Greater Cleveland Film Commission, board member for International Live Events Association – Cleveland Chapter, member of the Social Justice Ministry at South Euclid United Church of Christ, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She enjoys spending time with husband Juan Goodwin, two daughters Lily (8) and Lena (3), and dog, Daisy Mae. What is your volunteer role at BPACF? I serve on the engagement committee in efforts to recruit volunteers and promote the mission of the BPACF. Additionally, I'm on the Special Events committee where I'm able to utilize my professional skillsets in assisting the administration in any way needed. Why do you volunteer? Volunteering brings me a sense of purpose in life and I'm able to instill that purpose of helping others into my two daughters. It is a great way for me to meet new people and gain professional experience. It strengthens my understanding of the importance of community building. Who inspires you? Who are your volunteer role models? My husband, Juan Goodwin, inspires me to do more for local neighborhoods as I watch him work each day as a community organizer. Some volunteer role models include one of BPACF’s Board of Trustees executive team members, Ramona Lowery; my good friend Sharon Roberson Evans; Stacey Abrams and Michelle Obama.
Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA). For the past 10 years he has been employed at Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA). In addition to working as a public servant, Woodford also has a long history of volunteerism with several local non-profit organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, American Red Cross, United Way of Greater Cleveland, BPACF, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Black Data Processing Associates, the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland, the City of Cleveland, the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Cleveland, and many others. Woodford received both a bachelor’s in Urban Planning and an MBA in Operations and Project Management from Cleveland State University. He has four sons and three grandsons. What is your volunteer role at BPACF? General volunteer. I am flexible and fill in where I am needed. Why do you volunteer? The BPACF provides a vital need to the community. As a volunteer I can help meet that need. To quote Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." Volunteering has always been a part of my life.
What advice do you have for others who want to volunteer? Your passions are found in volunteering. Volunteer in an area/subject where you would enjoy doing it for free every day. If you feel like you are no longer enjoying it, don’t be afraid to step down.
Who inspires you? Who are your volunteer role models? Starting with my own late mother, I have always been inspired by strong Black women. Not to take anything away from men, but it has always been the women in my life that provided guidance and kept me moving forward. I only have one role model and that's my mother, may she rest in peace.
Ron Woodford Ron Woodford is a professional project manager with more than 40 years working in the public sector. During this time, he has worked with the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) and the Cleveland
What advice do you have for others who want to volunteer? Go for it! Nothing is greater that running into someone that you may have touched in years past and have that person thank you for whatever small thing you did.
Thank you VOLUNTEERS!
22 | SUMMER 2022
