This past August, in recognition of Black Philanthropy Month and the global call to honor the theme of Sankofa — a West African principle that urges us to “go back and get it” — we proudly welcomed the next class of Gamechangers: Black philanthropic leaders and bold collaborators shaping the future through innovation, generosity, and trust.

Tell us your story. (Your journey, your work, or what brought you to where you are today.)

I am a Nashville native, and a big part of my journey starts in the Woodbine area of South Nashville. Growing up in such a diverse community taught me the importance of connection and belonging. I first fell in love with nonprofit work in high school through volunteerism and working with Special Olympics. At the time, I did not know the word nonprofit, but I knew the feeling of serving people who deserved more opportunity and support.

From there, I became deeply committed to helping underserved and marginalized communities by bridging resources and building empathy. That early experience shaped everything for me. It set me on a path that centers people, honors the history of communities, and works to preserve a sense of belonging. My goal has always been to ensure that people have access to opportunity and a strong network of community, just as I did growing up.

Name a person, tradition, or community value from your past that guides how you give or serve today.

Growing up in Nashville, I feel like I stand on the shoulders of so many local heroes whose names we do not say nearly enough. I think about leaders like Kwame Lillard, Francis Guess, and people like Gail Carr Williams who continue to inspire us today. These are individuals who taught me early in life what it means to care for your community.

I also think about people like Sizwe, someone from my childhood who created community gardens and welcomed anyone to participate. He did not have a lot of money, but he gave his time and his talent. That was my blueprint for service. These individuals were not seeking notoriety. They were focused on what was best for Nashville and its people. Their example guides me in how I use my platform and how I show up for the city I love.

Sankofa teaches us to look back so we can move forward. If you could speak to your younger self or to future generations of Black gamechangers, what lesson or moment from your past would you share?

I would tell my younger self not to wait for permission. So many young people feel like they need someone to open a door for them or give them a yes. I struggled with that early in my career. If you have an idea, a hope, a dream, or the potential to change lives, go after it.

You do not have to have everything figured out. Life is not linear. It is a jungle gym that moves you in directions you never expected. Embrace the journey. Build your own pathway. And do not wait for permission to start making an impact.

The parable of the talents teaches us to grow and share what we’ve been given. How have you used your gifts — whether time, talent, or resources — to make an impact in your community?

I never imagined I would be in the position I am in today, and I hold that with gratitude and responsibility. I use my platform to amplify the voices of people who are often unheard and to advocate for communities that deserve greater opportunity and access.

Even on the days when I feel tired or overwhelmed, I know the work must continue. I pour into others, and I also pour back into myself so that I can show up for my children, for future Nashvillians, and for generations to come. Everything I do is rooted in the question, how can we make this city stronger and more equitable for the people who will come after us.

How have you seen Black generosity and community investment show up in ways that might not always be recognized as philanthropy?

I think immediately of my mother. We did not have many resources growing up, but she cleaned the church every Saturday as her way of giving back. There was also a woman in our community named Mother Pearl who cooked meals every Sunday and opened her doors to anyone who needed a plate. That was generosity. That was philanthropy.

Their gifts were not measured in dollars. They were measured in love, intention, and commitment. My mother and Mother Pearl may not have called it philanthropy, but it changed lives and created a sense of belonging. Those examples stay with me almost 40 years later.

How do you define “being a Gamechanger” in collaborative efforts or philanthropy?

A Gamechanger is someone who is not afraid to break barriers. Someone who sees a need or an opportunity and uses their time, talent, treasure, or truth to advocate for others. Gamechangers speak up in rooms that may not look like them. They raise awareness. They use their voice to uplift the voiceless. And they do it with courage and conviction.

What wisdom or encouragement would you share with someone in Nashville who’s just beginning their journey here locally as a philanthropist or community leader?

Get involved. It really is that simple. Volunteer your time. Attend local events. Join neighborhood groups. Nashville has so many community centered spaces where you are welcomed immediately. You can plug in anywhere and find something that aligns with your passion.

Show up. Be present. Get involved in schools, festivals, neighborhood meetings, and local nonprofits. You will quickly find where your heart feels most at home and where your involvement can make the greatest difference.

What are you curious about, excited to see unfold, and/or looking forward to initiating over the next year?

I am excited about bringing women of color together to create giving circles. Black and brown women lead the charge in so many ways, and we are philanthropists in every sense. I am looking forward to building a space where we can amplify our talents, our time, and our treasure.

I want to help convene these circles so that together we can support nonprofits, uplift communities, and stand with the people who need us most. I am excited to push the needle and help us show up more intentionally as a collective force for good.

Black Philanthropy Month: Sankofa Now!

The past holds the key to our future. As we navigate growing challenges, we must draw strength from those who came before us. For this year’s Black Philanthropy Month recognition, we must:

• Remember our philanthropic roots, built on collective care and community-driven investment. 
• Reclaim our power to shape the future, ensuring Black-led change is not just recognized but sustained.
• Rise by reinvesting in our people, our movements, and our solutions, because the future of Black philanthropy (and all humanity) depends on what we do today.

A thriving Black community benefits everyone. The fight for equity, opportunity, and justice strengthens our collective future, creating a world where all can prosper. Black philanthropy has always been a catalyst for change. In a time when progress is at risk, we need all hands on deck.