I worked for a decade in the social sector as a fundraiser and philanthropist advancing equity. Specifically, I am drawn to work that ignites change for those who are at the margins of society, from children to the elderly. I care deeply about faith, literacy, fundraising, self-mastery, and capacity building of people and organizations. During the pandemic, when everything seemed to stop, I returned to my first love of reading fiction and creative writing. Contemporary fiction was my companion. Through my teachers, I made new friends like Nicola Yoon, Saba Tahir, Charles Baxter, Shannon Chakraborty, Jodi Picoult, and many others. Through literature, I meandered into cultural equity, which was broader than race, ethnicity, health, and class. I believe in the inherent dignity of every human being and the inherent value of our stories to engender compassion.