Love as Our Compass
Leading Beyond the Election
This election season hit me harder than I expected. It’s taken me almost a month to process my feelings — feelings of disappointment, exhaustion, and reflection. Meeting Kamala Harris twice and witnessing her brilliance, grace, and courage firsthand made this moment deeply personal. Her candidacy wasn’t just a campaign; it was a movement that symbolized progress, equity, and the hope we all hold for a better future.
Her loss wasn’t just a political moment — it felt like a collective heartbreak for those of us who believe in what she stood for. But as I’ve reflected over the past few weeks, I’ve returned to what I know to be true: love is my superpower. It’s what keeps me going, even when the road feels uncertain. Love drives my leadership, my advocacy, and my belief in the resilience of our communities. It’s what has helped me navigate this emotional weight and find a way forward.
For nonprofits, this election also has profound implications. Leadership changes and shifting priorities will impact funding opportunities, policy decisions, and public sentiment — forces that shape the very foundation of our work. Yet I believe that, like me, nonprofits can find their compass in love. Here’s how I’ve leaned into love as my guide during this time, and how I believe other nonprofit leaders can do the same:
1. Love for Ourselves Through Rest and Reflection
The emotional toll of this season reminded me how much we, as leaders, carry — and how essential rest is to our ability to lead. Rest is not a retreat; it’s an act of love. By giving ourselves time to pause, reflect, and renew, we create space to process our emotions and come back stronger. For nonprofits, this is also a moment to pause, revisit our strategies, and ensure we’re leading from a place of clarity and intention.
2. Love for Our Communities Through Advocacy
Advocacy is an act of love. Nonprofits are often the voices for those who aren’t heard, and now more than ever, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to equity and justice. Love calls us to fight for our communities, amplify their stories, and ensure their needs are seen and prioritized — regardless of who holds power. Advocacy grounded in love is not just about action; it’s about connection and care.
3. Love for Our Mission Through Resilience
This election may have brought challenges, but it hasn’t changed the importance of our work. Love fuels resilience, reminding us why we started this journey and why it matters so deeply. For nonprofits, this is a time to adapt creatively and push forward with renewed purpose. Whether it’s diversifying funding streams, reimagining programs, or doubling down on our core values, love keeps us anchored in our mission.
4. Love for Our Partners Through Collaboration
Love reminds us that we don’t have to do this alone. Nonprofits thrive on collaboration, and this is a moment to strengthen partnerships with funders, community leaders, and fellow organizations. Building authentic relationships, rooted in trust and shared purpose, allows us to amplify our impact. Collaboration fueled by love is a powerful tool for transformation.
5. Love for the Future Through Hope and Vision
Love compels us to look ahead, even when the present feels heavy. Kamala’s journey showed us the power of possibility and the importance of hope. For nonprofits, this is a time to hold onto that vision — to dream boldly, inspire our teams, and mobilize our communities. Love reminds us that the work we do today builds the future we long to see.
I know this season has been hard. Take the time you need to process, to rest, and to heal. But when you’re ready, let love guide you, too. Love for your mission, love for the people you serve, and love for the future we are building together.
This is not the end of the story — it’s a new chapter. Let’s lead with courage, creativity, and compassion. Let’s recommit to the work that matters most. Grounded in love, we will rise above challenges, deepen our impact, and move forward — stronger, wiser, and more united than ever.
