May 28th: Whitney Meritus and Evan Gendreau
It is a special joy to highlight today's Alumni #351GratitudeMoment. At Project 351, we seek to inspire, enable, and elevate a new generation of "movement makers". Leaders like Whitney Meritus of Yarmouth and Evan Gendreau of Westport, who fuse their passions and abilities to mobilize others for civic change.
We admire their courage of conviction and the idealism of their purpose. And, are filled with hope with the promise of all that is to come. Whitney and Evan, with greatest pride, we dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment to you!
WHITNEY MERITUS, Yarmouth
Ambassador Class of 2016, Howard University '24
Founder, Sturgis East Diversity Squad
1. What is your service mission? What motivates this mission?
My service mission would be summed up as “change the world". I know that sounds cliché; but, it’s true. I think that this year especially, has taught us that life is unpredictable. And, that it can be scary and compel positive action.
I want to help as much as I can and love as much as I can. I want the earth and the people on it to be around for a very long time. If that’s going to happen, then I need to do my part to ensure a safe, fair, and sustainable future for all.
2. What is one of your passion projects?
My Cape diversity project — “The Sturgis East Diversity Squad.” I was motivated by racial insensitivity I experienced as a junior -- and how “outside” it made my classmates and I feel. My school has a very small percentage of students of color, and we really relied on each other during that time. I realized that other Cape students of color probably experience a similar situation.
Initially, my mission was to provide those students with love and solidarity. And, to educate my white classmates about how students of color experience our school community. My belief is that education is essential to progress. And, you should never label anyone without the opportunity to provide perspective and knowledge. No one can do better, until they know better.
I started the Diversity Squad with my friends. I love that I was able to collaborate with them and create a beautiful mission -- one that was truly needed! Through our outreach and efforts, incredibly important conversations have been had. And, bridges have been built to unite diverse students through understanding and love.
3. How has Project 351 prepared you to be a Leader for Life?
Project 351 has demonstrated and taught me about me genuine, authentic leadership. And, importantly, that there are many types of leadership — it doesn’t always look the same.
In my Project 351 family, I’ve seen many people -- who hadn't consider themselves leaders -- become beautiful catalysts for change. Project 351 has taught us that the values and traits that are instinctive to us — are qualities of good leaders. We often are don’t recognize it as leadership because we're just trying to do good in the world. So, we live our values every day.
Project 351 has taught me how to use those values and traits to lead and enact social change. Often times, I see my Project 351 community leading and don’t even have words to describe my admiration. In those moments, I think “wow, that’s leadership.” Project 351 taught me to recognize, value, and uplift those moments.
EVAN GENDREAU, Westport
Ambassador Class of 2013, UMASS Dartmouth '21
Candidate, State Representative, 8th Bristol District
1. What is your service mission?
My service mission is focusing on unity through community to drive positive change. As a college freshman, I pursued jobs in government and the public sector to help achieve this mission. I had the opportunity to work on a couple political campaigns before taking a position as a researcher at the Public Policy Center. PPC is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to informing evidence-based policymaking at the local, regional, and state level.
In addition, I'm running for State Representative in a district on the South Coast of the Commonwealth. Working in this field has taught me many things, and I'm motivated every day by engaging with community members through conversations and events. Speaking with neighbors, small business owners, teachers, cashiers, and farmers has both informed my mission and fueled my passion for public service. Hearing from diverse groups about the issues that concern them has given me a deeper understanding of my community and the needs of local residents.
2. How has Project 351 prepared you to be a Leader for Life?
Project 351 has prepared me for leadership roles in countless ways by instilling a sense of community through service. Project 351 showed me that service brings people together in a very powerful way.
Hearing from inspiring speakers at Launch Day and listening to the experiences of other Alumni and community leaders in Reunion workshops were particularly meaningful. Through leading service projects, I learned how to organize a team and coordinate with nonprofit organizations and community groups.
Project 351 is an important part of my life. I was lucky to stay involved after my Ambassador year by serving as an ALC member throughout high school. My advice to Ambassadors is to stay involved and learn as much as possible from Project 351 leaders, speakers, workshops, and events this year -- and as Alumni. Through your involvement, you'll acquire lifelong skills that will help you drive change in your communities.