Camryn Morrow

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY: Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy

Never too young to make a difference

By Dawn Adams / Photo by Tina Gutierrez

Camryn Morrow lives by the principle that you are never too young to make a difference in someone’s life. This principle was sparked by a middle-school experience at the School for Creative and Performing Arts and continues to be her life’s philosophy. She is a third-year human development and community engagement student at the University of Cincinnati.

As a teaching fellow, and later an intern, Camryn has dedicated herself to teaching the next genera tion of leaders through Breakthrough Cincinnati, a four-year, tuition-free college preparatory program designed to enhance the education of the underrepresented community. To help create a safe space for women of color on her university’s campus, Camryn organizes a student-led book club called “Sister Outsiders.”

During her high school years, Camryn was already bettering her community by researching and documenting local Black businesses in Walnut Hills through the Walnut Hills Historical Society. Camryn also volunteered as a spoken-word writer in the 2018 Over-the-Rhine International Film festival. In 2019, the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley awarded Camryn a $25,000 scholarship for her essay on social justice in education.

Camryn spoke via phone about the journey that has led this vibrant young woman to her path of service and philanthropy.

Movers & Makers: How did you first get involved with nonprofits and philanthropy?

Camryn Morrow: During the eighth grade at the School for Creative and Performing Arts, my creative writing class participated in the Magnified Giving program. Magnified Giving was founded by Roger Grein, an incredible individual who has a vision to educate, inspire and engage high school students, and give them the opportunity to learn first-hand about the importance of giving. Magnified Giving engages students and teachers in youth phi lanthropy education.

My class was divided into small groups and we each researched and reached out to local nonprofit organizations to learn about their mission and the impact that they were making on our local community. My small group chose the organization Women Helping Women, which assists in helping to eliminate gender-based violence and empower all survivors. Magnified Giving gave our group $1,000 to donate to the chosen nonprofit. Having the chance to impact the community inspired me to continue with my community involvement.

M&M: In what ways has being involved affected you personally?

CM: Fortunately, all of my life I have had the love and support from those around me. There were many people who lifted me up and urged me to follow my heart and take chances. I am extremely grateful for my UC family and those who have inspired me to serve others. Being surrounded by changemakers, including my closest friends and other community leaders, motivates me to spark passion in others and make a difference in their lives. I am so proud that I can follow in others’ footsteps and continue the act of lifting as I climb.

M&M: What is your favorite aspect of your volunteer work?

CM: I enjoy working in and with the people in my community and improving life for generations to come through communal efforts. When working with youth, I am often amazed at their eagerness and passion to address social injustices and their motivation to be the change that our world needs. It is exciting to know that they will be our future. Organizations like Breakthrough Cincinnati have allowed me to em power youth and encourage them to be the change that they want to see.

M&M: What advice might you have for others considering involvement, especially other young people of color?

CM: You belong in the room. Your voice deserves to be heard. I want youth to know that it is never too early to make a difference in someone else’s life. Giving back to the community is more than just donating money. You can share your talents and your time by finding something that you are passionate about and putting in the work to make it better. It is important to try to do something each day that can make life a little bit better for someone else.

M&M What are your plans for the future?

CM: I plan on completing my degree and graduating in the spring of 2022. I love learning and I love being in places where I am exposed to new ideas and experiences. I hope to attend graduate school in arts administration and/or cultural policy and better learn how I can support and protect the arts in my community, specifically when it comes to engaging and uplifting underrepresented youth.

While at UC, I am excited to continue my leadership roles on campus, including undergraduate student government, where I am able to work alongside my best friend and lead a committee of directors who are dedicated to supporting the identitybased centers on campus and uplifting and celebrating their respective communities.

As well, I am excited for the future of “Sister Outsiders,” which is a book club that I started for women of color (named after a book by her role model and civil-rights activist, Audre Lorde). “Sister Outsiders” operates as a safe space for women of color to converse on diverse literature and find community among one another.