For me, one of those moments happened earlier this month at the Financial Opportunity Center® (FOC) National Convening held right here in Chicago. The theme of the conference was Strength in Community: Together We Rise, and from the very first session, I felt the truth of those words. This convening felt especially meaningful as it marked twenty years of the FOC model, a celebration of growth, learning, and community impact. This theme of growth and renewal has been a thread through much of my work, both in writing and in practice; exploring how purpose evolves through every new season of leadership.

The FOC model has always been about more than financial empowerment. It is about transformation that ripples through families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. For nearly two decades, I have been deeply connected to this work, helping to strengthen and expand the model while witnessing its profound impact on people and communities. Being part of this convening felt like both a celebration and a full-circle moment.

Leading and Learning in Community

My conference duties began with leading a coaching practicum for a group of 24 participants. Coaching is not just something I do; it is a core part of how I live my purpose. Being able to train and guide others in the principles of coaching, especially in the context of supervision and leadership, always reminds me of why I began this work in the first place. It also reminded me of the many conversations I have shared here about how leadership and personal growth begin with listening both to ourselves and to others. Training others in coaching also reminds me how powerful it is to pause, listen, and help people unlock their own insight. Coaching is not simply about asking powerful questions or setting goals. It is about creating space for people to hear themselves, recognize their strengths, and reconnect to their own wisdom and capacity for growth.

I had the honor of participating in the opening plenary, Celebrating our Legacy, Charting our Future: Two Decades of Opportunity and Community Transformation. Sitting alongside other distinguished panelists, we reflected on the history of the FOC model, shared pivotal moments, and lifted up the stories of transformation that remind us why this work matters. We spoke about the evolution of the model and the lessons learned along the way. What struck me most was how consistently individual empowerment has created community impact. When one person builds financial stability, it strengthens families. When families stabilize, entire communities thrive.

A Moment I Will Never Forget

At the end of our portion of the panel, something unexpected happened. The CEO of one of our longtime community partners, Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), who was also on the plenary with me, paused to thank me for my years of work with the model and the support I have provided along the way. To my complete surprise, the room rose to a standing ovation. Then, as if that was not enough, I was presented with a welded plaque that one of JARC’s instructors had created. The beauty of it, the weight of it, and the symbolism behind it left me completely overwhelmed. In that moment, I could not hold back the tears.

I am not often caught off guard in professional settings, but this recognition touched me deeply. It was not just about the plaque. It was about being seen and having my contributions acknowledged by people I admire and respect. It was about the reminder that the seeds we plant quietly, year after year, do take root, and sometimes they bloom in ways we could never imagine.

Another highlight of the convening was the keynote address by Mia Birdsong. She spoke powerfully about the connections that sustain us and the truth that our communities will show up for us when we need them most. Her words resonated deeply as I reflected on the spirit of this 20-year celebration. Purpose may be what drives us forward, but community is what carries us when we need reminding of why we started. The convening’s theme, Together We Rise, came alive in that moment and throughout the week, reminding me that while individual effort matters, it is the collective strength of community that makes transformation possible.

Legacy, Leadership, and Gratitude

I sometimes get asked how I have stayed at LISC for so long. For those who do not know, it has been 18 years, and I have many reasons. But in my top five are my colleagues and our partners. The images above and below this section reflect some of them. They represent people who have not only shared this journey with me but have shaped it. These relationships and shared milestones bring to mind what I expressed in From Pen to Purpose: A Year of Personal Growth Through Blogging, about how reflection helps us honor where we have been and embrace what lies ahead. Also in my top five is the impact itself, the real, tangible change that this work creates. The 20-year anniversary of the FOC model reflects that impact. It is a celebration of what happens when people, organizations, and communities commit to working together over time to create opportunity. Although I have passed the torch of leading the local FOC network to my very capable colleague, Sarai Garza, I am grateful to continue learning from her and to remain connected to the work. Watching her leadership and the new energy she brings to this space has been both inspiring and affirming. Leadership is not about holding on. It is about building capacity, mentoring others and creating space for new voices to shine.

