Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Pike.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m originally from Raleigh and attended East Carolina University, where I earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in dance, the latter motivating me to relocate to Chicago shortly after graduation. In addition to modern dance performance and teaching, I found work in the world of independent and custom publishing with companies such as Unscene Urban Navigator and Guerrero Howe. Somewhere within those strangely overlapping spheres, I discovered—and fell in love with—Chicago’s burgeoning coffee industry. Soon I embarked on my own coffee career, beginning as a barista and sales administrator for Hubbard and Cravens in Indianapolis, and taking positions with Whole Foods as a coffee buyer and Centerplate Food & Beverage. Then, when my spouse and I decided we could not weather another midwestern winter, we moved back to Raleigh, and I joined Larry’s Coffee, a certified B Corporation, where I took a special interest in building community fundraising events and expanding the brand’s nonprofit-benefitting Coffees For a Cause collection.
Because of my interest in the nonprofit organization partners, I decided to tackle a Non-Profit Management Graduate Certificate program at NC State University. I continued my work with nonprofits as a board member for the International Women’s Coffee Alliance and the North Carolina Specialty Foods Association. I also co-founded the Raleigh Chapter of The Handsome Ladies, a 501(c)3 supporting women in bluegrass, and I participate in monthly bluegrass jams (while attempting to sing as little as possible). Now, I am happily at home as a part of the Activate Good team, where I get to interact with myriad nonprofit partners across the Triangle, sending them the volunteer support they need to fulfill their missions.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I dabbled in a variety of career paths along my way, and I often felt like I didn’t have a true focus. But all my experience got me to where I am today, and I learned a lot about a lot of things! The throughline is human connection, which I experience through dance, teaching, communication/media, and coffee. These connections paved the way for me to be able to feel comfortable chatting with all types of people, which comes in handy when working in fundraising for a nonprofit.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am interested in all sorts of activities and people, and I love supporting those who are taking risks and trying to make the world a better place. I never thought I’d end up in sales, but coffee was an easy gateway, and I realized that sales is all about organization and communication – and that human connection. That has lent itself well to my work as a fundraiser. Whether I’m planning events, sending thank you cards, or asking people for financial support, there is a way to communicate that enriches my life and the lives of others.
What’s next?
I am firmly planted in the nonprofit sector now, having just finished my Nonprofit Management Certificate program. I was lucky to find a job doing what I love at an organization that is doing good in the community. Every day, I feel like I get to contribute to improving the community, seeing the good work organizations are doing, and interacting with folks who want to help. I would love to continue to meet more people along the way that want to help and assist them in finding ways that fit their lifestyle and personality. We all have a role to play in making the world better!
Contact Info:
- Email: lee@activategood.org
- Website: www.activategood.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activategood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activategood/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/activategood
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ActivateGood
Image Credits
Bisi Cameron Yee – Look for the Helpers project https://activategood.org/helpers
