Reader,

When you have something to celebrate, where do you go?

Family?

Friends?

Community?

All of the above?

There’s something special about seeing someone you’ve worked alongside get the recognition they deserve.

Because community isn't just who we serve, it's who we show up for, celebrate, support and share with.

And that's exactly why I wanted to share this with you, Reader:

A few months ago, I pitched a story to a journalist about Founder and Executive Director of Hayah R.I.S.S.E. Foundation, Michael M. Smith.

I've known Michael for years - both personally and through the work - and now serve on the board.

When the opportunity came to help share his story in this way, I knew exactly what to do.

Like you, Michael wears many hats.

Like you, Michael's schedule is full serving, planning, showing up for his community in ways that often go unseen.

Well, the article just dropped and you can read it here. ​

While the work has been happening for years globally, this marks the first time Hayah R.I.S.S.E. Foundation has been featured in national print.

And not just anywhere.

Nonprofit Quarterly is one of the most respected publications in the field—known for elevating work that reflects how communities organize, how leadership actually operates on the ground, and what equity looks like when it’s lived.

And I couldn't be prouder of what this represents—not just for Michael, but for every community that’s been and will be impacted by this work.

📰 Read about it here. and then go find Michael M. Smith on social media.

And the timing? Couldn't be better.

With the foundation’s benefit concert happening this weekend, this story is running at a moment when the community is already gathering around the work.

There's power in that.

There's so much power in community.

Stories like this are why I do what I do. If you’ve got something coming up and want to talk through how to get it in front of the right people, hit reply or send me a note.

In Service,

Felicia