Meet Allyson Reaves | Board Member, Black Alumni Collective

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allyson Reaves and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allyson, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
THE PEOPLE. THE PEOPLE. THE PEOPLE. After the year that our world has had, we’re ready to live life differently, and we’ve seen a shift in how people show up to this work – and to each other. Overall, our Black alumni leaders have always been committed to activism, and especially recently (i.e. the 2020 election and the Black women in GA who turned it blue), philanthropy (numerous gifts given in the wake of the George Floyd murder and Black Lives Movement), and care for family and loved ones (12 months into the pandemic!). Black alumni leaders have convened around these and other social issue areas over the decades, and this is the time for us to bolster social movements for the Black community across schools, campuses, and communities, which is an amazing opportunity! At its core, the Black Alumni Collective unifies and empowers Black alumni individuals and groups through civic engagement, economics, and advocacy. The Black Alumni Collective is successful because of the people who are a part of it, and we’ll continue driving collaboration across schools, which adds to the success of the organization and, more importantly, the work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My “J.O.B.” (which keeps us Just Over Broke!) is a fundraiser and campaign manager. I’ve also been an insurance underwriter, a Pier One manager, a researcher, and a grant-writer. I’m excited that my current job is at CCS Fundraising, and I’m in my 10th year of fundraising consulting there. My “career” is in philanthropy. I’ve been in this space for 14 years, and LOVING IT!!! My “calling” is in connecting people with the resources they need to be happy, successful, and live a good life. I’ve worked on the foundation side of philanthropy, the consultant side of fundraising, and the research side to explore what it all means. Although I’ve had some fundraising successes over the years, I’m most proud of opportunities that others have given me – I got to work in Turin, Italy for a year, spend a few semesters abroad (my major was Spanish language & International trade), and I had the chance to live in Canada for a few years. Someone was willing to say YES in order for me to have those blessings, and I’m really proud and grateful for that! Lesson I’ve learned…if you can find a way to blend your J.O.B. with your career and calling, DO IT!!! (And always say YES to opportunities when they show up!)

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In COVID times, I’d mask up and take my friend to spaces with social distancing in mind: 1. Botanical Garden 2. High Museum 3. Piedmont Park We’d eat at: 1. Eclipse de Luna (great tapas!) 2. Sri Thai in Atlantic Station (these sushi rolls don’t quit!) 3. My kitchen (nothing’s more fun than cooking with friends!)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out Tish Norman, who is an amazing sister, friend, academic thought leader, and motivational trainer/speaker. I first met her in Louisville, Kentucky, where she was guiding a local nonprofit event for the AKA chapter there, and I loved her energy and joie de vivre! Over the years, we have grown as friends, confidants, sisters, and counselors. I am so grateful for her incredible support, love, and sisterly encouragement! We’ve lost both our parents far too early, and she has been a meaningful support system for me. I only hope that I can support her in this journey as well. This is the phase of life when you need friends like Tish!!! She’s invited to me to spend the holidays with her and her sister (shout out to Pretty Tammi The DJ!) for the past two years, and that’s been so good for the soul! Not having my Mother has been a real loss – both the presence of a loving figure and the guidance of a caring parent. Tish has stepped into my life in ways I never imagined I needed, and I’m very thankful for her love, support, patience, and thoughtfulness. She has also been very encouraging of business and community endeavors. Tish has been by my side every step of the way with the Black Alumni Collective (even the Clemson Football watch parties and the post-conference events!). One of the other important ways Tish offers light and guidance is around self-care…care for the mind, body, and spirit. Her smoothies, walks, and holistic practices are always the most rejuvenating! Tish, I’m forever grateful to you and for you! I love ya!!!

Website: www.blackalumnicollective.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysonreaves/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonreaves/