A nonprofit’s volunteers can significantly affect its level of leadership. They bring diverse expertise and a wealth of knowledge and skills from various professional backgrounds.
Thomasville's Briana Butler is one of these.
A Natural-Born Leader
“I have always been a leader,” Briana reflects, recounting her earliest memories of leadership. “I can remember, as a small child being invited to help with all the other little children in daycare! I couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4 years old!”
This innate ability to guide and inspire others has been a constant thread throughout Briana’s life. From taking responsibility for her younger sister to creating dances and systems as a cheerleader, Briana’s leadership skills blossomed in various settings.
“Being able to learn quickly, and be integral has always pushed me into leadership, no matter where I was.” This adaptability served her well, whether she was managing a fast-food shop or organizing her group’s contribution to the talent shows at the Boys & Girls Club.
Embracing Entrepreneurship
For Briana, the path to entrepreneurship felt divinely inspired. “The opportunity to become an entrepreneur presented itself and I felt it was God’s alignment, literally an opportunity God was moving me into.”
Her transition into business ownership at BFT Accounting & Tax Services aligns perfectly with Spark Thomasville’s mission to support underestimated entrepreneurs. Her journey from a young leader to a successful business owner is an inspiration to the aspiring entrepreneurs we serve.
Discovering Spark Thomasville
Briana’s connection with Spark Thomasville began when her church hosted one of the cohorts. “I was inspired by the vision and mission and by what the entrepreneurs had the opportunity to learn. It was moving to see someone in our city was pouring into these underestimated entrepreneurs.”
She saw Spark’s mission as a practical way to express her faith beyond her church walls, making a tangible impact on Thomasville’s everyday life. This alignment with her values led her to become more involved.
Mentorship and Board Service
Briana credits Nathaniel Abrams, Harry T. Jones, and her pastor Denny Blake for nurturing her entrepreneurial spirit. “Just having their influence in my life pushed me to be more than I could have dreamed for myself,” she shares.
When offered the opportunity to serve on the Spark board, Briana quickly accepted. “I believe in Spark’s mission,” she explains. “Serving with Spark gives me the opportunity to practice my faith out in the community and give back.”
She also facilitates financial classes and coaches entrepreneurs in the program.
The Impact of Volunteering
Briana’s involvement with Spark Thomasville has been mutually beneficial. “Working in the Spark universe is constantly sharpening my skills and helping me build relationships where I normally wouldn’t,” she notes. “It allows me to leverage my influence to help others.”
Her dedication to the values of collaboration, education, and empowerment makes her a perfect fit at Spark. Briana’s story reminds us of the importance of being prepared to say “yes” to opportunities as they arise.
Join Us in Supporting Underestimated Entrepreneurs
Inspired by Briana’s story? Want to make a difference in the lives of aspiring entrepreneurs in Thomasville? Get involved! Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or making a generous donation, your support empowers the next generation of business leaders in our community.
DeShay Williams
Executive Director
P.S. You can give Briana a high-five at bftacctn@gmail.com or check out BFT Accounting & Tax Services HERE.
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