The weeks since my birthday on October 28 have been a meaningful period of reflection. As I have turned the page on Chapter 47 and stepped into Chapter 48, I’ve been thinking deeply about the lessons of the past year—how they’ve shaped me and prepared me for the growth and possibilities ahead.
Posting this on December 5 feels like a fitting moment to pause and look back. The time between my birthday and the year’s end often inspires both gratitude for the journey so far and anticipation for what’s to come. Chapter 47 was filled with milestones, challenges, and moments of connection that reminded me of the power of community, resilience, and self-investment.
As I move forward, I want to share some of the most transformative experiences of the past year—insights that continue to influence my journey and my commitment to personal and collective growth.
Balancing Identities: Professional vs. Entrepreneurial Self
Navigating my dual identities as a nonprofit leader and the founder of Mission ENSPIRE has been both rewarding and challenging. Often, the line between my professional career and entrepreneurial journey blurs, each role contributing to my broader purpose of inspiring and empowering others.
In nonprofit spaces, I bring the structured leadership skills that have guided my career. Yet, as an entrepreneur, I lean into creativity and innovation, which refresh my approach in ways I carry back to the nonprofit sector. Through these roles, I continue to learn that while the paths may be different, the end goal remains the same: to create positive impact and encourage others to invest in their growth.
This dual identity was also explored in conversations I had as a guest on the Trailblazin’ Bosses Podcast with Veranda Adkins and in my interviews with CanvasRebel and Bold Journey. These opportunities allowed me to share my career insights and discuss how I’ve balanced strengths, tackled challenges, and found purpose in unexpected ways.
Through it all, my faith has been my anchor, reminding me that both my nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurial journey are part of a greater purpose. It has guided me to approach challenges as learning and growth opportunities and to view each role as a way to serve and uplift others.
Community Connections: The Power of Shared Histories and Collective Wisdom
The joy of reconnecting with my past was clear at my high school reunion this year, where over 300 alumni gathered in Atlanta to celebrate our shared history. It was energizing to see familiar faces, some of whom I hadn’t encountered in 30 years. As someone who attended Piney Woods School, a historically Black boarding school, this all-class reunion was particularly special, bringing together not just my fellow class of 1994 but alumni from various years. Reuniting with familiar faces was an unexpected and meaningful gift with a special milestone marking 30 years since graduation. The energy of the event was infectious, filled with laughter and shared memories, and it deepened my appreciation for the connections that have shaped who I am today.
In addition to the reunion, I participated in a three-day gathering of leadership team members from our Midwest Local Offices at LISC. This event was an incredible opportunity to learn from one another and engage with colleagues from the Cincinnati office, who generously took us on a tour of their work. Hearing firsthand from local partners about the impact of our initiatives reinforced the importance of community and collaboration in achieving meaningful change.
At this year’s Voices of Color Summit, I had the honor of sharing my “ENSPIRE Truth,” a deeply personal reflection on overcoming self-doubt and embracing purpose: “The biggest obstacle between you and your dreams isn’t lack of knowledge, resources, or opportunity—though these are real challenges we face as people of color. The biggest obstacle is often that voice inside telling you ‘not yet,’ ‘not enough,’ or ‘not you.’… You already have everything within you to start. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be purposeful. And remember—you don’t have to do it alone.”
From attending the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference to connecting with colleagues at LISC gatherings, I saw firsthand how the bonds we build with others help carry us through challenges and inspire us to dream bigger. These experiences reaffirmed that we thrive when we invest in our communities and allow ourselves to learn from the collective strength of those around us.
A Year of Firsts: Stepping into New Horizons
In Chapter 47, I embraced several “firsts” that symbolized my commitment to growth and stepping outside of my comfort zone.
