How sweat equity can benefit others

My dad taught me the importance of sweat equity—putting in the time, working hard and giving back. He’s the hardest worker I know. He has been married to my mom for 50 years, and they have such a healthy relationship rooted in love and mutual support. They’ve built a life in which we are all incredibly blessed and have instilled in me that paying it forward is my responsibility. I recognize the privilege I have and take the responsibility seriously to address inequities in our community.

That’s why I’ve chosen my career path and make time for sweat equity. I oversee strategic human resources and corporate social responsibility programs globally for TEKsystems, a full-stack technology and talent services provider. I make sure we have a sweat equity component in all we do. Giving back is part of who I am. I don’t, however, do it for any type of validation. Even sharing my thoughts here makes me slightly uncomfortable. But I believe in the power of people to create lasting, positive change in their workplace and in their communities. I want others to understand how easily they can impact the lives of others through sweat equity.

Make a difference without cutting a check

Growing up around Baltimore City, I’ve seen the difference nonprofit organizations can make in the lives of those—young people and adults alike—who simply haven’t had access to opportunities like many others have had. Like I have had. I’ve been involved with several organizations over the years. I served on the board of the Casey Cares Foundation and I volunteer with Charm City Lacrosse. To witness the impact on young children simply picking up a lacrosse stick, running around and going for ground balls—in those moments, you could see how their spirits lifted. It’s life changing. So, you can make an impact through the generosity of time, talent and shared knowledge. When I’m considering getting involved, I look for opportunities that make sense, and I know the commitment before I say yes. Volunteering gives you an avenue to engage and support without having to write a check.

Choose a cause you believe in

This year, I’m hoping to put in even more sweat equity to the causes I believe in. And that personal buy-in makes all the difference. It’s an intrinsic motivator. Recently, I was honored to be selected as a member of the National Board of Per Scholas, a nationally recognized leader in effective tech workforce training—an organization with which TEKsystems has established a strong, transformative partnership working to build diverse talent pipelines across the U.S. More than five years ago, we discovered that there was a way to align our purpose, our corporate social responsibility strategy and our core competencies within TEKsystems to impact not only our clients and consultants but also our community at large by creating a long-term, intentional partnership with Per Scholas. And I’ve personally grown more and more passionate about our work with them. I really believe in lifting people up. The work of Per Scholas—including our TEKsystems partnership—is helping to change the trajectory of individuals and communities across the U.S.

Find a purpose that impacts your family—and have them lend a hand too

In addition to Per Scholas, I was recently selected to the regional leadership board of the One Love Foundation, an organization dedicated to educating young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships. Another tremendous honor—and responsibility. I chose to get involved with One Love because, as a mother of a teenage girl, I saw the tragic death of Yeardley Love at the hands of someone who was supposed to love her, and I want to be a part of ensuring that doesn’t happen to anyone else. Today, the stressors and the realities for teenagers can be heavy. That compounded with understanding what a healthy relationship looks like, that’s so much for young people to handle. I hope to help expand who has access to One Love educational resources, particularly underserved young people who may not have an example of a healthy relationship in their lives, let alone information about developing one. I’m incredibly fortunate to have healthy relationships in my life, like my marriage and my parents’ relationship. I see my daughters’ group of girlfriends and know how the One Love workshops have helped them recognize unhealthy behaviors in relationships. And as my involvement with One Love grows and I continue to support other causes, I try to get my family involved when it makes sense. My daughter and I recently organized and rolled 10 giant bins of pajamas for Casey Cares. It serves as engaged family time in our busy schedules. Together, we can help organizations whose meaningful purpose aligns with our family values while enjoying some quality time.

Recognize that although it’s an obligation, it’s a good obligation

I feel an obligation to give back because so many opportunities were given to me, and I have the ability to help. But it’s a good obligation—it gives me fulfillment to do it. It drives me to see the people we’re impacting at TEKsystems, from someone thanking us for allowing them to support a cause important to them, such as our LGBTQ+ community, to seeing a Per Scholas learner ace a job interview.

Seeing the payoff of that sweat equity is the most fulfilling part of my job. I hope my hardworking, loving parents continue to be proud and rest assured that I am paying it forward.

Learn more about Per Scholas and the One Love Foundation.?