3 minute read
The Art of Community
A SENSE OF BELONGING
Entrepreneur & Nonprofit Strategist Dr. Sharon Asonganyi
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It has been almost 10yrs since I relocated to the DMV from Boston, MA. Within this time frame, I have worked with three different unique organizations, completed a PhD program, and tremendously expanded my social network. Immediately after I said yes to my first job offer in DC and hung up the phone, I felt a turbulent burst of mixed emotions – excitement, fear, anxiety, joy, and worry. For over 8yrs, I had established strong roots in Boston. Moving meant having to say goodbye to the familiar and saying hello to an unknown. It meant new people, different sites, unfamiliar sounds, and many changes in daily routines.
Winter of 2009, I packed up all my belongings in a small Budget truck and drove during a snowstorm in pursuit of new beginnings in DC. I have had quite a few significant life uprooting relocations into new environments in my lifetime. Change is never easy. One thing that helped me in many of those transitions to new cities was seeking out and joining affinity groups. These groups often provide a sense of belonging and offer a safe supportive space to its members as they bond on common interests and a shared background. The affinity groups that I joined centered on three critical elements of my identity – faith, service, and the African diaspora.
My current social network blossomed as a result of joining these groups. Additionally, the experiences I shared with amazing people helped me land on my life’s true calling. The thirst for purposeful work was fulfilled through soulful late-night conversations with influential women and inspiring mentors, spending many rewarding hours in service to various social causes, and countless hours venturing into unconventional spaces that allowed me to explore my gifts and passions.
In its simplest structure and form, without bells and whistles, I am called to help others help themselves. What does that look like? Over the years it has taken on many different forms including capturing the lived experiences of first- and second generation African immigrant women on video, informing/shaping policies as a DC Commissioner on African affairs, facilitating focus groups to plan Prince George’s 2035 (future development in Prince George's County), and completing my dissertation research providing fair trade opportunities for women shea butter producers in Northern Ghana.
My purpose is now firmly rooted as a nonprofit coach working with women who have phenomenal ideas for creating a nonprofit organization. I support these women transform their visions into sustainable high impact organizations through strategy and design. I am a trained organizations and systems psychologist, which means that I get really excited about putting infrastructures in place and building solid foundations that allow great ideas for social impact to thrive within organizations. Moreover, my experiences of venturing into new spaces, interfacing with strangers in different environments, and creating sustainable impact, transfer beautifully into nonprofit coaching.
Speaking of ‘venturing into new spaces’, a few years ago, I started a successful natural shea butter-based skincare company – Shaju (www.shaju.us) - out of my kitchen. That was scary, intimating, and overwhelming. It was also a test of endurance and true grit in its purest form. All the lessons I learned from starting, failing, resetting, pausing, pivoting while growing Shaju, inspired me to share the wisdom gained over the years to coaching women who feel called to change this world for the better.
www.shaju.us
As I reflect on the last 10yrs, I dared to be brave even with a good amount of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. I chose to open myself up to new experiences with the expectation of something magical and wonderful happening. The beautiful mystery of my life journey is still unfolding. As you settle into your new life in the DMV, I invite you to stay open to new possibilities of what your life can be. Believe in your vision.
With over 15yrs experience in nonprofit organizational development and a doctorate in organizations and systems, Sharon believes that with strategy, planning, and proper execution, your nonprofit startup can become a sustainable and thriving organization. Through relatable real-life stories, thought provoking questions, a fresh perspective, and practical tools, she inspires other women to envision their nonprofit dreams and build smarter with a solid foundation.
Sharon Asonganyi, PhD www.sharonasonganyi.com
