Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302805
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB, AND WHY YOU CHOSE YOUR CAREER FIELD. My job is to identify, complete and maintain contracts for The Southern Center for Choice Theory. I am also the executive director of C-Qul, a newly formed nonprofit seeking to eliminate barriers to wellness. I am passionate about people and about creating opportunities to right wrongs. I am a firm believer in social justice. ANDREA COOKE, 39 Development Director/Masters Level Clinician, The Southern Center for Choice Theory LLC | Executive Director, C-Qul TELL US ABOUT YOUR ACTIVITIES IN THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY WHAT YOU'RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT. I have been a lifelong volunteer, but I really got excited about nonprofit work when I was volunteering for Peach County Family Connection when I was 19. I was a social work major at Fort Valley State University. I went on to marry an FVSU graduate, have eight children with him and now live and work in Macon. I finished my masters at Mercer University and was accepted into a doctoral program at Antioch University with a focus on social justice. I attended On the Table 2018 and answered the call to get a conversation- to-action grant and was awarded the funding to create Laundry Days. We provide everything a person needs to wash their clothing and in exchange they share with us what we can do to improve our community. I worked with several other women to form Macon Periods Easier, an organization working to end period poverty in Macon and surrounding counties. I also partnered with Helping Mamas out of Atlanta to end diaper need in Macon. I am currently working with the Macon-Bibb Parks and Recreation department on a backpack program to provide art activities and food in partnership with the Mulberry Market. I am also working to bring a Food Co-op to Napier Heights. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED DURING THESE PANDEMIC TIMES? I have learned that we have more work to do. I would be lying if I said I was happy with how people have reacted or behaved during this time. I am sad and I am mad, but these feelings make me want to do something about it! I will continue to ask people to look out for one another and wear a mask. I will continue to confront racism and sexism. "MY GOAL IS TO CHANGE THE LANDSCAPE OF MY COMMUNITY. I WANT THE BEST FOR MY CHILDREN AND THEY ARE ALL MY CHILDREN." -ANDREA COOKE 32 maconmagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020