Farm to Camp Collaboration with Raleigh City Farm: July 9, 16, 23, 30

As Interim General Manager of Raleigh City Farm, I was privileged to design and implement a new 4-week pilot program with The Salvation Army Community Center Summer Camp, several doors down from where I live and within walking distance to the Farm. The goals were to teach participating youth about sourcing, preparing and eating healthy foods. We were fortunate to collaborate with Sarah Smith-Ruiz, Camp Program Manager and Ryan McGuire, Executive Chef to our Governor and founder of Common Roots Project. The program was made possible by the generosity of the Jamie Kirk Hahn Fund. Dig where you live!

Women’s Giving Network of Wake County: IMPACT Luncheon: 11.8.18

I was honored to be surrounded by these dynamic, generous women leaders: Kari Stolz, Market President for Bank of America Triangle Region; Laurie Hughes, WGN President; and Beth Briggs, WGN Founder at WGN’s annual IMPACT Luncheon held at the Dorothy and Roy Park Alumni Center at NC State. $89K was awarded to three deserving nonprofits serving women and children: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh, Kiran, Inc, and The Hope Center at Pullen. Grateful thanks to presenting sponsor, Bank of America for underwriting new Junior Member Program and to media partner Walter.

Wake Tech IDOL Season 6: 11.2.18

Natalie Morales was named the 2018 Wake Tech Idol after defeating nine other finalists to win the annual competition, held on the Scott Northern Wake Campus. Her win included a $2,500 scholarship from the Wake Tech Foundation. Two runners-up, Chris Inhulsen and Cameron Peterson, took home $750 scholarships. I was honored to be one of three celebrity judges alongside Yolanda Rabun, a North Carolina-based recording artist and Marcel Anderson, a gospel singer. The event was emceed by the incomparable Sandra Dubose, an event coordinator at Wake Tech and motivational speaker, author, and jazz singer. Wake Tech Idol engages the college community in friendly competition that highlights student talent as well as fine arts courses and programs at the college.

Julie von Haefen Reception: 10.18.18

Dug into changing the face of local governance by hosting a reception for candidate Julie von Haefen who ran and won her election for the NC House of Representatives in District 36. Julie ran on a platform to bring a “new voice” to the General Assembly and vowed to work hard to reach across the aisle to create long-term solutions for NC’s public schools, lower the cost of health care for NC families, and be a legislator that is accountable to her constituents. 

NonprofitSTRONG Summit: 5.18.18

This annual conference is hosted by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network Triangle NC and brings together nonprofit professionals from across the region for a full day of networking and professional development. I was honored to be one of nine speakers to engage these open and earnest young leaders in an interactive workshop titled: Where, How and Why are You Showing Up? | Strategies for Getting Grounded in Self-Awareness Here’s the workshop description: Starting with the assertion that "80% of life is showing up," this session will engage participants in a deep dive into the "where," the "how" and the "why" of showing up in their daily lives. It will offer insights, interactive exercises and strategies for participants in transition or those who are eager to make meaningful changes in their personal and professional lives.

Women's History Month at Salon Chez Moi: 3.7.18

I was pleased to host over 50 women at my home on March 7th on the eve of International Women's Day. Salon is a Raleigh area casual women's social function held 6-9 times a year where a diverse group of women come together to network over wine and snacks and discuss matters of the day. There was plenty of "food for thought" at this month's gathering with many animated conversations. Pictured above is Lindy M. Brown who is running for Wake County Commission; a representative for Anita Earls, who is running for the North Carolina State Supreme Court was also in attendance. I handed out my Top Grounded List that included a number of my consulting partners and favorite community events and groups. Highlights included The Justice Theater Project's 2018/19 Season titled S/HE IS: Becoming Whole - sharing compelling stories of women's changing roles through the lens of empowerment, growth and transformation; Women's Giving Network of Wake County, now offering a junior membership level to advance younger women's philanthropic journeys and You Call This Yoga, featuring their annual all-day retreat YogaFest NC. Everyone received a $50 gift certificate from Synergy Spa & Aesthetics as a beautiful token of appreciation for being fabulous women! #pressforprogress #timesup

Making Cards and Creating Community: 2.10.18

Making handmade Valentine's Day cards, actually any type of card, is a longstanding, joyful tradition. For the past seven years, I've hosted a party at my home for my friends and their daughters. I know, it sounds rather gender specific, but as the mother of two sons, I enjoyed planning a party that was focused on girl power, hibiscus tea and lots of pink papers and sparkly things. And the date always lined up with the Krispy Kreme Challenge, so my boys and their crew were engaged in running and binge donut consumption. 

This year, I shared my passion with the wider Raleigh community on February 10th at Raleigh's new "pay-what-you-can" cafe, A Place at the Table, and two of my favorite local brands: Videri Chocolate Factory and Wylde. Participants ranging in age from 16 months to 60+ gathered around the community table, exercised their creativity and turned out some awesome creations. They left with their homemade cards, gorgeous carnations, sea salt chocolates and new friends. Some paid less and some paid more; all proceeds were donated to APATT.

The framed posted on the wall summed up our experience: "Gather here with grateful hearts." Happy Valentine's Day!

Nonprofit Meet & Greet with Young Nonprofit Professionals Network Triangle NC and NC State Institute for Nonprofits: 11.9.17

Grounded_LGB LLC was honored to design and implement a highly creative collaboration on November 9th at Loading Dock Raleigh with a dynamic group of nonprofit individuals committed to learning, networking and recruiting new board members. The event was designed to connect diverse, emerging leaders with nonprofits seeking to cultivate new talent. BoardSource's recently released study, Leading with Intent: 2017 Index of National Nonprofit Board Practices, reports decreasing diversity trends that are troubling to the sector and require attention and innovation to strengthen governance capacity. 

Participating nonprofits included Apiopolis, Durham Art Guild, Musical Empowerment, NC Early Childhood Foundation, Raleigh City Farm, The Justice Theater Project and Village of Wisdom. After networking with wine-tasting from Wine Authorities and HD's from Irregardless Cafe and Catering, each nonprofit shared their mission and greatest needs. Participants were then encouraged to continue the conversation at separate tables scattered throughout the awesome, well-designed venue. There was an enthusiastic response to the event with planning underway for an ongoing series with sponsor underwriting. Stay tuned for survey results and more updates! 

I am inspired by my ongoing collaboration with YNPN Triangle NC and NC State Institute for Nonprofits!