44: Creating Connections Between Police And The Community with Kassy Alia Ray and Jenny Wooten McGill of Serve and Protect

On this week’s episode we talk with CEO, Kassy Alia Ray and Community Outreach Coordinator, Jenny Wooten McGill of Serve and Connect. We learn how Kassy turned an immense personal loss into a mission to combat divisiveness through compassion and community partnerships.  

Resources/Links/Websites:

https://serveandconnect.net/

Guest Bio: 

Kassy Alia Ray is the founder and CEO of Serve & Connect. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from a simple hashtag campaign to a valiant movement dedicated to creating positive change.

A clinical-community psychologist by training and graduate of the University of South Carolina, Kassy has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition’s Hero of the Year; Columbia Business Monthly’s Top 35 under 35; The State Newspaper’s Top 20 Under 40; the Post and Courier’s Golden Pen Award; the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Individual Philanthropist of the Year; Columbia’s Best Local Hero Award; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Citizen of the Year.

 She speaks regularly to service providers, law enforcement agencies, organizations, and corporations across the U.S. on topics related to collaboration, grief, empathy, and reimagining police and community relationships.

Kassy married Mitch Ray in 2018. They welcomed a son, and Sal welcomed a little brother, Silas in Dec. 2020.

Jenny Wooten McGill has more than 15 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, public agencies and private companies. She is thrilled to work with Serve & Connect to manage community outreach opportunities and excited to be a part of an organization that does so much good work in the community. Jenny has a great love for all people and a passion for helping and connecting with others.

Jenny has extensive experience in program development, project management, leadership, grant writing, governance and communications. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

In her career, Jenny has worked directly with several state and federal agencies including the State Treasurer’s Office, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and the South Carolina Lieutenant Governor’s Office and USDA Rural Development.