Communicating Purpose Beyond Profit
MAYA ANGELOU
Perhaps it all began at a very young age as I volunteered at local walk-a-thons and phone-a-thons. I felt the call to contribute to something bigger than myself. When I wasn’t volunteering for fundraising activities, I would serve in the student government, plan school events, or teach religious education. I enjoyed these opportunities to give back because they gave me a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging to the community.
As a high school senior, I competed in the America’s Junior Miss scholarship program (now Distinguished Young Woman) and won the Rhode Island’s Junior Miss. It was life-changing as it offered me a full four-year scholarship to Troy University. It was here that I fell in love with the South, fried green tomatoes, and discovered the power of public relations.
My passion for PR evolved as I explored opportunities in government, nonprofit, corporate, and academia. I took what I learned and loved and launched my own boutique-consulting agency. It has evolved over the past decade to support brands that believe that purpose-driven organizations deliver the best results for team members, clients, and communities alike.
My clients are true partners whom I am proud to collaborate with because they use business as a force for good. I appreciate the opportunity to share my purpose with them - to amplify the goodness of individuals and organizations for the betterment of society.
My commitment to my purpose and my community has not faltered. As a mom to three energetic and amazing children, I engage in community service that allows me to be a part of their daily activities including PTO positions and support of their annual toy drive for the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital Toy Closet.
None of what I have done or what I plan to do could be done alone. I offer my sincerest gratitude to Troy University and its leadership, particularly Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Tom Davis, and Donna Schubert; University of Rhode Island Professor Abran Salazar; Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital; Mom and Dad; my husband Eric; and my three blessings, Owen, Emmy, and Evan.