Do #WhateverItTakes to Know Global Tassels
There are two types of people in this world: Thinkers and Doers. Now, the battle between each side’s effectiveness is one as old as a stick of gum stuck on the side of a subway seat. And if you’re from New York, you know that’s old... very, very old. They say Thinkers have the brainpower, the creativity, and vision. While the Doers have the will power, the courage, and the action. Both have been up in arms trying to claim their way as “the best” in achieving success.
But I wanted to know, “what for?” There had to be a group of individuals who shared my perspective on using both brain and brawn. People who walk the walk and talk the talk with mutual confidence and passion. Little did I know, they would find me before I find them. I guess a couple of angels who looked over college students during ‘The Hunger Games’ (formally known as Class Registration Period) directed me to take a class in which, Dr. Elvin T. Ramos taught. Aside from being a professor with spunk and great wisdom, he is also the Founder, President and CEO of a non-profit called Global Tassels (GT). Right then and there, I knew there was a reason why our paths crossed.
Not long after my semester finished, I was welcomed as a new team member of GT. Having worked alongside Dr. Ramos and other team members, I truly believe that this is a group of Thinkers AND Doers. It would be selfish and a complete injustice if I didn’t share who we are, what we do, and the untold stories of our organization. And what better way than hearing it from the captain of our ship himself, Dr. Ramos:
“We are the most diverse, eclectic, passionate, global-minded, and service-oriented group of Think Tankers from New York City and Washington.”
Global Tassels is home to some of the most dedicated individuals you’ll ever meet. And I’m not being bias in saying so, I mean, just sit through one of our staff meetings and I’m sure any definition of the term “dedication” will manifest right before your eyes. Ideas bounce back and forth like a ping pong ball hitting the paddle. And no matter how many are thrown on our table, we keep on going. That’s who we are, we are a team.
“We think, we create, we volunteer, and we do it for others.”
Team members have the energy, mindset, and willingness to make a change. We serve as a bridge to others. Not only do we function as connectors both locally and internationally, but we fill in gaps with every trip, volunteer work, and idea. This is what makes Global Tassels unique. Our ideas and actions are driven by long term impact and not just temporary solutions. We serve people and there is no numerical system out there that can measure the importance of an individual. We do it for others because that’s what humanity is about.
“I remember thinking and crafting the idea in my head during the very first couple of months of 2014. I had just seen Wendy Kopp's 2013 Commencement Speech at Boston University online and just completed reading Michelle Rhee's book "Radical" and of course other inspiration stories of building something up. But the turning point was during one my morning runs at Central Park, beginning of May. I wanted to start building and you can't have a comprehensive idea without a team. In the beginning of that run, I made a call to Fayola, the first person I wanted to be part of the team, besides having a lawyer as a start is not bad. Then she called me back in the middle of my run. I remember standing on the street between the Literary Walk and the Bethesda Fountain talking to her and explaining the importance of this organization while literally trying to catch my breath. Fayola then said yes. We were good to go.”
Research, literature, and the people around us water the seeds of ideas. But mix those in with a good morning run, and there you have it: the beginning of Global Tassels. It might have been the end of a run, but it was definitely the beginning of an array of marathons Global Tassels is set to endure.
“As always, when someone thinks about a name, especially for an organization, it needs to stick. At any time I have to name something, whether it is at work, a paper title, or naming a pet, I think about The Miracle Worker original 1962 film scene when Anne Sullivan tells Helen that things she touches has a name and a meaning. I can recall having quite a difficult time puzzling something within the realm of education, college, international, poverty, students, and third world countries. But I wanted it to be global, I remember telling myself - well stick to that. So I did, it was "Global" - but global what? Now, I did research, and there were about thousands of organizations that starts with Global. It was actually in mid May when I attended the St. John's University commencement and Hugh Evans founder of Global Poverty Project/Global Citizen (you see lots of Global) was the speaker, I sat there thinking really hard about the name and I couldn't figure it out. But I tell you - things do happen for a reason, the name was in my face. I was spacing out sitting there while watching the movement of my colleague's tassel hanging from her black velvet doctoral tam (hat). Hugh's speech was inspiring of course but that tassel galvanized the history of the organization. The sun was shining at that tassel and believe it or not, I stopped thinking, got on my iPhone, did my research, and by the end of that 4 hours graduation ceremony the name Global Tassels was it. I think there was another hour left and because I was so excited, I skipped out and went straight home to work on it.”
Oh graduation. I remember going through my graduation attire packet and making sure I had everything I needed. When I reached for my tassel, I was a little disappointed. I expected it to be in our school colors with the graduation year. But no, it was bare. To me, and many other seniors, this wasn’t just a tassel. Similar to how “Global Tassels” isn’t just a name. It’s what stands behind that name- the work, the memories, and how we will take it on to the future. The tassel and a name is more than a representation, it’s a story. And I want to remember that story. (P.S. - I skipped out on the last hour of my commencement ceremony too. Thanks to the heat and our dean cutting us this last break.)
