Springfield, Ohio – Tutoring children at a local homeless shelter through a volunteer program in one of her classes at Wittenberg University led Abby Hurt Fisher, class of 2007, to the career path she flourishes in today.
Currently the vice president of programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio in Columbus, Ohio, Fisher leads a staff of about 25 for one of the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliates in the country. The non-profit provides support and coaching for one-to-one match relationships for youths living in poverty and facing adversity.
For her dedication to service, the Wittenberg Alumni Association presented Fisher with the GOLD award during its annual Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 7-9.
In her position at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Fisher directs children to local resources and has a strong partnership with schools, working through a youth development plan to ensure that their program will set a child up to achieve the necessary outcomes.
“Our vision is that every youth we touch achieves success, so we focus on wrap-around services for the family,” Fisher said. “Outcomes and successes can be different for all children and families. It could mean graduating high school and attending college or it could be an improved self-esteem, or even just building up resilience. It's a tough job, and there are significant barriers to face daily, but I absolutely love what I do.”
Fisher, a communications major, credits Wittenberg with helping her to find her true calling in service.
“The culture of ‘having light we pass it on to others’ and being service-minded opened my eyes from day one,” she said. “I remember stuffing backpacks for local kids in the Student Center early on while attending Wittenberg, then tutoring children at the homeless shelter. It was absolutely eye opening and another one of those moments that carried me to where I am today.”
Fisher originally wanted to take the same path as her mother and become a teacher, but instead she answered a different call.
“I thank my mother, who was a teacher for more than 35 years, every day for encouraging me to explore the world outside of teaching,” Fisher said. “Not becoming what I wanted to be is a gift - I am still able to make an impact, with kids and adults, in a variety of ways and for that I am so thankful.”
During her time at Wittenberg, Fisher was a member of Just Eve and Chi Omega, and she worked in various offices on campus.
“My involvement in Greek life and its dedication to philanthropy furthered my hunger to become involved in this field,” Fisher said. “I was a Chi Omega, and our philanthropic efforts benefitted Make-A-Wish Foundation. Thanks to that partnership, my first job after graduation was with Make-A-Wish.
“Wittenberg means a tremendous amount to me both personally and professionally.”
