FFC: 2025 is here!

As I step into 2025, I'm embracing clarity, passion, and a renewed sense of purpose. Over the last year, I realized one of my greatest strengths: supporting those doing the work—not being in charge of it. I've often referred to myself as an "accidental" Executive Director because leading a nonprofit was never my goal. I wanted to focus on the work itself, alongside others equally passionate about building sustainable solutions to community challenges.

But as time went on, I found myself buried under administrative tasks: managing boards, funders, and operational details that pulled me further away from the work I cared about. I'm not great at managing boards—I'm great at collaborating with people. And honestly, the countless hours spent navigating feedback from individuals disconnected from the realities of the work led to burnout.

When I started as a local food coordinator housed within another nonprofit, I was energized by the ability to focus on solutions: centralizing food rescue operations, building space for a local food hub, and advocating for systemic change in food systems. My goal was always transparency and meaningful impact—not maintaining the comfort of those in power.

Now, as an independent contractor, I'm back to doing what I love: working directly with changemakers to help them secure funding, build sustainable systems, and amplify their impact. It's the same mission, but without the burden of running an organization.

In 2025, I'm also reconnecting with my roots in group fitness and wellness. Before the nonprofit world, I spent over 15 years teaching aerobics and working in corporate wellness. Stepping back into teaching—this time, Pilates—has been a joy. My ADHD thrives in variety, and I'm excited to split my energy across food rescue, community refrigerator expansion, fitness, and supporting grassroots nonprofits.

After 15+ years in the nonprofit sector, I've seen patterns repeat themselves—especially when it comes to women of color nonprofit founders. These leaders, often closest to the work and the community, are also the most likely to be overlooked, underfunded, and burned out.

Too often, I've heard funders ask, "Doesn't the food bank already do that?" My response: If the system was working, why am I here? Why is there still so much waste and hunger? There's comfort in funding well-established nonprofits, but comfort rarely equals impact.

The reality is, smaller, community-led organizations are doing transformative work with minimal resources. My mission moving forward is to support these leaders, challenge the systems that undermine their efforts, and advocate for transparency, equity, and genuine collaboration.

We don't need another strategic plan. We need resources, commitment, and bold action.

Here's to a purposeful 2025—one where we work smarter, support each other fiercely, and prioritize impact over optics.