Investment in Human Capital
One of EALgreen's inspirational stories

Trumpet Blows Inspiration & Impact ... the story of Eganam (Ego) Segbefia and EALgreen

Burgess COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

Trumpet Blows Inspiration & Impact



Storytelling is an art, filled with inspiration, and an invitation to learn more about the world. Let me tell you a story about two people who worked hard to turn their dreams into reality and are now paying it forward to help others. One originally came from Ghana, the other from Argentina. And this is how they crossed paths.



Meet Eganam (Ego) Segbefia, a 29 year old immigrant who moved to NYC from Ghana at age 10. By 5th grade, he started playing the trumpet, using it almost as an alternate form of communication to minimize speaking with his strong African English accent.

When he was 13 years old, he was recruited into the Cadets of New York City Drum Corps International Division Three Drum and Bugle Corps as a Mellophone player. Three years later he went on to play with The Cadets Drum Corps International Division One Corps and was featured in the movie Enchanted along with the Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band. Following his passion for music, he earned a B.S in Music Education from South Carolina State University.



It’s tough making a living as a musician but he was determined to succeed. He started performing at the Grand Central Shuttle “S” train station 5 times a week, for 3 hours during rush hour morning and night. This was his way of preparing for his second audition at the Manhattan School of Music (MSM). He didn’t let his lack of funds for tuition stop him. Instead, Ego focused on learning his repertoire and envisioning himself passing the audition.



When the big day arrived, Ego gave his all in the audition even as he worried how his parents would be able to support him and his eight siblings. In sharing that concern with his parents, they responded with 3 comments that he would always carry close to heart:



Good things happen to those who practice, are patient, persistent and those who pray. The universe responds to the thoughts we put out. It takes a village to raise a child.

This was exactly what he needed to hear to reassure himself and be confident in accomplishing one of his biggest dreams, attending MSM.

Now, let me introduce you to Claudia Freed. She is a friend, advisor and mentor wrapped up with a heart of gold. Like Ego, she is a US immigrant, born into a family of Spanish and Italian immigrants living in Argentina. Her heritage is how she explains why passion has always been a crucial part of who she is.



Her parents taught her that education and hard work were her ticket to a good life. Her family was faced with tragedy, at age 15 when she lost her father and her mother stepped up to the role of leading, setting the stage for many future courageous women taking the family forward together.

At 17, Claudia took a big risk moving to the US as an exchange student without speaking English. It was a life changing decision. Impressed with Claudia’s drive, her American family were determined to help her attend college in the US, agreeing to cover her expenses. But what about tuition? That’s when she was invited to apply for and received a scholarship program called EALGreen. The program brings together businesses and universities to exchange, sell and reuse obsolete, excess and end-of-life products to provide scholarships for students with financial need.



Her life has come full circle. 22 years ago she became the leader of EAL, and 2 years ago she was promoted to CEO. EALgreen's direct “inventory into scholarship” model provides tangible and immediate impact that employees, schools, students and stakeholders can easily understand, and even witness in action. , along with her team EAL has impacted the lives of 15,000 students with $18 million in financial aid.



What does this have to do with Eganam? His acceptance letter from Manhattan School of Music included the news: “CONGRATULATIONS! You have been accepted to Manhattan School of Music and awarded a $15,000 Scholarship from the Educational Assistance Program”. EALGreen’s financial assistance was enabling him to fulfill one of his biggest wishes.



Eganam realized that what his parents had once told him was really true: EALGreen was a result of his practice, patience and persistence. He had positive thoughts and EALGreen was one of the members from the village that it took to raise him.

So why do I share this amazing story? I was inspired by the impact these wonderful people provide when they pay it forward. Also, the music element of this story.



Although I am not a professional musician, music is in my bones, and feeds my spirit. I was raised in the Bronx with my 3 siblings in a 2 bedroom apartment. I thought we were rich. We had a piano, fresh fruits and vegetables, spaghetti dinners, and loving parents. At the age of six I would sit on the floor while my older sister took piano lessons. When the room cleared I would jump up to my sister’s piano seat and practice what she learned, play classical recordings and dance to my heart’s delight. Music makes my heart sing so, when Claudia mentioned in passing that she was going to MSM to meet Ego, I excitedly asked if I could join her with, Gabby (my puppy) in tow. Of course she said YES!



Ego’s story has so many nuances. Understanding the gifts he has earned, he too leads a life of giving. I was filled with joy when he shared more about paying it forward, providing free music lessons to young and old alike or playing to elementary school children walking to class so they too would be filled with the sound of music.



Life is filled with opportunity. Each of us has a choice to open our hearts and minds to experience these momentary chances. If we follow our dreams and passions, no matter how daunting, we too may achieve personal and professional success. We are one person, one whole human being. Life is not meant to be compartmentalized.

Join me on the path to give hope to all and make a lasting impact on others. It is on our watch, it is our life, and we can make it a better world for all.
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If you enjoyed this blog you may also like these videos and stories:

Eganam Segbefia

Ego's Blog: Everything Ego.

Ego's Interviews: Trumpet Player, Blowing Inspiration Ego's Performances: Cadets 2007, Grand Central Trumpeter, Motherless Child

EalGreen ... Information: Website, Facebook, LinkedIn

Claudia Freed ... Women of Impact- Inspiritng Global Impact in the Not-For-Profit Sector