Dr. Evelyn Hammond (she, her)
My name is Dr. Evelyn Hammond, I’m originally from Ghana, West Africa. I came to UW-Madison for graduate school, I fell in love with Madison, and I’ve been living here for almost 10 years. I am an Evaluation Specialist with UW-Madison Division of Extension.
I’ve held various positions in the African community in Madison. A few years ago, I was the president of the Ghana Association in Madison, and vice president of the African Women’s Association. Currently, I am vice president of the African Center for Community Development.
I love reading legal thrillers especially John Grisham’s books. I love cooking too.
Get to know Evelyn better
What are some of the things you enjoy most in life? What keeps you inspired, re-charged, and brings you joy?
I enjoy meeting people and organizing celebratory events because I love bringing happiness to people and making them feel good about themselves. I’m inspired when the people I interact with are inspired.
When you look back over your whole life – What experiences have shaped you as a woman? and how?
My parents, my family, people I’ve had the honor of meeting, and books I’ve read have shaped me as a woman. They helped me find my identity and taught me that as a woman, I have the opportunity to impact my environment and the people around me positively. This is my superpower!
What are some of your practices of resilience? Who did you learn this from? and How are these helpful in times of challenge?
My principal practice of resilience is prayer. I am a Christian and I believe in the power of prayer. I have faith that irrespective of how terrible things are, they will get better with time, if I believe and trust God for a change. I learned this by reading my Bible and taking God at His Word. In challenging times, prayer has given me peace, hope and a purpose for life. I have no shadow of doubt that as long as I have life, things can only get better!
When you think of your life journey unfolding, Who do you see yourself becoming?
I see myself becoming a better version of myself than I was yesterday. A better daughter, wife, mother, professional, and community member. I strive for excellence and as I meet people, I want them to experience the best me.
What is your vision for Madison?
My vision for Madison is that all the children will have equal opportunities and access to resources and grow in a community where they are respected, loved and cherished.
How do you see you can contribute to creating the city you visualize?
As a Children’s Service teacher at my church, I teach the children self-confidence, and guide them towards making awesome choices and living socially and spiritually commendable lives.
Please share about your Amplify Madison journey – What did your team worked on and how was your experience collaborating with each other? What did you personally learn and how is impacting who you are becoming?
In my group, we all ended up doing different things because our interests and focuses changed. I took a course in Servant Leadership with UW-Madison. From this awesome course, I learned to lead with empathy, listen actively and attentively, lead with passion and be an example/model of what I preach. I am using the skills and knowledge I acquired from this course in teaching my students and the people I engage with.
What are you currently offering in the community and how can people connect with you and your work?
Professionally, I’m an Evaluation Specialist, so if anyone needs a project or program to be evaluated, they can reach out to me. If anyone needs a listening ear or just wants to hang out and chat, please feel free to contact me on: elynn.hammond@gmail.com.
Madison Community Foundation announces $75k grant.
Amplify Madison, will build skills, voice, and visibility for women in the nonprofit community, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for women of color.