Becca Sufrin, from Pittsburgh, served with Repair the World Pittsburgh for two years, from 2014-2016 – first as an Education Justice Fellow and then as a Team Leader. She now serves as a Program Committee Member for Repair the World (National). She majored in International Studies at Ohio Wesleyan University, and her time studying U.N. Diplomacy in Geneva led her to discover her passion for local policy. She is currently the Marketing + Engagement Coordinator at 412 Food Rescue.
How would you describe good leadership?
I think good leadership starts with recognizing the power that the leader has and deciding how that power can be used to support and empower others. Good leaders listen actively, lead gently, and prioritize the feelings, needs, and experiences of those around them, especially those who have no access or ability to advocate for themselves.
Why should nonprofits value the leadership of diverse young people? How can nonprofits best support and empower diverse young leaders within their organizations?
Valuing young people means valuing the future; this is as cliché as it is the truth. Each of us are experts in our own lived experience and young people are no different, regardless of where or how long they have been on this earth. If nonprofits – or any company for that matter – do not value their leadership, then they are not operating sustainably. Furthermore, young people bring brand new perspective, vibrant energy and can even reinvigorate organizations entirely.
Changemakers exist everywhere at every age. As we have seen throughout history and in recent months, young people are at the forefront of shifting social movements; from March For Our Lives, to global climate change efforts, to leading protests in response to the verdict from Antwon Rose’s case. If nonprofits want to make lasting change, they should give young people a seat at the table.
Who has supported you along your journey personally and professionally? As a young professional, have you benefited from having mentors?
I would not be where I am today without those who have supported and mentored me along the way. One of the first mentors I remember having a significant impact on my life was my piano teacher of 7 years, Kay Stolarevsky. Even as an elementary school student, I can recall feeling extremely supported, challenged, and respected by an adult who I could completely trust. I believe that having formative experiences at a young age allowed me to feel comfortable to confide in those I trust and admire into adulthood. I am a firm believer in and am a product of the “it takes a village” mentality and fully understand that we do not achieve success or growth – personally or professionally – alone.
What kind of change do you want to see in Pittsburgh? What challenges and opportunities do you see in the Pittsburgh region? How have you helped to lead the change through your work?
One of the biggest changes I would like to see in Pittsburgh and across the country is equity, specifically equitable development. I am grateful for the work already being done by the city, advocacy groups, and nonprofit organizations to make this a more permanent part of our development system. But at the end of the day, I believe that these changes have to start inside of us. Unfortunately, the concept of including everyone, especially low-income residents and communities of color, in neighborhood and economic transformation does not always come second-nature to every decision maker. I want policy makers, developers, and others in power to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a say in how their community is currently operating and how it could flourish in the future.
While I hold Pittsburgh very close to my heart and appreciate its quirks and strengths, change is indeed necessary. I push back on the idea that Pittsburgh is a “most-livable city” and prompt readers to ask “for who?”
At 412 Food Rescue, we seek to address the inequities within the food justice system. Utilizing technology and the generosity of volunteer Food Rescue Heroes, we are able to deliver fresh, healthy food directly to where people already are, bridging the last mile of food access and preventing food waste simultaneously. Furthermore, we work to provide food education tools and resources to those who may not otherwise have access so they can practice and pass on these skills to their networks. I hope that my work as the Marketing + Engagement Coordinator inspires folks to take action, love and listen to each other, and recognize that when we work together, meaningful change is possible.
What advice would you give to a young person who is considering doing a fellowship program like Repair the World?
Do it! Taking a year or two to explore a fellowship experience is a great opportunity to help mold the path ahead of you. Repair the World provided an amazing opportunity to expand upon my passion for social justice and Pittsburgh. While a fellowship experience may not provide all of the career focused answers you’re looking for, it will connect you with like-minded people and initiatives that could change your life.