Helping the youth of today become strong members of society, now and in the future, is very important to Aurelia Spaulding. Finding an organization like Light of Chance fit right into her plans to continue reaching out to her community.
“When Lauren Cunningham [first Light of Chance board of directors’ chairperson] asked me to join the board, she spoke very highly of it,” Spaulding said. “I had known the founder, Eric [Logan], from college, and so I looked into it. I looked at everything it stood for and its programming, and it seemed to align well with my interests and my values. I thought I could definitely contribute to the team.”
Aurelia received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Kentucky University. She earned a Volunteer Management Certificate from the Center for Nonprofit Management and she utilizes her Leadership Certificate from WKU by serving with several community organizations and planning committees. In addition, Aurelia served 10 years on the National Board of Directors for Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc.
Now, five years later into her Light of Chance commitment, she has stepped up as the newest chairperson for the board of directors.
“It is really important to me to be able to utilize whatever experience, knowledge or skills I have to contribute to the world having better communities,” she said. “A key part of that is preparing our youth to have the life they would like to live.”
Light of Chance serves the youth in the community through programs such as Breathe Youth Arts, Get Set Go Wellness and Teen Summits. These programs offer middle and high school students the chance to thrive in a supportive fine arts environment. They also learn skills that transfer to their everyday lives such as cooperation, teamwork and service to others.
“Serving on the board, and being in the chair position, allows me to utilize my skills and experiences in a way that I hope will somehow contribute to youth and families. Hopefully it allows interested youth and families to be able to participate in activities and learn and interact with individuals in a way that ultimately leads to living a better life.”
As chairperson of the board of directors, Spaulding now serve as the chief volunteer officer and leads the board in its work. She serves in partnership with Logan in achieving Light of Chance’s mission to serve the youth and community through innovative arts and wellness programs.
She also monitor financial planning and reports, plays a leading role in fundraising activities and ensure the board plays a key role in strategic planning.
“I think we all have a role in supporting each other, and so I want to do what I can when I can to the best of my ability to work with other people.”
Spaulding has been an advocate for her community for many years through raising awareness, encouraging community partnerships, and promoting community engagement. This is seen through her 10-year career in communications and marketing and four years teaching adjunct at Western Kentucky University and her community involvement. Previously, at the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships, she coordinated and promoted meaningful service events and programming. Now, she continues to advance the marketing efforts of WKU in the Division of Public Affairs.
During her years as a member of the board, Spaulding has seen many challenges to the program, but she believes they’ve worked together for the greater good.
“Sometimes, you have to remind yourself of all the great things going on,” she said. “I have been glad to see the growth with the Breathe program and that Eric has been able to secure grant funding consistently over the years. I think most importantly, what I am grateful for and pleased with is how the program continues to impact the youth in our area.”
Her goal now is to see the program reach out even further.
“I would like to see an increase in funding which will allow us to have opportunities for more youth to be involved and to further develop and expand our programming,” she said. “I would also like to see an increase in volunteers and support for the program. I have a very diverse skill set and background and experiences that allow me to lead in this role with an understanding of key aspects of what’s necessary to see Light of Chance grow and further accomplish its mission.”
Even with her years of working with organizational and strategic planning, employee training, evaluation and assessment, communications, and community relations, she still realizes the most important aspect of any organization.
“I recognize that everything we do with Light of Chance is a team effort. The board will work together, and the staff will work together. We are only successful together. That’s important to youth and families we serve. I think together that can really contribute to broadening awareness for Light of Chance, building relationships for people in our communities and hopefully gaining support and increasing finances so we can provide greater programming to the youth and families we serve.”