We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fitzgerald Mofor, MLS a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Fitzgerald, thanks for joining us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?
During my time at the Maryland General Assembly I’ve experienced a multitude of moments that illustrate an important lesson that I wasn’t privy to. The lesson I learned that stood out the most was how much community advocacy for downtrodden individuals can be fulfilling and most importantly dire. Prior to testifying on Senate Bill 312, I understood that advocacy is an incumbent practice of community service, however I did not understand the nuances behind public advocacy. Instituting legislation to remedy the inequities marginalized individuals face through policy is crucial. Previously I was once a slacktivists, under the interpretation that social media advocacy would suffice. Once I worked in the Maryland General Assembly and testified on bills, my perspective changed completely. I testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee to eliminate the sunset date on a Tax Clinics Bill that allows state funds to be dispersed to three Law Institutions. (UBalt Law, MD Carey Law, MD Volunteer Lawyer Services). Said law institutions will provide state tax reconciliation to low income Marylanders. Senate Bill 312 – Tax Clinics Bill unanimously passed through the Budget & Taxation committee, passed through both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly and will be signed by Governor Wes Moore. Conclusively, my time at the Maryland General Assembly taught me that policy and legislation is paramount regarding structural change in a society and can be used as a catalyst to counter act disenfranchisement.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
First and foremost I must state that I am enamored by community servitude and advocacy. Over the years, giving back to my community is a burning passion of mine that has my undivided attention. Prior to, I spent my time as a collegiate athlete and football coach at the high school level. Albeit my career in athletics was successful, I was unfulfilled and desired much more. This desire for a path outside of athletics percolated once I spent a year coaching football in impoverished parts of Mobile, Alabama. At this time I became consciously aware of the constructs of disenfranchisement and marginalization. There’s a large discrepancy in the wealth gap between working class Americans and their elitist counterparts which is vastly growing. Illiteracy, governmental dependency, brazen crime, the lack of nutritious meals, inadequate housing infrastructure, lack of adequate health care and poor transportation infrastructure continuously plagues our inner cities and rural communities. I am most proud of being demonstrably motivated by being a bastion of change and counteracting such issues. Through the reconstitution of the nuclear family, strengthening our educational and economic infrastructure, socioeconomic upward mobility is imminent for working class Americans.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Networking. Albeit one can insinuate that networking is a cliche strategy for growing your clientele, they cannot state that it is ineffective. As for me, my clientele comprises of interest groups, politicians, non profits and zealous community activists that are serious about proliferating effectual change. Via networking, I am able to meet new individuals I can partner with who are likeminded and want to push for change. Network, network, network. It is the surest pathway to growth in your endeavors.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I am heavily engaged in endeavors they are participating in and ask to join as a volunteer. Moreover, if said clients are hosting fundraising opportunities I make sure I contribute as much as I possibly can.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitzgeraldmofor/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitzgerald-mofor-mls-a10a7b165/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FitzgeraldMofor/videos