Right after I turned 47 last year, I was given the chance to represent my organization for the first time as a speaker at Serita Love’s annual Success Junkie Summit. The talk, entitled “Entrepreneurial Leadership: Scoring Success with a Legendary Mindset,” felt monumental. I remember how Serita, my Brand Strategist, casually informed me I’d be speaking, and I thought, “Wait, I don’t think I agreed to this!” My identity as a facilitator and trainer made me hesitant; I didn’t see myself as a speaker. However, this experience taught me that I could step into that role with practice and support. The positive feedback I’ve received since has helped me embrace my abilities and recognize that I’m not just a facilitator; I’m also a capable speaker.
Taking on new challenges—like speaking for the first time at the Success Junkie Summit—required more than just preparation; it demanded faith. Faith that I was equipped for the task, faith in the people who supported me, and faith in the greater purpose that my work serves. This belief gave me the courage to step into the unknown and trust in the potential for growth ahead.
My time at the National FOC Convening in Mesa stands out as a highlight, where I had the opportunity to train others in using coaching within their supervision—skills that deepen my work in both nonprofit and entrepreneurial spaces. In an unexpected twist, I also experienced my first ride in a driverless car! This thrilling moment reminded me of the power of letting go and trusting in the unknown, a feeling that has fueled my entrepreneurial journey with Mission ENSPIRE. Just as I trusted the technology guiding me, I’m learning to embrace the unpredictable turns that come with pursuing growth and transformation.
Looking Ahead: Intentionality and Purpose
As I reflect on my journey and look ahead to the milestones of Chapter 48, my faith remains my compass. It reminds me to lead with gratitude, approach each day with purpose, and trust that every step—no matter how uncertain—is part of a divine plan. My faith also guides my commitment to using the gifts I’ve been given to uplift others and create meaningful impact.
Entering Chapter 48, I recognize that this milestone offers a unique opportunity to pause and assess the broader vision for my life and work. This isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about defining the legacy I want to create and the impact I hope to leave behind. Over the next two years, as I approach Chapter 50, I aim to lean into intentionality—aligning my decisions with my values and purpose.
For Mission ENSPIRE, this means dedicating time to refining my offerings and building stronger connections with the women, nonprofit professionals, and faith-based organizations that I aim to serve. It’s not enough to maintain the status quo; I want to expand my capacity to support others in transforming their lives. This includes exploring new workshops, creating additional resources, and seeking collaborative opportunities to amplify my reach.
Personally, I’m prioritizing self-care and reflection as essential parts of this journey. I’ve realized that stepping back to recharge isn’t a luxury but a necessity, especially as I balance the demands of professional and entrepreneurial life. The retreat I’m planning to attend will not only be a time to strategize but also a chance to reconnect with the “why” behind my work—reminding myself of the passion and purpose that fuel everything I do.
This chapter isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about showing up for others in more meaningful ways. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or leading, I want to continue planting seeds of courage and confidence in others, just as mentors and supporters have done for me.
Conclusion: Gratitude and an Invitation to Reflect
In reflecting on Chapter 47, I am most grateful for the grace and guidance that have carried me through. My faith has been a constant reminder that even in challenges, there is a greater purpose at work. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and growth that happened in my life. Each “first,” each challenge, each opportunity, and each moment of connection contributed to a narrative of resilience, joy, and transformation. These lessons remind me that every step—whether smooth or rocky—is a step forward, shaping the person I’m becoming.
As I move forward, I’m leaning on my faith to help me continue growing, learning, and serving. I’m carrying these lessons with me: the courage to embrace new roles, the wisdom to trust the journey, and the gratitude for every person who has walked alongside me. Growth is never a solitary journey; it’s cultivated in community, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
Now, I’d love to hear from you. In the spirit of reflection and shared growth, consider these questions:
- What community connections have been a source of strength for you?
- What lessons from your past year have shaped your growth?
- How do you plan to embrace the next chapter of your journey with intentionality and purpose?
Let’s inspire and encourage one another as we move forward. Together, we have the power to create transformative change—not just for ourselves, but for the communities we serve.
I look forward to hearing your insights and celebrating the paths we’re on together.