Storytime with Sunjit: How WeThrive Creates Community for Leaders of Color
Building a Village
Meme and I looked around the room after wrapping up our 11th WeThrive cohort, and it struck us: we weren’t just building a program. We were building a village — a vibrant, resilient community that felt like family. Leaders from all walks of life had come together, shared their journeys, and found strength in each other’s stories.
For so many BIPOC leaders in the nonprofit world, it’s easy to feel like you’re on an island. The work is demanding, and the challenges are real. When you’re in spaces where few look like you, or when your voice feels like it’s constantly screaming into the wind, it can get lonely. And yet, here at WeThrive, we were watching these incredible nonprofit leaders of color connect in ways that went beyond the professional. They were building bridges. They were finding home.
A Space to Be Seen and Heard
At WeThrive, something powerful happens when nonprofit leaders of color share their stories. From the very first cohort, we saw leaders step into a room with strangers and, by the end, leave with lifelong friends. When we authentically share our stories - the highs, the struggles, the moments of doubt - it has this magical ability to break down walls and create connections that go deeper than surface-level networking. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone.
One WeThriver put it perfectly: “I had no idea how large my community of people are here in Central Texas; I had no idea of the relationships that were out there waiting for me to find.” We started realizing that this wasn’t just about individual growth; it was about creating a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired to keep pushing forward in their impactful mission.
The Power of “Aha” Moments
Through each cohort, storytelling became the heartbeat of WeThrive. Leaders were discovering their voices, connecting with their purpose, and, most importantly, finding out that their experiences weren’t isolated. One of the most powerful moments we witnessed was during a storytelling session when a participant shared a story of resilience. Another WeThriver, who had been sitting quietly in the back, spoke up, saying, “That’s my story too. I thought I was the only one.”
It was a moment of realization, one of those “aha” moments that show up time and again in WeThrive. Leaders began to realize that their voices mattered—not just for themselves, but for their communities. Storytelling wasn’t just an exercise; it was a tool for healing, for advocacy, and for change.
Building Bridges for Change
What makes WeThrive special isn’t just the stories shared—it’s the impact that follows. Connections made in these cohorts don’t stay within the walls of our sessions. We’ve watched alumni join forces on community projects, work together on funding applications, and support each other through personal and professional growth. By building these bridges, WeThrive alumni are not only lifting each other up but are creating a ripple effect that extends into their communities.
As Meme and I listened to the stories and watched the connections deepen, we knew this was just the beginning. The recent WeThrive evaluation report was a reminder of how important these relationships are. Our alumni told us that they want even more opportunities to connect, to collaborate, and to support each other. They want more spaces to build those bridges.
Looking to the Future: Stronger Connections, Bigger Impact
So, where do we go from here? We’re excited to take the next steps, expanding our alumni network, creating more opportunities for connection, and finding new ways for WeThrivers to share their voices with the world. We’re planning quarterly meetups, an online community where alumni can stay in touch, and even public storytelling events that give our leaders a stage to be seen and heard.
We know that WeThrive isn’t just a program. It’s a movement, a village, and a source of strength. As we look forward, we’re ready to keep building these bridges, to keep connecting these incredible leaders, and to keep nurturing a community that thrives together.
Want to see the full impact of the WeThrive community and where we’re headed next? Download our Strength in Diversity: WeThrive Evaluation Report and join us as we continue to build a future that’s stronger, together.
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WeThrive cohorts consist of peer BIPOC nonprofit leaders that grow, collaborate, and change the world together through their stories. Each cohort consists of four coaching circles with up to 8 participants. They are open to BIPOC Executive Directors and CEOs and co-led by Meme Styles and Sunjit Khamba.