Amber Newman is one of the top upcoming female CEOs, who joined the Boys and Girls Club of Brazoria County in September 2016, as the Chief Executive Officer. She was recently named as the ‘Most admired Non-profit CEO’ by the Houston Business Journal.
She is one of the leading non-profit CEOs in the country, and named a dm-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs and nominated as a panelist for the Congressional Black Caucus. Newman has been involved in philanthropic activities and non-profit sector for over two decades now. At present, she sits in the board of directors for the Pink and Green Charitable Foundation and Global 11.
In this exclusive interview, Newman talks about her journey so far, as a leader in the non-profit sector as well as her upcoming projects.
Interviewer: Where did you start? Tell us something about your background.
Amber Newman: I was born in Louisiana. I have a bachelor’s degree from Dillard University, New Orleans, Louisiana, Master’s degree from Texas Southern University in Public Administration with a focus in Non-Profit and a Non-Profit Certification from Rice University. My parents got a divorce when I was very young and my mother and I moved to Houston, Texas. I grew up on the Southwest side of Houston, Texas, went to a middle school in 5th ward (Houston, TX) and high school in Sunnyside (Houston, TX).
Interviewer: What inspired you to join the non-profit sector?
Amber Newman: By growing up in a single parent house I went to my mom’s job, My mom worked for a nonprofit which introduced me to non-profit. My mom worked for the Crescent Moon Foundation, an organization that was ran by a NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon. The organization she worked for that gave scholarships to kids. His family is very philanthropic, giving and always gave back to the community. It reminds me much of the vital role that my Husband parents played in the community. As a young girl, I enjoyed seeing my Mother going over the scholarship application of the kids. Reading most of the letters was entirely heartbreaking. High School students who are so young facing so much adversity, hardships in life and struggling with their parents to make end meet. This scholarship would give them the chance to rewrite the way their life and give them a chance to go to college
Interviewer: Tell us something about your achievements so far.
Amber Newman: I have been blessed to receive a number of awards to include Houston Business Journal 2018 Women Who Mean Business, 2018 Houston Business Journal Most Admired CEO, Top 50 Black Professionals 2018-DMARS, Top 30 Influential Women 2018- DMARS, Houston Business Journal 2017- Bizwomen Mentor, Women in Power 2017- The Facts, Community Award -2017, Houston Black Realtor Association, Black Women in Power -2017, Houston Defender, and Community Award 2015- Phoenix Women
Interviewer: Apart from being the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, what are the other roles/responsibilities you have at present?
Amber Newman: I also sit on the board for the Dillard University Houston Alumni chapter where I am the president, member of Off the Field (NFL wives), member of the Pink & Green Foundation, a board member for the Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber. I am also a mother and wife which is my most priceless role. Former member of Brentwood Baptist Church Scholarship Board, The St. John Missionary Baptist Church fundraising committee which was founded by freed slaves in 1869.
Interviewer: Tell us something about the non-profit projects you have contributed to?
Amber Newman: I have increased the enrollment of our members to service 14 to 22 covering over 1600 square miles which is the eighth largest county in the state of Texas. I also assist in securing grant funds to help build Prairie View A & M football stadium. While a part of Global 11 help coordinated the supply drive for Puerto Rico after the hurricane.
Interviewer: What are your thoughts on rappers and athletes having a vision of giving back to the community?
Amber Newman: I think it is a good thing to give back no matter who you are. To be honest they should do more. There are a host of athletes and rappers who give back to the community but it should be broadcast more and those that are doing it should put it on social media. Investing into the community creates jobs and opportunity. There are so many reasons why it is important to lend a hand to the next generation. We all had a hand to get to where we are, no one got to where they are without help. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my husband who is a person who leads by example and what I call a silent goal achiever. He currently works at Texas Southern University in International Affairs. He was working for a government agency. He had a great idea on bringing more money into the University and I thought it would be a great idea for him to come back home to support our family, give back to the community and help the students at University.
Interviewer: What are your thoughts on Nipsey Hussle murder while giving back to his community? Is it worth it while keeping it real with the hood?
Amber Newman: I had the opportunity to meet him once at James Harden Celebrity Basketball game, I send my prayers out to Nipsey Hussle and his family. Nipsey Hussle’s final tweet — “Having strong enemies is a blessing”. In the African American Community, you will see kids that grew up together and one kid took advantage of an opportunity and the other kid did not, that person would become envious of the person who did. So jealous of the person that they would like to harm them or treat them with a lack of respect this is self-hate. I understand what he was trying to do and he was very innovative.
You don’t have to live in the community to help the community or give back. Going to school in Alief, 5th ward and Sunny Side, I have a different approach on giving back. The most vital thing is to bring kids out of the hood so that they can see a different outlook on life. If Kids only see the same thing, they will keep doing the same thing. The goal should be to open their minds so that they become more diverse and universal.
Interviewer: How do you maintain a balance between your personal and professional life?
Amber Newman: We pray together a lot and I ask God to keep us covered. I always make sure I am home to cook, have dinner with my family and help the kids with homework. I always make time for my family even if I am tired. I also sync my calendar to my husband’s calendar so that we don’t overbook ourselves. Being that my Husband is home now it helps a lot, now he can edge the yard while I cut it. I learned a lot from my in-laws as well. My Mother and Father-in-law been married for over 46 years and worked full-time jobs but does an excellent job in balancing their personal life and professional life.
Interviewer: Any message for emerging entrepreneurs and social service warriors?
Amber Newman: In life, it is important to make an impact. Fulfill your mission, your purpose, and your passion. My ultimate goal as CEO is to level the playing field for all the youth that I serve.
More information about Amber Newman can be found here: http://top30women.com/amber-newman/.
Media Contact
Company Name: Boys and Girls Club
Contact Person: Nicole Wilkerson
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Country: United States
Website: www.bgcbc.com