Learning from Leadership

When I reflect on my own professional growth, I am reminded of the supervisors I have had during my time at LISC. Each one has taught me something invaluable about strategy, leadership, and big-picture thinking, and about the value of relationships that strengthen both people and purpose. I am deeply grateful for the leadership and guidance of Ricki Lowitz, Kevin Jordan, Susana Vasquez, Seung Kim and Meghan Harte, whose support and insight have shaped my journey in meaningful ways. Their mentorship has shaped not only my professional path but also how I show up as a coach, leader, and colleague. I have learned that leadership is both learned and shared, and that we grow by both guiding and being guided.

Honoring Legacy and Looking Ahead

The closing plenary of the convening honored the partners who have helped build and strengthen the FOC network over the years, recognizing partners who have left a lasting legacy, catalyzed change, innovated on the model, mentored others, and led the way for the FOC network. It was an opportunity to pause, celebrate, and honor the many people and organizations that have helped shape the last twenty years of impact. I was especially proud to recognize JARC for their lasting legacy and unwavering commitment to this work. Their leadership and innovation have made a real difference for the communities they serve.

Looking ahead, I am both reflective and hopeful. This convening reminded me that sustaining impact requires both continuity and renewal, honoring what has been built while making space for what is emerging. The legacy of the FOC model is not only about the past 20 years. It is also about the next 20, and how we continue to rise together through purpose, partnership, and possibility.

A Personal Note of Gratitude

I will carry the memory of that standing ovation and plaque with me for a long time. Not as a trophy, but as a reminder. A reminder that purpose is not something we live out alone. It is something that grows within us and through us, and then takes root in the lives of others. It is something that flourishes when it is held in community. For me, this convening was more than a professional milestone. It was a deeply personal reminder of why I launched Mission ENSPIRE in the first place: to create space for women, nonprofits, and faith leaders to rediscover purpose, overcome doubt, and walk fully in their potential.

Closing Reflection

As I look back on my journey, the experiences, the people, and the milestones, I am reminded that purpose is not static. It grows through connection, collaboration, and commitment. I am proud of the role I have played, grateful for those who have walked alongside me, and excited to see how this work continues to evolve in the years ahead. Because in the end, that is what true strength in community looks like. It is the ability to honor where we have been, celebrate who we have become, and keep building toward what is possible together.

As you reflect on your own journey, what moments have reminded you of your purpose? Who has helped you rise along the way?

If this reflection resonated with you, you may also enjoy Chapter 48: Embracing Growth, Gratitude, and New Possibilities, where I share lessons from another season of renewal and gratitude.

Why Hope Matters for Growth

Many of us associate hope with optimism, but it is much deeper than simply expecting good things to happen. Hope is the mindset that keeps us going when challenges arise. It is the bridge between where we are now and where we want to be. Without hope, it becomes easy to fall into stagnation, fear, or even burnout. Think about a time in your life when you faced a significant obstacle. What kept you moving forward? Likely, it wasn’t just external circumstances but an inner belief that things could improve. Hope allows us to see beyond our current struggles and envision a future where growth is possible.

Hope fuels growth in these key ways:

• It strengthens resilience – When things don’t go as planned, hope keeps us anchored, allowing us to pivot and keep pushing forward.
• It encourages action – When we believe in the possibility of success, we are more likely to take the necessary steps to make it happen.
• It fosters creativity and problem-solving – Hopeful individuals are more open to new possibilities and are willing to explore different approaches to achieving their goals.

As Romans 12:12 reminds us, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Hope is not passive; it requires us to persist even in difficult seasons.

The Connection between Hope & Courage

Courage and confidence, themes we’ve discussed in previous posts, are closely intertwined with hope. Hope provides the foundation for courage—without it, stepping outside of our comfort zones would feel impossible. When we take risks, whether in our careers, personal lives, or leadership roles, we do so because we believe there is something worthwhile on the other side. I remember a time early in my career when I was presented with an opportunity to lead a major project. I doubted myself, questioning whether I was truly ready. But deep down, I held onto the hope that I could rise to the challenge. That hope gave me the courage to take the leap, and through that experience, I gained confidence in my abilities.

