A Special Interview: December 2024
Earlier this month at Jingle and Joy: Annual Toy Drive Extravaganza, you shared your LBC story to help launch LBC’s alumni story telling initiative. What a wonderful story you have to share! Let’s recap some key points.
What impressed you most about the LBC experience?
I was impressed by the number of meaningful and diverse connections I made just among my own cohort, before even beginning to meet others in the LBC alumni network. I met people who introduced me to ways to engage my work team, myself and my family in service. I learned so much from all of my classmates.
How did your LBC experience benefit your employer?
One of my classmates, Nasim Reich, worked at CCBC and introduced me to their Male Student Success Initiative (MSSI) which supports young men of color in completing their program despite statistically greater risk of attrition. I joined the MSSI board and hosted a group of young men at BGE with our executive leadership team. My colleagues enjoyed the experience and the students gained exposure that helped them explore career options, see opportunity, and build energy and momentum to move forward.
Also, I was struggling to fill vacant positions. I partnered with an classmate from UMBC, Dinah Winnick, to bring seniors in a graduation transition program to intern at BGE. We wound up hiring two people as a result of the program.
What community work did you begin as a result of your LBC experience?
I invest in real estate on the side. When I learned about the housing shortage through my classmate, Megan Goffney, who ran a program supporting unhoused individuals, I began to think about how I could help. By partnering with my classmate, I’ve been able to provide affordable housing to five families.
Were there any surprises about your LBC experience?
The 360-leadership assessment opened up opportunities I could not have foreseen. Through the feedback I received, I understood I needed to communicate differently. I began checking in directly with my boss’ boss on occasion, so he had a first-hand account of my department’s work. With greater visibility of my team’s achievements, I was awarded a promotion. Sometimes small changes can lead to big impact in all areas of our lives.