Wanda Lockridge empowers Ward 7 & 8 students in DC, turning aspirations into achievements through education and guidance.
Originally published CanvasRebel.com
We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wanda Lockridge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wanda below.
Wanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Growing up in Ward 8 in Washington, DC, an under-resourced community has shaped my commitment to expanding opportunities for the youth in the community. The limited exposure to international careers and the global market in Ward 8 underscores the urgency of creating avenues for young people to explore beyond their immediate surroundings.
In Ward 8, I witnessed firsthand the lack of opportunities to engage young people in the possibilities of international careers and the global market. The lack of resources inadvertently can become a barrier to the dreams of our young people. The lack of resources I had as a young person fueled my determination to break through these limitations and bring forth opportunities that were lacking when I was a young person trying to discover myself.
I believe that every young person should have the chance to explore diverse possibilities. I also believe that a young person cannot be what they can’t see.
In summary, my commitment to expanding opportunities for the youth is rooted in my personal experiences, lack of resources, and the impact that opportunities had on my life.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I got into politics at the early of seventeen when I volunteered in political campaigns and non-profit organizations. In terms of the WOLCF, I founded the organization after the passing of my late husband William to continue the work that he had started which was to close the education gap for students in Wards 7 and 8. William was the elected school board representative for approximately 13 years.
The WOLCF is the only organization of its kind in the community that offers international travel for students at no cost, at the same time providing scholarships, emergency financial assistance as well as other educational opportunities.
As I reflect on what I am most proud of, it is the journey of resilience and dedication that has defined my path. From overcoming challenges to achieving milestones, my pride stems from the continuous pursuit of growth and the unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my passion is a driving force behind every endeavor. Whether it’s in professional achievements, community initiatives, or personal development, I approach each endeavor with a genuine desire to create meaningful and lasting outcomes. My dedication to excellence is not just a commitment to success but also to contributing positively to the lives of those around me.
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How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In early 2020, during COVID-19 pandemic, the William O Lockridge Community Foundation (WOLCF) found itself at a crossroads. The landscape of fundraising, travel, events, and programming demanded a reset.
With traditional fundraising avenues disrupted by social distancing measures and economic uncertainties, the WOLCF faced the challenge of reimagining its approach. The events that brought the community together were now limited, and the familiar avenues for financial support were constrained. It was a pivotal moment that required innovative thinking to sustain the WOLCF’s mission.
The WOLCF pivoted its fundraising efforts to an online platform. Embracing virtual events, online campaigns, and social media outreach became the new norm. The WOLCF leveraged technology to connect with supporters. The shift proved not only pragmatic but also widened the WOLCF’s reach.
As travel restrictions also became the norm, the foundation faced the challenge of reimagining its transformative international programs. Trips to Cameroon, Ghana, and Benin have been a cornerstone of providing unique experiences for young people. The WOLCF postponed its travel plans for a couple of years.
The cancellation of in-person events compelled the WOLCF to rethink its community engagement strategies. Rather than succumbing to the limitations, the WOLCF embraced virtual events and webinars, ensuring that the community remained connected and informed. These online platforms became forums for discussions, allowing the WOLCF to continue providing valuable resources.
With schools transitioning to remote learning, the WOLCF introduced virtual sessions. For example, the US Foreign Service was offered via Zoom.
The challenges posed by COVID-19 ultimately became a teachable moment for the William O Lockridge Community Foundation. Despite the obstacles, the organization emerged more. By embracing change and leveraging technology, the WOLCF not only sustained its mission but also discovered new avenues to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Wards 7 and 8.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2011, fueled by a deep-rooted commitment to empower the youth of Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, DC, I embarked on a journey that would test my resilience and determination. Establishing the William O Lockridge Community Foundation was not merely a passion project; it became a testament to the unwavering belief that every young person deserves opportunities beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings.
As I began the fundraising process, I found myself facing a unique challenge. Asking for financial support was uncharted territory for me, and the prospect of hearing the word ‘no’ was not something I wished to hear. The initial reluctance stemmed from a discomfort with rejection and the thought of hearing a negative response.
However, I reached a turning point when I took a Grant Writing 101 class. It reshaped my thinking about fundraising. I quickly learned that a ‘no’ for sponsorship did not have to be the end of the conversation. Instead of harboring resentment, I adopted a mindset of resilience. I approached potential sponsors with a smile, seeking to understand the types of programs they might be inclined to support.
I persisted in my fundraising efforts. The journey was not without its share of disappointments, but with each setback, I gained valuable insights and refined my approach.
After 13 years of unwavering dedication, the William O Lockridge Community Foundation (WOLCF) stands as a beacon of resilience and accomplishment. Through persistent efforts, the WOLCF has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships, providing graduating seniors with the means to pursue higher education. Beyond financial support, the WOLCF has provided transformative experiences, taking young people to Cameroon, Ghana, and Benin in Africa.
The WOLCF also created two additional programs – The US Foreign Service Initiative and the Showcase Southeast – further enriching the opportunities available to the youth of Wards 7 and 8.
The journey of the William O Lockridge Community Foundation is not just a story of resilience in the face of fundraising challenges; it is a testament to the transformative power of persistence and a refusal to accept defeat. Through dedication and unwavering belief in the mission, the WOLCF has impacted the lives of many young people.
Contact Info:
Website: www.WilliamLockridgeCommunityFoundation.org
Instagram: WOLCFoundation
Facebook: William O. Lockridge Community Foundation
Linkedin: Wanda Lockridge
Twitter: WOLCFoundation
Youtube: William O. Lockridge Community Foundation
Keywords: Wanda Lockridge, Ward 7 and 8, DC students, education, scholars
#WandaLockridge #Education #DCCommunity
