About Us

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In May 2020, driven by a deep passion to make a meaningful impact in their hometown, Schulenburg, Texas, Rebecca Powe and LaKeisha Moore embarked on a mission to "bridge the gap". This vision led to the creation of the Bridging the Gap: Virtual Discussions on Culture & Diversity series, an initiative that provided a safe, open, and constructive platform for residents of rural areas to engage in crucial conversations about race, culture, and local issues. These discussions were not only about talking; they were also about listening, learning, and fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, and actionable change within the community.

The inaugural session of the Bridging the Gap series, held in September 2020, was transformative. What began as a gathering of 21 women discussing race relations quickly grew into a powerful movement, attracting men and women who met monthly to continue their vital conversations. The impact of their discussions was clear: our community was hungry for change, understanding, and a shared commitment to progress.

In May 2021, LaToya Ray joined the team as a board member, bringing her energy, community experience, mental health knowledge, and dedication to furthering the mission.

The success of the Bridging the Gap series highlighted the urgent cultural, social, and community needs in rural areas, leading to the formal establishment of the organization. On June 4, 2021, Building Resilience Inclusion Diversity and Growth through Education (BRIDGE) was officially formed. From the outset, the goal has been to create a space that is not only informative but also diverse and inclusive—a space that reflects the voices, experiences, and aspirations of the entire community.

By 2023, the organization had deepened its engagement with the rural communities it serves, conducting extensive outreach to gather feedback and insights. This qualitative data shaped the direction of the work, allowing BRIDGE to better understand the community needs through countless hours of listening, networking, and relationship-building. As a result, 2024 was dedicated to rebranding the mission and enhancing the organizational structure.

Initially, the mission focused on bridging the “racial” gap across sectors such as education, business, government, community, and health. However, based on valuable community feedback, we expanded this vision. Our updated mission now seeks to “bridge the ‘rural’ gap in education, business, government, community, and health through education.”

This broader, more inclusive mission statement reflects the ongoing commitment to being “a voice for rural communities.” We continue to build bridges of understanding, resilience, and growth, laying a foundation of impactful relationships that will endure for generations to come.