C.O.L.I.A. founder

Dear Community & Partners,

Whether we have worked together in the past, or you’re just learning of my contributions over the years to this scope of work, I truly hope you see my “heart,” for unifying as you read each line of this note and review the pages of our website.   UNITY is the “heart” of C.O.L.I.A!  

Anyone or organization that I’ve had the honor and privilege of working alongside already knows my introduction. Ask me about my “who” and “do,” and I immediately respond with, “I serve as…”. I have always been clear about my role as a Servant Leader and how I show up. As a Servant Leader, people are at the center of the work, and at the center of the work is a “heart,” for humanity and a real desire to see UNITY in the work.

One must be called and chosen for this scope of work. I accepted this mission of helping and serving others years ago. In fact, I started serving at a very early age in life. This journey became even more meaningful as I activated my entire immediate family to serve in response to an earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010. I took on the volunteer role as ARC Youth Coordinator, helping youths to understand the impacts of natural disasters, in addition to giving them a model in which to serve and support families. Such acts of altruism were not only eye-opening; it was life-changing for everyone involved.

As my journey has continued, I’ve led many communities to our state’s capitol to meet with our elected officials and state representatives. I’ve served alongside many of you in “calls to action” that support change. I’ve witnessed the many tears shed when empowered community members took a stand and raised their voices for the very first time. I’ve felt the impact of each authentic story shared. I’ve also heard community sentiments and observed the huge gaps seemingly embedded in such activism that came to an end all too soon. This huge gap forced me to reflect on my own personal lived experiences in this work as well as the lived experiences my communities have shared over the years. Through such lenses, I can see the hopelessness exemplified when a community has to return home with no real tangible evidence of their community efforts, the disparity expressed when there is no victory in sight for their fight, and the weariness and uncertainty displayed when the community believes they have no more fight inside of them.

As we’ve lost many known GREATS over the decades, WE CAN NOT lose our communities to the fight! Over the years, I’ve sat at numerous tables, highlighting the need to change the current approach and consider the true impact to be had when we stand UNITED. This looks like Communities of Love in Action ~ C.O.L.I.A., bringing people, communities, industries, and other stakeholders to the same table, and offering everyone a seat! 

Everyone "wins" when WE UNITE! Fighting doesn’t serve as our reward. Fighting constantly takes away and decreases our strength, weighing heavily on our emotional and mental state of well-being. But UNITY connects, joins, and brings together a lifeline of support for those engaged in the change process (i.e., the named fight).

As Founder of Communities of Love in Action [C.O.L.I.A.], my “heart” has always been centered on UNITY.  C.O.L.I.A. is just that - Action… Philanthropy in action, Change in action, UNITY in action! C.O.L.I.A. itself is a powerful approach to this work, a necessary tool. C.O.L.I.A. exists to be a blessing and true acknowledgment of what is possible when communities, industries, and other stakeholders come together through shared goals & purposes. As my calling would predestine, I’ve been chosen once again to do this work... to lead this work. I am a firm believer that wherever the calling takes me, the right people and provisions will meet me there! 

Expectantly waiting to meet you "on the ground, in community, with community."