Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam O’Bryant.
Hi Sam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story begins in Greenwood, Mississippi, which is where I was born. Both of my parents are retired educators who believed the power and influence of community. They also believed that we all have something to contribute to a community, something that made the community better.
This mindset created a leadership mentality, as well. So contributing wasn’t enough. Leadership was necessary, too. This pushed me to step up when needed or to push someone else along if they were better suited for the task.
After graduating from high school in 1997, I attended Alcorn State University. Shortly after graduation, I moved to Little Rock, Arkansas and began working with youth programs. I developed or expanded programs focused on ACT test prep, youth financial literacy, and youth employment. I think this is where I found my calling. Since doing this work, every step along my career path has been connected to youth programs or community development.
When I moved to Memphis in 2012, I worked with SchoolSeed Foundation, which was a close partner to legacy Memphis City Schools. Following the school district merger, I positioned SchoolSeed as the leader in promoting conversations rooted in educational equity. This resulted in expanding college fairs featuring HBCUs and hosting speaker series about Black male achievement.
After SchoolSeed, I stepped into the CEO role at Literacy Mid-South. I expanded the organization’s operational budget and hired more than 160 tutors, ensuring 4,500 students in over 30 elementary schools met grade-level reading standards. My leadership resulted in Literacy Mid-South procuring nearly $16 million in grant funds. I was also the first Black person to serve as CEO of Literacy Mid-South in its 50 year history.
Now, I serve as the President and CEO of BRIDGES USA. At BRIDGES, we encourage youth in grades 6-12 learn to step outside their comfort zones and seek out diverse perspectives. They also hone crucial real-world skills like communication, problem-solving, and decision-making as they explore effective citizenship and social responsibility. I am the first Black person to serve as President & CEO of BRIDGES in its 100+ year history.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always bumps in the road for any journey. But most, if not all, can be overcome. If I were to list a challenge, I’d think that COVID presented short-term and long-term challenges across several sectors.
Because COVID required us to social distance, this created challenges for fundraising, program delivery, and community outreach. We did make several adjustments as much of our work moved into the virtual and online space. However, when students returned to school, there were learning adjustments.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
BRIDGES’s mission is to unite and inspire diverse young people to become confident and courageous leaders committed to community transformation. This organization has been around for a little more than 100 years.
At BRIDGES, we encourage youth in grades 6-12 learn to step outside their comfort zones and seek out diverse perspectives. They also hone crucial real-world skills like communication, problem-solving, and decision-making as they explore effective citizenship and social responsibility.
Bridge Builders programs don’t stop at diversity appreciation and leadership development, they challenge youth to apply those skills to make meaningful and lasting impacts on schools, neighborhoods, and city through the Youth Action Center, councils, and boards.
How do you think about happiness?
My family… my wife and kids.
Why? Our life is non-stop silliness! I love how we share, play, and joke with each other. When my family is happy and smiling, it makes me smile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bridgesusa.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teambridges477
