March 12, 2024

Patrice Hawkins | Spark the Change Colorado

WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? WHY IS THIS WORK IMPORTANT TO YOU?

​I’m an innovator at heart, and it can be hard to make innovative changes that will impact the social spaces and systems causing things like hunger, homelessness, cyclical poverty, or systemic oppression. I’m a people watcher, and I can’t help but see everyone around me and the issues that are uncomfortable to look closely at. I’m doing this work because I believe we have to show up for people. In my role as a CEO, a social worker, and a former government employee, I don’t want to be comfortable. I really like to be a disrupter for good in spaces where people are having a hard experience. I do this work because my personal mission is to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to flow through society in a way that feels good to them, where they feel valued and their basic needs are met. I believe it’s so important to show up as a leader and that you have a presence that you use, whether it’s your title or connections, to advocate. If I can have a presence and use my voice and knowledge to spread a little good and a little love, I’m going to do that.

WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?

I’m on a personal mission to reduce the stigma around seeking mental health support and create spaces where it’s ok to address trauma and seek healing. This is especially important for marginalized communities, communities of color, and economically depressed communities. I feel lucky that my entire team at Spark the Change cares so deeply for mental wellness. The top impact I want to have is to address the stigma around mental health. The state of Colorado is ranked one of the lowest in the country for our mental health services and resources. My goal is that we are using the power of volunteerism as a tool to address mental health. We run a statewide mental wellness program that provides connections to free therapy through volunteers. We also run the only statewide AmeriCorps Mental Health Program, which is called Spark Health Corps, to infuse new talent into the workforce. If people are doing their AmeriCorps service with us, the goal is that they then find careers in high-need places working on mental health and supporting the community. This is the kind of work that saves lives.

WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO DO THIS WORK?

I’m inspired by all of the powerful women in my life who not only lifted me up over the years, and told me I was smart, capable, talented, and a good person, but who were the trailblazers before me. I come from a family of educators and am a self-described nerd, so I remain inspired by all of the teachers and social workers in my life. I’m also inspired by all of my female friends who are true bosses in the social impact space. They are government leaders, CEOs, lawyers, and entrepreneurs, leading performance-driven teams, and showing up with grace and compassion. Women are changing this world whether or not they get credit for it, and I find that inspiring.

WHAT’S YOUR VISION, YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?

My vision is that women of color have the space to show up as authentic leaders who are trusted, seen, encouraged, and celebrated for all of their contributions. In my corner of the world, I’m working to lift up the current generation of women leaders and encourage and support the next. I believe this directly correlates with improving the mental health and wellness of our society, building community resilience, and creating lasting connections that help people thrive.

With the statistics around mental health and youth suicide rates, these are things where leaders in this space can be innovators, and we can actually drive those numbers down. We can create more access points for rural communities or those who don’t speak English as their native language or give marginalized communities access to care. Talking about their mental health is a key pillar of overall health. At Spark the Change, I’m using volunteerism to do that, but we’re also advocates, and we’re connectors. Part of my job is helping our corporate partners see what role they can play in this state, connecting individuals and communities to opportunities to give back.

WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING?

As a new CEO in the nonprofit and social sector space, I find that I face challenges with the need to constantly fundraise to do good in society. It’s quite baffling that I have to spend so much time asking for money to do good work, instead of having the security to go out and just do the work. The competition for funding can be discouraging, especially when the performative measures that are set don’t always reflect the reality on the ground. I’m trying to make the shift to operating it more like a start-up and move away from the nonprofit mindset that historically underinvests in staff salaries and development, technology, and sustainability planning. That’s tough. For me, it’s important that my nonprofit is set up for sustainability. It really is a challenge to infuse those resources because nonprofits are just underfunded overall. 

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CAUSE AND/OR THE WORK YOU’RE DOING?

Invest in your community by being present and giving back. Show up to volunteer at a nonprofit because your hours of service are a true investment that has a direct impact on the nonprofit’s economy. Volunteering also feels great and has a positive impact on your own mental health. 

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE OR WORDS OF INSPIRATION TO SHARE?

This quote was shared with me and I don’t know where it originated, but I’ve been stuck on the phrase, “Community is where you keep showing up.” In a world where social isolation stats are soaring, loneliness and mental health concerns are going unaddressed, we all can show up for community. 

HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?

Please sign up to volunteer in your community. Our volunteer database at Spark the Change is statewide, and nonprofits need you! In a world where civic engagement ranges from voting, volunteering, and advocacy, contributing financially also matters for every nonprofit. It’s easy to give to a cause that matters to you, and it’s as simple as what you would spend on a specialty coffee or streaming subscription. Donate and spark change with your change!

At Orapin, we believe those who are working for the greater good should be known, supported, and celebrated. We help purpose-driven organizations generate consistent media coverage and thought leadership opportunities to increase awareness, influence, and impact. If would like to be featured in INSPIRED IMPACT™, reach out to hello@orapin.co.