Fields’ work at the chamber as well as in the community is setting a refreshing example of leadership through service. He and other like-minded friends are using their influence to better the minds and lives of other young African Americans.

Tell us what you do at the Chamber of Commerce.
My job is to support of team of business development professionals who serve 2,500 Chamber members and the community at large. My team serves five primary areas: research, small business programs, diversity (women/minority) programs, venture capital and economic development through existing business programs. We also produce more than 50 lists and directories while serving as the primary gateway to the Birmingham region with phone calls, e-mails, walk-ins and letters from all over the world. Just think about it. There is only one Birmingham, Alabama and only one regional chamber.

With a job that apparently keeps you busy, why are you so committed to community service?
I believe it’s very important to give my time, talent, and money to worthy individuals and organizations in order to improve society as a whole. I know that because others gave to me and helped me get where I am. I’m just paying it forward.

I’ve always been told I could do it and God has always put me in a place where people have supported and encouraged me.

Tell us more about your organization, P.R.O.P.E.L, and what led you and your partners to start it?
P.R.O.P.E.L. stands for “Providing Resources, Opportunities, Pride, Education and Leadership.” It’s an exciting organization made up of a few African American men who go into Woodlawn High School to mentor African American male students, ages 10 to 15. Our primary goal is to broaden their worldview while also encouraging them in their regular school activities. We talk about servant leadership, importance of family, the invisible hand that institutions play in their lives today as well as character, integrity, and the roles they can play in the community, now and in the future.

We started P.R.O.P.E.L. because we believe the need is urgent. I serve on several boards and I’m involved with several groups, but this endeavor is particularly close to me. It’s where the rubber meets the road. I can’t wear a suit all day, give a thousand bucks to charity and claim to be making a real difference (although that may). My God-given edict in life is to inspire people. History has proven that an uninspired people perish. I see perish – spiritually, financially and otherwise – all the time. For me, play time is over. People must be touched. Why not start with my successors?

What was the toughest part of getting this organization started?
Believing that our works will produce fruit. Dealing with adolescents will sometimes put you in doubt! But, if I could understand programs like this when I was their age, they can too.

There is another organization where you are also a charter member. Can you tell us more about that?
The Birmingham Change Fund started in 2003 after a year of community focus groups on discussions about where African Americans spend their time, talent and treasure.

The Birmingham Change Fund is a group of 20 to 25 young African-American professionals. Our mission is to identify, cultivate and raise resources that improve the quality of life for African-Americans living in the Birmingham region. We want African Americans to give as individuals. We took the money that we raised out of our own pockets, $10,000, and gave it to four organizations (Birmingham Urban League, Cornerstone School, Girls, Inc. and NorthStar Ministries). They will also receive our time and talent as well. So the goal is to bring it all our resources to bear. We’ve been doing it all along. The point is, we weren’t doing it collectively.

Know someone age 30 and under who’s leaving a positive mark on Birmingham? Let us introduce them to the city! E-mail their information to futures@BirminghamView.com.