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Movement Maker Collective2023-10-11T17:52:47-05:00
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Geaux (Abroad) Tigers!

Happy Turkey Day! I’m celebrating a little extra this Thanksgiving by giving back to a place that’s given so much to me. I’m so excited to share with you that I’m now helping LSU students through the Terri Broussard Williams Experiential Learning Fund.

My Heart Is in Israel

I’ve walked the roads of Jerusalem, felt empowered in Tel Aviv and nurtured at the Sea of Galilee. In my latest blog article, I talk more about my connection to Israel (including ties to Kibbutz Kfar Aza), why my heart aches and how we can all help during this crisis.

Finding Freedom on the Fourth

I can’t believe it’s time for candy corn and pumpkin spice. I feel like I did not take a moment to ask, how was your summer? Let me tell you about a moment from mine. It was the first Fourth of July as an adult that I can recall truly feeling FREE! At the age of 45, I twirled in my pale pink swivel chair, thinking, “The land of the free and the home of the brave.” I was certainly free. And getting to this moment required me to be brave.

UPenn’s CSIS Fuels #Firestarters

If you’re working to change the world, the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania can change your world. I can tell you this with complete confidence because CSIS took my mission as a #Firestarter and #MovementMaker to a whole new level.

‘Share Your Personal Passion’

If you follow me on LinkedIn, you know that I recently completed my journey as Amazon’s head of Social Justice Policy & Partnerships, Public Policy. And you also know that I’ve been paying tribute to some of the people who made that journey such a rich and memorable one.

‘Why Not Me?’

Meet Shannon Creekmur, a dedicated public health professional and passionate volunteer with a mission to make the world a better place. Discover how Shannon's early experiences with volunteer work led her to join the Junior League of Austin, where she has held various leadership roles over the years. Learn about Shannon's inspiring journey to become the first Black president of the Junior League of Austin, and find out how she has made a positive impact on her community. Don't miss this chance to be inspired by Shannon's story and learn how you can make a difference in your own community.

Movement Maker Collective Turns 5!

Happy fifth anniversary to us! Five years ago, I stepped out on faith to create the Movement Maker Collective. And whether you’ve been part of this community since Day 1 or you just joined us, I’m so glad we’re here today, celebrating together.

The Roots of Total Health

It’s International Women’s History Month, and the perfect time to celebrate trailblazers around the world. Dr. Brooke Stubbs is an innovator in medicine. But you could also say she’s an innovator in Me-Sets. Brooke founded a medical practice in Austin called Rooted Femme.

Finding Opportunities in Crisis

If you’ve already read my book “Find Your Fire: Stories and Strategies to Inspire the Changemaker Inside You,” you’ve met Dr. Karen Weaver, the former mayor of Flint, Michigan, and one of the most inspiring #Firestarters I know. In honor of International Women’s History Month, I felt called  to give you an update on Karen’s story. 

Help from the Heart

Israel nonprofit Save a Child’s Heart saves kids worldwide Earlier this year, I traveled to Israel on a trip organized by the American Israel Education Foundation. One of the most memorable parts of my visit was being introduced to a nonprofit organization called Save a Child’s Heart. SACH’s mission is to save the lives of children who have heart problems and who live in places where it’s difficult or impossible to access the cardiac care they need.

YOLO, Allowing and Synchronicity

Now that we’re well into the new year, how are your resolutions or intentions for 2023 unfolding? You might remember that my word of the year is allow (which I’ve actually expanded on, but more on that in a bit). That word has taken on unexpected depths for me already.

Where Black Lobbyists Connect

The movement started by the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association is one that I’m very excited to be part of. Founded by Gregory Jones, John Heath and Yolanda C. Jackson, this organization started three years ago to increase opportunities for Black lobbyists and to promote diversity and inclusion in lobbying, advocacy, legislative and government affairs.

My Top 3 Lessons from 2022

Whew, #Firestarters. After a busy year, things are finally slowing down. That gives a chance to look back on everything that happened in 2022: our blessings and wins, the things we wanted to do but didn't get a moment to, the ways that we've grown.

See the Video of My TEDX Talk!

Today I am thrilled to share the video of my very first TEDx Talk with you! I was so honored to speak at TEDx Vickery Place in Dallas on October 13. It was truly one of the most memorable and exciting days of my life. The road to the TEDx stage wasn’t easy. But that made the experience all the more meaningful.

Hampr Changes Lives Through Laundry

What does laundry have to do with a Great Me-Set? Glad you asked. A Me-Set requires freeing up some time and energy in your life. And one way to do that is getting some routine tasks, like laundry, off your plate. That’s just what Hampr allows you to do.

