Hi COR friends,
Eight years ago, I attended my first COR event as a sophomore in college and a relative newbie to Columbia. I was blown away by the immediate community I felt in that room. It was a big event–the 10th Anniversary Celebration–so everyone was excited. There were so many people there: nonprofit leaders, small business owners, public servants, philanthropists, journalists & communications professionals, professors, general do-gooders. And somehow they all seemed to know each other. To my benefit, I was at the only table full of students, which seemed to make us a rare commodity at the event. Luckily, I had one of those cool professors who invited my peers and me out to all the fun, local events. The expectation was to practice our networking skills in exchange for dinner outside of the dining hall. Our table got a lot of love and attention. People seemed genuinely excited, maybe surprised, to see students buttoned up on a Thursday night, mixing and mingling (I’m not sure they were aware of the bargain struck between our professor and us). Even so, our small group of students quickly realized this fun, local event had a lot to offer.
All those aforementioned professionals knew each other and wanted to get to know us too. We were shepherded from one group to the next, meeting and talking with these very cool people with very cool jobs and experiences. Folks who had grown up in Columbia, some who hadn’t, and many who started in Columbia, left, and boomeranged back. All who wanted to learn about us and our interests, too. A few of them had spent the last decade building and growing the organization we were then celebrating: Columbia Opportunity Resource, a nonprofit with a mission to bring amazing and diverse people together to build community and connect our region. We’ve grown a lot in eight years: we’ve got a new brand, new members, new leadership, new goals, even a new tagline. But the heart and community and passion I felt then is the same energy we run on now. At that 10th Anniversary Celebration, I met someone who would soon thereafter offer me a job and become my boss at my first “real” job. We’re still in touch. Later on, I ended up interning for one of COR’s board members; it turned out to be one of the best networking experiences I’ve had. Right after college, I was looking for friends and belonging and knew exactly where I’d find it. And so here I am, right where I (kind of) started in Columbia and where I’ve felt the most connected and valued. If I have any goal for this year, it’s to create opportunities where you feel that sense of community, too.
I can’t believe we’re kicking off a new year already. And I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to lead it alongside a fabulous group of go-getters. We’ve got some really exciting events and programs coming your way–a good blend of our staples (looking at you, Table for Sixers) and new, insider experiences (sharing soon!). I hope you’re a part of all of it. And that you bring some friends. We’ve always got room for more action team members, who help us create, plan, and execute, and cheerleaders, who join us at the events and make newcomers feel welcome. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, and whatever you’re interested in, our team wants to help you find your place. COR connects Columbia, and that looks a little differently to all of us.
Lastly and most importantly, I wouldn’t be a good steward of this chairship without encouraging any readers who’ve made it this far to consider starting or renewing their COR membership to unlock all this fun, a real bargain for the experiences, access and friendships it yields. I know for me, this opportunity, and the people it brings, has been priceless.
—
Lauren Fleming
COR Board Chair 2023-2024
P.S. To Chase, Ashley & Kelsey, my COR predecessors and coaches, thank you for leaving such big shoes to fill and for believing that we can fill them.
