Amanda Roberson was hired as the Director of Operations in April. Before that, she spent 16 years in the corporate world doing marketing and sales for Hard Rock Cafes. Today she manages the day to day to day operations of Be the Bridge, with a goal of increasing the reach of Be the Bridge and achieving the mission. She works closely with Latasha, building infrastructure for the organization and growing sustainable programs. We asked Amanda a few questions so that the Be the Bridge community could get to know her.
Why did you want to work for Be the Bridge?
Well, I guess I should tell you a little about my life history to explain why the work of BTB is so important to me. I have had close cross-racial friendships from early in life, (best friend since 11) but, for a long time in those friendships I didn’t have an understanding of my own racial identity, and likely often showed up in harmful ways without even realizing it. I knew that I loved my friends deeply and would do anything for them, but I never considered the ways that my whiteness might be operating- I didn’t understand it nor did I have the language for it. I so often considered my good intentions, self-image, and friendliness. And I did not consider the harmful or dangerous impact of my behaviors which were influenced and informed by the social construct of whiteness that I had been conditioned within. I didn’t see myself in racial terms.
Why do you feel that your work with BTB is important?
Be the Bridge provides a beautiful tool to stimulate meaningful conversations about race and move us toward a place of self-reflection, self-empowerment, and social responsibility. I believe in it with every part of my being. The opportunity to serve the vision of Latasha Morrison and Be the Bridge is one I don’t take lightly. It is the deepest honor to be on this team of bridge-builders.
Help us welcome Amanda!