Newsroom
Learning to advocate: How Greggory Ohannessian grew as a Public Ally
September 24, 2024 — In the community service and social impact space, Public Allies Arizona has been a driving force, empowering individuals to become catalysts for positive change. One such individual, Greggory Ohannessian, shared his remarkable journey with the program, offering valuable insights into the transformative experience it provided.
Greggory has always had a passion for advocacy and a desire to make a difference in the disability community. After completing two master's degrees, one in Communication and Advocacy and another in Interdisciplinary Studies, he found himself grappling with the challenges of finding meaningful work. It was then that one of his professors recommended exploring the opportunities at Public Allies, where he was placed at Ridgeline Academy in Phoenix, a school that embraces an inclusive approach to education. Initially serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the academy later expanded to include grades up to 12 during the pandemic. Greggory's primary focus was at the school's main campus in the Phoenix area, where he played a pivotal role in ensuring that students with disabilities were seamlessly integrated into general education classrooms.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment, Greggory dedicated his efforts to expanding the academy's programs and resources. One of his notable accomplishments was his involvement in creating a sensory room, a space designed to provide a calming and supportive environment for students with sensory processing needs. Even after completing his Public Allies tenure, Greggory remained passionately engaged with the academy, continuing his work for an additional year to further develop and enhance these inclusive initiatives.
The Public Allies experience proved to be an eye-opening endeavor for Greggory, shaping his perspective on social issues and community work in profound ways. "It helped me understand how nonprofits work and gave me a lot of resources on how the systems operate not just in the disability community but also other communities as well, and how they're all connected with each other," he reflected. Immersed in this diverse environment, Greggory gained a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of various social movements and the importance of fostering inclusive spaces.
A very memorable experience that Greggory had was his participation in the Martin Luther King Jr. Festival. “Just being there and interacting with the community was a really big experience for me." These moments of direct community engagement not only reinforced his commitment to advocacy but also allowed him to make meaningful connections with those around him.
Beyond the hands-on experiences, Greggory also gained invaluable skills that have served him well in his personal and professional life. "One of the biggest strengths is learning to be more open and vulnerable to people," he shared. "It means asking for help more and also making sure to ask for more guidance on things and to express how I'm feeling." This willingness to embrace vulnerability and seek support when needed has been a cornerstone of his growth journey.
Additionally, Greggory improved his networking and communication abilities, skills that are particularly valuable in his line of work. "For me, at times, it can be very challenging whenever I go to different networking events," he acknowledged, "but Public Allies helped me increase my communication and networking skills." This growth mindset has enabled him to forge meaningful connections and collaborate effectively with others in the pursuit of common goals.
However, Greggory's journey was not without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic presented obstacles in adapting to virtual settings. yet through perseverance and a supportive network, Greggory was able to overcome these hurdles.
Looking back on his Public Allies experience, Greggory expressed gratitude for the mentorship and guidance he received. "I had one-on-one coaching with my supervisor and support coordinator," he shared, highlighting the invaluable support system that guided him throughout his journey.
For those considering joining Public Allies, Greggory offered heartfelt advice: "Find an organization that aligns with your interests, develop rapport with the other Allies and the organization, and don't be afraid to ask for help – not just professionally but also personally, especially when it comes to your mental health." He emphasized the importance of self-care, and seeking assistance when needed, acknowledging the challenges that can arise during such transformative experiences.
Reflecting on his path forward, Greggory expressed a desire to explore new avenues of advocacy and support, potentially within a nonprofit organization dedicated to disability rights. "I wouldn't mind working there," he said, "it's just finding ways to advocate for people with disabilities, especially on the autism spectrum."
Through his involvement with Public Allies, Greggory not only gained valuable skills and experiences but also solidified his dedication to advocating for inclusivity and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. His journey is an inspiration to those seeking to make a meaningful impact, reminding us that by embracing vulnerability, seeking guidance, and remaining open to growth, we can become agents of transformation in our communities and beyond.
Image: Greggory Ohannessian during his time as a Public Ally
Story by Nyasha Mhungu, ASU Lodestar Center
Learn about our other Capacity Building Services
The ASU Lodestar Center offers multiple options to help your organization build capacity in our Capacity Building Services: from placing skilled volunteers into programs with Experience Matters, to creating a board governance plan, as well as Public Allies Arizona. We can help create more capacity, so your organization can do more good in the community!