Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nik Yelemali. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Nik thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Echos For Hope’s most impactful project this year was our Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser, which was led by Nik Yelemali. In previous years, our efforts had primarily focused on raising awareness rather than making a tangible difference in our community. However, this year we wanted to do more, so we organized a successful fundraiser by selling doughnuts at our school. We were able to raise over four figures worth of funds, which were donated to the Vanderbilt Breast Cancer research department. In addition to making a financial contribution, we also distributed hundreds of handmade pink ribbons to show support and raise awareness of this important issue. Overall, we are proud to have made a positive impact both in our community and at our high school.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Echos For Hope is one of the largest community service based clubs at Ravenwood High School with over 200 active participants who are dedicated to improving their community through service. Our mission is straightforward: to bring together like-minded individuals who share a passion for service and are committed to making a difference, both within and beyond the walls of our school. We believe that by working together, we can achieve greater success and make a lasting impact on the people and places around us. Through a strong team, led by Nik Yelemali, the Echos For Hope organization allows student’s to have a beneficial environment to be assured of giving back to where they came from. By participating in this organization, students can fulfill their required volunteer hours for college, earn prestigious awards such as the Presidential Service Award, and raise awareness and funds for causes that are important to them. Through the efforts of our dedicated team, we aim to empower students to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most fulfilling aspect of leading Echos For Hope is the opportunity to bring in mentors to speak with the members of the club. Recently, Nik Yelemali, the leader of Echos For Hope, interviewed Chris Whitney, the founder of One Generation Away, the largest non-profit in the Williamson County and Nashville area. Over 50 members attended the conference, eager to learn from a successful business leader. These mentorship opportunities allow students to pursue their goals and aspirations, and have access to guidance from experienced individuals like Mr. Whitney. The fact that Echos For Hope is able to support its members in achieving their dreams is the most rewarding aspect of running the organization.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During the summer of 2022, I was selected to take part in Governor’s School for Technological Innovation and Business Leadership. This program introduced me to a wealth of mentors, classes, and business-minded peers, and proved to be one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Through this program, I learned the skills and strategies necessary to run a successful business or, in my case, a successful club. As the leader of Echos For Hope, I applied the hard skills I learned from college classes and the soft business skills I acquired from my mentors to effectively manage the organization. Overall, my participation in the Governor’s School for Technological Innovation and Business Leadership greatly contributed to my ability to successfully lead Echos For Hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: echosforhope.org
- Instagram: echosforhope
Image Credits
echosforhope Instagram