Why are you passionate about advancing community–aligned and impactful giving?
Born and raised in Chicago, I have seen first hand how philanthropy has often excluded communities and their perspectives. I have been on both sides of the system – seeking funding and making grants – and have seen how the opaque practices of philanthropy are used to regulate access to funding for BIPOC communities. It’s critical that more people understand and engage with philanthropy if we are going to shift this system towards equity. It will take bold action and bold leadership from each of us to change the system.

By moving resources to communities of color, what kind of world do you hope to see?
I envision a just world where BIPOC people and communities have the power of self-determination, the resources, and autonomy to dream into life new ways of being that bring an end to extractive practices and create a society of belonging and inclusion for all.

How are you living the value of mutual respect?
By valuing all people for who they are and what they bring to the table. Through this practice we are able to recognize and understand differences, and ensure that these perspectives contribute to our work.

What is your passion project or hobby outside of work?
Taking part in new experiences with friends and family - many of which involve food.

Why are you passionate about advancing community–aligned and impactful giving?
I am a firm believer in the power of community-driven philanthropy, where those who are most impacted and have the deepest knowledge of their communities have a voice in crafting solutions and support as leaders in making change. I am inspired by the shifts our sector has seen over recent years but am also acutely aware of how much more needs to be done - which drives me to do this work every day.

By moving resources to communities of color, what kind of world do you hope to see?
I believe that shifting resources to BIPOC people and communities gives power to those who hold community-specific knowledge, relationships, and assets, to develop agile and effective solutions that will lead to outcomes of true and meaningful change for all people.

How are you living the value of shared learning?
A strong desire to lead a life dedicated to making my community and the world a better place has long been the driving force behind my personal and professional paths. Whether it be traveling the world to learn about cultures and communities outside of my own or prioritizing learning opportunities in my professional life, I know that I am better equipped to make a difference when I learn and grow with others. To me, learning is a lifelong pursuit, and I am thankful to have a career that allows me to learn from and support others in this journey.

What is your passion project or hobby outside of work?
Outside of work, travel and food (often hand in hand experiences) are my passions, and I am just one continent away from reaching my goal of visiting all seven continents!

Why are you passionate about advancing community–aligned and impactful giving?
For many years, the philanthropic sector has reinforced a false hierarchy of intelligence and goodness that left funded communities feeling disempowered. Community-aligned and impactful giving allows donors and grantees to build rapport rooted in respect, trust, and appreciation. This allows funded communities to feel empowered to make decisions that are best for their people, while allowing donors to exercise their ability to relinquish control and power. I believe that community-aligned giving improves the lives of the people in the communities and the donors who fund them.

By moving resources to communities of color, what kind of world do you hope to see?
I believe that moving resources to communities of color will allow for an increase in the equity of power and money. I also hope that it will advance cross-community relational repair around the world.

How are you living the value of autonomy?
Before working with others, I spent several years working on developing personal autonomy through my relationships. As I began working with others as a coach, I noticed that my clients needed support to step into their own sovereignty as business owners. Developing personal autonomy requires intentionality and perseverance. I am looking to create a massive, sustainable impact on the world; and I believe that sustainable change comes through autonomy, not force.

What is your passion project or hobby outside of work?
One of my favorite things to do outside of work is to learn about different cultures through food.

Why are you passionate about advancing community–aligned and impactful giving?
Too often, the methods used by funders do not reflect the perspective or preferences of the community. At best, systems created outside of communities can overlook the subtleties of community-led processes and outcomes. At worst, they may contribute to the escalation of existing disparities. The foundation of philanthropy is the preservation of wealth at the expense of laborers and people of color. People who are not native to or currently residing in a community are unaware of its true needs, desires, and strengths. Despite grassroots leaders' familiarity with local problems, studies demonstrate that minority leaders typically have less financial resources at their disposal and less influence in decision-making which is why I am extremely passionate about community-aligned and impactful giving. When we invest in modest, grass-roots initiatives, we invest in community leaders who have a deep understanding of the needs of their neighbors.

By moving resources to communities of color, what kind of world do you hope to see?
I wish for a future in which communities feel empowered and heard. Where the challenges they raise are addressed in a manner that has the most impact on them, as opposed to whatever agendas others may have.

How are you living the value of trust?
Trust is the conviction that a person or institution is honorable and dependable. Our dependency in personal and professional interactions is also defined by the value of trust. Often, it is tough to acquire, and once lost, it is even more difficult to regain. The greatest value of trust is not what we do with it, but what it does to us as we strive to become individuals deserving of receiving it. For me, trust is a fundamentally personal matter that I do not overlook. In every decision I make, I consider the trust that has been placed in me and hope that my actions will warrant that trust and that I will live up to those expectations.