When i look back on my own personal WHY of starting a nonprofit organization i can think of many reasons and numerous social causes for the need, agency and urgency of this work. And for me, it always comes back to community. It is because of community and the natural need for connection that i continue to find myself surrounded by such amazing and dedicated people that believe in the vision and mission of CIRCLE. After the challenges of the pandemic created over the past few years, i am able to exhale just a bit more, move forward on the path of justice and finally feel a strong sense of pride and hope. Hope in our many efforts and, instinctively, hope in our young people, the many Students Taking Action & Making Progress (STAMP) students who show up ready to make a difference and be the change they wish to see in the world. Being the Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit CIRCLE has provided me the opportunity to create a philosophy of belonging and intentionality in workplace culture. As our team and the commitment they share, grows, CIRCLE works tirelessly to put into action multi-generational programming that makes a difference. While the focus is community care, i know ancestral wisdom of radical self-care and self-love are critical to supporting the work of racial equity and social justice. i am confident that a new ethos is upon us as we work towards creating and sustaining communities in our nonprofits where we will move from integration to inclusion and ultimately, belonging.

Thank you, my community, for following us, for taking this journey towards the direction of peace, love and hope for the future.

In Lak’ech, (you are my other me)
Carla Mestas, M.A, Founder & Executive Director of CIRCLE