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’ll start by naming something that feels important since this is about Black philanthropy. I believe many of us who have been acknowledged as gamechangers got our start in the Black church. That was the place that showed us what it meant to give back to the community. As my family became more financially blessed, we remembered that to whom much is given, much is expected.

That is how we began giving back. We followed what we saw in our early days in the church. You simply live your purpose every day. You do the things you were taught to do. You take one step forward at a time. Some days you advance even more. There will be setbacks along the way, but you stay strong, stay resilient, and stay with it.

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

I carry the belief that you do not act alone. You cannot make it through this life alone. You need community. God places people in your life for a season or for a long time to help carry out His mission.

I always remember that you have community in your family, your church, and the organizations you join. Make sure you ask to be supported by your community and that you show up to support your community in return.

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 always tell people to hang in there. There will be peaks and there will be valleys. When you are walking in your purpose, the path will not be easy. You will face challenges. Sometimes it will be people and sometimes it will be circumstances. Stay steadfast. Stay grounded in the Word.

Every setback carries a lesson. There is something you are supposed to pull from it that will set you up for the next blessing.

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 recently heard my pastor say that when it is time for you to leave this earth, your casket should be light. That means you shared your gifts while you were here. Your talents and gifts are not for you alone. They are given to you so you can bless others.

I try to give all that I have been given. Your time, your talent, and your treasure all matter. Even if you feel you lack in one area, you can be robust in another. And philanthropy is not always about money. It is also about giving people your time and sharing the knowledge you have acquired.

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

I would say the sharing of knowledge. People do not always recognize that as philanthropy, but they should. Generational wealth is not only money. It includes tangible and intangible things. It includes sharing your experiences so others do not fall into the same pitfalls.

Sharing wisdom, sharing lessons, and sharing knowledge is just as powerful and just as valuable as sharing financial resources.

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

I actually do not consider myself a gamechanger. Everything that happens in the community happens through collaboration. The work requires people who share your passion and your goals. When people come together, the goal moves forward.

If you want to make a difference, find a community that can support you and be sure you support that community as well.

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?

I would tell them that the Community Foundation is an unknown gem. Many people do not know about it or understand it, yet it holds a significant amount of philanthropic funds and resources in our city.

If you want to make a difference, connect with organizations like the Community Foundation. Learn about local nonprofits. Attend social events. Discover who is doing what and what the issues are in our community. Plugging into a place like the Community Foundation is a wonderful start.

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

I am excited about what the next iteration of AI will mean for our lives and our work. It is coming whether we acknowledge it or not. I am also interested in the future of cryptocurrency. I would love to see more African American women become knowledgeable about cryptocurrencies and digital assets like Bitcoin.

We need to continue educating one another. We need safe spaces where we can learn together. I hope to host forums and events that help educate Black women about cryptocurrency and other emerging technologies that will impact our communities.

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.