Meet Our Executive Board - Lynn Watkins-Asiyanbi
As we count down to the return of our Ignite & Shine Gala, we’re introducing you to some of our newest executive board members. You’ll have a chance to get to know the six directors that have joined us over the last year, why Ignite’s mission speaks to them, and what they hope for the youth we work with.
Today, we’re introducing you to Lynn Watkins-Asiyanbi, Deputy General Counsel & Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at JBT Corporation, who joined us in August of 2021. Read her responses below, and stay tuned for more highlights of our newer board members.
What brought you to serve on Ignite’s board?
As a community supporter, I was initially engaged with Ignite in a volunteer role looking to give back. Why I wanted to serve on the board is my desire to have an impact on teenage homelessness in the city I was born, raised and still today call home with my family.
What is it about the cause of youth homelessness specifically that drove you to dedicate your time?
Those two words YOUTH HOMELESSNESS should never be two words in the same sentence. In a country with all the resources available, why is it that our YOUTH face HOMELESSNESS? I want to help eradicate this phenom but also if it is a situation that will remain, be a change agent on the type of resources available to such youth. It is difficult enough just growing up in a family, but when you have no one to turn to, it is incredibly challenging. This is our future and I want to be part of making our future citizens be successful and productive and active in society despite the challenges they faced as youth.
What are some of the things that you hope for the youth we work with?
They are provided resources and experiences that allow them to know they can be something more than what they see or the current situation they are faced with. It is important for youth to be exposed to as many caring individuals that look like them to make them feel loved, appreciated and respected despite their circumstances. I want these youth to be inspired to break the boundaries, be supported as they uplift themselves out of these dire circumstances to become active and engaged citizens in society and in their communities. Not all have to go to college, perhaps a trade school but all need to have options and guidance to help them find their way. This is my hope for each Ignite youth.
