At The Quorum Initiative, we are catalysts for social change, empowering executive women to raise their voices and spark meaningful action. That’s why it’s so inspiring to celebrate our incredible members, like Patricia Roberts, J.D., COO at GiftofCollege, who recently shared a moving experience from Hearth, Inc.’s gala. Hearth, Inc., a Boston-based nonprofit, is committed to eliminating homelessness among the elderly. At the event, Patricia witnessed the powerful story of Gordon Wayne—a formerly homeless student and now a passionate advocate for the homeless. Gordon’s journey is remarkable: after living in his car while balancing work and community college in Virginia, he walked 500+ miles to Boston College, where he had earned a full scholarship to complete his undergraduate degree. His story caught national attention and was featured by David Muir on ABC News World News Tonight as a "Person of the Week." Gordon has remained steadfast in his mission: to put a face to homelessness and raise funds to fight it. His courage and dedication inspire all of us. A heartfelt thank you to Patricia for highlighting the incredible work of both Hearth, Inc. and Gordon Wayne. Stories like these remind us of the impact that one voice, one act of courage, can have on the world. #LeadershipInAction #SocialImpact #EndHomelessness #ExecutiveWomen #QuorumInitiative
Chief Operating Officer / Published Author & Keynote Speaker / Financial Educator & Writer / Go-To Education & Disability Savings Champion 🎓🚀
What an absolute thrill to attend the annual gala/fundraiser of Hearth, Inc., a Boston-based non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of homelessness among the elderly, at which Gordon Wayne, a formerly homeless student and now passionate advocate for the homeless, was honored. This year’s theme — Inspire Action — could not have been more fitting‼️ ➡️ By way of background, I have been in touch with Gordon since 2020 when I learned of his courageous 500+ mile walk from his community in Virginia (where he had been living in a car while working and attending community college) to Boston College where he had been admitted on a full scholarship to complete his undergraduate degree. 🎓 You may recall having seen Gordon featured by David Muir on ABC News World News Tonight as a Person of the Week. 📺 ✅ It was an honor to be seated with CEO Rhonda Pieroni of Hearth, Inc., honoree Gordon Wayne, and other special guests such as Brad Stickles and Erin Stickles who were the first passerbys to observe Gordon one night near their Maryland home during his walk through the darkness on his long journey north and to offer to be of support to him. It was kindness such as theirs which helped Gordon stay committed to what he had set out to accomplish — to put a face to homelessness and to raise funds to help combat it — which he certainly did! ➡️ Lastly, it was also an honor to be generously presented with a commemorative framed print for my office — to remember this wonderful evening and all that Gordon and Hearth are continuing to do to help those in need. They and others tonight truly inspired action. 🚀 ✅ I encourage you to take a look at Gordon’s story and to consider a contribution to Hearth to support the great work they are doing. #collegestudents #homelessness #advocacy #hearth #haveaheart #inspireaction #collegecosts