At The Trevor Project, we create intentional spaces, called Affinity Groups, that allow members of Team Trevor to connect with each other around their different intersectional identities. Over the next few months, we’ll feature member spotlights from across Trevor’s Affinity Groups.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Recruitment Coordinator and Black@Trevor member Katherine Dews (she/her). As one of The Trevor Project’s pioneering Affinity Groups, Black@Trevor leads with a mission to create spaces and resources for employees who identify within the Black Diaspora (and their allies) to connect, grow relationships, and build community.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
I think I heard this saying for the first time from a school counselor, and it really clicked. I used to – and still sometimes do – stress myself out about whether I’m doing enough for others. There’s definitely a W. E. B. Du Bois quote about the pains of becoming aware. However, this piece of advice reminds me that when I take care of myself, I’m not turning my back away from others, but I’m actually allowing myself to show up even better. It makes me think of how the roots of the term “self-care” are connected to the community care and radical self care promoted by the Black Panthers. We deserve to make sure our cups are full!
What brought you to Trevor?
I have known about Trevor and Trevor’s mission since my first year in college. My friends and I would talk about how beautiful it is to see older members of the LGBTQ+ community, and how Trevor is contributing to us being able to see more of these older community members! When I saw the open role for Recruitment Coordinator, I connected my familiarity with details and time sensitivity from my work in lab environments. The more interviews I participated in at Trevor, the more I saw that these are my people! I am so grateful to be able to contribute to Trevor’s lifesaving work.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Trevor?
My favorite thing about working at Trevor is the people! The combination of support, inspiration, and safety I feel coming to work every day is truly unique. I’m so excited to continue to form relationships with these awesome team members.
What’s one of your favorite accomplishments with Trevor?
One of my favorite accomplishments is still when I received a shoutout from my manager in my first few weeks at Trevor. I was bright-eyed and very new to Trevor, and receiving a shoutout in the #shoutout slack channel made me feel famous. Plus, public positive feedback when you’ve just started a new job feels amazing!
What do you like to do outside of Trevor?
I like going on day trips to various locations with my friends, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants. I like to judge a restaurant based on its Brussels sprouts.
