Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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The Marketer
A recent graduate of Furman University, Kate Hofler is the new Marketing and Communications Director for Greenville Forward. Though that is her official title, Kate assists Brock in the development of Greenville Forward programming and is involved with numerous other initiatives. As the only female in the office, she works daily to keep Brock and Russell focused and the toilet seat down. Kate strives to incorporate her creative bent into the variety of tasks she performs each day.
The Passionate Cheerleader
Russell is the founder and Executive Director of Greenville Forward. He is the true model of a "Visionary." As the leader of Greenville Forward, Russell serves as the champion of Vision 2025. He's a really good boss too...
The Conversation Starter
Brock is the Program Director at Greenville Forward. He helps manage the various Task Forces, as well as implementing programs and projects centered around moving Greenville Forward...
Future
Damaris Taylor is the ever-faithful intern at Greenville Forward. A current sophomore at Harvard University, Damaris has a keen eye for what the future holds for Greenville County. He grew up here. He got involved here. A graduate of Greenville High School and Youth Leadership Greenville (Class 1), Damaris has excelled at everything he’s done and does it with passion. It’s that passion that led him to organize a very successful Diversity Weekend for students at Greenville High when he was a senior. It’s that same passion that inspires Kate, Brock and Russell, as well as Greenville’s future. Look for big things from this one.
1 comment:
Unfortunately I couldn't make it to this event. Here are some observations after about 4-5 years of semi-active involvement in the Greenville community. For reference, I'm 29.
I didn't frequent many business/leadership events in Greenville until joining OrangeCoat in 2007. I remember my (now) business partners forwarding GSATC.org invites when I still working at The Cliffs (probably around 2005). I was too "busy", far from downtown, or else didn't realize how I fit in.
I went through a growth phase from about age 23-27 before I realized I was capable of "holding my own". The PULSE organization was part of this growth and realization.
There is no doubt YP organizations are an important and necessary part of Greenville's growth. For instance, PULSE provides networking and learning opportunities for YP's with stated goals to "cultivate their leadership potential" and "enhance their age group’s presence in the community". However, in some respects I believe the "Young" label can encourage mental barriers for both YP's and "current" (40 and older) leaders.
As an example, when I first read of the PULSE PaceSetters program I thought about participating. Around the same time I realized I was already actively meeting many leaders and business owners at events like GSATC lunches, Tech After 5, Innoventure, Clemson seminars, and more. I found myself on mailing lists (SwampFox.ws, GSATC.org, Clemson University’s Renaissance Center and Spiro Institute, etc) and all of a sudden the invites came on a weekly basis. YP's should know that you don't need special permission to show up at most of these events.
Without experiencing the format, I'm sure the PaceSetters program makes great connections between YPs and mentors. However, the terms "Young Professional" and "mentor" have the potentially, or at least in my mind, to create an un-level playing field. With all due respect, these mentors are notable leaders, but everyone involved comes with unique skills and perspectives. It seems in everyone's favor to have an environment where YPs are collaborating as much as they are "afforded the opportunity" to meet with mentors.
I think the YP organizations could do more to "enhance their age group’s presence in the community" by getting YPs to just show up at some of the "big league" events. I say this because I observe far too few young professionals at these events.
Maybe the YP orgs will look into adding programs to bring YPs to meet "today's leaders" on a somewhat regular basis, and not necessarily as "Young Professionals", but as regular people contributing their ideas on a level playing field. This way there's little excuse to think your voice isn't being heard.
After all, if you want to play in the big leagues then why not show up with your bat and glove, especially since nobody is checking IDs at the door.
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