Latest news with #BridgeBuilders
Style Blueprint
09-08-2025
- General
- Style Blueprint
Tori Taylor on the Next Generation of Memphis Leaders, Her New Role at BRIDGES & More
Memphis-raised and deeply rooted in faith and family, Latoria 'Tori' Taylor holds a role at BRIDGES that is both strategic and deeply personal. A former Bridge Builders participant, she now leads the organization's philanthropic efforts as the Vice President of Development and Communications — amplifying the voices of Memphis youth who are not just dreaming of change but making it. Get to know this dedicated FACE of Memphis! Pin You're stepping into this role as someone who once stood in the shoes of the young people BRIDGES serves. What would your teenage self think of the woman you've become? Teenage Tori would be so proud of the woman I've become. I was still discovering my voice back then, but I always had a heart for people and a desire to serve. I didn't know what it would look like, but I knew I wanted to make a difference — whether that meant offering a helping hand, bringing joy to someone's day, or simply being present. What she wouldn't be surprised by is how much my faith has guided me. My journey into nonprofit work and fundraising wasn't something I planned, but it was part of God's plan. I walked into this work mindlessly at times, but boldly, because I trusted that I was being led to something greater. My faith is the foundation of how I lead, serve, and love people. Pin If you could bottle one lesson from your Bridge Builders experience and give it to every Memphis teenager, what would it be? Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially when you don't understand. As a teenager, I was often timid and hesitant to speak up. I'd hold back from asking 'why?' or sharing my perspective, even when I had something valuable to say. What I've learned over time is that asking questions isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength, curiosity, and growth. So I would encourage every young person to be bold, speak up respectfully, and not be afraid to say, 'I don't understand,' or 'Can you help me?' Whether you're in a classroom, at a job, or standing up for what you believe in, your voice matters, and asking questions is how you learn, connect, and lead. You've said that you stumbled into nonprofit work by accident. Tell us about that. Every time I share this story, I can't help but smile. It's a reminder of how beautifully God can lead you into your calling, even when you don't see it coming. I started my career at Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA), working in the Operations Department. One day, the Development team asked for volunteers to help with a fundraiser. I signed up for a two-hour shift, not knowing it would change the entire trajectory of my life. I had so much fun welcoming people and sharing MIFA's mission. Unknowingly, I was leaving an impression. A few weeks later, I was asked to join the Development team as the Development Coordinator. Before I knew it, I was promoted to Development Officer for Corporate Giving. From there, God opened the next door, which would shape me in ways I couldn't imagine: a position at the National Civil Rights Museum. It was fundraising on a new level, and I was challenged and empowered. I found myself using my voice to raise money for an institution that honored an era pivotal to my very freedom — an era that made it possible for me to be in rooms where my voice should be heard. Was there an 'aha' moment when you realized this was more than just a job? One unforgettable moment happened during my time at the National Civil Rights Museum. I had the privilege of leading a private tour for some incredible guests, including Angela Bassett, Hill Harper, and a few others. Watching their faces as they moved through the exhibits — feeling the weight of the history, asking thoughtful questions, and hugging me afterward — was surreal. In that moment, I realized the power of storytelling and connection, and that fundraising is not just about raising money but also about preserving legacy and inspiring change. We often hear about 'the next generation of leaders.' What do you think this generation is teaching us about leadership? This generation is teaching us that leadership doesn't have to look like it always has. And honestly, I love that. I like to say I'm Gen Z at heart! I still need my paper and pen sometimes, but I've learned to embrace how technology and creativity shape how we lead, learn, and connect. Today's young leaders value tradition, but they're not bound by it. They're showing us that less can be more, that trends — when used with intention — can be powerful tools for storytelling, movement-building, and connection. They're challenging us to diversify how we show up, communicate, and build community. What's something about Memphis that gives you hope? What gives me hope about Memphis is the good: the beauty, brilliance, and resilience that make the city such a gem. From the music and food to the deep-rooted history and rich diversity, there's nowhere else like it. It saddens me when we allow the bad to overshadow all the powerful, positive things happening here every single day. What inspires me most is the historical faith woven into the fabric of Memphis. From its churches and civil rights legacy to how communities show up for each other, faith has always anchored this city. That kind of spiritual and cultural strength gives me hope. Switching gears a little, what's one thing about you that would surprise your colleagues? Four of my closest friends and I have a podcast called SistaStory. You can check us out on YouTube Live every Monday at 6:30 p.m. CST. We are taking a summer break, but we will be back in the fall. Oh! I don't like sweet tea, and I just learned the mixture of lemonade and tea is called an Arnold Palmer. I thought it was 'armour-palmer'… don't laugh! What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten? You are entitled to make mistakes. That's the only way you will learn! Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can't live without? My Saturday mornings watching Good Times, butter pecan ice cream, and a good manicure and pedicure.
