Bronlynn is a downtown Akronite through and through. Her first Stay at Home portrait was captured outside of her apartment building, the former YMCA located downtown. Her second portrait was captured just around the corner, at Lock 4 park, one of her frequented spots where she can be caught reading a book while enjoying a coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters.
For Bronlynn, the pandemic has allowed her to spend time better understanding herself and realize what fuels her. Additionally, she has taken time to discover how to find, and refine, her voice in the world.
“I’m forever a student, especially on the topic of community building,” said Bronlynn. “I have a greater passion for equity and justice for all sectors.” Her passions shine through her work (both on and off the clock). As a program officer at the GAR foundation, Bronlynn works with a wide range of non-profits, her main focuses are: economic and workforce development and education.
“As adults, we can remember the field trips we took and the memorable experiences we had as students,” said Bronlynn. “A lot of historically marginalized students don’t have that opportunity. GAR funded a program called Essential Experiences which enables all APS students between pre-K and 5th (excluding K) to have those opportunities with 6 arts and cultural institutions.” Bronlynn continued to share some of the work she has passionately been a part of with the GAR Foundation during the pandemic. “I helped develop the program “Know COVID” to better connect our hospitals with our neighborhoods.” The GAR Foundation teamed up with seven neighborhood organizations: Akron Urban League, LINKS Community Services, North Akron CDC, Project Ujima, South Street Ministries, Love Akron and ArtsNow. "We know that our investment will not solve the long-standing systemic inequities, but we believe that this is a small step in the right direction to combat misinformation and build trust between the health systems and the community they serve," said Bronlynn.
Her intentional work didn’t stop at the office, she has taken time to expand equity work in other areas of her life as well. “I live my life by these three pillars: Never stop creating. Never stop learning. Continue to help others,“ said Bronlynn. “I started a book club that focuses on historically marginalized authors. We meet every month. Also, my friend and I just started a hiking group for Black women. We wanted to create this group because Black and Brown communities are often excluded from outdoor groups.”
Bronlynn continues to live her life by her three pillars while balancing self care. “Mental health and support for mental health is important to me,” Said Bronlynn. “Life is hard, this world is tough. Being able to navigate it in a healthy way is crucial.”
