GSU Library Research Guides: Feminist Action Alliance History Project: M

May, Sharon Silver

Interviewee: Sharon Silver May
Interviewer: Tiffany Gray
Date of Interview: December 19, 2023

Biography: "What made me the woman I am today?"

I would describe my childhood as near perfect. I was fortunate to be raised in suburban Southern California during the innocent period of the 1950’s. Dad was a civil engineer and mom was the quintessential homemaker. They created a home where curiosity, educational experiences, learning and thinking were encouraged and nurtured. They taught us about being Jewish by working for a just society, constantly learning and treating people with respect. Unfortunately, life changed dramatically for mom, my younger sister and myself when dad died at the young age of 35. Mom became what was later described as a displaced homemaker. I witnessed as she struggled and then succeeded to build a new life for herself.

I was fortunate to attend a new high school that operated with the innovative philosophy of Flexible Scheduling. We (students) scheduled our classes every day. It was a forward-thinking education system that civil discourse and students to take an active part in their education. After such a unique high school experience, college was a disappointment. But... University of California, San Diego had a wondaful Education Abroad Program and I was able spent my junior year in France. Even though I attended classes, my real education took place as I traveled as much as possible, experienced different countries and walked in history. That love for travel, studying history and immersing myself in different cultures remains one of my passions.

I was 21 when I came to Atlanta as a VISTA volunteer to work at Economic Opportunity Atlanta. Being a part of the Johnson era anti-poverty programs was an experience that shaped my life. At the same time, I joined ACTION and got involved in the Political Action Task Force. That led me to volunteer for Carter’s national presidential campaign that was being run out of Atlanta. I continued to volunteer for other campaigns on the city and state level. Being a volunteer on various campaigns gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with leaders that were shaping the policies of the country. There were countless memorable and exhilarating ‘Forrest Gump’ experiences.

My work career took a winding path from various social service organizations (HeadStart, Council on Battered Women, Georgia Corrections) into housing. I started in public housing as property manager for a midrise for elderly/non-elderly disabled and then moved into private apartment management. That led me to my ‘perfect fit’ occupation as a Community Association Manager for condominium and homeowner associations. What I loved about this work was that it was essentially the politics and work of running a small government.

It was like being the city manager for a small town. It necessitated that I learn (and stay updated) with all the changing details and nuances of local, state and federal laws. It was my responsibility to educate the elected Board of Directors for each community (akin to the city council) and guide them to use good business judgement when making decisions. There were the occasional big projects but mostly I had to make sure that the bills got paid, pools opened on time, the garbage got collected and that nobody painted their house flamingo pink (unless of course they got approval). The best part was the unpredictable conversations with the owners (citizens). I can tell you that regardless of the cost of the homes, it seems that all communities have ‘P’ problems: parking, pools, pets (and their poop). It was a never ending three ring circus that required an abundant amount of patience and a sense of humor. I loved it.

This all happened while I got married, rebuilt my life after a nasty divorce, raised two children to adulthood (no small feat) and re-married. With my second marriage, I gained two kind and amazing bonus sons, and I am honored to be Bobba to two granddaughters. I am finally accepting the retirement that was forced upon me when I couldn’t physically keep up with the the demands of work. I’ve adapted and am now enjoying the slower pace and time to do ‘whatever’. There is still a good deal of things I want to do and things I want to learn.

How would I describe myself?
I am a woman. I am a mother, wife, Bobba, daughter, sister and friend. I am Jewish. I am an American.

What are my core beliefs?
I believe that life is precious, and that we are all God’s creation. I believe that we are created with free will and are responsible for the choices we make. I believe that honesty and integrity are important. I believe we should be kind to each other.

What is most important to me?
Family, friends and creating community. Laughter and enjoyment of life. Promotion of civil discourse by keeping an open mind and listening/respecting other opinions. Appreciation of nature. Travel and experiencing other people and cultures. Understanding how we (individually, our community, our country and the world) arrived at where we are today by studying history. Setting a high bar. Words matter-choose what you say carefully.

Mullins, Sandye

Interviewee: Sandye Mullins
Interviewer: Morna Gerrard
Date of interview: February 28, 2024

Biography:
Sandra Mullins was the CEO of Care and Counseling Center of Atlanta for 10 years. CCCG has been in existence since 1957 when it began the chaplaincy program at Grady Hospital. CCCG's mission is to "offer healing, wholeness, and hope to those in need and to educate others for that service." CCCG is one of the largest providers of pastoral care and counseling services in the country and partners with Emory Candler School of Theology, Columbia Seminary, and Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) to train students. CCCG has partnered with Refugee Service Providers in Georgia to serve refugees through providing counseling and also training in the area of behavioral health.

Sandye served as the Executive Director of the Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta for 11 years. She has 35 years of experience working with nonprofit and church-related organizations. During her time with RRISA she travelled to refugee camps in Thailand, Ghanan, Austria, and Turkey to oversee the process for refugees to be resettled in the United States.

Sandye is ordained and serves as pastor for three congregations in her early years of ministry. She also served nine years as Assistant Conference Minister in the Southeast Conference for the United Church of Christ. During those years of service she worked with 90 congregations in five states designing and implementing programs for local clergy and churches.

For 20 years, Sandye coordinated a number of USAID-funded international nonprofit training and development programs in NGO management and in Gender-based Violence Prevention. She has also been responsible for developing long-range fundraising plans, recruiting and training volunteers and key leadership, strategic planning for various organizations, such as Girls Clubs, YWCA, Georgia State University Women's Center, The Friendship Force, and Winrock International/NIS-US Women's Consortium.