Tabitha Montgomery
Nonprofit Executive Director
I am well when I serve. Service brings me in contact with new people, places, and ideas. Just the other day, a previous board member of an organization where I serve hung out their car window as I was outside my office and yelled my name to say hello. That moment, that type of connection brings me waves of joy, some of which I feel as I share this reflection.
I tend to smile deeply and laugh fully when I spend time with folks who desire to move the needle on what can increase our individual and collective wellness. I am pursuing board service at the Seward Co-op with the goal of having another opportunity to partner with others actively contributing to various aspects of community health.
Over the past nine years, my understanding of community health has been enlivened because of my time with the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association (PPNA). I have seen how the power of belief and will can mobilize thousands of folks to care for one another in a variety of ways.
My time with PPNA has also afforded me opportunities to think creatively and courageously in moments that require space to be held for differing opinions and voices. Regardless of alignment or disagreement, I have grown to understand the power that both bring to support community wellbeing. I am confident these skills can assist in how I support advancement of the organization’s mission in partnership with staff and fellow board members.
At times, it has felt that a path to a healthy community for all is beyond our reach. And although the broad ranging inequities within our communities can often feel unmovable, I am often encouraged by every person, institution and co-op that is willing to declare the importance of furthering community wellbeing by taking steps to animate various forms of equity, access, and inclusion.
Recognizing that I require more insight into the co-op to develop a vision for the next ten years, I believe the vision that serves the organization best will be rooted in its foundational principles of people and collaboration.