$52,014 of $200,000 raised.
As told by Graham McLaughlin, a member of Reach’s board of directors.
Over five years ago, when I first asked Mark to speak at an event for the leaders at my previous company, he asked if anyone I knew would be in the room. “Yes,” I said. “Jesse will be there. She’ll understand the work you’re doing and the impact you’re trying to make. She’s great.”
They may have met briefly that day, but no strong connection was made. So, months later, when Mark asked me to recommend someone to help interview Reach teens for a scholarship competition, I told him to get in touch with Jesse.
For the last three years, she’s offered her talents to Reach’s scholarship selection process. And, about a year ago, Jesse started working more closely on her company’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, so she began working more closely with Reach, an important company partner. Last summer, she hired a Reach alum as an intern.
So, when Mark and I were speaking about sourcing new board members, I found myself again saying, “Get in touch with Jesse.”
After a recent job change, she is now the SVP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at EVERFI. Also, she is Reach’s newest board member. She brings experience in higher education and corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts – two knowledge areas that will be key as Reach launches The Fellowship.
I’d say that I’m excited that she’s chosen to dedicate her time and talents to Reach. But, the truth is, she’s been #AlwaysThere for Reach for years. The board of directors is lucky to have her.
All this month, we will be sharing stories about members of the Reach community that are #AlwaysThere for the organization and those we serve. Jesse Bridges is Reach’s newest board member. She’s the SVP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at EVERFI. Graham McLaughlin is Vice President, Social Responsibility at Optum. He has been a Reach board member since 2016.
If inspired, make a gift here to support our 2020 #AlwaysThere campaign.