Today is a big day for HTI as we are about to facilitate the last of four semi-annual multi-day convenings of the Youth Arts Initiative learning community of youth development professionals. This multi-year initiative was funded by The Wallace Foundation and supported Boys and Girls Clubs and the field of youth development in general in providing high-quality arts programming. To have been selected as the facilitators for these gatherings was a turning point for HTI Catalysts. Because we were competing nationally, we were told we were chosen over some pretty large firms that have been doing this level of work for a long time.
It was definitely a first for us to not only be paid what we truly deserve for our efforts and experience but to also receive a budget for an event planner, meaningful gifts for the participants and “only the best” in hotels, venues and food. Grassroots no more (well, whenever it’s necessary, we’re there)!
Starting with those late night hours before the 10-person interview in the NYC offices of the Wallace Foundation when we named ourselves @SuRaFoMa and called ourselves a band, we have risen to the occasion to make a mountain out of a metaphor and to build a collaborative culture with our partners.
And this band truly rocks! While I want to name all the members, for now I will shout out Ma, aka Mashona. She is the drummer and leads this band beautifully. The way we pivoted to online convenings and ensured people felt seen and got their needs met. The ways she managed a team of 7 unique personalities and workstyles. There are so many moving parts. Check us out. Check out Wallace Foundation’s resources and research. Thank you, BGCA and special Shout Out to Peter Rogovin (project manager extraordinaire who always takes it to the next level) – and Bahia Ramos, Wallace Foundation Director of the Arts, the epitome of humble servant leader.
