On June 5th and 6th, Zachary will lace up his shoes and begin a journey of 100 miles running across WNC with the goal of raising $100,000 in support of OpenDoors students going To & Through college.

“My interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion began this past summer, amid a demand for social justice from Black Americans. I attended two conferences and joined many boards and committees to combat social injustice. The most significant conference for me, The Student Diversity Leadership Conference, inspired my participation in the ‘You Belong Advisory Board’ at CDS and meetings with our head of school, division principles, and other groups. I believe that the solution to achieving equity is education, which is why I am partnering with OpenDoors of Asheville, whose mission is to strengthen community by eliminating the race-based achievement gap for students through education.”
“While the efforts of Ryan and Connor greatly inspired me, I also found my inspiration to help underserved kids in this quote: “Every great journey begins with a single step.” My main goal in doing the extraordinary is to inspire others to find their extraordinary and make their contribution to an issue close to their heart. On June 5th, I will lace up my shoes to begin my journey through Western North Carolina to raise money and awareness for OpenDoors of Asheville.“
–Zachary Philip, 17
Support Zachary in his incredible journey
by donating here
