Community Connectors: Kyle Strickland

News — January 16, 2024

Community Connectors: Kyle Strickland

January 2024

Community Connectors is a monthly series highlighting Ohio State staff members who have shown leadership in partnering with our communities to make an impact.

Kyle Strickland
Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Community Outreach
Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity (Office of Academic Affairs)

I manage our strategic partnerships and community outreach at the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. Community engagement is at the heart of the work I do. One of my primary responsibilities is serving as the director of My Brother's Keeper Ohio, a statewide network that provides educational and community opportunities for youth of color in more than 12 cities across Ohio. Directing our AmeriCorps VISTA project, I oversee the funding and support of more than 25 AmeriCorps VISTA members serving at MBK chapters housed at various community organizations around the state. We engage with communities to provide technical assistance, support program evaluation and bring in national resources for local organizations serving young people and their families.

Why is engaging the community important to you and your work?

Our communities have so much to offer. And we have a lot to offer at Ohio State as well. There is a wealth of resources at Ohio State, yet many people don't have access. We have to meet people where they are, but we also need to show folks that we care and to make our institutions more welcoming and inclusive. We need to break down barriers and get outside of our bubble. It's a tremendous privilege to work at Ohio State, and I don't take this opportunity lightly. There's so much we can do to be a better partner in our communities, to be a trusted resource and to build genuine and supportive relationships with one another.

What lessons have you learned from the community that have helped you as a university staff member?

I've learned so many lessons over the years. One of the most important lessons I've learned is that relationships are everything. You have to build genuine relationships with people. It means consistently showing up, listening to others and caring about the people you work with and the communities you work in. It means following through on what you say you're going to do, upholding your commitments and doing the work. I've been grateful to learn from and connect with so many people from all walks of life just by consistently showing up and being in community with others.

What has been your favorite moment from your community-engagement work?

I think my favorite moment has to be our annual My Brother's Keeper Ohio Leadership Day. For the past three years, we've invited 150+ students and mentors from MBK chapters across Ohio to Cincinnati for a leadership event with the Cincinnati Reds. The students - many of them who have never been to a baseball game - receive the full experience of life with the Cincinnati Reds: touring the stadium, walking on the field and sitting in the dugout, meeting professional athletes and elected officials, and enjoying a baseball game later in the evening. Importantly, we also connect them with mentors and panel discussions so that they can learn about careers in a variety of fields such as sports management, the law, business, health care and more. Witnessing our students experience these opportunities for the first time is immensely rewarding. It's a reminder to them that no matter what room they're in, they belong and their dreams matter.

What advice do you have for other staff members who are interested in getting involved in community engagement?

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. If there's something you've been interested in learning more about, there';s no better way to learn than by just showing up. Be curious, listen and meet new people. Go to community forums and events. There are opportunities to get involved year-round. Volunteer. Use the resources at your disposal right here at Ohio State and connect with the Office of Outreach and Engagement. The more you show up and try out new experiences, the more you'll start to make connections to your work. If you see someone doing work that's exciting to you, reach out and get connected with them!