Community leaders and GUC Human Resources staff met recently to explore ways to support community organizations and to identify possible recruitment avenues and opportunities for further collaboration.
HR Business Partner Juanita Sims spearheaded the initiative. She said community collaboration is a cornerstone in communicating all GUC does to support and grow its service area, but it also offers an excellent opportunity to discover fresh approaches to make our efforts more effective.
“We believe that through collaboration, we can enhance our efforts and make a substantial impact in addressing community needs,” she said.
The community leaders attending this meeting were representatives from the Jackie Robinson Baseball League, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) in Pitt County, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Delta Academy, Pitt County Schools, and Third Street Academy.
The roundtable discussions included conversations about strategies to support a growing community, sustainable partnerships, community engagement, resource sharing, skill-based volunteering, and community impact.
Partnership strategies were discussed at length which created ideas for engagement that would see both GUC and community organizations benefit. Some of those ideas included connecting to realtors to recruit transplants within the community; operating as a resource bridge for local talent; linking students with job shadowing opportunities; developing a deeper collaboration with Divine 9 organizations; connecting small businesses to those who help with employee preparedness; on-going efforts to deepen relationships with Pitt County Schools and Pitt Community College; expanding recruiting locations; and having an increased presence at a variety of community events.
Attendees also went on a tour of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) where we showcased how GUC supports community-wide environmental stewardship while maintaining top-tier customer service. They were also given two energy efficiency kits from our Energy Services section. One kit was for the attendee and the other one was to share with a colleague or friend.
“Everyone walked away feeling really good about our discussions and our ideas,” Juanita said.
“The energy in the room was everything we hoped for and more. It was bright, supportive, missional, and enlightening. From start to finish, there was a genuine sense of connection, collaboration, appreciation, and creativity. Together, we created a space where everyone felt empowered, and honestly, a little in awe of what’s possible when passionate people come together.”
The community leaders who participated were Norma Warren, who was with the Jackie Robinson Baseball League and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; Dr. Patti Sanders-Smith, who is the 1st Vice President of NPHC of Pitt County and representative for Delta Academy, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and HBCU Combine; Dr. Kamara Roach, Pitt County Schools Chief Academic Officer and representative of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated; Indigo Metellus, 2nd Vice President of NPHC of Pitt County and representative of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; Melissa Dereadt, Director of Development at Third Street Academy; and Tracy Brown, a teacher of math and science at Third Street Academy.
