Packed my bags for the last time after 12 unforgettable years with @charitywater . Today is my last day, and Iām leaving with immense gratitude for this final trip, for the experiences that have shaped me, and for the countless lessons Iāve learned from the remarkable people Iāve met along the way.
This trip to Ethiopia was special in more ways than I can count and filled with stories that have left a deep impact on me. It has been an honor to work alongside this team (@tylerriewer , @baileyjojurgens , @kellyherrington , @its.me.jc ), our dedicated partners at @reliefsocietyoftigray , and the inspiring people who generously entrusted us with their stories. Iāll carry these moments with me always, and I canāt wait to share this story.
Twelve years ago, I got an unexpected invitation from @scottharrison and @vikharrison to join the @charitywater team.
I never imagined Iād live in New York City. And in many ways, working at charity: water felt like a dream. For me, it was about more than ending the water crisis. I was drawn in by a bigger vision: to reinvent charity. Reimagining what charity could look like, and using my passion for storytelling to help shape a brighter, more generous, and more hopeful world.
Over the past 12 years, Iāve had the privilege to travel the world and witness some of the most profound, joyful, and heart-shifting moments of my life.
I met remarkable local partners who modeled what it means to lead with integrity and compassion. I collaborated with talented local storytellers whose voices added nuance and depth to the stories we told. Iāve learned the importance of building with people, not for them. That trust lasts longer than attention spans, and that what sticks with people most is how you make them feel.
Our generous supporters have shown me whatās possible when people come together for a shared purpose. Thank you for your passion, creativity, generosity, and belief that caring communities can create real change in the world.
To the extraordinary creative team, itās been an absolute honor collaborating with you. You are some of the most curious, passionate, and wildly innovative people I know. Thank you for pushing the boundaries and reshaping what nonprofit storytelling can be. Youāve set a new standard for whatās possible when we lead with heart, integrity, and imagination. @tylerriewer@its.me.jc@baileyjojurgens@kellyherrington@bekawatts@jamieleighschilling@mikesmith@charamelody@dennymcfadden@gregyagoda@alessnicole@carrietodd@emilyhopcian@alexandralund@mymyforever@emilysabens@emma_bairo@andiefurbs@hannahmcroberts25@kristinabrumby@bestationary@lindsieherring@marissajonez@atroute@ohjimmyfilms@paulwithacamera@jeremysnell@estherhavens@austinmann@surajshakya@nihab_rahman@trevorgrogers@dutch_ryan@garrettderossett@mdpamer . You all inspire me deeply.
Continued in the comments ā¬ļø
The snow was relentless. So were we. Some days arenāt about finishing, theyāre about continuing. Proof that progress sometimes looks like persistence. Some work feels endless. Thatās when doing it anyway matters most.
Progress isnāt always visible right away. Sometimes itās measured by how many times you come back and try again. And again. And again. Keep pushing. Keep moving forward. Youāve got this!
āWe can talk about making a difference. We can make a difference. Or we can do both.ā - @debbiemillman@creativemorning with @swissmiss is always an inspiring way to start the day! Especially when @debbiemillman and @sethgodin share the stage for a live recording of the Design Matters Podcast. It was such a beautiful and profound conversation with themes from @sethgodin ās new book #ThisIsStrategy!
If the Design Matters podcast is new to you, be sure and subscribe so you can catch the entire conversation when itās released! šļø
#creativemornings
60 seconds, hundreds of images, all completely unique! Recently I stopped by my dear friend @jeremycowart ās studio in Nashville for a 60-second photoshoot! Yes, all of these photos were taken in just SIXTY SECONDS!
Jeremy has been developing and refining this process for years, and it was incredible to finally witness in person. He has 8 distinctive lighting setups that change every single frame, as well as hundreds of AI-generated backdrops he created with Midjourney which are in constant rotation on a giant LED screen, making each and every image completely unique.
Jeremyās process is absolutely groundbreaking, imaginative, inventive, and unlike anything youāll ever experience. He is always experimenting, pushing himself and dreaming up new ideas and innovative methods. Be sure and check out Jeremyās work, and donāt miss the opportunity to visit him at his studio!
Jeremy, Iām so inspired by you and grateful for your friendship!
One year ago today, 3.23.23, we got married! We exchanged rings and vows in front of a few dear friends (and š¦ friends) at our Hudson Valley home. After the ceremony, we celebrated with pizza and sāmores. It was perfect.Ā
Thank you to our beloved officiant (@ruthielindsey ) and photographers (@withhearts and @bethanymarieco ) who helped make it a day weāll never forget.
Family and friends, thank you for loving us. We donāt know where weād be without you, and we hope to hug you soon!
Sno-where to go āļø
All growing up, a snowy holiday was always such a rare treat at my childhood home. This past year, we got completely snowed in and everything looked so fluffy and beautiful. Until it didnāt.
A few weeks ago after all the snow, the Pacific Northwest got hit with a bunch of heavy rain. Which melted all the snow and quickly caused all the rivers to overflow and completely flooded the region with heartbreaking damage.
The flood waters came up so fast, surrounded my momās home, filling the basement with water, swiftly moving under the house and into the ventilation, shorting out some of the electrical outlets and heating system.
Fortunately my mom is safe, no water got into the house, and the flood waters have gone down. It was the most flooding the area had seen in decades and has been completely devastating. My sweet little car, āSteveā, sits a little lower and he quickly filled up with water and unfortunately is totaled. Weāre currently working with the adjusters to assess all the damages on the house and getting a service team scheduled to do the repairs on my momās home.
But despite all the heartbreaking damages, weāre just so grateful that everyone is safe. š
