I became a mother at 20, five days into a marriage I thought would hold steady under the weight of love and obligation. Our first home wasn’t our own—it was his parents’, and when my newborn daughter got sick, the medical bills piled up faster than hope. That’
Have you ever read something—an email, an article, a set of instructions—only to stop halfway through and think, Wait… what? You’re not alone. We’ve all encountered writing that’s confusing, convoluted, or just plain unclear. And when that happens, the message gets lost, along with our
If there’s one constant in my professional journey, it’s that I approach relationships with my heart fully on my sleeve. I care deeply—sometimes too deeply—about the work I do, the people I collaborate with, and the causes I champion. That passion often spills over into oversharing
Elliot’s presence in my childhood not only shaped who I am but also taught me one of life’s most profound lessons: true empathy comes from connection, not pity. Growing up alongside Elliot, I learned that understanding someone’s experiences—really seeing their humanity—requires stepping into their world,
Participatory program planning is more than a methodology—it’s a commitment to fostering equity, collaboration, and shared leadership. While this process can be complex, the rewards of co-creating solutions with the community are profound. It lays the foundation for lasting impact, where programs evolve to meet changing needs, and
Participatory program planning offers a powerful framework for co-creating meaningful, community-driven solutions. However, the process is not without its challenges. From addressing power dynamics to navigating conflicting perspectives, facilitators must remain adaptive, empathetic, and solution-focused to ensure the success of this collaborative approach. In this post, we’ll explore the
A successful program doesn’t end with its launch—it thrives through ongoing collaboration, adaptation, and shared leadership. Maintaining engagement and sustaining community ownership are critical for ensuring that programs continue to meet evolving needs while fostering trust and empowerment among stakeholders. In this post, we’ll explore strategies to
A well-designed program is only as strong as the resources behind it. In participatory planning, budgeting is not just a financial exercise—it’s a collaborative process that reflects community priorities, fosters transparency, and empowers stakeholders. By working together to allocate resources, you ensure the budget aligns with the shared
At the core of participatory program planning is the concept of co-creation—working alongside community members to design programs that reflect their needs, aspirations, and cultural contexts. By fostering collaboration, you ensure that solutions are not only effective but also owned by those they aim to serve. This shared ownership
Building a successful program begins with understanding who needs to be at the table. Stakeholders are the heart of participatory planning, bringing diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and unique strengths. Identifying and engaging the right stakeholders sets the foundation for collaboration and ensures the program reflects the true needs of the
Welcome to Our Voice, Our Vision: A Collaborative Approach to Program Planning When it comes to addressing complex, systemic challenges, traditional top-down solutions often fall short. That’s why participatory program planning is such a powerful approach. At its core, it’s about empowering communities as co-creators, recognizing that those
Life is a beautiful, complex tapestry woven with purpose, passion, and an ever-changing rhythm. For me, the Japanese concept of IKIGAI—the intersection of what I love, what I'm good at, what the world needs, and what I can be paid for—has become more than just a