Fifth Third Bank Orlando Magic Maker Monica May: Committed To Others
ORLANDO Her reasons for being tremendously involved with two local benevolent organizations while trying to balance a career and mentor her 19 year-old daughter are quite simple: intuition and common sense.
It was Fifth Third Bank Orlando Magic Maker Monica May's intuition that led her to become extensively involved with the programs Common Sense Childbirth Inc., and consider Your Image, a non-profit organization she founded herself. And it's common sense that drives her today.
"I know there is a simple way to life," explains May. "If there is an opportunity to help put together a road map for young people, I want to be a part of that."
But May has been more than just a part of children's lives. In her work with Common Sense Childbirth, Inc., May helps to inspire a change in maternal child healthcare. The program empowers mothers (especially young and indigent) to bring healthy babies to term. The model was created by May's close friend, Jennie Joseph, a midwife who specializes in providing prenatal healthcare and nurturing to populations that
typically don't get the proper treatment in traditional health settings.
"The expectant mothers value the time and the physical touch," explains May, who also teaches a biweekly class for at risk girls at the J.R. Smith Center in Orlando. "When I touch them on the shoulder or hug them when I see them, it makes them feel loved."
Through her organization, Consider Your Image, May conducts personal development workshops for businesses and individuals and facilitates youth empowerment sessions, teaching life coping skills and communication etiquette.
"That's really my passion, teaching young people," said May, whose program focuses on image, self esteem and anger management. "I teach them how to love on themselves. I just try to be like a big sister.
"Working with these programs certainly has helped me grow," reflected May, who will soon pursue her master's degree in counseling. "I tell people all the time - to get a friend, you’ve got to be one."
May know that best, as she has and continues to be a great friend to countless individuals all across Central Florida.
From The Orlando Times, by Dan Dugger
Dan Dugger is an intern in the Magic's communications department.
