JENNIFER WON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I first learned about SOP when I donated to the shoe drive my freshman year. Later that year, I went to the color run at Athens. Both experiences left me with a desire to join Step on Poverty, so when applications were open, I was excited to join.
I didn’t know much about the organization besides what I’d experienced, but I discovered that there was a Business Initiative, which was and is something I’m really passionate about. From this initiative, I gained valuable work experience from consulting with small businesses in the community. With the help of mentors and friends, I learned how to pitch to clients, build and maintain business relationships, use graphic design to construct websites, and most importantly, real-world problem-solving. After some time, I received the opportunity to help lead the business initiative and pass on the knowledge I had learned, which was an invaluable experience in both leadership and organization.
Participating in the shoe drive allowed me to bond with other members and taught me the importance of a work ethic. I had never contributed on such a large scale before, and being a part of an organization that delivered 9,425 pairs of shoes was amazing.
Outside of Step on Poverty, I also participate in Troy High DECA and Project LEAD. DECA immerses me in real-world business situations, helps me think on my feet, promotes creativity and hard work, I’ve met people I would’ve never met otherwise from across the country! Project LEAD is important to me because I’m really passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community. I love offering my time and service to others, and being VP of the club allows me to work with volunteer coordinators in the area to bring more opportunities to members of the club. Being in all of these extracurriculars allows me to be involved in my school and my community and serve a greater purpose. I also work in Troy High’s school store Colt Connection and work with merchandising, sales, and marketing, which is really exciting!
I didn’t know much about the organization besides what I’d experienced, but I discovered that there was a Business Initiative, which was and is something I’m really passionate about. From this initiative, I gained valuable work experience from consulting with small businesses in the community. With the help of mentors and friends, I learned how to pitch to clients, build and maintain business relationships, use graphic design to construct websites, and most importantly, real-world problem-solving. After some time, I received the opportunity to help lead the business initiative and pass on the knowledge I had learned, which was an invaluable experience in both leadership and organization.
Participating in the shoe drive allowed me to bond with other members and taught me the importance of a work ethic. I had never contributed on such a large scale before, and being a part of an organization that delivered 9,425 pairs of shoes was amazing.
Outside of Step on Poverty, I also participate in Troy High DECA and Project LEAD. DECA immerses me in real-world business situations, helps me think on my feet, promotes creativity and hard work, I’ve met people I would’ve never met otherwise from across the country! Project LEAD is important to me because I’m really passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community. I love offering my time and service to others, and being VP of the club allows me to work with volunteer coordinators in the area to bring more opportunities to members of the club. Being in all of these extracurriculars allows me to be involved in my school and my community and serve a greater purpose. I also work in Troy High’s school store Colt Connection and work with merchandising, sales, and marketing, which is really exciting!
CAROL ZHANG
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When I was just a freshman, Puja recommended Step on Poverty to a bunch of Troy High underclassmen and got us hooked. Looking back on it, I’m so glad she did. After attending a couple meetings and shoe packings, I liked what Step on Poverty stood for and thought that it was for a good cause, so I decided I wanted to be a part of it.
Honestly, Step on Poverty has taught me how to better communicate with people (such as clients and small businesses) , and more importantly how to write emails to adults. SOP also has improved my organizational skills in sectioning out time for meetings with both members and clients. BCI especially has taught me more about business and given me opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. Without Step on Poverty, I can confidently say that I wouldn't have many of the real world skills that I have and apply regularly now.
Outside of SOP, I like to run, listen to music, and hangout with my cats Chili and Pepper. I’m on the cross country and track team, and I’m also pretty interested in STEM. I try to include as many STEM classes as possible in my schedule and I like to participate in HOSA and Science Olympiad. Gardening is a new hobby of mine, follow the THS gardening club on insta @troygardeningclub!
I'm so grateful for the opportunities and learning experiences that Step on Poverty has given me, and I'm excited for what the future holds in regards to our organization!
Honestly, Step on Poverty has taught me how to better communicate with people (such as clients and small businesses) , and more importantly how to write emails to adults. SOP also has improved my organizational skills in sectioning out time for meetings with both members and clients. BCI especially has taught me more about business and given me opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. Without Step on Poverty, I can confidently say that I wouldn't have many of the real world skills that I have and apply regularly now.
Outside of SOP, I like to run, listen to music, and hangout with my cats Chili and Pepper. I’m on the cross country and track team, and I’m also pretty interested in STEM. I try to include as many STEM classes as possible in my schedule and I like to participate in HOSA and Science Olympiad. Gardening is a new hobby of mine, follow the THS gardening club on insta @troygardeningclub!
I'm so grateful for the opportunities and learning experiences that Step on Poverty has given me, and I'm excited for what the future holds in regards to our organization!