchat status “Hoodies on the Hill.” Slowly, friends started changing their gchat status to say the same. I reached out to Waikinya Clanton, Chair of the Congressional Black Associates, and asked her if doing a “Hoodies on the Hill” event would be something she would be interested in helping coordinate. She, too, was trying to think of a way we could make a statement on the Hill. Collectively, staffers (and IMPACT) worked together in less than 24 hours to pay tribute to Trayvon Martin on the steps of the Capitol.
After that, I was part of a team that organized a forum focused on the federal government’s role in crimes that are racially motivated. It was an honor to have the parents of Trayvon Martin—Ms. Sybrina Fulton and Mr. Tracy Martin—in attendance. I thought I knew what tired was until I met them. Her face expressed what was on our minds and hearts—yet many are afraid to articulate: when will America cease classifying black men as ‘suspicious’ by default? I questioned it with my own brother. And I imagine it won’t be the last time we raise that question.
3. What is the key to balancing your professional and social commitments?
I don’t know. When you find that key, mail it. *Smile* I imagine that at the end of the day, it is to realize that both are essential to a well-rounded individual. I’m not quite round yet…maybe oval-ish. I pray I apply what I know very shortly.
4. What is the biggest mistake young professionals make?
Letting mistakes of the past define destiny.
5. What advice would you give other young professionals who desire to excel in the nation’s capital? Specifically, for other young women of color?
At the beginning and the end of the day, every advice stems from one’s connection to God. So pray—because if there is one thing DC does not lack, it is advice. But everyone is not sound counsel. So don’t do it alone, but also realize that moments of solitude are part of the process.
Aside from that, you can be influential regardless of the title you possess. So apply for every opportunity you see—just get in. Be a sponge. Then do what only you can do. Corrections will come along the way—but it will only sharpen you for the next step.
As for practical steps: update your resume frequently; meet as many people as you can; stay humble, yet assertive; and find ways to give back. Know that someone is always watching, even during recreation.
6. What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?
After 12 days of building homes in South Africa with other fellows and volunteers for the Niall Mellon Trust (stationed in Ireland), handing over the keys to new homeowners was the most rewarding experience.
7. What’s next for you in your career? What should we look out for?
That’s a good question. I sense that I will continue to help people with messaging, strategy, and advocacy in various arenas. The less you see of me and the more you see of my products, the closer I am to perfecting my purpose.
8. Lastly, give me three words to sum up Ify?
How about four: “Without. Jesus. I. Suck.”
IL: Zakiya Smith
Posted by admin in Impact Leaders, Main, Slider on March 15th, 2012
Ms. Zakiya Smith is as a Senior Advisor for Education at the White House Domestic Policy Council, where her focus is on higher education policy. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Smith worked at the US Department of Education in the Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, where she developed programmatic, policy and budget solutions to respond to pressing challenges in college access, affordability, and completion. Prior to her work in this administration, she served on the staff of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, where she conducted research on college access programs, community colleges, and on the ability of low- and moderate-income families to afford college. Zakiya has also worked on staff in various capacities for Teach For America, helping to train new teachers, and for the federal GEAR UP program in East Boston, Massachusetts, providing college preparation and financial aid information to high school students. She was introduced to federal policy as an intern on Capitol Hill with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, working for her former hometown Congresswoman. Zakiya holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and secondary education from Vanderbilt University, and a master’s degree in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In her spare time, she serves as a tutor and mentor for young women at her church, and volunteers with local DC organizations throughout the year.
INTERVIEW | Getting to know Zakiya Smith
Senior Advisor for Education at the White House Domestic Policy Council,
1. What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
I’ve always felt that education is the centerpiece of our democracy, and that higher education, more specifically, is important to achieving economic mobility. The promise of opportunity is something that is central to the American dream, and my current role, with the White House Domestic Policy Council, allows me to play a part in ensuring that opportunities for social and economic mobility are available for the neediest individuals in our society.
2. How did you discover and develop your passion for education?
Even as a child, I always felt that there was something empowering about being able to think and reason for oneself. One of my favorite quotes is “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” Throughout my lifetime, I’ve always enjoyed teaching, and I continue to use my teaching skills in my current role; whether briefing senior staff or sharing the administration’s policy objectives, I use my teaching skills to share new knowledge with others. However, when I was in high school, as I started to think about my future, I noticed that the decisions of the adults in a school often had a profound impact on the trajectory of the students. This realization made me become interested in educational policy, and compelled me to think about a career beyond just teaching.
3. What is the biggest mistake young professionals make?
Too often, young professionals think of their goals as “when I grow up”—as if it’s some far off dream. Identify what you need to do or change to get to that ‘grown up’ place and DO it NOW!
