Dear VOX family,
One thing that is always true working alongside young people is that we are often paying attention to and honoring transitions. Change is a fact of life that we celebrate as VOX teens join the staff, get involved as content creators and facilitators and then transition into alums. Change is a fact of life that we lift up when leadership shifts and seasons change.
It is in that spirit that we want to highlight this moment of transition for VOX. Our community is getting ready to return to hybrid programming in August, we’re kicking off a search for our next Executive Director and welcoming a new board chair into leadership. It is a time full of possibility. Read on for the highlights and updates!
In the spirit of VOX,
Susan Landrum
Executive Director
Transition Update
Susan Landrum, who has served as VOX’s Executive Director since March 2017, will officially move out of her role on July 30, 2021. Allison Hood, VOX’s current Associate Director, will step up as Interim ED through the transition. There is a committee of committed VOX teens, board members and staff in place to support all aspects of the transition, including the search and hire of the next Executive Director. The hiring process will be uniquely VOXy — teen-driven, participatory and fun! We’re grateful for all of the leadership a transition like this takes and a special thank you to Allison for ensuring VOX doesn’t skip a beat.
Board Chair Spotlight
We couldn’t talk about this transition without shining a spotlight on the baton being passed at the board level as well. Tania Dowdy, VOX board chair and alumna, is bringing this chapter of her leadership to a close after serving on the board for six years and most recently navigating VOX through the pandemic and the start of an executive transition. We are profoundly grateful for her energy and grounding spirit. We are also grateful that Tania has prepared Christina Zdanowicz to step into this role. Christina was introduced to VOX as a volunteer in 2009 and stepped onto the board in 2016. She has brought her unique perspective as a working journalist and mentor and passion for VOX’s mission into all that she does.
Read on to learn more about these powerful VOX leaders.
VOX Spotlight: Tania Dowdy
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Reading minds because I am just that nosy.
What’s your favorite “afterschool” snack? Classic goldfish
If you really knew me, you would know…I am a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
In six words, what does it mean to be VOXy? Always showing up as you are.
What do you want people to know about VOX? VOX builds today’s leaders
Why should our community support VOX? Because VOX is the place where so many teens find and develop their voice in many capacities. It’s important for this org to exist for years to come to continue to provide a safe space to support pivotal storytelling.
VOX Spotlight: Christina Zdanowicz
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Teleportation. It’d be so cool to travel the world in a snap.
What’s your favorite “afterschool” snack? Cereal, no milk, eaten out of a coffee mug. Cheerios and Rice Krispies are my favorites.
If you really knew me, you would know…I am passionate about mentoring and helping the next generation of journalists, whether it’s working with teens or college students.
In six words, what does it mean to be VOXy? Be open-minded and welcome all
What do you want people to know about VOX? VOX is a safe space for all teens to come together, share ideas and produce stories that matter. It’s more than a place that values journalism. VOX is where teens get to express their voices and learn how to be the leaders of today and the future,
Why should our community support VOX? Teen voices matter! I am continually blown away by the brilliant thoughts and words of VOX teens. The world needs to hear what they have to say.
We’ll Be Together Again!
Stay tuned for more information but VOX is preparing and looking forward to a return to our downtown newsroom in August. We remain committed to the health and safety of the VOX community. We’ll offer small group programming with virtual options and look forward to designing innovative opportunities that bring together youth-development and virtual programming best practices.
Today, June 30th, is the last day of our fiscal year! Please consider making a financial gift to support VOX as we prepare to return to in-person programming. You donate online, through our Facebook fundraiser, or by sending a check to 229 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30303.
