- How did you come to be charitable? Were there influences in your life that got you started?
My journey to becoming charitable is most definitely impacted by the people and experiences in my life. My great-grandparents and grandparents spent their lives empowering and strengthening their communities, peers, and children to live a life of service. My beautiful mother inherited that spirit and until this day stands as one of the most profound examples of altruism and philanthropy in my life. I don’t think I’ve met anyone like her ever. She literally begins her day seeking God and then someone, or multiple people, who she can bless with her words of encouragement, or she and my Oopa with their time and financial resources. It’s absolutely amazing to witness!
I had a front row seat to this reality, this lifestyle since childhood. I watched as my mother, being a black female leader in education, made a conscious decision to go above and beyond the call of duty every single day. Even when she was mistreated by those who didn’t believe she deserved to her position or who questioned or refused to submit to her authority, she still walked in love. She never complained. She would just say, “That is their issue. They can never strip me of my calling. I come home at night knowing that I did what was best for children and people in general. That’s what matters most”. Interestingly enough, I find myself uttering those same words, as I have the privilege of serving for the last ten plus years as the first Director of Student Registration for the Syracuse City School District.
Hands down, my mother is one of the most influential people in my life. I would profess that giving back in the manner I choose is innate. I would have to unquestionably say that it is in my DNA. My husband and I have three children and each, although distinctly different in personality, have chosen to inculcate the value of giving back and serving others into their own lives. They each have their own service organizations and initiatives. People ask me all the time, “How did you get all three of your kids to be that way or to give back like that?” My response is always the same, “Only God!” This is one of those rare occasions in which we genuinely say that it’s okay for a child to do what they see.
- What do you want Central New York to look like in the future? How can philanthropy be a part of that change?
Great question! I meditate on this often. I mean often, often. As a Black female servant leader, my vision for Central New York is one of spiritual fortitude, empowerment, inclusivity, and thriving communities. I mean I envision a future where every individual is genuinely afforded the opportunity to succeed, provided access to quality resources, tools, and uniquely designed and designated support to maintain that success, contribute to the prosperity and growth of our region, and in turn establish a legacy that reciprocates the fortification of community. I’m talking about a future in which black and brown leaders, and individuals in general, are given the space and autonomy to lead with distinction, create, collaborate, and contribute without being underrepresented, underestimated, or undermined. A future in which black and brown leaders are welcomed and well respected at every level of thought and engagement.
This is one of the main reasons I formed the Legacy Leaders Collective™. I wanted to continue my life of service in a manner that fostered innovative leadership, community, support and impact among and between black and brown leaders, and the world around us. A dynamic community that supports and amplifies the voice and efforts of its members to leave a lasting, positive legacy of which the entire community benefits.
I could go on for days about the critical need for a community where all residents understand the importance of possessing and then of course are granted access to high-quality education, healthcare, including mental health wellness and support, and an array of economic opportunities. In this type of community entrepreneurs are highly encouraged and equipped to make their dreams a reality and successfully sustain their businesses and organizations, while institutions and organizations reflect the diversity of the community and work wholeheartedly to prioritize equity and justice.
I envision a community where neighborhoods are safe and vibrant, which openly fosters growth. In this community residents are actively engaged in civic life, participating in decision-making processes, and contributing to the well-being of their neighborhoods. Need I say more? Community leaders and organizations willingly and consistently collaborate to address local challenges and create positive change.
Lastly, I envision a community that values the power of prayer and faith. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s not religion it is a relationship. I understand where my help, strength and compassion for others, no matter who they are, comes from. I am not in the business of forcing my beliefs on anyone. I am simply confident that my character, which by all means is far from perfect, and love for others exemplifies the root of my faith. That same faith that allows me to give, serve and love others with no strings attached.
Philanthropy plays a huge factor in establishing a community of this nature. It has the power to transform Central New York into a region where every individual can thrive. By investing financial resources and time into spiritual development, economic development, education, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, and healthcare, we create a future that is empowered, inclusive, and prosperous for all. Together, we then build a legacy of positive change that will benefit generations to come. I am all for it. How about you?
- What do you feel are the greatest needs in our community right now?
I began my career with the Syracuse City School District almost 30 years ago. I was the first African-American hired to serve as a Grants Procurement Specialist or Grant Writer in the Department of Special Programs. The development of the Needs Statement for every grant written served as the defining factor in determining, explaining, and helping a funder comprehend the magnitude of the problem we were seeking support to address. The more complex the need, the more comprehensive, innovative, and pioneering the program plan or services devised had to be to meet the needs outlined in the proposal.
In 30 years, I must say that overall, the greatest needs in our community have not changed and remain intersected across neighborhoods: poverty, youth violence, education, diversity and inclusion, quality healthcare (physical and mental), workforce development and more. Yet, the one thing that has changed is time, and the world in which we live. Therefore, I strongly believe that we must adjust our approach to addressing and meeting these needs which gravely impact our children and families. It is simple, but complex. My colleagues and I have practiced this theory for years. Are you ready? We must commit to actively engaging those we serve in the development and implementation of the programs, services, and activities we design to meet their needs. In doing so we give honor to their voice, and when you feel heard you begin to develop trust in the people and the process. Trust builds and strengthens relationships, and relationships fortify character, and character growth, and growth solidifies community and legacy.
- Is there a quote that sums up or has shaped how you live your life?
As a little girl, I lived in Kenya with my parents. We moved there when I was about one or two months old. My parents and I contracted a severe case of Malaria. My mother was so ill that she couldn’t nurse or feed me. If I didn’t eat, I could have died. Two women from the village in which we lived caught wind of our situation and took it upon themselves to pay my mother a visit. Each time we share or discuss the story, we both become overwhelmed with gratitude.
See, these women who both had their own children and families decided that my life, the life of a complete stranger, was important. They decided prior to ever laying eyes on me that I had a purpose, and that they were going to contribute to helping ensure it was fulfilled. The women would come and get me every morning to wet nurse me throughout the day, and then return me to my mother in the evening like clockwork. They saved my life!
I conclude by going back to the initial question, as I believe wholeheartedly that this experience shaped my journey of giving back and how I live my life. It gives structure and substance to the reason I find it necessary to honor and serve others, and to bring to light their gifts and commitment to enhancing our community. It solidifies my dedication to ensuring that others don’t just experience life, but LIVE! And so, I penned this quote in 2014:
A heart of service is magnified and solidified the very moment a complete stranger becomes the beneficiary of your legacy.
Akua A. Goodrich
