Since forming in October 2009, members of FLIP (FIU Leaders in Practice) have been regularly meeting to plan an important community service project—a career day of guidance for underprivileged high school students.
Inspirational speakers motivate community service-oriented group.
During a weekend meeting in December, the FLIP team listened to two speakers, Rodrigo Arboleda Halaby, president and CEO, Ibero-America and the Caribbean for the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Association, and motivational speaker Frank Kelly (BBA ’00).
Arboleda spoke of the need to challenge the status quo when implementing a service project. He described how some scoffed at the OLPC idea, ridiculing it as impractical and crazy. However, thanks to determination and cooperation, the project has been a resounding success. Kelly stressed the importance of exuding passion and communicating effectively to effect change.
“Listening to how these great speakers have accomplished things really inspired me to work hard toward our goal,” David Dominguez (BBA ’04) said.
FLIP members directly engage high school students.
Recently FLIP organized interviews with area high school students to get a better understanding of the issues they face. The team spoke to and video-interviewed a group of students.
FLIP members learn about the problems faced by high school students directly from the students themselves.“It was very rewarding to be able to connect with the students and to learn that we can help them in countless ways,” Rosa Rivera, current Professional MBA (PMBA) student, said.
First fundraiser succeeds.
FLIP held its first fundraiser on January 21, 2010 at Graziano’s Brickell. The event attracted many FIU Business alumni and community leaders for a night of networking and reflection on the community service project. The highlight of the night came when a video was displayed showing area high school students discussing their concerns.
“You could really see that the students needed help,” Carlos McGrath (BBA ’07) said. “I think it’s great that we can address the real problems they face about their future prospects.”
“It’s a wonderful and challenging experience,” said Robert Sepulveda (BBA ’05) regarding the community service project.
Despite the positive fundraising effort, FLIP continues to face issues with financial resources and logistics to make the service project a reality.
“We have some scheduling issues regarding transportation with the local high schools and we need to raise more funds to make this happen,” Sepulveda said.