In action for more than a decade, the West Orange African Heritage Organization (WOAHO), a nonprofit, volunteer organization that seeks to elevate the academic, civic, social and entrepreneurial qualities of living for African American West Orange residents, has elected Bryn Whittle, Esq., as president.

Whittle, a no-nonsense community activist and public interest attorney who advocates for the rights of the disabled, has been a resident of West Orange since 2005. Patch talked with Whittle about her plans for moving WOAHO forward.

Q. What motivated you to run for president of WOAHO?

A. I was nominated for president by several members. Upon learning this, I was truly honored and humbled. Having taken a leadership role as the WOAHO Women's History Month Committee Chair this past year, I worked more closely with several of the active members who felt that my leadership abilities and passion for community involvement would be a tremendous asset to move the organization forward. After giving it some thought, I decided to accept the nomination and, if elected, I vowed to continue the strong legacy and impeccable reputation that the organization has built over the years.

Q. What are your goals and vision for the organization in the years ahead?

A. My main goal is to increase membership with a special focus on the 35- to 50-year-old residents. Presently, many of our members are retired. Others are planning to relocate in the next few years. Therefore, it is incumbent on us to grow the organization by reaching my peers. In order to advance on critical issues, we need resident-members of varying backgrounds and experiences. A related goal is to bring social networking/marketing and media exposure to WOAHO. With websites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc., on the rise, WOAHO must use these mediums to reach out to members, potential members and the community-at-large. My vision is for the WOAHO is to be recognized and respected as an integral part of West Orange … It is my hope that we will set a standard as a best practice for similarly-situated local organizations.

Q. Why is an organization like WOAHO important for West Orange?

A. While West Orange acknowledges the diversity of its residents, there still exists a need for a voice for residents of African Heritage. Therefore, through education and service, the WOAHO can help advocate for equality and justice as well as continue to promote academic success and achievement in the schools.

Q. Recently, West Orange held major elections at the mayoral, council and board of education levels that drew a lot involvement and unprecedented voter turnout. How will you partner with new town leadership?

A. We will continue to build upon the already established partnerships. Presently, WOAHO runs a very successful tutoring program at several of the elementary schools. Looking ahead, we would like to have a presence at all elementary schools and ensure that our tutors receive professional development (training) on the new curriculum. In the early days of my tenure, I hope to meet with the new council president and new mayor to discuss my goals and vision. This is an exciting time as we are all getting settled into our new roles with heightened energy and great expectations for West Orange. Also, I look forward to meeting with each council member, the superintendent and board of education members to further promote our goals and vision as well as build even stronger alliances. Additionally, I hope to reach out to other town entities like the Downtown Alliance, Public Library, etc., to discuss our agendas and to see if there are ways we can collaborate.

Q. Some say that West Orange is experiencing challenges across the board right now, at all levels … political tensions with the recent closely won-by-a-small-margin mayoral race, a defeated education budget and high property taxes to name a few. What is one of the most significant issues facing African American West Orange residents right now among this sea of change and how will you be addressing it?

A. The problems you have mentioned affect all West Orange residents despite race or ethnicity. However, what I have found to be a significant issue among West Orange residents of African heritage is that we need to be more engaged in town activities and discussions. West Orange can be considered a bedroom community meaning that people go to work and come home. We have to break out of that mold to begin to engage in civic activities (i.e., council meetings, board of education meetings, civic associations, neighborhood associations) in order to have a stronger voice and presence. I am a firm believer that a community is only as strong as its members. While we have a growing community with a variety of skills and talents, we have to connect them to ways to serve. I am committed to that.