Photographs by William Taufic.
Organizations
Person-to-Person (P2P), Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Delta Sigma Theta Inc.
Inspiration
“In high school, I was involved in Urban League and Youth NAACP. I was president of a club that did community service,” explains Rebecca Wilson. “As life would have it, I got pregnant at eighteen and got involved in community organizations that were helpful to me, as I was trying to parent as a teenage mother. I wanted to give back to the same people who helped me.”
“Now, seeing others on the other side, I know I’m making a difference. I know what can happen when your life is changed. The need is endless. As long as I can give and have the energy to give, I’m going to give. I’m motivated by my own experience and by the results: When you see people smile when they get what they need and it’s the bare minimum, like hand-me-downs, that’s the world for those kids. I remember that feeling.”
Courage in Action
A P2P Scholar herself, Rebecca got her bachelor’s degree in social work at Sacred Heart, her master’s at Fordham, and an advanced degree in counseling at Fairfield University. She works as a guidance counselor at Stamford High School and has devoted herself to guiding young people. She has been on the board of P2P for eight years and is completing her term as president. She has served as VP on the Executive Committee and as Scholarship Committee Chair, managing $1 million in scholarship grants.
P2P Executive Director Ceci Maher says, “Rebecca is one of the most selfless and committed members of the P2P Board. Her focus has always been on providing support, stability and opportunity for P2P clients. Through her professional career and volunteer activities, Rebecca is making a difference in the lives of others; and in doing so, she is enriching the larger community.”
Rebecca also serves on the finance committee and scholarship ministry at her church and as audit chair for Delta Sigma Theta Inc.
Hopes & Dreams
“I want all of the organizations I work with to grow to their fullest potential and serve as many people as possible, because the world needs it,” says Rebecca. “The most important element is the humanity; each person involved needs to bring the human touch. That needs to remain the same, no matter how many people you serve.”