When Terri Met TEDx

I am ready to spill the tea, and I have some big news for you today, #Firestarters. I’m doing a TEDx Talk! I’m so excited for this talk because it’s been literally years in the making. Like my trip back from Martha’s Vineyard, my path to TEDx has had its share of twists and turns. But, also like the Vineyard trip, my TEDx journey has taken me to exactly the right place. Here’s how it all happened.

From Tragedy, a Movement for Kids’ Emotional Health – Andra Liemandt takes The Kindness Campaign nationwide

We know all too well lately that perhaps nothing hurts us as deeply as the loss of a young person. And it’s a tragic reality, but we’re losing more and more children and adolescents to suicide. For longtime philanthropist and volunteer Andra Liemandt, the world changed when a dear friend’s daughter lost her life to suicide at only 12 years old. Andra began looking for ways to process her heartbreak and open conversations with her own children. As she did, something that surprised her happened: a movement was born.

Martha’s Vineyard, a Detour and Renewal

In August, I went to Martha’s Vineyard for the first time ever. That month is a special time on the island for Black Americans. There’s the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival, as well other events from fireworks to art shows. It’s a month that draws Black leaders in business, the community, nonprofits and politics to a place that’s long been “a safe and welcoming community for African Americans,” Nancy Gardella, executive director of Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, told Vox.

My Great Me-Set Getaway

Here we are, #Firestarters: the second half of 2022. How can that be possible, right? Crossing the midpoint of the year always feels like a milestone. It can prompt us to think of all the things we need or want to do before January 1 rolls around again.

VOZ Blends Luxury Fashion and Social Good

Clothing by VOZ is breathtaking to behold. Each item exudes timeless luxury and attention to detail. But there’s a deeper beauty to VOZ as well, which lies in the story behind the brand. VOZ’s elegant dresses, tops, knitwear and other pieces are created in collaboration with indigenous Mapuche artisans in Chile.

Artists for Alithia

Wherever you turn, the world feels full of bad news: Climate change. Gun violence. War in Europe. A global pandemic that has killed millions. It’s easy to feel helpless, especially if you support common-sense gun control laws, believe that climate change is real and have taken every step to protect yourself and others the last few years in a world that feels like few people care about strangers anymore.

Let’s Talk from the Heart About Uvalde

Where were you when you found out about Uvalde? I was on a soulcation, my first solo vacation. I needed some time to check in with my head and my heart and set some intentions. It was right after some meditation time. I was feeling centered and grateful — for all that I have received, for simply living.

In the Nonprofit World, It’s Adapt or Fail

Your nonprofit will fail if you’re unable or unwilling to adapt to the changing circumstances. It’s that simple. This fact was made clear by the pandemic, which accelerated the failure of organizations around the world. On the other hand, it has also accelerated the success of organizations that are ready to make changes and think differently. I’m here to tell you that uncertainty and risk can be actual tools for growing your nonprofit.

Don’t Just Take the Jump: Fly, Eagle, Fly

Stepping into the person that I have become today took numerous leaps of faith, and more shots in the dark than one could possibly count. In fact, taking risks has become so embedded in me, I am not sure how I could even begin separating my personality from it. When I got accepted into the undergraduate program at The University of Oklahoma, I had even titled my paper, “Take the Jump,” not knowing how much those words would mean down the road.

Opening Opportunities in Finance

The inspiration for The Greenwood Project was born soon after Elois and Bevon’s daughter was. “We were talking about the opportunities that she was going to have because of our network,” Elois says. But as they talked about the doors that would be open for her daughter, they also knew that those same doors would be closed to many other gifted young people of color who lacked access to the same kind of network.

Meet the Women of Austin

Mindy is the founder of the Women of Austin project. I met Mindy when she asked to feature me on the Women of Austin video podcast, and I knew that I had to introduce her to you, too. Mindy really exemplifies how the movements within us are deeply linked to the movements we build out in the world.

7 ways To Identify Your Unique Gifts and Contribute to the World

I wrote my book “Find Your Fire: Stories and Strategies to Inspire the Changemaker Inside You” as fuel for #Firestarters — the people who see the needs that others ignore and who use all their gifts to spark change. So there’s nothing more thrilling for me than hearing from readers who made “Find Your Fire” their handbook for building movements. Readers like Alexandria French.

‘I Want to Be One of These Women’

I wrote my book “Find Your Fire: Stories and Strategies to Inspire the Changemaker Inside You” as fuel for #Firestarters — the people who see the needs that others ignore and who use all their gifts to spark change. So there’s nothing more thrilling for me than hearing from readers who made “Find Your Fire” their handbook for building movements. Readers like Alexandria French.

