“I just love watching our female students interacting with older professional women of color,” enthusiastically gushed Terry Bullock, “Especially in the area of engineering and technology.“
Many of you know Ms. Bullock as the dynamic principal of UrbanPromise’s Elementary School—who is always looking for ways to expose our students to new opportunities for learning. So when a local chapter of the Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho volunteered to put a “career symposium” together, Terry was all in.
“There were volunteers discussing engineering, STEM, Health & Wellness, Civic Engagement, small business development, real estate and Social Media,” continued Principal Bullock. “We even had men from a couple of fraternities this year. It’s so important for our boys to see male role models.”
The energy in auditorium was palpable—professionals engaging with our middle schoolers who asked thoughtful, insightful questions.
Mary Leach, coordinator of the symposium, is no stranger to UrbanPromise. She loves our organization and has coordinated this event for several years.
“Our sorority motto is: greater service, greater progress,” added Mary. “We want to remind young people that the world truly is their oyster. They can go to college, have an interesting and fulfilling career and give back to their community.”
Mary and her team of volunteers certainly brightened my week, reminding me that there are committed groups of people who are always asking the question: how can I give back to my community? That is the kind of vision and heart that changes our world.
I’ve always loved the words of the late anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”