Summer of S.O.L. Inspires Leadership and Growth
This summer we launched our first summer program called “Summer of S.O.L” - Spotlight On Leadership. This summer program was designed to provide an opportunity for leaders in our community to connect with others through a series of dynamic workshops. The program provided hands-on, practical training in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our goal was to empower individuals by enhancing their leadership capabilities, thereby enabling them to contribute more effectively to their communities.
One of the standout features of the Summer of SOL was its lineup of 13 facilitators who are also members of the Union Capital Community. They brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program, offering participants valuable insights and inspiration.
For example, Missy Brown, a leadership workshop facilitator known for her goal-setting and vision-boarding sessions, has been a member of Union Capital for about a year. She joined the community to share her knowledge and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
“I want to be an impactful leader and provide people with tools to live the life of their dreams.”
At Union Capital’s Summer of S.O.L., she led the workshop "Empower Our Goals: Vision Boarding for Future Leaders," where she guided participants, including many older adults, in setting goals and visualizing their futures. Missy found it rewarding to see participants expand their minds and embrace learning. She emphasized the importance of creating spaces where individuals feel empowered to share their dreams and overcome challenges.
Vanesa Morales, a PhD candidate in strategic leadership from Dorchester, Boston, has been a member of Union Capital since 2019. Engaged in advocacy and community work, Vanesa values Union Capital’s networking opportunities, which have helped her build connections and link others with community organizations. Beyond networking, Vanesa appreciates Union Capital as a learning platform. She and her family took a financial management class, which was a valuable experience.
During the Summer of S.O.L., she attended Missy Brown’s workshop, "Vision Boarding for Future Leaders”. Reflecting on Missy’s workshop, Vanesa said that some people have goals but do nothing to achieve them.
“Visualizing through a vision board made it easier for me to see my end goals and the path I am on.”
Vanesa also learned the importance of dividing goals into short-term and long-term, making them SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). The experience of sharing goals in a group setting was enriching for her. "It was nice to hear other people’s goals and see what’s important to them," she said, appreciating the insight into their values and perspectives.
Fred McLemore, a Boston community advocate, has been a member of Union Capital for three years. Known for his work distributing school supplies, food, and clothing to those in need, Fred also plays an active role in a local men’s group where they discuss important community issues and engage in outreach through their church organization.
During the Summer of S.O.L., Fred attended three impactful workshops: "Vision Boarding for Future Leaders," "Become a Goal-Getter", and "A Photography Workshop Using Cellphone Cameras". In the first two sessions, he learned how to manifest his goals and take actionable steps to achieve them, finding value in the blend of visualization and strategic planning.
The photography workshop, however, was a refreshing change for Fred. While spending time outside with the group, he learned close-up photography techniques, capturing flowers and nature in new ways. This hands-on experience brought him joy and helped him form new connections with fellow participants. Reflecting on his experience, Fred emphasized the positive energy and the wealth of new knowledge he gained from these workshops. For him, Union Capital continues to be a source of growth, both personally and in his ongoing efforts to serve the Boston community.
*If you are interested in becoming a facilitator for the next Summer of S.O.L. workshops, the information will be shared by December.