As a Boys & Girls Clubs professional, I am very much aware of our mission. It has become my life’s work for the past 13 years. To inspire and empower…especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
This explains what The Society of African American Professionals has done for me! I have received mentorship that inspired and empowered me to overcome obstacles, circumstances, and life occurrences. There are two mentor lessons that have shaped the way I serve the Movement as a leader.
John Miller taught me that I had two options when faced with a problem- solve the problem or move to where the problem did not exist! Simply complaining was not a choice on the list of solutions. Most importantly he convinced me that I COULD solve any problem set before me. I at least had to try, before throwing in the towel!
Dave Smith encouraged me to continue my education and to truly understand the value of lifelong learning. Each book, team assignment, research project, and presentation provided a new arsenal of information to make me a better professional. Obtaining my MBA in 2009 was a personal victory and I am not done yet!
Our mission talks about those who need us most…that was me. I joined SOAAP as an eager young professional trying to find her way. Soon I became the inspired middle manager who found pleasure in providing to those staff entrusted to me. And I am now a proud senior team member who has been blessed to work with the most dynamic superstars ever to grace our Movement. I have been on a winning team for 13 years and look forward to 13 more.
Babe Ruth once said, “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.” (brainyquotes.com)
There are a number of talented African American Professionals in our Movement. Through SOAAP these professionals can network, inspire, and learn about the team. WE were a part of the original history, WE are a force in the present operations, and WE will be a keystone in the future success of this Movement.
The Society of African American Professionals not only opened doors and provided me with the tools to be successful; it also pulled out chairs and gave me a seat at the table to make changes on behalf of our children! I got involved to receive, but I stayed involved to give back 100 fold. The next generation of professionals needs me to; I owe it to them! Thank you to those members of SOAAP who poured into me.
Denisha Tate - Vice President of Programs & Operations
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, WI
I have been with the Boys & Girls Club movement for 10 years, associated with the Society of African American Professionals since 2007, and have had many opportunities to develop my skills. At a SOAAP conference in Schaumberg, Ill., I met Bill Hicks and LaTrice Smith and had the opportunity to engage in great conversation about the importance of joining such a prestigious society.
Since joining SOAAP I’ve had the honor of being mentored by strong elite professionals, particularly Dave Smith, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. I have also been a part of the African American Male Teen Summit since its beginning.
As I learned from the summit’s founders (Dave, Lincoln Ellis, Bob Howard and Flint Fowler) I received more responsibility and am now a “chief warrior” for the event, a role which holds great responsibility. This chance to take the lead was offered through formal and informal mentoring with those four individuals, who provided knowledge, the keys to success and direction in times of frustration.
I am grateful to be part of an organization that continues to encourage and assist with my professional goals and development.
Larry Lewis is a unit director with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kansas City, MO.
I have been a part of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City (Thornberry Unit) for 5 years and I have attended the past two AAMTS. I had a blast there and went in with high expectations because I went into the summit for the first time last year and loved it. While I was there they got us in and I got to stay at UMKC dormitories and get the college experience.
It was fun. We learned so much about being a man, money management, different things it takes to be successful and get a job. We wore dashikis, and went out every night to have fun from a long day of learning important things you need in life. They also taught us about African customs and history. My main goal was to learn as much as I could during the summit. The most influential leader I spoke with and gained knowledge from was Mr. William Lattimore who is very Afro-Centric like me. He and I spoke about different issues and topics regarding black history. We both believe the same and wear the same African jewelry and cloths. I really enjoyed the conference plan to become a peer leader for many years to come and lead my peers in the right manner.
The AAMTS is a place I can get away and be with my African brothers and learn the right way to become a man and positive role model for my peers.
Mark B., AAMTS Participant
