Grassroots is thrilled to welcome Elijah Murphy as the newest curriculum development intern and Dylan Wolfe as TGP’s Digital Communication Manager.
“TGP is student-athlete centered to its core, the organization has been sustained for more than a decade because of the incredible work of student-athletes going above and beyond their sport & school work. Now, we have the pleasure of bringing on both Dylan and Elijah, to continue that legacy of true grass-root level work.
Dylan brings a unique set of attributes. She is one of the few people in TGP history that can say they worked at every level: coach, head coach, master trainer, intern, and NOW she is our first true communications hire. While clearly qualified across different program areas, her communications expertise after completing undergrad and a masters degree in 4 years is incredibly special. She brings a true social justice lens to marketing, and we are excited to see how this elevates TGP.
Elijah has earned a ton of press this summer, and for good reason. He was once what I called an ‘unsung hero’ of TGP, always finding time for more programs, more training, and asking the right questions about how to strengthen programs. Over the last year he grew into a leadership role for TGP that has proved invaluable to our team. Now we are excited for him to channel his passions for mental health promotion & racial justice to help lead student-athlete action groups and rewrites of our nutrition & mental health curricula.”
-Jane Wallis, Director of Programs
Getting to know Elijah and Dylan:
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Dylan: I’m originally from Indianapolis, Indiana and came to American University to play soccer. After sustaining some injuries, I decided to take on a manager role on the team. I was drawn to TGP as a sophomore and have been involved ever since, as a coach, head coach, Master Trainer, and Intern. I’m so happy to be working with TGP in a full-time role. I just graduated from American with my BS in Business Administration and Master of Science in Marketing, and after being involved with TGP for so long, public health and the role of social impact marketing was an inspired interest in me.
Elijah: I am from Hyattsville, Maryland and I am a member of American University’s wrestling team. I am now in graduate school at American looking to obtain my Master of Arts, having received my BA in Psychology this past May. I joined TGP in the spring semester of my junior year of my undergraduate studies. I have been a part of TGP as a coach, assisted with the Mental Health Promotion program pilot, aided in submitting abstracts for conferences, and in this most recent semester was a head coach in our Mental Health programs.
What is your role at TGP going to look like?
Dylan: As the Digital Communications Manager, I have been, and will continue to, work on a variety of projects including creating TGP’s first long-term communications strategy, managing and improving current communication tactics, and redesigning TGP’s sexual health curriculum in coordination with efforts from the program team.
Elijah: As a Curriculum Development Intern, I’ll be looking to review and revise TGP’s two newest curricula; Mental Health Promotion and Nutrition & Physical Health. I will also be looking to increase TGP student-athlete social justice impact on racial issues within DC.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing with TGP?
Dylan: I’m most looking forward to seeing TGP continue to grow as an organization. Even over the past couple of years, the quality and growth of programs and their impact is truly what brings me back to Grassroots time and time again. The commitment to build sustainable programs rooted in the needs of the community is what makes TGP so special. Not only that, working with and watching student-athletes grow and become more actualized as leaders is beyond inspiring.
Elijah: I am most looking forward to aiding TGP in growing and improving. Constant and consistent improvement is key in every aspect of life. TGP as an organization exemplifies this, as they have continuously grown and have been improving ever since the organization’s inception. Whether it be branching out to more schools, involving more student-athletes, or researching and revising their curricula consistently, TGP constantly shows its dedication to excellence and making sustainable change in DC communities. I am happy to be a part of that process now and helping TGP look to actively combat systemic inequities.
What are your biggest career goals?
Dylan: Ultimately, my biggest goal is to make a social impact wherever possible. I think marketers have a huge role in promoting social change, whether it be in the non-profit sector or for-profit sector, because as voices for organizations and corporations, we have the responsibility for how we shape the way we communicate to stakeholders and motivate their behavior. I hope to ultimately be in a space where I know my work matters and can make a difference, and that is how I feel every day working for Grassroots.
Elijah: After I’m finished at American, my goal is to pursue my doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I want to be a clinician, while also having the opportunity to further psychological research and teach at some point. A large goal for me in the process of becoming a Clinical Psychologist is to make mental health resources more readily available, accessible, and affordable in Black communities, as well as look to actively combat the stigma against mental health discussion and promotion. Most of all, I want to be equipped to help people. Mental health is an aspect of life that is so often neglected but is extremely important to acknowledge, be aware of, and seek the proper help if needed. I want to be a part of the change that ends the stigma against mental health discussion, psychology as a field, and against individuals suffering from a mental illness.
As a part of our continued growth, TGP sends a warm welcome to Dylan, as a full-time staff member, and Elijah, in a part-time role this summer.
