A week ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Precious Dreams Foundation Laughter and Lullabies gala. One thing that I love most about working in this space is the people that I get to meet, work with, support, amplify, and partner with to make an impact. Precious Dreams is an incredible organization that is so focused on the children and young people they serve. At the gala, it was evident that each person they serve matters. And that's amazing to witness.
Earlier in my career, I needed to be on the ground, really seeing and feeling and being at the center of the impact. I'm so grateful for the opportunities I had to do that because it taught ME so much. But I think as time went on, I came to understand that perhaps, the work and the people I worked with were adding more value to me than I was adding to it. The organizations and the work had huge value and measurable impacts, and I don't want to diminish that. But, if I really believed in driving sustained impact (which I did and still do), I needed to step back from what was selfishly fulfilling and move into where I could add the most value. My strengths really sit at being a connector; bridging pathways between people, resources, expertise, technology, networks, and more. While it isn't always easy to accept (and sometimes my husband and I talk about going back to Mali, where I could work for a nonprofit while he opens back up his motorcycle garage), I now get the opportunity drive corporate impact strategy, and build programs and partnerships at scale, and create impact flywheels that transform how companies think about social responsibility, and amplify voices. And those are some pretty cool (and transformational) impacts to have.
So here's a shout out to Precious Dreams and all of the other remarkable organizations doing the work, on the ground, day in and day out. It's heartbreaking and exhausting and tireless, but it matters, and it's the honor of a lifetime to be able to work with you.
What a night! The 12th annual Laughter and Lullabies gala, presented by Humble Carlton Family Office was a night filled with unforgettable moments, heart-warming speeches and positive vibes. Nearly 200 guests attended the annual event helping us to raise over $275,000!!
Thank you to @drixmedia for capturing every moment.
Featured speakers: Shannon LaNier, Nicole Russell, Larry M Smith Jr., and Antonio Rodriguez.
