Community Is the Strategy

Over the years I've had the privilege of serving more than 4,000 people — executive women and Gen Z, the underserved and the privileged, from Cleveland to New York to communities across the US and abroad. If there's one lesson that runs through all of it, it's this: community isn't a nice-to-have. Community is the strategy.

Start with people, not programs

At EYEJ: Empowering Youth, Exploring Justice, we served 2,000 Black and brown youth — and we did it with the help of thousands of diverse adults who showed up. The programs mattered, but the relationships are what changed lives. When people feel seen, they lean in.

Bridge the gaps nobody else will

With Boss Me In, we put young people and established executives in the same room through the Invite a Gen Z tour. Each side walked in with assumptions and walked out with allies. Connection across generations, backgrounds and zip codes is where the real growth happens.

Community builds the business

Today, with CLE Deals and CLE Deals Bulk, community is literally how we sell. Shoppers come back because they know each other and they know me. Resellers grow because they're part of something bigger than a transaction.

Your turn

Whatever you're building, ask: who is this for, and how do they connect with each other — not just with you? Answer that, and the rest gets easier. That's how we create an equitable, connected and empowered world, one community at a time.