Employee Volunteer Highlight: Carlyn Crawley
Carlyn Crawley is a Business Process Analyst at Makpar. Today we’re excited to talk to her about how she gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. Community giving is an important part of Makpar’s value system, so today we honor Carlyn’s work with this Volunteer Spotlight.
Where do you volunteer?
I'm involved in community work through my sorority, which is the oldest black greek sorority: Alpha Kappa Alpha (founded in 1908). Kamala Harris is a member of our sorority and attended a HBCU. We've seen renewed interest in HBCU in recent years. The president of our sorority charged all members to raise $1 million in one day. We do that once a year to kick off fundraising efforts for the year. Her goal is to create an endowed scholarship for all 100+ HBCU's in 4 years.
What is the volunteer work like?
I work to organize and host events to fundraise for scholarships. In 2011 I started a local wine tour, which they still do every year. They weren't able to do it in 2020, unfortunately, but hopefully again soon. We visit local wineries in Virginia or Maryland. Everyone gets to try different wine, have lunch out there, enjoy the day. The proceeds from the event go back to the foundation side.
How does the Alpha Kappa Alpha foundation work?
The Alpha Kappa Alpha foundation provides scholarships to historically black universities. We give out multiple scholarships a year. Some are needs based, most are merit based.
In addition to scholarships, the foundation also organizes college tours for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to visit HBCUs. We also do middle school tours just to check out local colleges.
What does community service mean to you?
I don’t really think about it. I grew up with it. My grandmother, mom, god mothers, were all a part of (Alpha Kappa Alpha). To me, it was just something that you do.
Service has always been a really important part of my upbringing. Everybody has had somebody help them along the way. We don't believe in self-made in my family. Sharing and giving to others is really important.