Building a Movement for Women in Politics

One of the things that I’m most passionate about is helping more women become elected officials. That passion is why I’m on the Advisory Board of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School at the University of Texas at Austin. And it’s why I want to share with you the story of Amy Kroll, the founder and executive director of the Campaign School.

Happy Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving Day!  If you’re like me, you’re reeeeeaaaaalllly ready for a break in this hectic year. Want to know my approach to Thanksgiving 2021? Since life seems to be doing the most lately, I’m going to be a little extra in return. Not that kind of extra, friend.

Opening a World of Possibilities

Meet #MovementMaker Momentum Fund scholarship winner Kevin Bryant and Teens of Color Abroad. I love sharing the stories of #MovementMaker Momentum Fund scholarship winners and the organizations they serve as board members. And today I’ve got a great one for you.

You Can’t Outrun Grief

What can you do when loss, grief or change feels overwhelming? Over the past few years, I’ve had A LOT of experience grappling with that question. And the answer comes only when we stop trying to run from the pain.

Meet the Firestarters: The Strategist

This year we have seen the incredible potential that young people have to be powerful changemakers. One of my favorite rising #Firestarters is Lauren Harper. At just 25, Lauren was the South Carolina state director for Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke.

Giving More Women a Seat at the Table

If you’re a regular reader here, you know that one of my labors of love recently was launching the #MovementMaker Momentum Fund to help turn moments in others’ lives into movements. This fund receives a portion of the proceeds from sales of my book as well as my merchandise sales.

Celebrating Disability Pride

July is Disability Pride Month, and this week on July 26th, we mark the anniversary of the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990. That means it’s a great time to salute the hard work and fierce dedication of #Firestarters with disabilities who are building movements for change.

The Great Me-Set

What a moment we are in right now, #Firestarters. A moment of renewal, reconnection, re-emergence. A great reset, if you will. I’m so excited to share with you that I got to mark this moment with a very special milestone: appearing on the cover of Austin Woman magazine. After all of those long months of being secluded from the world, I feel like this is “getting back out there” in a big way!

Meet The Elected

Tishaura Jones’ father served as comptroller for the city of St. Louis. But that doesn’t mean she grew up aspiring to hold office. “I never really thought that I would get into politics. You never want to do what your parents do,” she says with a laugh.

Political Equality for Texas Women

There are stories about women in politics we all know — hello, Vice President Kamala Harris. But behind the headlines, there are countless stories we don't know about women who run for or who are appointed to political offices at all levels. And that's a problem.

My 2021 Word of the Year Is …

For the past couple of years, I’ve been one of those people. One of those people who think for ALL of December about what their word of the year will be. I’ve prepared the blog post days before the clock struck the new year, determined to show my dedication to be a better person.

When One Door Closes

I might have said this to you 365 days ago, “Happy New Year!” One thing is certain for the road ahead which we call 2021: The new year is a new beginning, with old experiences and knowledge to help us achieve our most desired dreams. 

Meet The #Firestarters: The Survivor

Karen is one seriously resilient #Firestarter. Growing up, she got the message she "would never amount to anything." And she was a victim of childhood sexual assault. As a student at Florida State University, Karen was the victim of date rape and became pregnant.

Fashion With a Mission

But that's exactly what Kristen Sosa did. We're excited to tell you that Kristen is the youngest entrepreneur we've ever featured here on the Movement Maker Collective blog. And we're even more excited about what the future holds for her company, BLANK Streetwear.

Meet the #Firestarters: The Activist

Angie Provost's movement is one that hits close to home for me. Really close: Angie and I are cousins, twice removed on my mother’s side. Even as Angie and her husband, June, worked to uphold their families' legacy in agriculture in Louisiana, others were working just as hard to tear it down.

As a Black Man

For the past two weeks, America has seen protests, riots and looting in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police. During this time, I've seen plenty of comments like this online. Maybe you have, too.

The Power of Words

For the past two weeks, America has seen protests, riots and looting in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police. During this time, I've seen plenty of comments like this online. Maybe you have, too.

Shedding Some Light

For the past two weeks, America has seen protests, riots and looting in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police. During this time, I've seen plenty of comments like this online. Maybe you have, too.

Turn This Moment Into a Movement

I've heard you. This moment in our country's history has changed you. And you're ready to turn this moment into a lasting movement. You want to create a more fair, just and equitable world. You just need to know how to get started. And that can feel like a big question when there's so much you want to change. But you're not on your own. As a lobbyist, community leader and a social impact strategist with a graduate certificate in diversity, equity and inclusion from Cornell University, I want to share my toolkit with you.

