“I believe we all have a responsibility to make the world we live in a better place to live, work, and play.”
Who is Lynn Pinder? What drives the ever persistent community force?
I am a sister, aunt, friend, author, educator, and entrepreneur. My faith and love for God is the consistent force behind my activism and outreach in the community. I believe we all have a responsibility to make the world we live in a better place to live, work, and play.
What was your first foray into community service?
I can remember at the age of 12 going out with one of my older sisters to pass out flyers about a youth talent show sponsored by the Baltimore chapter of the NAACP. My sister and I were accompanied by the Youth Director who drove us around to different neighborhoods throughout the city. When we pulled onto a street, the Youth Director would blast his music and all of us would jump out the car to distribute the flyers. It was so much fun. On the day of the talent show, a few people told me that they came because I had given them a flyer. That memory has always stuck with me, and I think it was my first taste of community activism.
In what field did you receive your bachelor’s degree?
I earned my bachelor’s of arts from the College of Notre of MD. My major was political science.
Did you think that upon your graduation from Notre Dame that you would pursue owning your own non-profit organization (youth warriors) and that it would have reached the success that it did garner?
I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation, and I definitely never thought about the idea of launching a youth organization. I thought at first that I would eventually attend law school. However, I didn’t score well on the LSAT so I thought that if I got involved in community work then it would offset my low test scores and make my application more attractive to law schools. Upon graduation from Notre Dame, I was hired to work as an intern for two lobbyists at a national nonprofit association located in Washington, DC. Over the next three years, I would work for several national nonprofit organizations in DC. Throughout this time, I met great people who connected me to some really great resources. One was the opportunity to receive a seed grant to launch a nonprofit youth organization.
Where is Youth Warriors today?
Although I launched and ran the youth organization (YOUTH WARRIORS) for seven years with amazing success, it no longer exists as an organization today. However, I believe the spirit and mantra of the organization is alive and flourishing in the young people whose lives were positively impacted by their participation in the program.
You have been an inspiration to many, youth and adult alike. What gives you the strength to be such a strong leader?
Wow, thanks. I have to say that my love for God keeps me grounded and whole. Over the years, I have learned to understand the lessons that are present in both my failures and my successes. I have learned to take responsibility for my shortcomings and to push pass challenges. I see barriers as opportunities to make me better – both personally and professionally. I have to admit that sometimes I don’t feel so strong, but my faith helps me put things in perspective and not become overburdened with doubt and insecurities.
How did it make you feel to be selected as an Essence Magazine’s online community leader of the day?
It was an honor and a great surprise to be selected as one of EssenceMagazine.com’s Community Leaders of the Day. I so appreciated the acknowledgement and was extremely thankful for the recognition.
Do you feel that the president's day of service was a success? What was the purpose for the day?
Yes, the President’s National Day of Service at Franklin Square Elementary/Middle School was a great success! On January 19, 2009, I helped to coordinate the President’s National Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Franklin Square Elementary School in Baltimore, MD. This service event was an opportunity for individuals to give back to the community and to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite the snowy weather, over 200 volunteers (business owners, college students, high school students, teachers, and other community leaders came out to clean and paint the school. Additionally, several businesses and nonprofits donated food, cleaning supplies, and paint. It was an awesome day!
What are your current community endeavors?
I am working with The Power Magazine in Baltimore, MD to launch The Power Business Resource Center to help Christian entrepreneurs launch and sustain entrepreneurial projects. I also teach Adult Basic Education/GED classes for several community-based organizations, as well as a local community college.
