When Purpose Calls, You Answer
There are some projects that find you at just the right time.
That’s how I felt when Meredith Curry Nuñez, the Executive Director of Northern California College Promise Coalition (NCCPC), and I connected. They were planning a Joint Convening for Elected Officials and Funders, a gathering meant to bring together over 100 people who don’t often share the same room: mayors, funders, educators, employers, and community leaders.
The goal was simple but powerful: connect, collaborate, and dream up better ways to support first-generation, low-income, BIPOC, and multiply marginalized students across Northern California.
Photo provided by NCCPC | Cloudy Goose Photography
Normally, I don’t take on projects with such a short turnaround. This one had just 22 days from start to finish. But when I learned about the mission, I couldn’t say no. As a first-generation college student myself (along with my sister), this work hit home. I know what it feels like to want more but not always have the map to get there. So, I said yes, because sometimes, purpose doesn’t wait.
Photo provided by NCCPC | Cloudy Goose Photography
Building It, One Day at a Time
From the first meeting, I could feel the heart of this coalition, small but mighty, committed and clear. Together, we worked through every detail one day at a time: one day for catering, one day for photography, one day to make sure accessibility needs were fully met.
And for me, that’s where the magic always happens, in the details that make people feel seen.
We made sure there were gender-neutral restrooms, and we created a private, comfortable space for child-bearing persons to pump, not a bathroom stall, but a space that said, You are welcome here just as you are.
Those are the quiet decisions that shift the energy of a room.
The Power of Gathering
The day of the convening, I stood back and watched as the space filled with voices from all corners, funders speaking with educators, local officials in conversation with nonprofit leaders. You could feel the purpose in the air. These weren’t easy conversations, but they were necessary ones.
That’s my favorite part of this work, seeing people connect, challenge, and learn from each other. Seeing the walls between roles and titles come down just enough for a little more understanding to grow.
Photo provided by NCCPC | Cloudy Goose Photography
What Stayed With Me
The moment that stands out most wasn’t on the program. It was a simple one, laughter in the middle of a hard conversation, heads nodding in agreement, that quiet hum of people realizing they’re all working toward the same thing.
That’s when I knew: every late night, every checklist, every conversation was worth it.
Because when you create a space for people to show up fully, change starts to bloom.
Photo provided by NCCPC | Cloudy Goose Photography
To the team at NCCPC, thank you for trusting Dream Talk Management to help bring your vision to life. Your work is proof that access, equity, and care can coexist beautifully in one room.
