“When I joined the Port City Chapter of Blacks in Government, I was already a member of several community groups and collaborated with members of Blacks in Government on various programs. In 1988, I was asked to become a member of the Port City Chapter of Blacks in Government.  I immediately accepted the invitation due to the organization’s strong emphasis on training.  I have found this aspect to be extremely rewarding. The opportunity to network with individuals all over the United States and attend training conferences, seminars, professional/career development workshops, and forums designed to provide knowledge helped my confidence in what I could accomplish.  Although many view the organization as a service group, its main function is to mentor, train, and support government employees by providing the necessary tools to develop and grow in their chosen profession.”