One great part of being an organization that is over 100 years old (115 to be exact) is that we have seen generations of participants flourish, even after they move on. Many of those we serve actually come back to Atlantic Street Center as employees, board members, parents enrolling their own children, and volunteers. Rutha is one such an example: a volunteer who is determined to mirror her own wonderful ASC experience back at those currently in our programs.
Fun question: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? What is your job now?
As a child, I was mesmerized by learning new things, so I wanted to be a teacher, a businesswoman, and a leader. I am now a program manager in Azure at Microsoft – and still love learning just as much!
How were you involved with Atlantic Street Center (ASC) as a participant? What program(s)?
I enjoyed a wide variety of programs at ASC, from foundational learning to hands-on workshops and community service initiatives. As a participant in the Teen Technology and After School programs at the Teen Center, I gained valuable social skills and built lasting relationships. I also liked taking part in a wide variety of classes such as Cooking and Sewing, Poetry and Tennis Club, Entrepreneurship, and Soap Making. I remember initiatives such as creating hygiene packs for women’s shelters; looking back, I realize they instilled in me a lasting sense of leadership, responsibility, and giving back.
My involvement with ASC was so active that it’s hard to single out one program or event. But some of my most memorable experiences from that time include community events like Beach Family Days, Multicultural Food Days, Jazz Alley Fridays, and Columbia City Movie Theater Nights, because they all focused on connection and cultural appreciation. Ultimately, being a part of ASC as a teen made me who I am today.
What is a fond memory or skill you learned from your time with ASC that now serves you in adulthood?
One of my fondest memories from my time with ASC is participating in mentorship and leadership programs. Those programs enabled me to gradually step out of my comfort zone and realize the importance of effective communication and advocacy, the skills I’ve since been using to navigate professional spaces, lead discussions, and support others in meaningful ways. Having once benefited from these programs, I take pride in giving back by using my experiences to uplift and mentor others in my community.
How are you involved with Atlantic Street Center now as a volunteer and what motivated you to get started in that?
I got started with Atlantic Street Center when my manager, Jennifer—a true Give champ—brought forward an initiative to begin hosting monthly give-back events and encouraged me to get more involved. That initial spark led to a growing partnership with ASC.
Today, I continue to volunteer, mentor, and support ASC’s mission by encouraging others to get involved, identifying new opportunities for collaboration, and helping grow the impact of their programs. As our collaboration deepens, it’s inspiring to see how much more we can do together—a true testament to the power of strong leadership and community connection.
What is/are the benefit(s) that come with volunteering at a local organization? They can be personal benefits or a benefit that the community experiences.
I believe we are all individually shaped by how strong our community is. Volunteering at a local organization is especially meaningful to me because I benefited from this program as a teen, and it’s only natural for me to give back now that I have the capability and the ability to do so. Volunteering helps us build meaningful connections with community members while helping strengthen support systems for those in need. I find that empowering others, promoting social equity, and fostering a stronger community creates a lasting impact on my life and those around me.
