Board Member Spotlight: BJ McGraw
BJ McGraw is a familiar face around Miriam’s House as she first served as a board member from 1997 to 2000 and then returned to the Board in 2016. BJ moved to Lynchburg from Atlanta 30 years ago and raised her twin daughters in this community. She has an extensive leadership background in the financial industry and currently works at Pacific Life. BJ’s community service is broad and includes volunteerism at Jubliee, Amazement Square, and her church, Peakland Methodist. We sat down with BJ to get to know a little bit more about her and her commitment to Miriam’s House.
Miriam’s House (MH): What brought you to serve on the board at Miriam’s House?
BJ McGraw (BJ): I worked with founding board member, Vince Sawyer, at First Colony in the ‘90s, and he shared with me how local non-profits were tackling big issues such as poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. He nominated me to the board and I had the privilege of serving with Bev Cosby, Stella Tanner, Vince, and others where I witnessed the accomplishments that quiet dedication, selflessness, and goodness can achieve when people get together to help one another. It’s impacted all facets of my life and a gift I hope I can pass along to my grandsons, Dylan and Tanner.
MH: What about MH makes you proud to serve on the board?
BJ: I am proud of how Miriam’s House touches lives. As it has evolved from one program to many, we continue to adjust with changing environments, use data to recognize areas of need and collaborate as there is great benefit in working together for those most vulnerable in our community.