ATC In Community: EBR Resident Leader Academy

Hi Tea Lovers!

I don’t talk much here about my Monday thru Friday 9 to 5 alter ego, but since so much of my education and knowledge has gone into ATC, it’s clear that the overlap between my worlds is getting larger by the day! Some time ago, I shared a post detailing ATC’s company values of Community, Accessibility, and Shared Learning. I felt that it was important to be open about the way I think about this business and to share the things that I prioritized in my decision-making for this company. Community has always been a concept I hold near and dear to my heart, and not just in business.

I entered the Resident Leader Academy after a good friend of mine invited me to join the Old South Baton Rouge cohort. I’ve lived in BR since I came down from Monroe to attend LSU in 2010. I feel connected to this city in a way that is different from any other place I’ve lived. I’ve made friends and mistakes here. I have built a community of peers, colleagues, and loved ones here. I’ve had some of the best (and worst) experiences of my life here. Adding the RLA to my repertoire seemed like a natural extension of my commitment to this city, and a good way for me to brush up on my skills as I figured out the what the next phases of my career looked like.

The Resident Leader Academy was a summer-long program that allowed us to learn more about the historic neighborhoods and how to push Baton Rouge forward through small grants for community development projects. I was able to strengthen my skills in collaboration, grant writing, advocacy, and much more through the Neighbor Works curriculum. I also networked with both new and old acquaintances and helped to invigorate a neighborhood I’ve been familiar with since I lived here. I am so proud of the wrok the Old South team did - we kept in contact throughout the whole summer and made a project that excited everyone, including the Mayor’s office.

This success has really encouraged me in a year that has proven both challenging and revolutionary for me in terms of work.

Earlier this year, I decided to leave my full-time position. This was a risky choice, considering that I still think of myself as an early-career professional with a non-traditional work history. I was frightened of being labeled a job hopper or inconsistent, all because I felt the need to seek better alignment in my skills, my work, and my goals. I took on part-time positions, contract work, and put more time and focus into ATC’s events and sales. As I get back into the swing of running this business and working full time, I am grateful for the continued support of my family, friends, and wider community throughout this process. I know, without a doubt, that the path that I am on is exactly where I am meant to be. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be difficulties or challenges. It simply means that I can trust myself and my gut feelings and that the connections I have made in this community are valid, important, and there for me when I need them. And that I can continue to collaborate and contribute my skills in order to ensure that we all go farther, together.

Thank you to the Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, Mayor Broome’s Office, and the Safe Hopeful Neighborhoods organization for a great experience!