Why I Do It

I've always been attracted to current issues—the ones that are most significant in the present, whether highlighted through art, philanthropy, or entrepreneurship.

After concluding my career in news writing and producing, I took some well-deserved personal time to write the novel that had been within me for years. After eight complete drafts, it was finally ready to be shared with the world.

When that phase ended, I ventured into freelance creative work, which I truly enjoyed—but realized I was spending more time looking for clients than engaging in the work I was passionate about. A good friend recommended real estate as a meaningful way to contribute. I respect her opinion deeply, so I took courses, got my license, dedicated two full years across two brokerages, and although I met amazing colleagues, with big, generous hearts and boundless optimism, something essential was always missing. There were things more fundamental than selling a two million dollar house in Danville.

What I consistently returned to were the moments that truly inspired me: volunteering for causes I believed in, doing outreach, and helping secure resources for missions larger than myself. That's when it became clear. The most genuine way I can offer my skills is through grant writing—advocating for the people and organizations undertaking truly significant work. It may not be the "sexiest" work, but an organization can't run without it.

That's where I am now. I aim to leave the world just a little bit better than I found it. Few things are as crucial as educating our children—to put it in terms business-minded individuals might understand, it's like investing in a young company now, knowing it will be worth much more in the future. It might even become invaluable. Let's open some wallets.