Introducing our new Marketing and Communications Manager
Meet Dallas and learn more about his role
Dallas joined optiMize’s full-time staff in May as the new Marketing and Communications manager. As a prior Cohort IX Fellow, receiving funding for his project Funding for Foster Youth, and a Mellon Fellow with Community Partnerships, Dallas has been an integral part of the optiMize community. We are so excited to introduce you all to Dallas McGhee-Henry to learn more about his journey at the University of Michigan, vision for the Creative Team, and why he joined the opti-team.
When did you first hear about optiMize?
I first heard about optiMize from Colleen Towler, a hub coach, when I transferred to the University of Michigan. I was looking for a way to get involved on campus as a transfer student and she gave me Katie Avila's, optiMize’s former Community Partnerships Manager, email when the application went live for new Mellon Fellows as Transfer Bridge Leaders. Katie responded to me very quickly and helped me with the application— I was interested!! Not only did I need a job, but I also wanted to get involved on campus.
Why are you interested in social innovation, especially as it relates to storytelling and creative work?
I've always been interested in this kind of work but didn't know what to call it. I've been interested in storytelling since I was 10 years old. It wasn't until recently that I found the reason I'm so into storytelling and it’s because a good story can really change the way I think about things. There is great power in personal stories that tap into impactful experiences. Through stories I learned so much and, more importantly, I've unlearned so much more and added to my knowledge. I want to be part of the change by writing and supporting unique and impactful stories to inspire teaching others how to change the way they might think about social topics.
How does optiMize's mission (i.e. entrepreneurship, social innovation, why not me?) supplement or add to the college experience?
Ever since High School, I've always told myself "I can do anything that anyone else can do or has done." I'm still a firm believer of that statement even though I'm aware that because I'm a Black man, I will have to work much harder to accomplish similar goals of some of my peers but none of this discourages me. If anything, systemic issues motivate me to prove others wrong by asking myself, "Why Not Me?"
What inspires you?
Anyone who has been and underdog, trying to make ends meet, trying to be their best selves, and trying to live a life. The most inspirational people are those who show humanity in the most authentic ways and who know what it means to struggle but always continue to fight, regardless of what that fight looks like. Bonus points for kindness and selflessness of course.
How do you see Creative Team growing?
It would be so insane if optiMize's Creative team can do more work with alumni engagement through creative exposure and storytelling like "where are they now?" I love the community that optiMize has and would love to see how optiMize can continuously support projects, leadership, mentors and anyone else who has participated in our community. I think it would also be cool to support social change efforts outside of the challenge to further uplift communities. I think that would be amazing to have our brand attached to!
I'm excited to continue to work with passionate, fun, and just straight up nice people who are working hard to change the world. I'm excited to cheer along my team as much as I can and be there for students!
Is there anything else you would like the optiMize community to know about you?
optiMize has completely saved and changed my life. I was in a very low place before I joined this organization. This experience has solidified itself as a core memory in my life. I love optiMize! I appreciate everything in which this organization has done for me. I've met the best people, worked on projects that challenged me and I am still learning new things all because of this organization, both personal and professional. Thank you all for being my friend.
If you’d like to chat with Dallas, feel free to sign up for his office hours or stop by the optiMize office!