OCTOber Member Spotlight

"My involvement with the FPN has been more substantial over the past few years. We recognize the vital role the network plays in fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and aligning efforts for greater impact. Joining the network was influenced by the desire to connect with like-minded philanthropic organizations, share our experiences, and learn from others to enhance our collective ability to drive meaningful change."

"The Florida philanthropic community's resilience and collaborative spirit in tackling environmental and social issues are truly remarkable. The willingness to come together, pool resources, and innovate solutions is inspiring. This collective dedication to making a difference sets the Florida philanthropic community apart."

"One particularly meaningful collaboration for VoLo Foundation has been partnering with my colleague Daniel Gibson, Regional Vice President, Miami-Dade, Allegany Franciscan Ministries.  In 2023 he included me to present with him at the Statewide Summit on Philanthropy. We wanted to raise awareness and let our fellow donors know that only 1.5% of philanthropy goes toward climate. My hope was to represent VoLo Foundation well showing the powerful impact of environmental grant-making on all our lives, especially those who are most vulnerable and causing the least amount of harm to the planet.

By remaining open to exploration and discovery, we can fuel new ways to engage with our partners and work more collaboratively across the state to elevate the voices of those we serve. The exchange of knowledge and expertise has been mutually enriching and has led to other joint-speaking engagements by me and Daniel to advance climate action."

"A significant challenge has been scaling our impact while maintaining a highly targeted, data and science-based approach and embracing trust-based philanthropy. To overcome this, we've focused on strategic partnerships to optimize our processes. Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability has allowed us to navigate challenges and refine our strategies effectively. 
 
A personal challenge when I started working at VoLo Foundation almost four years ago was not having the terminology and knowledge about climate change.  A solution that I’ve used, is to access VoLo’s tools to raise awareness on this topic.  When I exercise, my air pods are streaming in VoLo’s #1 ranked Climate Correction podcast (which we’ve expanded to Spanish). On Fridays, I’ll eagerly check my email in anticipation of receiving VoLo Climate News.  The more I learn, the more grateful I am for my trustees Thais Lopez Vogel and David S. Vogel who care so deeply for planet Earth and the quality of life on it both for today and for future generations.  They have fostered my growth within the sustainability field and reinforced VoLo as the cornerstone of my philanthropic work."

"Witnessing the positive impact of our philanthropic efforts fuels my passion both in life and at work. Knowing that we are contributing to a sustainable future and creating opportunities for growth and education for individuals and communities is immensely gratifying. It's this drive that keeps me dedicated to our mission at VoLo Foundation."