Andy Roe: 'Ready to listen, learn, and adapt'
Name: Andy Roe
Connection to MBGA: Volunteer on communications team and subject matter expert in technical writing
Find Andy online: www.agrassociates.com.
Q: What led you to volunteer with MBGA?
A: I had worked with [MBGA founder] Mary Rapaport in the past and saw her post on social media seeking to do something about racial equity. I knew Mary’s vision and energy would be well-suited for an initiative like MBGA, and I share her sentiments about building bridges across racial boundaries, so I signed up immediately. As an engineer and technical writer, I have worked on the construction of physical bridges, so I’m enthused about the opportunity to build relational bridges and bring people together.
Q: What other types of volunteer work have you done?
A: I’ve volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Feed My Starving Children, and various church-related programs. I also coached softball on a volunteer basis for 10 years.
Q: What have you taken away from your volunteer experience with MBGA?
A: As volunteers, we need to be ready to listen, learn, and adapt, and also roll up our sleeves and do meaningful work when called upon. We have much to learn from each other—volunteers, clients, advisors, and partners—and I feel we best do that when working alongside each other in a partnering environment. I think we’ve got a great framework to do just that.
Q: Can you share any surprising or unexpected discoveries you’ve made in the course of volunteering?
A: I found that I could contribute to MBGA’s efforts in different ways than originally anticipated. I initially envisioned myself helping businesses in disadvantaged areas or areas damaged by the uprising of 2020—and I have done some of that—but I also found some great behind-the-scenes areas where my skills can be used. I enjoy writing and editing content, so serving on the communications team to support the MBGA organization has been a good fit for me.
Q: Many volunteers joined MBGA to help advance the cause of racial equity. Can you share any life experiences or recommend any resources (books, articles, podcasts, movies) that have helped you in your journey?
A: The movies Just Mercy and Hidden Figures were painfully insightful and motivated me to try to make a difference in race relations in my journey. I’ve read two outstanding books by Tony Dungy (Quiet Strength and Uncommon), describing his challenges as an African-American athlete and coach, and how he has used his faith to deal with various challenges, stay positive, and build unity instead of division.
Q: When you’re not making the world a better place, what do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I’m a big fan of sports and music. My sports participation days are mostly over, so I’m mainly a baseball/football fan who occasionally plays golf or hops on a bicycle. I listen to all kinds of music, play in a garage band, and sing in a church choir. My wife and I also recently became grandparents and are enjoying that immensely!
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