TRENDING: #WhateverItTakes
“The second person, I recruited for GT, was my good friend Shahidah. Shahidah and I goes back a long way in college like Fay. We are travel buddies and also huge fans of SCANDAL - the TV Show. Perhaps, she probably will not remember but the scene was, I was laying on my bed with my outside clothes on talking to her- pitching that she should be in GT and of course she agreed. She was so happy and the words that came out of her mouth was "Yes, of course, gladiators with converse, I'm in, whatever it takes." Now, I didn't do much research on this, I thought it sounded nice and we are going to use it as the initial slogan. It sounded promising, strong, and fearless why not. I know the term is used widely around the states but it was actually later on early 2015 when I was in Dubai purchasing a coffee mug that says, "Whatever It Takes", that it was actually a British organization. The mug is part of a collection they sell for a campaign that raises fund to support key development causes including poverty reduction, environmental conservation and protection of children. How cool is that?”
In the new age of technology and social media, it’s amazing what a hashtag can do and what stories you find attached to them. #WhateverItTakes is a catchy slogan and a very meaningful one too. It promotes unity and a sense of urgency. To tackle the issues Global Tassels seeks to eliminate there needs to be people willing to take action. And this action can’t be done alone. To see another organization housing this slogan as their name, proves the desire for conversation regarding these social issues, as well as connecting with others who have similar goals.
Tapping into the Mission & Vision.
“I would say I had it strengthened in early May. At the end of May during, Memorial Day weekend, I took a trip to Norway and Germany to visit some friends. The actual mission and vision statements were written during my trip to Oslo, Norway. I remember being in a living room of my friend's apartment drinking coffee and writing the actual statements with Heide Hlawaty (a good friend and now a board member of GT). It was actually the same day, I got on a video call to recruit Ben Hemenway who was in Brazil at that time.”
Developing introductory paragraphs are the most painful things to do in writing. However, it is a vital element to every piece. It is essentially what will grab a reader’s attention, help them understand the purpose, and basically be the determining factor for them actually reading on. That’s similar to what mission and vision statements are. Global Tassels’ mission and vision statements have a clear focus on education and eradication of poverty around the world. What makes any statement a good one, is to really believe in your words. Of course the process is tedious and sometimes you need two cups of coffee to power through, but it is important. Global Tassels stands by this promise and will act on them because we believe.
“The primary color of GT is orange, the gray tone is secondary, and the black is tertiary. I picked orange because it represents adventure and social communications in psychology. Orange is a strong color gut reactions, instincts, and it is known to offer emotional assistance during difficult times but it is also uplifting and rejuvenating. That to me is a comprehensive description of the work that we are about to do.”
Orange, gray, and black. These colors not only go great together, but are representative of Global Tassels as a working unit. Now that I know colors can take a meaning of it’s own, it’s time for me to really dig deep into why Beyoncé named her child Blu Ivy.
Visually Appealing With a Meaning.
“The logo was a funny story. By the end of May, I had a couple of people already in the row to be part of the team but I did not have a graphic designer, so I asked my cousin Jake Ramos to do me a favor. I wanted him to do the honor of creating our logo. Jake is probably one of the talented artist I know - at least in my family. He agreed. So before I left for Europe, I sent Jake some ideas and some inspiration images. Now, I love whiskey so believe it or not, I sent Jake the Johnnie Walker logo as one of the image inspiration. Then we went back and forth. I remember we put a face on the hat, and the globe would be the tassel. I mean when I say this was a process - this was a process from the design to the right font. Everything mattered at this point, this was going to be the front face of the organization - the main logo- there's no turning back once it is released. All I was thinking was - it cannot look like a clipart. It was before I boarded a flight back from Germany to the US, when I drew the image I had in my head for Jake. I took a picture and sent it to him hoping that he would get it from the free airport wifi I had. I came back home and within 24 hours Jake sent me an image that captured the beginning personalities of the organization - clean, friendly, welcoming, clear, and most importantly it looks simple but sophisticated. That was the best morning of my life and I knew then I wanted to keep Jake as member of the team.”
Creating the right logo is like trying to find the perfect angle when taking pictures. Not to forget going through the multiple shots in search for “the one.” I can only imagine the process of logo designing. It’s hard enough picking the right profile picture on Facebook! The Global Tassels logo is the official stamp of our organization and it really is something great. Plus, I’m sure that the makers of Johnnie Walker wouldn’t be too pleased with us putting a globe on John’s head.
Our blog is here to serve as another narrator to our stories. Sure our team members work hard, but they also have fun! Here, we get personal. We’ll share untold stories, push the boundaries of what you expect from an organization like ourselves, and hold your hand in times of need. We want you to get to know us and see that we are truly passionate about what we do. Laugh at our funny moments, tap into our ideas, and join us in this journey.