More recently, I had a deeply personal and powerful reminder of this connection between hope, courage, and action. Last year, I passed up the opportunity to apply to be a speaker at a summit during Women’s History Month because of fear, comparison, and the nagging belief that I wasn’t ready. By the time I finally built up the courage to submit my application, the window had already closed. Still, I tuned in to listen to the summit speakers—and their words were incredible. I walked away feeling inspired and equipped with new insights, tips, and actionable strategies. But even more, I left with a renewed sense of hope. I told myself that the next time the application opened, I wouldn’t let fear take the lead. So, when applications opened this year for next year’s summit, I was ready. I started working on mine immediately and submitted it on Sunday, March 23rd—which happened to be my mom’s 75th birthday. She passed away in December 2014, and this day is usually filled with sadness and memories. But this year was a little different because at 9:00 AM, I hit submit, and instead of sorrow, I felt deeply accomplished and I was reminded of my Mom’s faith and her perseverance and hope for my future. It was as if hope had transformed a day of mourning into a moment of meaningful progress. Earlier this week, I received the news that my application was selected to move to the interview stage. The organizers saw something unique in my submission, and they’re eager to connect with me virtually. That’s the power of hope—it fuels courage, opens doors, and allows us to walk forward into opportunity even when we’re not sure of the outcome.

If you’re feeling stuck or hesitant about pursuing something new, ask yourself: What would I do if I truly believed in the possibility of success? That’s the power of hope—it challenges us to dream bigger and act with courage. As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hope and faith go hand in hand, allowing us to move forward even when we don’t have all the answers.

Practical Strategies to Cultivate Hope

While hope is a powerful force, it doesn’t always come naturally. Life’s setbacks, disappointments, and challenges can sometimes dim our sense of possibility. However, like any mindset, hope can be cultivated with intention. Here are a few strategies to help strengthen your sense of hope:

• Reframe Negative Thoughts: When faced with difficulties, practice shifting your perspective. Instead of thinking, “This is never going to work,” try, “What can I learn from this experience?” or “What’s another way forward?”
• Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Hope is contagious. Seek out people who inspire and uplift you. Engage with books, podcasts, TED Talks, and conversations that reinforce optimism and possibility.
• Reflect on Past Wins: Take a moment to think about past situations where things turned out better than expected. What helped you navigate those moments? Reminding yourself of past resilience can reignite hope.
• Take Small, Consistent Steps: Sometimes, we lose hope because we feel overwhelmed by how far we have to go. Instead of focusing on the entire journey, break it down into small, manageable steps. Progress, even in small increments, fuels hope.
• Practice Gratitude: Studies show that gratitude strengthens our sense of hope by shifting our focus from what’s missing to what’s already working. Take time each day to acknowledge what you’re grateful for.
• Visualize a Positive Outcome: Spend time imagining yourself successfully reaching your goals. Visualization is a powerful tool that strengthens belief in our ability to achieve what we set out to do.

Jeremiah 29:11 affirms this truth: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Trusting in this promise allows us to lean into hope, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

How to Channel Hope into Action

Hope without action is just a dream. The real magic happens when we take our hopeful mindset and translate it into tangible progress. Here’s how you can turn hope into meaningful action:

• Set Clear Intentions: What are you hoping for? Be specific about what you want to achieve and why it matters.
• Create a Plan: Hope thrives when paired with a strategy. Outline actionable steps that will move you closer to your vision.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing progress along the way reinforces hope and motivates continued action.
• Adjust as Needed: Hope isn’t about blind optimism; it’s about adaptability. If something isn’t working, be willing to adjust your approach rather than give up.

Hope as a Driving Force

As we step further into this year, I encourage you to reflect on where hope plays a role in your life. Are there areas where you’ve been holding back because you’re unsure of the outcome? What would it look like to move forward with a renewed sense of possibility? Hope is not passive—it is an active force that fuels resilience, courage, and growth. By intentionally cultivating hope and pairing it with action, you can unlock new levels of confidence and possibility.

So, what’s one hopeful action you can take this week or next? Let’s embrace the power of hope together and continue to build a life of purpose and impact.