Perth Now
15-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Alcoa Pinjarra partners with local charity
Alcoa's Pinjarra Alumina Refinery has committed $10,000 to local not-for-profit organisation Bridge Builders. The partnership supports Bridge Builders' Backpack Buddies program, which helps ensure children facing hardship have access to nutritious weekend meals. Bridge Builders' School Program co-ordinator Leandri Cronje (left), Bridge Builders volunteers Craig Brierley, Rod Stuart and Bee Ann Jansons, and Alcoa's Heather Scott deliver the backpacks to Carcoola Primary School. Credit: Supplied Employees from the refinery's community relations team volunteered at Bridge Builders to help fill backpacks for Carcoola Primary School students. Carefully tailored to meet dietary needs and family sizes — some supporting up to six siblings — each backpack was filled with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, fruit, milk and a loaf of bread, plus a personalised note to lift each child's spirits. Backpack Buddies schools program co-ordinator Leandri Cronje said Alcoa's support had enabled them to reach an extra 12 students who otherwise would have gone without. 'Alcoa's support goes beyond funding; their team brought incredible heart and energy when they joined us to pack the bags,' she said. 'It reminds us that Backpack Buddies is about so much more than food — it's about community, dignity, and hope.' Pinjarra Alumina Refinery manager Jodie Giraudo said Alcoa was committed to supporting the community and assisting young people through these types of partnerships. 'Our team was truly moved by the care and thought that goes into every backpack,' Ms Giraudo said. 'It's more than food, it's dignity, kindness and connection. Alcoa is proud to stand beside organisations like Bridge Builders that are making real, immediate differences in the lives of local children.' Bridge Builders CEO Kelly Hinder said partnerships like this built stronger communities and ensured no child went hungry. 'Local children deserve to feel safe, valued and supported,' she said. 'When local businesses — whether large corporations or small family-run enterprises — choose to invest in grassroots charities, it sends a powerful message of hope. Together we can do incredible things.' Backpack Buddies is one of several support initiatives run by Bridge Builders, which also runs a weekly community pantry, Birthday in a Box, and Gift of Christmas programs.
Perth Now
27-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Student uses school leadership position to fundraise
The Mandurah Baptist College Primary School head boy is hoping to use his position to help children in need. Nate May, 11, hopes to use his leadership position to raise funds and awareness of the Backpack Buddies program run by local charity Bridge Builders. He currently volunteers at the organisation every week and has already raised more than $2400, which will feed three children in the Backpack Buddies program for the entire year. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Bridge Builders supports 180 children in 15 schools across the Peel region, with 40 more children in the community still on the waitlist. 'I can't imagine going home on the weekend to no food in the pantry,' Nate said. 'That's the sad reality for lots of kids in the community and I want to do as much as I can to help.' Bridge Builders CEO Kelly Hinder said Nate's dedication and leadership was truly inspiring. 'His passion for helping others embodies the spirit of community and generosity we strive to uphold at Bridge Builders,' she said. 'With his help and the support of our incredible community, we can ensure that no child in our region has to face hunger alone.' Nate May and his sister Mia volunteer at Bridge Builders every Thursday with their family Credit: Supplied Nate's mother Demi said she couldn't be prouder of her son's commitment and the positive impact he was making at such a young age. Nate will be helping MBC hold a whole school cereal domino event on June 25 to raise more donations for Bridge Builders. The event encourages every student to contribute a cereal box that will form a large domino chain. The cereal will then be donated to Bridge Builders, along with a gold coin donation. 'Please, if you can spare any loose change for hungry local kids, it would make my year,' Nate said.
