Today, we’re featuring Meredeth Summers, Minister of Choral Music at White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. White Oak Grove, located at 2600 Assembly Road in East Greensboro, traces its roots back to 1905, when a group of believers established a Baptist church under a tree in their community, known as Smith Village.

This photo was taken not at church, but in front of the Gallery of Leaders at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria, South Africa. The location is fitting, as Meredeth wears many leadership hats and serves as a role model to many. In addition to sharing her musical gifts at church, Meredeth is Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Board of Trustees at Guilford College. She refers to herself as a “serial entrepreneur,” having started businesses since childhood and mentored others to do the same.*  Meredeth is also both a lawyer and accountant.

Meredeth has just returned from South Africa where she lead a group of eight participants on a U.S. Department of Education Fulbright-Hays grant, focused on developing an entrepreneurial curriculum and providing cross-cultural awareness. This was the first Fulbright-Hays grant awarded to Guilford College—made possible by Meredeth’s leadership and initiative.

Now back from South Africa, Meredeth hasn’t missed a beat. She’ll be at church today, sharing her musical talent, inspired by the memory of her mother’s pitch-perfect voice and wisdom.

Happy Sunday!

* While Meredeth holds many titles, we’re honoring the Guilford College/Quaker tradition of using first names.