In the service of something I deeply believe in

I find it amusing how life can lead us down paths, challenging us to adapt and grow in ways we never imagined. My journey began in the world of theater. As a playwright, I reveled in the power of words on paper and the magic of bringing stories to life. It was in those quiet moments of writing and creating that I felt most alive. 

The discomfort with acting led me to explore the world of grant writing. I could harness the power of persuasive writing while quietly making an impact without being the center of attention. I found solace in crafting compelling narratives that resonated with potential funders. Here, I felt comfortable. Here, my introverted nature could thrive.

I've discovered that fundraising often requires one to be an extrovert: networking events, small talk, speaking in front of crowds– it's precisely these aspects that remain a challenge for me as an introvert. I've come to realize that being an introvert in an extroverted job doesn't have to be a liability. Introverts bring unique strengths to the table. We're great listeners, deep thinkers, and masters of meaningful connections. I've learned to leverage these qualities in my fundraising work.

Instead of forcing myself into the mold of an extrovert fundraiser, I've embraced my authenticity. I focus on building genuine relationships, connecting with people on a deeper level, and advocating for causes I'm passionate about. It may not involve grand gestures or photo ops, but it's incredibly fulfilling and effective. Then the pandemic and I found myself lost. Forced to perform and fight for every dollar because the world, as we knew it, was ending. But it was during this time that I stumbled upon a movement that saved me.

Community-centric fundraising (CCF), with its emphasis on genuine human connections and community empowerment, resonated deeply with my values.  It was in the heart of this that I found my purpose and it gave me a lifeline when I needed it most. Here's the twist: CCF has brought me into the spotlight. To effectively promote CCF, I find myself in situations that would have once made me uncomfortable. This year alone I’ve spoken at 4 conferences, been awarded 2 honors, and am about to attend Bloomberg’s CityLabs in DC where I’ve been asked to lead a discussion on the topic of Equitable Development Practices in Baltimore. 

For introverts like me, the key is to draw strength from our authenticity. I've come to understand that it's not about becoming someone I'm not; it's about becoming the best version of myself in the service of something I deeply believe in. I may not be the loudest voice in the room, but my conviction and passion shine through in the quietest moments.

To my fellow introverts navigating extroverted career paths, I want to say this: don't let the fear of the spotlight hold you back from championing a cause you care about. It's okay to be an introvert and still shine brightly.