Meet Jessica Goldbourn
Jessica Goldbourn is Neighborhood Network Manager for Habitat for Humanity of Summit County. This work has her forging partnerships between Habitat and the community to foster both business and personal relationships with the residents to ensure a more happy and prosperous city for everyone who lives here. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and German Translation from Kent State University and has traveled extensively to champion life long learning and the study of art. Jessica has worked with many local non-profits and is proud to be a part of their legacy as they continue to raise funds for Akron’s cultural scene. Additionally, she gives of her time with smaller volunteer projects that peak her interest throughout the year. Jessica is WSET certified and takes great pleasure in continued wine and culinary education to complement her work in the community.
Learn more about Jessica here
Fun Fact?
I can cook crab boils over a campfire!
What motivates you at work?
I love the fact that we work locally and are able to see all the happy faces of folks whose lives we help to enrich.
What’s your favorite local spot? And why? (in Summit County)
The Summit County Metro Parks and CVNP. I love being outside.
What do you love most about your community?
There is so much to do here. I never get bored.
What does ‘community’ mean to you?
Folks coming together for a shared common purpose
Meet Rob Doerschuk
I’m Rob Doerschuk, the Southern Summit County Neighborhood Network Manager. I arrived at Habitat after a career in education and educational nonprofits. I grew up in Canton as one of seven siblings and now live in Green. I’m currently also a high school tennis coach. I’m loving getting to know the communities in Southern Summit County!
Learn more about Rob here
Fun Fact?
I have been to over 50 pro baseball stadiums across the country.
What motivates you at work?
I believe in our mission and my co-workers! Across each of our departments, I sense a common genuine care for the communities and people we serve.
What’s your favorite local spot? And why? (in Summit County)
Blossom! I’ve had the lawn pass to see every show the past couple years.
What do you love most about your community?
My favorite thing about my community are the pleasant exchanges I have with neighbors. I love running and walking- as do many in my community- and the people on the roads and trails are fun to talk to!
What does ‘community’ mean to you?
Community is a collective reflection of personality. I believe community is an amalgam of what makes a group of people unique and how common interests align to reflect distinctive traits, including physical spaces, interests, and common goals.
Meet Arell Tee
I am a local community organizer who moved to Akron 3.5 years ago. I moved to Akron for an opportunity of public service as an AmeriCorps Vista at The Well CDC, where I fell in love with the city, its people, and its capacity for change. In my previous roles, I was able to hear directly from Akronites on their needs and wants. From affordable housing insecurity to environmental sustainability to health and educational outcomes, people want to solve these issues. Now, I have focused on neighborhood revitalization as a Neighborhood Network Manager at Habitat for Humanity of Summit County to help deliver resources and opportunities to continue impactful work. The underlying theme that I learned was the need for a more responsive and engaging ecosystem for communities to grow, thrive, and feel empowered. Something as simple as having a conversation with a neighbor goes a long way in understanding how to best serve a community. I want to continue this work and have these important conversations to build a community where everyone can thrive.
Learn more about Arell here
What motivates you at work:
Just always living by the motto, what would Rob do?
What is your favorite local spot:
Southern Comfort Kitchen In Highland Square, they have the best food!
What do you love most about your community?
I love the capacity for change and the collective desire to make the community a better place.
What does ‘community’ mean to you?
Community means coming together for each other. It is working to ensure everyone has every opportunity they need to grow and thrive.
Want to learn more about Neighborhood Network?
!