September 2025 Recap

As we transition from summer to fall I feel a renewed sense of energy. Fall has always been the season closest to my heart. The nip in the air while still being able to enjoy the sun while it lasts brings a unique sense of coziness which had me ready to lock in and get some work done.

This month my pro-bono work focused most on setting up the scaffolding and structure to ensure that the information I need can be organized and easily accessible. This also ensures that anyone the continues the work after me will have a solid foundation to jump off from. This scoffolding includes a mastersheet of any information I might need to reference, a grant calender, and strategy document/timeline. Going into October, my plan is to flesh out the grant calendar and begin drafting some proposals so they are ready for the next year.

I also had my first in-person interview with a potential client. This opportunity came about because I met a consultant for an indigenous foundation at a birthday party I was invited to unexpectedly. While at the party, I explained that my long-term goal was to work with indigenous communities, she offered to take my information and pass it along - resulting in my first contact through my website.

This interview came with some important lessons:

First, as I am working on building my busiess in addition to full-time work, I learned I need to be more transparent about my available working hours. I would have saved the trip if I knew ahead of time they were looking to hire someone full-time and closer to where they are located. In the future I will be sure to clarify these details when setting up a time to meet.

Secondly, I mistakenly approached this interview like I would a regular job: with the mentality of a power dynamic where the person I was speaking to had more influence. In hind-sight I wish I had asked more active questions about their funding situation and how I could help with that. I plan on making some more formal initial intake and interview documents in order to be better prepared next time.

The third thing that I took away from this particular interview is that if I am going to be looking for more social-justice oriented work, Im going to need to not be afraid to show my support for those initiatives. In the particular interview, I apparently over-dressed with a dress-short and slacks. Given the work that this organization does, a "Fuck ICE" shirt would have earned more respect. I find this funny because prior to the interview, I had really agonized over what to wear. I had an instinct that a dress shirt and slacks would be too much, and I did not follow it. Although this is really a minor reason for this partnership to not be a good fit - I think it exemplifies the need for flexibility and being confident in supporting what I believe in.

Going into October, I am very much looking forward to the big event at the end of the month - Grant Summit. I'm looking forward to soaking up information like a sponge, further networking, and sharing about my experiences here.

Thanks for reading!