Why Your Social Media Post Isn’t Enough

My kids are mixed race, yet people always see them first and foremost as black. A woman in a Target parking lot told me it was great that I adopted a black child, refusing to entertain the possibility that my daughter is biologically mine. A woman at a church asked me where I “got” my daughter, as if I had purchased her somewhere. A doctor’s office in Texas refused to list both my children’s races, insisting they could identify only as black, in language reminiscent of the one drop rule. In Montana, a group of middle-aged white men referred to my kids as “niggers.” 

Women Making History

5 Powerful Movements Started by Women   Happy Women's History Month, #Firestarters! I hope you've taken some time during March to celebrate the women who inspire you — and to be an inspiration to other women. When you look at [...]

Emerging as President

What's New With A'shanti F. Gholar? A new opportunity emerges for this fierce #Firestarter   When I think about #Firestarters who help others find their fire, A'shanti F. Gholar is one of the first people who come to mind. You [...]

Saying No to Find Freedom

Clear schedule, cleared path. If an article title was ever going to hook me, it was this one in Elle magazine:  “Soledad O’Brien Thinks You Should Say ‘No’ More.” Until recently, I had a really hard time saying ‘no.” O’Brien [...]

#LoveYourself

#LoveYourself Movement Spreads Body Positivity Wardrobe consultant Elizabeth Elias helps you talk back to your self-criticism As Firestarters, we're some of the kindest people around. We're in tune with the needs of others. We're always looking for ways to help. [...]

Wanted: Female GOP Candidates

By: Katie Goldstein Passion for Service and Activism Neri Martinez is the executive director of the Future Majority Project at the Republican State Leadership Committee. She works to support and recruit women and minority candidates for state governments across the [...]

True North Strong and Free

That one line from the Canadian National Anthem is something I heard while on a recent trip to our northern neighbor. I can tell you first hand that Canadians listen with so much pride. I'm a student of all things political [...]

The Hate U Give…. Lives

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Split Between Two Worlds This weekend theatres everywhere will welcome a movie that audiences aren’t likely to forget. The Hate U Give shares the perspective of a young African-American female who is coming-of-age split between two worlds. Starr Carter lives [...]

RETHINK Creativity

The Creativity Movement #MovementMakerTribe, I devoured Monica Kang’s new book called RETHINK Creativity: How to Innovate, Inspire, and Thrive at Work over the weekend. Monica is the CEO and founder of the creative education firm InnovatorsBox. In other words, she’s [...]

Baby, You’re a Firework!

This #firestarter is more than credentials I often talk about #Firestarters. In the spirit of the holiday, I’d like to introduce you to a firework (insert eye wink here).  Check out these credentials….   Professor at Baylor University Emmy-nominated Writer [...]

Adelante!

chingona  Spanish Noun chingona f (plural chingonas) badass woman; maker of her own Camino; harnesser of her own fire.   So you want to be a firestarter, a change maker, a movement builder? A key to that will be reclaiming space [...]

Friendraising for a Cause

Helping Others For A Cause By: Ana-Cristina Gonzales, Chief Operations Officer, St. William Catholic Church I am passionate about helping people. I am passionate about connecting good people with other good people and to good causes.  I am passionate about [...]

The Change is Here

By: Jennifer Arice White, Guest Blogger Changing Demographics in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census, the U.S. population is diversifying rapidly in irreversible ways. By 2060, one in five individuals will be foreign-born. Additionally, the Pew Research Center reports that the [...]

Get Amped Up, Austin!

Amplify Austin Day All of Central Texas is coming together on March 1st for Amplify Austin Day. I describe it as a collective action day for civic generosity or a fundraising movement! This year, Austin’s non profits and organizers hope [...]

2017 Deserves a Little Credit

Lessons of 2017 Death. Surgery. Disappointment. Rejection. Awards. Amazing fundraisers. Record setting policy wins. Quality time with family and friends. The Upside of Adversity Or should it be reversed and its context honored? Quality time: I was able to visit [...]

2017

2017. 2017 owned me; it was the absolute hardest year of my life. Ironically or not so ironically, I turn 40 in six months so maybe it has been the moment to prepare me for the rest of my life. [...]

Creating Change In Austin, Texas

It's Time to See Change On September 15, 2017, the headline of the Austin Business Journal read, “This is Austin and this is a problem.” The picture was a predominately white group of individuals. I often say it is hard to live [...]

Passing Policy is a Present

A Gift that Lasts Forever Christmas as a kid in Lafayette, Louisiana was always magical. It’s one of my favorite holidays we celebrated growing up. My family would always start off by going to Christmas Eve mass. My Mother would [...]

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