A Path to Healing Through Innovation

By Simone Hardeman-Jones, GreenLight Fund Twin Cities Executive Director

In early August, I had the distinct privilege of participating as a panelist at the Momentum Summit, an extraordinary gathering of thought leaders, changemakers, and innovators dedicated to driving social impact across the country. The summit is designed to be a catalyst for transformative conversations, offering a platform for leaders across sectors to connect, share insights, and inspire action toward a more equitable future.

I was honored to join the Funding Innovation panel, alongside two remarkable leaders—Tiffani Daniels, Managing Director of the Minnesota Business Coalition on Racial Equity, and James Burroughs, Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Children’s MN. The experience was both invigorating and reflective. It wasn’t just an opportunity to showcase the work we’ve been doing at GreenLight Fund Twin Cities; it was a chance to engage with passionate individuals committed to driving meaningful change.

Setting the Tone: The Chisholm Dinner

My journey at the Momentum Summit began on a profoundly inspiring note with the Chisholm Dinner, hosted by Chastity Lord, CEO of the Jeremiah Program. This dinner, named in honor of Shirley Chisholm—the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and a pioneering candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination—was a powerful reminder of the legacy we are building upon. Chisholm’s iconic declaration, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” deeply resonates with the work I do at GreenLight Fund. It serves as a call to action to not only create seats at the table but to ensure that those seats are filled by voices that have historically been marginalized.

The Chisholm Dinner set the stage for the entire summit, embedding the core values of inclusivity and equity into every conversation that followed. It was a powerful reminder that innovation isn’t just about new ideas—it’s about ensuring those ideas are rooted in justice, equity, and a commitment to uplifting every voice.

The Power of Listening to Our Community

At GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, our work is anchored in a simple yet profound principle: listen first. During the panel, I underscored the importance of truly listening to the voices of those we aim to serve. All too often, well-intentioned solutions are imposed from the top down, missing the mark because they fail to incorporate the lived experiences of the communities they are meant to help.

The work being done here at GreenLight Fund flips this dynamic on its head. We start by engaging deeply with the community—through listening sessions, town halls, and one-on-one conversations—to identify the most pressing needs and challenges. This process not only builds trust but ensures that our initiatives are genuinely reflective of the community’s desires and needs, creating impact that resonates deeply with those it’s meant to serve.

Building Partnerships for Sustainable Impact

Another cornerstone of our work is the belief in the power of partnerships. Complex social challenges are too vast for any one organization to tackle alone. At GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, we’ve made it a priority to build strong, cross-sector partnerships—bringing together nonprofits, businesses, government entities, and local leaders. These collaborations amplify our impact and create a strong network of support that sustains our initiatives long after the initial funding is deployed. By aligning our goals with our partners, we drive innovation that is not only effective but also sustainable and far-reaching.

Innovation as a Path to Healing

Innovation is more than just a buzzword. For me, and the work I am leading in the Twin Cities, innovation is a pathway to healing. My community has faced immense challenges, particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. The trauma that our community continues to grapple with demands new approaches—traditional methods often fall short. Through my work at GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, I’ve witnessed firsthand how innovative solutions can pave the way for healing. Whether it’s through introducing groundbreaking technologies, reimagining service delivery models, or creating spaces for community-led initiatives, innovation has the power to transform pain into progress.

Driving Momentum for a Brighter Future

Moving forward, I’m deeply committed to listening, building partnerships, and innovating toward a brighter, more equitable future. The Momentum Summit reaffirmed that by centering our efforts on community voices and collaboration, we can navigate the complex path to healing and lasting change.