7 Questions with Stars United Global Outreach
A moment of realization can lead to lasting change. For the past ten years, Stars United Global Outreach (SUGO) – a valued program partner of Big Thought – has been creating opportunities for young people through education, job readiness, and empowerment.
As SUGO celebrates a decade of impact, we spoke with Star Williams, Founder & Executive Director, about the organization’s journey, the challenges they’ve tackled, and the young lives they’ve helped shape along the way.
Q: What inspired the creation of SUGO, and how has your “why” guided your work over the past ten years?
SW: Stars United Global Outreach (SUGO) was born out of a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference in the world. The initial inspiration for SUGO came from a visit home from the military by our Executive Director & Founder, Mrs. Star Williams prior to retiring from the Navy. She immediately realized that things had stood still in the communities from which she grew up in and she had a profound realization of the stark inequalities and unmet needs in her own backyard. She was driven by her personal experiences and encounters with diverse cultures and challenges, and was motivated to create an organization that could bridge the educational inequalities, career gaps, and bring hope to those in need. The core “why” of SUGO is centered around the belief that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. Our ultimate goal is to empower, equip and mobilize our students to create positive change and make sound educational and career plans.
Q: What key programs or initiatives are SUGO most proud of, and how do they address the needs of the communities you serve?
SW: The Blueprint for Success Program has five pillars: Leadership, Life Skills, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and STEM. It is a comprehensive initiative designed to tackle several pressing issues faced by the communities we serve. By focusing on education, employment, and empowerment, this program aims to create sustainable change and opportunities for our students and wrap around services for their families. The BFSP offers a range of educational initiatives aimed at increasing access to quality education for students between the age of 10-18 including: After School Programs, Scholarship Opportunities, Leadership Development, College and Career Readiness, & Health Awareness Initiatives. One of our newest initiatives is working with Opportunity Youth, increasing our target audience age to 24.
Q: How has SUGO’s mission evolved over time, and what values continue to drive your work today?
SW: Initially established as a grass root community-based organization, SUGO’s mission has expanded to encompass a broader spectrum of initiatives and programs aimed at addressing contemporary challenges. In its early days, SUGO was primarily dedicated to addressing immediate needs such as food, shelter, and basic needs of underserved communities. This foundational goal laid the groundwork for the organization’s growth and expansion into new areas of impact. As societal needs evolved, so did SUGO’s mission. Recognizing the interconnected nature of global challenges, the organization began to incorporate programs specifically designed to help our communities thrive and not just survive. Despite changes in its mission, SUGO has consistently been guided by a set of core values that underpin all its work. These values include innovation, collaboration, and integrity, and empowerment.
Q: Looking back over the past 10 years, what key moments stand out that showcase SUGO’s impact on the community?
SW: In 2017, SUGO launched its first educational program aimed at providing free workshops and after school programming to underprivileged students. This initiative not only improved academic performance but also inspired many students to pursue higher education, significantly increasing college admission rates in the community. This program also provided young people with mentorship, leadership training, and volunteer opportunities. Participants have gone on to become active leaders and change-makers in the community.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, SUGO was at the forefront of providing essential support. In 2021, the organization coordinated food distribution drives, organized virtual learning sessions, and offered mental health resources to help the community cope with the crisis.
Q: Can you share a specific story that highlights the transformation of growth of a young person involved in your programs?
SW: In the heart of our community, countless young individuals embark on journeys of self-discovery and growth through our programs. Among them is Roderick, a remarkable young man whose transformative journey exemplifies the impact of dedication, support, and resilience. Roderick was a shy and reserved high school sophomore, from one of the most underserved communities that we worked with. He often struggled with self-confidence and found it challenging to express himself in social situations. His journey of transformation began when he joined our summer leadership camp. By the end of the program, Roderick had undergone a significant transformation. He was no longer the quiet, reserved young man, instead, he emerged as a confident, capable leader with a clear sense of purpose and direction. Roderick’s growth extended beyond the program. He applied his newfound skills to his school life, becoming an active member of the student council, initiating positive changes within his community, and recruiting other students to join our programs.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about SUGO and its work in the community?
SW: We wish that more people would know that Stars United Global Outreach is passionate about all our students and families that we serve around Dallas Fort Worth, but we hold a special place for our Southern Dallas Communities. We have an unwavering commitment to education, community development, and resource accessibility and believe in transforming lives and building stronger communities.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your organization or your partnership with Big Thought?
SW: We are grateful for the partnership with Big Thought. When we first started, we didn’t know heads from tales, left from right, but we did know we wanted to do something impactful. Big Thought opened their doors in a number of ways from providing free capacity building training, mental health awareness training, and funding for our very first program. They helped guide us along the way and answered all of our questions no matter how many times we asked as we tried to sift through ebbs and flows of the nonprofit sector.
Join Stars United Global Outreach as they celebrate a decade of impact with a gala on Saturday, March 29. Be part of the celebration and learn how you can support their incredible work – get all the details here. Make sure to also stay connected year-round. Explore their programs at www.starsunitedglobaloutreach.org and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.