This fall, the Bryan County News will publish profiles from 20 outstanding individuals from Bryan County under the age of 40, who work and study from across a range of disciplines. Each person has answered a short Q+A as part of their selection. Answers edited for length and clarity. Here's a preview.
Name: BreeAnna Freiger
Age: 36
Title: Founder & Director of Operations, CHEER SQUAD Director of Operations, Brand Assembly - Producing fashion trade shows in New York and Los Angeles.
Background: “BreeAnna grew up on the West Coast in Washington, but has lived in Georgia for the past 15 years and proudly considers it home. She studied at the University of Washington, Georgia Southern University and Savannah College of Art and Design, with a focus on business, design and operations. Throughout her career, she’s worked in both nonprofit and private sectors, with experience spanning churches, higher education, marketing and event production. Through it all, serving others has always been where her heart is, and ultimately, is what led her to start CHEER SQUAD.
You often hear in business that the best ideas solve a problem that hasn’t been solved yet. For BreeAnna, that problem was personal. Growing up in a low-income household, she wasn’t always able to participate in activities because of the cost, and found out that years later, kids right here in our community are facing the same barrier. CHEER SQUAD was created to help change that. To CHEER SQUAD, success isn’t about money or recognition (although the recognition is so cool!) It’s about making an impact and helping kids access activities (sports, arts, clubs, etc.) when cost is a barrier so they can access opportunities that help them learn, grow and get involved!
Future: Being named to Bryan County News’ '20 Under 40' list means so much to me because I see it as recognition not only of the work we’re doing through CHEER SQUAD, but also of the incredible kids in our community who want the opportunity to learn, grow and get involved. I’m proud of what we’ve built so far, and even more excited about what’s ahead. In the near future, we’re planning to launch our signature annual event, CHEER SQUAD Community Field Day, a day where families and community members can come together for free, fun, activities!
We’ve also launched our Seasonal Squads and have been fortunate to work with amazing community partners. We’re looking forward to even more creative partnerships as we grow! CHEER SQUAD has helped more than 100 local kids access activities when cost was a barrier, but with 1 in 4 kids missing out on activities because of cost, there is still so much work to do. Our work is cut out for us, but with support from a community like Bryan County, I know we can open a lot more doors for kids. Cheers to Bryan County, cheers to community, and cheers to making sure every kid gets a chance to participate!