Hi, I'm Opi. My journey with Operation Unite NY (OUNY) began as a participant in a Microcredential course for WordPress at Columbia-Greene Community College. I immediately connected with OUNY’s mission, which inspired me to continue my involvement and contribute to making a positive impact in our community. 

As a first-generation college student, Operation Unite NY has been a tremendous support in helping me navigate the financial challenges of higher education. The opportunity to grow professionally and make a meaningful contribution to my community has been invaluable, and I’m excited to continue being part of this incredible organization. 

During the summers of 2023 and 2024, I remained actively involved with OUNY, engaging in various community initiatives. These included serving as a Product Assistant and Team Leader at Waterfront Wednesday, participating in dance and music concerts, assisting with events such as the Kuumba International Project; Ghana at the NYS Empire State Plaza Lunch Concert, supporting vendors with setup and breakdown, and planning activities for the Sankofa Festival. These experiences deepened my connection to the community and enhanced my organizational and leadership skills. 

Since 2023, I've been part of the OUNY team as a website developer, helping to maintain, organize, and update the website. During the school year, I work remotely, and when I'm home for breaks, I contribute in person.