4. What advice would you give other young professionals who are interested in careers in federal policy making? What is the best advice you have received?
My best advice is to know your issue. Become an expert. Washington is a city where information is prized, and it’s surprising how far you can get ahead in this town just by doing extensive research, and knowing an issue inside and out. The best advice I’ve received is to read everything. Every memo, every article, and every piece of possible information that can help you make the best decision, and be valuable to the conversation- find it, read it, and internalize it.
5. What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?
It’s difficult sometimes to see the impact of your efforts at the 50,000 foot level—when you work at the Federal level. However, I am extremely excited to be engaged in changing the dialogue about college-going. The conversation is becoming more focused on improving outcomes for students, especially college completion, which is critically important given the rising cost of college and the growing importance of a higher education credential in the labor market. Seeing the conversation shift to one that is more student-centric is amazing.
6. What’s next for you in your career? What should we look out for?
I want to continue making a difference, but in different venues. I hope that my next job allows me to have an impact on policy, from outside of the federal government.
7. Lastly, give me three words to sum up Zakiya?
Southern, passionate, and honest!
IL: Valeisha Butterfield-Jones
Posted by kiara in Impact Leaders, Newsletters, Slider on February 7th, 2012
Valeisha Butterfield –Jones
Valeisha Butterfield-Jones is the National Youth Vote Director for the Obama for America campaign and the Co-founder and Chair of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN). Butterfield-Jones was recognized by ESSENCE Magazine as a top 40 executive under 40 years of age in 2010. She formerly served as the Executive Director of Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), as the National Director of Diversity for the Alzheimer’s Association and as the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Butterfield – Jones is a recognized award-winning communications and political strategist with a specialization in youth mobilization. She has been featured on Black Entertainment Television, AOL’s Black Voices, Our World with Black Enterprise and other major news programs. Butterfield – Jones was born in Wilson, NC and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University. She is married to Dahntay Jones of the Indiana Pacers and is the daughter of U.S. Congressman G. K Butterfield and N.C. Legislator Jean Farmer Butterfield. Follow Butterfield – Jones on Twitter at @valeisha.
IL: Paul C. Brunson
Posted by admin in Impact Leaders, Newsletters, Slider on January 11th, 2012
In the last 3 years, IMPACT Leader Paul Carrick Brunson (also known as The Modern Day Hitch) has gained international recognition as one of the most successful matchmakers and relationship coaches in the world. As a pioneering African-American matchmaker (Paul is the only African-American matchmaker in the world), Paul has provided matchmaking and coaching services to more than 270 clients. He has matched dates for more than 3,000 people throughout the world through live events and social media. Paul’s unparalleled ability for successful matchmaking and coaching comes from really knowing and understanding his clients and their needs. Like his clients, Paul is cultured, well traveled, well educated and trained—he holds a graduate degree from a top business school, as well as additional certifications.
Paul’s professional career began as an investment banker and included a senior position with a top international firm. Paul is also a philanthropist. He co-founded and chairs a foundation that focuses on school rehabilitation in the U.S. and Jamaica.
IL: Joshua Humbert
Posted by admin in december 11, Impact Leaders, Newsletters, Slider on December 30th, 2011
IMPACT Leader Joshua Humbert founded the EnVest Foundation to educate, motivate and inspire philanthropists of all levels to make informed, sustainable, and legacy-building contributions to community non-profits.
With more than a decade of experience in major gift fundraising, millennial giving strategy, as well as experience as a consultant to many area non-profit organizations, Joshua Humbert brings an exceptional understanding of the core principles of development to the conversation of philanthropy.
He lectures, hosts events and programs that identify, develop and engage the foundation’s membership base to become philanthropists. He currently oversees the foundation’s 2000 More Campaign, serves as Managing Director for the Foundation and is a member of its Board of Directors. Prior to his career in philanthropy, Joshua served as a successful investment advisor with Merrill Lynch’s Private Client Group, which managed $110M in private equity.
Although he was on a desirable path to success in the corporate world, his passion and concern for people in need resulted in a shift in his career. Wanting to know more about how he could make an immediate impact on the community, Joshua took a job as Associate Director of Development for Jubilee Housing, where he successfully led and closed out a $1.5M renovation campaign within the $50M residential real estate re-development campaign in the urban core of Washington, DC.
With his early success, Joshua rounded out his philanthropic experience at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Mr. Humbert served as Regional Director of Development, where he was responsible for managing a $4M dollar development budget, overseeing the fundraising priorities and serving as the development liaison to their 35 member regional board of directors. Shortly thereafter he became Associate Director of Development for Emerging Markets at the University of Maryland. Currently, he is a Development Director for Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Joshua holds a degree in Political Science from Norfolk State University and is enrolled in the Masters in Philanthropy program at Indiana University.
