BGV Gives Newest Addition – Callison Strey
It’s with great pleasure that BGV Gives welcomes a new staff member to the team – Callison Strey, Community Impact Programs Coordinator.
What motivated you to join the BGV Gives team, and how does the mission of the organization align with your personal values?
The strong sense of community in Breckenridge and Summit County aligns with BGV Gives mission to honor Rob Millisor’s Legacy through local philanthropy. Living in Breckenridge for almost 12 years, I believe that strong community connections fuel both personal and professional growth and it’s an honor to be a part of the Community Impact and BGV Gives team that invests in its people just as much as it invests in its community.
As a new team member, what aspects of BGV Gives’ initiatives or programs have stood out to you the most, and why?
BGV Gives’ diverse initiatives are impressive, but the ones focused on environmental stewardship and employee volunteerism resonate most with me. Seeing our colleagues dedicate their time and skills to local nonprofits, like the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, is so inspiring. Coming from a sustainability background and being an avid trail user, I am impressed by our initiatives to care for our trails and empower employees to make a positive impact.
How do you envision contributing to the ongoing success of BGV Gives? Are there specific projects or areas you are particularly excited to work on?
I look forward to our new grant platform launching in the Fall of 2024. It will streamline and enhance our partnerships with existing nonprofits, while opening doors to new collaborations. I can’t wait to apply my skills to optimize outreach and build relationships that amplify BGV Gives’ impact. Learning from Tara’s local philanthropy expertise will be invaluable in this process, and together, we’ll ensure Rob Millisor’s legacy thrives through strategic growth and sustained impact.
In your experience so far, how have you seen the impact of BGV Gives on the community, and what role do you believe the organization plays in making a positive difference?
Being part of the fall grant cycle gave me a deeper understanding of BGV Gives’ transformative impact. Witnessing the diverse needs and inspiring projects presented by grant applicants opened my eyes to the breadth of challenges and aspirations within our community. BGV Gives plays a crucial role in bridging these gaps, fostering growth, and empowering local organizations to make a genuine difference in the lives of countless individuals.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it to make the world a better place?
If I were to have a superpower, I’d opt for something like Cupid, but instead of love arrows, I’d shoot arrows at those in need of a boost of happiness or positivity, aiming to make the world a brighter place.
Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show that you find yourself recommending to others often?
My favorite movie is The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It’s not just a movie; it reflects my own aspirations to break free from routine and embrace the unknown in physical, personal, and professional journeys. And it has an astounding soundtrack!
A book I often recommended to my colleagues is “Let My People Go Surfing” by Yvon Chouinard, environmentalist and owner of Patagonia Outdoor Clothing & Gear. It’s a captivating story of his unique leadership style and how Patagonia has thrived by prioritizing employee well-being and environmental responsibility, proving that “business unusual” can be the key to long-term growth.
