Why Me?

I write all of my prayers down.

Ok- maybe not every single one. But as I’m reflecting on my day, or after I talk to friends, I think back and process. I channel that into written prayer, and it’s been life changing. I’m able to look back and see what’s been delivered to me, the clarity I’ve received, or even where I was mentally when I wrote that prayer.

One night, I reflected on my prayers, their trajectory, and challenged myself to understand what was next. The next morning, I woke up with the blueprints for La Chispa. Think about it… I have:

• -The experience- I’ve excelled in every vital role of a non-profit

• -The team- my amazing colleagues in Cuba have the skills, access, and education to make a real community impact

• -The network- I know amazingly generous and intelligent people who love to pour into communities, and whose passions align with youth development and closing access gaps

• -The heart- this brings us to Daniela

Daniela is a youth who I’ve been mentoring in Havana. She’s more of a little sister. We have hard conversations, we talk about boys, I hold her accountable for her future in one breath, and then make her laugh in the next. Someone observing our dynamic would say that I’m pouring into Daniela. But the truth is, Daniela inspired La Chispa. Her drive, her fire, her ambition, her refusal to shrink into what her environment expected of her. She is our muse. Daniela’s spark will change the lives of dozens.

But how many Daniela’s do you think are out there waiting for una chispa (a spark)?

The average monthly income in Cuba for an individual is just $16. No, there were no typos, but I will repeat it anyways. The average monthly income in Cuba for an individual is just $16. La Chispa is here to harness the ambitions of the Daniela’s of the world, and turn them into economic advantage, empowerment, and the future of success for Cuba’s young women.

So, last night, I prayed. I wrote them down, and then closed my eyes and prayed from the heart. I asked for La Chispa to be brought to life if it is indeed the path. The next day, I received my very first donation. La Chispa is here… Cuba- vamos pa’lla.