Today, I'd like to celebrate a beautiful soul. Her name is Sharaé. Sharaé and I went to school together at the University of South Carolina, pledged the same sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Innnnnnncorporated), and served our community together through other organizations. I could go on and on to sing her praises on her beauty, intellect, and selfless spirit. She took some time out of her important schedule to share with us about what she does and an organization that she has a passion for:
§ Tell us a little about yourself.
§ Sharaé Moultrie
§ 25 years old
§ I am a business management associate at
JPMorgan Chase. I facilitate the development and implementation of
effective metrics and reporting which helps senior management drive
business decisions. I'm also on the leadership team for two of JPMC's
employee networking groups - one related to volunteerism and the other
professional development for employees of African descent.
§ Where are you from?
§ Conway, SC
§ What do you like to do for fun?
§ I recently reclaimed my love for singing. I’ve
performed in a few small venues in the city and have joined both a pop a
cappella choir as well as my church choir. Singing frees my soul and
brings me so much joy!
Click picture for video |
§ What's one challenge you face at work?
§ Because I work for such a large and dynamic
company, things are always changing. One of the constant challenges I face is managing and adapting to
that change. Prior to my current role, I was a part of a rotational
program in which I worked with a different team every 6 months – talk about
change! Management style, team culture and responsibilities all varied. Moving
into my current role, I thought things would be a bit more stable; however
within a few months I learned that the organization would soon be
undergoing a major reorg and that my boss would be transitioning to another team
(without me). Because of my prior experiences, I have been approaching
this change as an opportunity to learn, grow and get me one step closer to
the purpose God has for my life. Everything happens for a reason.
§ Tell us a little about the organization you’re
involved with.
§ The Actors Theatre Workshop (ATW) is an
amazing arts nonprofit that teaches
an original creative technique that ignites change and liberates human
potential in a wide range of programs, classes, and theatre productions.
ATWempowers people from all walks of life from business executives, to theatre
artists, to homeless children and provides them with the tools to develop a
positive vision for their future. My involvement has primarily revolved around the Builders of the
New World (BNW) program, a 12 week afterschool arts program which
has transformed the lives of over 2,250 homeless children since its
inception in 1995. Throughout the program,
the children are given one on one attention, enhance their reading,
writing and presentation skills and learn original theatre techniques
to open their imaginations which helps them to see new possibilities and
develop a vision of success for their future.
§ Why is this particular organization important
to you?
§ I know from experience that the performing
arts can have an extremely positive impact on the life of a child. I have been
involved in the arts since my early childhood and truly believe that it has
helped to shape the woman I am today. The work that ATW is doing in the lives
of such a vulnerable population of children is remarkable. Not only are
children exposed to the arts but they are provided tools to overcome their
current circumstance of homelessness and achieve their full potential. Every
child, no matter his or her socioeconomic background should have the
opportunity and guidance necessary to achieve their dreams.
§ Tell us a success story from your
organization.
§ Every year, ATW hosts a holiday party for
the children participating in the Builders of the New
World program. This year, the demand was so high that we had to host
two parties in order to accommodate the growing number of children. To
cover the increased cost, we launched a crowd-funding campaign via Indiegogo.
We were able to raise enough money to host two parties for almost 100 children!
Both celebrations began with a delicious family style dinner. Followed by
an illuminating creative class taught by award winning actor, director and
ATW's founder Thurman E. Scott. After the class, each child was presented with
a special gift and encouraged to stand on our stage and share their dream for
the future. All of the children walked away with their bellies full,
a bright smile on their face and a memory I hope they will have forever.
§ How can we help?
§ Due to the growing number of children living
below the poverty line, we are looking to expand our reach so that more
children have the opportunity to participate in our life-changing program. To
help, you can donate directly to our organization at <https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/ATWdonate>
or help connect us to prospective donors by emailing me their contact
information at smoultrie@actorstheatreworkshop.com.
We are also constantly in need of more volunteers (both locally and virtually).
You can email me for more information on how to become a volunteer.
Go Sharaé!!!!
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