Ira Lee Hamm
April 30, 1922 - February 22, 2015
Meet Our Founder
Sterling Alexis Hamm
I am native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, a 2016 Graduate of Goldsboro High School, and an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: Pre-Law concentration and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology: Criminology concentration.
I have always had a passion to impact the youth around stemming from volunteering with the Wayne County Teen Court program from 8th grade through 12th grade. Seeing many of my classmates and peers caught up in the justice system, seeking a second chance, or just simply lacking motivation throughout our schooling is what encouraged me to start want to make a change. My mother always instilled in me that it is not where you come from, it’s where you’re going. YOU are your biggest and ONLY competition.
Named after my beloved grandfather Ira Lee Hamm, this organization honors his name by serving the youth within our community helping them to reach their full potential. I Rise Above, I.R.A for short, is an affirmation of self-motivation. Youth members will affirm that they are “rising above” their socioeconomic disadvantages that are sociologically designed to keep them stagnant. Youth members will learn the importance of Leadership, Education, and Elevation(L. E. E.) by readjusting and maintaining their focus on their journey to success! There is so much potential in Goldsboro, North Carolina! Entrepreneurs, elite athletes, future scientists, doctors, nurses, educators, lawyers, engineers and more! Most of my community just lacks that extra push of encouragement to get them started and keep them going.
Mahatma Ghandi once said, “be the change you wish to see in the world.” I Rise Above will be that change for Goldsboro, North Carolina.