Led by UX designer and computer scientist, Khalia Braswell, INTech has provided numerous opportunities for girls in her home base of Charlotte to get involved in technology and kickstart fruitful careers in computer science. One of their annual events is a summer camp designed to help young girls learn technology skills, meet women mentors in the technology industry, and visit high-profile technology companies across the Carolinas.
Principles of Generosity Threaded Across Generations
Black philanthropists share their perspectives on giving for social change
Written by Rosalyn Allison-Jacobs
Black philanthropy comprises a rich and varied tapestry -- as divergent as its people, the origins of its inspiration, and its manifestations in giving. Frequently rooted in bonds of family and community, expressions of giving encompass the full spectrum of time, talent, and treasures. However, one common, intergenerational thread is the practice of simultaneously looking back while paying forward, a perspective that inspires the philosophies of giving among many Black philanthropists.
The Hornets' Nest is not your mother's Girl Scout council — or maybe it is. The Girl Scouts have been blazing trails since 1912, when founder Juliette Gordon Low started a movement to redefine what was possible for girls everywhere. The nearly 12,000 girls served by our local council continue to redefine what is possible for themselves and the communities they will someday lead.
The Hornets' Nest Council calls itself a "hive of activity." This year more than ever, many of those activities have a distinct racial justice lens, and Council leaders are determined to make sure every girl has access to Girl Scout programs, regardless of her neighborhood or zip code.
Right Moves For Youth (RMFY) provides students in the greater Charlotte area the support and guidance they need to succeed by leveraging positive and long-lasting relationships. Using a school-based model, RMFY provides youth services and group mentoring to empower students to graduate from high school and set the stage for what comes next.
Nonprofit Leader Helps Grow Tech Talent in Underserved Youth
By Jonathan McFadden
Two things changed William McNeely’s life when he was just a teenager: court-ordered busing and a mother who took success seriously.
As school integration got underway in the 1970s, William and his three siblings, raised in Charlotte’s Clanton Park neighborhood, stepped into a more affluent world as students at South Mecklenburg High. While jarring, their trek from Charlotte’s poorer westside to its wealthier southern sector exposed them to resources they didn’t get at home.
At the same time, their mother pushed them to play sports, study music and join the ROTC — whatever it took to leverage their new opportunities into good careers. That way, they’d do well in life and return to uplift their community.
In late 2019 our SHARE Charlotte team began planning our themed Spotlight content for the upcoming year, and we knew we wanted to feature Black Philanthropy Month in August. However, as we looked around the room at our six white faces we realized that while we had the platform and the channels to host a big conversation, it was obvious that a celebration of Black Philanthropy Month was not ours to lead. We knew it would be inauthentic without the perspective, leadership and voices of Black community leaders and philanthropists.
SHARE Charlotte is proud to partner with many generous organizations as part of our community-wide giving promotions, and our recent partnership with Bank of America during our annual summertime Shop for GOOD was no exception. For several years, Bank of America has championed SHARE Charlotte’s Shop for GOOD promotions and encouraged our city to underwrite the needs of the nonprofits by purchasing the items from the charities’ Amazon wish lists.
For over thirty years, Southminster has been a leader in the field of aging, providing innovative living solutions and care at their home campus on Park Road. Two years ago, Tracy McGinnis, Southminster’s Director of Philanthropy, saw an opportunity for Southminster to help in developing and expanding programming to seniors living at The Retreat at Renaissance West.
“We have a long history of engaging within our community, but several years ago we made a concerted effort to focus on work outside of the walls of the organization,” said McGinnis. “We are committed to replicating our good work and expanding out into the Charlotte community.”
Founded in 2013, Christopher’s House of Refuge works tirelessly to provide 24-hour affordable housing and health care to elderly and disabled individuals.
Executive Director of Christopher's House of Refuge, Paula Dallas-Speight, shared an inspiring story with the SHARE Charlotte team about the impact the organization had on the lives of one family in particular.
We have so much great news to share from our nonprofit partners about their amazing work. But, we'd love to hear from you. Let us know if you have stories you'd like to tell and we'll make you a guest blogger!!