Getting to Know Joshua Humbert:
What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
I’ve always cared about people, specifically people in need. If you spoke to my mom, she would tell the story about how when I was about 10 years old, she came home after a long day at work to learn that I had completely emptied the refrigerator and gave our food away because I wanted to feed the neighborhood. I exhibited philanthropic habits at an early age. Although I didn’t know the definition of true philanthropy at the time, I knew I wanted to help people in a very personal way. At this point in my life, I’m happiest when I see others achieve their true philanthropic potential. I want people to feel that same altruistic high that I felt as a ten year-old helping to feed the neighborhood, the feeling I still feel when I help other people give back. As a person of faith, I know it’s God’s purpose for me. I am truly living a purpose-driven life.
What is the key to balancing your professional, philanthropic and social commitments?
Philanthropy is the private sector of the heart. When you are living and working your purpose, it seems impossible to balance each because they reside in concentric circles. Some in my network support professional goals, some philanthropic and some are purely social. These separations help influence my quest for balance. Then, there’s a smaller inner circle that I connect to on a deeply personal level. These people pour into me, help keep my pursuit of my long-term goals on track, strengthen my areas of weakness and tell me the truth when others won’t. In short, they have my back. I feel replenished by my inner circle; they pour into me as much as I pour into others.
Why is it important for young professionals to develop a legacy of philanthropy?
There is a natural synergy between philanthropy and a young professional’s quest for achievement. Philanthropy fosters and displays values that link people to specific causes and communities that in some cases, raises their business and personal profile. It is no secret that there has always been a strong connection between the business community and philanthropy. That’s why the EnVest foundation engages professionals across career interests. While participating in EnVest’s philanthropic curriculum and attending our networking events, our members have the opportunity to develop life-long philanthropic habits; thus, redefining the profile of a philanthropist. At EnVest, we understand that your growth as a professional undoubtedly plays a role in how you can make a difference in your community and in the lives of others.
What is the biggest mistake young professionals make?
Two Common Mistakes:
Rushing to the bright lights of an elevated position and not having the exposure and experience needed to be impactful enough to stay in that elevated position. But in the same vein, not being scared to claim what is rightfully yours in life allows you to never park a Honda where your Bentley should be.
Developing the skillset to shut-up and listen allows the consistency of exposure to sink-in and lets you understand people’s wants and needs. This has placed me in positions and rooms that otherwise would be accessible. In simple terms, don’t block your blessing along your path to success and life fulfillment.
What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?
My love of people and seeing them fulfill their full potential in life and hoping they incorporate their own power of philanthropy sooner than later, especially in the millennial generation. This motivates me to continue the work of the EnVest Foundation.
Lastly, give me three words to sum up Joshua?
Here’s five: Understand matters of the heart.
IL: Tina and Trina Fletcher
Posted by admin in august11, Impact Leaders, Newsletters, Slider on August 2nd, 2011
IMPACT Leader(s) of the Month: Tina and Trina Fletcher
Tina and Trina Fletcher are community leaders and entrepreneurs motivated to inspire and dedicated to serve. Born and raised in rural Arkansas, Tina and Trina are determined to positively impact local and global communities – one person at a time.
Tina holds a Bachelors degree Political Science and African American Studies from the University of Arkansas and a Masters degree from Harvard University in Secondary Education. She has worked in the United States Senate, the Southern Education Foundation and in the Office of the First Lady Michelle Obama. Tina currently serves as a Finance Assistant for the Obama for America campaign and most recently served as a teacher at Anacostia Senior High School in Washington, D.C. where she was named the 2010 Teacher of the Year. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the N.A.A.C.P. and serves as a board member of three non-profit organizations.
Trina is an honors graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology. She received her Master’s degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas and is currently a graduate student in George Washington University’s Engineering Management program. She has interned with Norfolk State University, Lockheed Martin, Caterpillar, and Kellogg’s. Trina was named an Inspiring Woman by the WNBA’s New York Liberty and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She currently serves as a board member on the Social Justice Committee for the YWCA of Greater Washington, D.C.
IL: Karen Richardson
Posted by admin in Impact Leaders, Slider on July 1st, 2011
Karen Richardson is an Associate Director responsible for conducting outreach to the international community, which includes domestically-based advocacy and non-governmental organizations, amongst others, working on a variety of foreign policy issues. Her portfolio also includes conducting outreach to the health care and seniors community, a role she assumed in January 2009 as health care outreach coordinator for the White House Office of Health Reform and the White House Office of Public Engagement. Richardson has also been Senior Advisor to Ambassador Melanne Verveer at the U.S. State Department.
