Volume 2, Issue 8 August 2024

Introducing Volume 2 of the Bridge Builder Collective! We're excited to present The Collective Connector in a fresh look featuring our new colors: purple and gold. Your gateway to a world of connection, collaboration, and community building, each edition brings curated stories, insights, and updates, reflecting our mission to bridge gaps and foster meaningful connections.

Swing into Action: Register Now for the Donald D. Stone Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament! Teams are Filling Up Fast!

We are excited to share that the Donald D. Stone Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament is fast approaching, and team spots are filling up quickly! This premier event, set for Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the beautiful Brainerd Golf Course, promises a day of friendly competition and camaraderie on the greens.

In addition to participating, we are also offering sponsorship opportunities to support a local high school golf team. If your company is unable to join us on the course, consider making a meaningful impact by sponsoring a team of young golfers, allowing them to experience this special event.

Organized in collaboration with The Bridge Builder Collective and the Kappa Iota, Chi Lambda, and Eta Beta Chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., this tournament is more than just a game—it's a chance to make a difference. All proceeds will directly support the programs and initiatives of The Bridge Builder Collective, positively impacting our community.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting day! Register now or consider sponsoring a local high school team by clicking the link below:

Click here to register and/or sponsor

Join us in supporting a cause that truly matters!

"Healthy Living is Misleading" - A Purple & Gold Table Talk Podcast Episode

Check out the latest episode of our Purple & Gold Table Talk Podcast, titled "Healthy Living is Misleading - What Does it Mean to Be Healthy?." Huge thanks to David Ulmer, Winston Tramble, & Chris Mayes for their invaluable contributions to this episode.

Join our community of Purple & Gold Table Talk Enthusiasts to stay in the loop with all the exciting content! Hit that subscribe button to keep up with our latest videos, tutorials, and exclusives.

🔔 How to Subscribe:

1. Visit our YouTube channel by clicking here.

2. Once on the channel, click on the "Subscribe" button below the video.

3. Don't forget to hit the notification bell icon 🔔 to receive instant alerts!

    

Your support means everything to us, and subscribing is the simplest way to show it. Let's embark on this journey together! 🚀

#SubscribeNow #Purple&GoldTableTalk #NeverMissOut

Member Spotlight: Travaar Armstrong

This month, The Bridge Builder Collective is proud to shine the spotlight on our dedicated President, Travaar "Tra" Armstrong. A true leader and community advocate, Tra has made significant contributions not only within our organization but also across the Chattanooga area.

Tra’s commitment to service is evident in his extensive volunteer work. He has played key roles in various organizations, including serving on The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Awards Selection Committee, acting as a Member Advocate for The United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and contributing to The 100 Black Men of Bradley County. Additionally, Tra leads efforts as the Chair of Social Action & Public Affairs for the Kappa Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he continues to drive positive change.

Tra is also a proud 9-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Virginia Army National Guard, where he developed his strong leadership skills and commitment to service that continue to define his work today.

In his professional life, Tra excels as an IT Project Manager for Signet Jewelers, where he leverages his expertise to manage complex projects. He also serves as the Chair of the Events Committee for the Black Employee Network at Signet Jewelers, showcasing his dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. His academic background includes a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Technology and an MBA in Technology Management from Colorado Technical University. Tra’s dedication to continuous learning is also reflected in his numerous certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP), Scrum Master Certification, and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Certification.

Currently, Tra is furthering his leadership journey by participating in the Leadership Chattanooga program through the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, where he is honing his skills to make an even greater impact in our community.

Beyond his professional and volunteer endeavors, Tra is a devoted family man. He is happily married to his wife, Nichole, and together they have a blended family of seven children.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Tra Armstrong at the helm of The Bridge Builder Collective. His passion for service, leadership, and community building embodies the very spirit of our organization. We look forward to witnessing the continued positive influence he will undoubtedly have on our collective mission.

Omega Lamplighters Mentoring Program: Applications Open in November!

We are excited to announce that the application period for the Omega Lamplighters Mentoring Program will open this November! This year, we’ve made some significant updates to the program, ensuring it offers even more value and impact to our participants.

The Omega Lamplighters Mentoring Program has been revamped to span the entire year, allowing for a more comprehensive and enriching experience. We are pleased to confirm that the program will continue to be offered free of charge, making it accessible to all eligible participants.

As part of our new structure, the program will now feature bi-monthly sessions, with one virtual session and one in-person session held each month. This hybrid format is designed to provide flexibility while ensuring that mentees receive consistent, high-quality mentorship.

Please note that attendance is crucial for the success of each participant in this program. Regular participation in both the virtual and in-person sessions is essential to fully benefit from the mentoring experience and to build a strong, supportive community among peers.

Stay tuned for further details on the application process as November approaches. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of Omega Lamplighters and embarking on this transformative journey together!

The Scenic City Football Championship is Coming Soon!

Get ready for the action-packed Scenic City Football Championship, where local high school teams will battle it out for the ultimate prize—the championship trophy! This year, the competition is fierce, as the trophy will be awarded to the team with the best record among three local powerhouses: Brainerd, Howard, and Tyner.

The Scenic City Football Championship is more than just a series of games; it’s a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and school pride. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups, outstanding athletic performances, and an atmosphere that brings everyone together to support their teams.

Stay tuned for more details, including the game schedule and venue information. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and come out to support your favorite team in their quest for the championship. Let’s make this event a memorable celebration of local football talent and community spirit!

Don't miss out—follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and be a part of the Scenic City Football Championship excitement!

Nominate The Bridge Builder Collective for the Annual BEC Awards!

We are thrilled to share an exciting opportunity to highlight the impactful work of The Bridge Builder Collective by nominating us for the annual Black Excellence Awards (BEC Awards) in the "Best Non-Profit" category, sponsored by Chattanooga Business Elite! This recognition would amplify our mission to foster positive change and support our community through various programs and initiatives.

Why Nominate The Bridge Builder Collective?

The Bridge Builder Collective is dedicated to making a meaningful difference by:

• Mentoring Future Leaders: Through the Omega Lamplighter Mentoring Program, we provide guidance and mentorship to young men, fostering leadership and academic success.

• Promoting Education and Growth: We offer scholarships through the Dr. Marvin Lott Scholarship Program and support professional development opportunities, including undergraduate summits and workforce readiness training.

• Engaging the Community: Our initiatives, such as voter registration drives, community awareness campaigns, and the annual Bridge Builder Cookout, aim to educate and empower.

• Supporting Families: Programs like SmartDad Finances and workforce development efforts strengthen families and provide individuals with essential resources.

   

How to Nominate Us

Help us gain recognition by submitting your nomination for The Bridge Builder Collective in the "Best Non-Profit" category:

1. Visit this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BECAwards2025

2. Scroll to Category 57 (Best Non-Profit Category).

3. Enter "The Bridge Builder Collective" in the "Name of Nominee & Company" fields.

4. Provide our website: www.bridgebuildercollective.org.

5. Include our email: contact@bridgebuildercollective.org.

6. Add our phone number: 423-464-6522.

Your Support Matters!

By nominating us, you're helping to raise awareness of our work and ensure we continue making a difference. Thank you for supporting our mission and believing in the power of collective impact.

Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors who have generously supported our initiatives. Your contributions have made a significant impact on the success of our programs and the lives of those we serve.

Thanks to your unwavering commitment and generosity, we are able to continue our mission and make a difference in our community. Whether it’s through sponsoring events, supporting our mentorship programs, or contributing to our collective goals, your partnership is invaluable.

We are truly honored to have you as part of our community, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build a brighter future.

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

TAILORED SPONSORS

GET IN TOUCH