Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Even.
Hi Angel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
By happenstance, I’ve fallen into the work I’m doing. I remember wanting to be a Forensic Psychologist growing up, but soon realized I’d have to sacrifice my passion by working in different roles for years, whether as a probation officer or police officer, until I might get a chance opportunity for my dream job as a Forensic Psychologist. I knew I didn’t want to go through the motions, so I switched to an industry that had a ton of “potential” for me to grow within it—healthcare. I started out as a Certified Surgical First Assistant, then transitioned into process improvement within the surgery department when I found my first interest in inspiring teams and leaders to re-imagine their daily work. I continued to expand my skills and advanced my career to being an Executive Coach and Sr. Consultant within healthcare organizations.
I led system-wide initiatives that improved the access and quality of care for individuals in need while supporting leaders in growing and nurturing their teams and operations. I used to love working in healthcare; it was a mini ecosystem within itself. I worked on initiatives and with leaders from Finance to Maintenance, Nursing departments, Emergency Departments, and everything in-between. But I was burnt out at the end of the day. After 12 years in healthcare, including 8 years working as an Executive Coach and Consultant, I was up against more than change management resistance; I also had to push back against sexism, racism, and other biases that created obstacles for me, unlike some of my white peers.
The potential growth opportunity that I thought I’d be able to achieve within healthcare was a myth. I was a number, a talent that every leader wanted to be a part of their work, holding them and their teams accountable. I’ve been pulled into navigating conversations between the nursing union and service line executives regarding key system changes, but upward growth was never an “achievable” option for me. Every opportunity was dangled in my face only to be pulled away.
2020 was the year when I invested in my own well-being and evaluated where I wanted to be and what my life looked and felt like. I knew I wanted to create a space for others who looked like me to be mentored by those who understood our lived experiences. That was when Led by TRUTH came to be, and I haven’t looked back since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Haha, has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not! There is this misconception that nonprofits receive so much “funding,” especially nonprofits led by individuals of color. Well, facts speak volumes about the reality that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led nonprofits face. White-led organizations are six times more likely to receive corporate donations compared with BIPOC-led nonprofits (Source: Philanthropy Colorado). Black-led nonprofits focused on supporting the Black community have 76% smaller revenue than those of white-led nonprofits focused on the same work (Source: Bridgespan Group).
As a newer nonprofit, we have struggled to meet the increasing demands of our clients due to limited internal resources. While leveraging contractors has been helpful, there are key programmatic needs that require dedicated resources to effectively delegate and alleviate tasks from our CEO’s plate. Despite our expertise and the high regard in which our skills are held by other well-funded nonprofits, we often face difficulties accessing opportunities and “traditional” philanthropic funding. As a result, we’ve had to focus on increasing our 2023 earned revenue model and achieved a revenue matrix of 50.4% program service revenue and 49.6% contributions, gifts, and grants.
Legitimacy is another barrier I’ve faced. I remember being introduced to a foundation leader in an elevator, and as another community leader introduced me as “Angel Even, Founder of Led by TRUTH, a new nonprofit,” this foundation leader looked at me and said, “Another one.” He then turned around in the elevator to face the door and did not say another word to me. I’ve been questioned by my white peers doing similar work about what my differentiator is, as they reduce the value of diversity within the mentors that support BIPOC founders. I’ve been asked to freely give my own thoughts and expertise for others to then claim credit. I’ve also had to navigate toxic work environments within contracts I’ve acquired where my knowledge, voice, and abilities have been diminished by “well-meaning” allies. This is a constant that I have to navigate through on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. It can be tiring and soul-crushing at the same time.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Led by TRUTH was founded out of a profound need to address the systemic barriers faced by People of Color in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Originating from the shared frustrations over the necessity for Founders of Color to continually ‘prove their worth,’ our organization has become a beacon of change and support. We understand that BIPOC entrepreneurs face daunting odds, with a significant majority struggling to surpass the critical early stages of business development.
Since our inception in 2021, Led by TRUTH has committed itself to not just altering statistics but to forging a path of substantial, sustainable success for Founders of Color. We have supported over 80 founders, achieving an impressive 80% success rate in launching their businesses within six months. Our BLOOM Mentorship Program has disbursed $21,500 in grant funding, directly fueling startup growth across our 2022 and 2023 cohorts. These achievements underscore our effectiveness in providing tailored, impactful support at pivotal moments for our founders.
Our Programs and Services include:
1.) BLOOM Mentorship Program: This 12-month program offers tailored support to Founders of Color, combining reflective mentorship with grant funding to foster business growth.
2.) SPROUTING Program: A 6-week group coaching program that guides participants in crafting detailed business plans. This series focuses on establishing clear goals, strategies, and operational frameworks.
3.) FLOURISH Series: Designed for advanced founders, this series enhances business strategy, impact measurement, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for sustained growth and market positioning.
4.) Digital Self-Paced Programming: Provides flexible access to essential tools, education, and resources, enabling participants to develop robust business plans and strategies at their own pace.
5.) FEARLESS Forward Workbook: Our workbook supports developing individuals into the leaders they hope to be, while strengthening their growth mindset and strategic focus.
Our approach extends beyond practical business skills; it is about cultivating a sense of belonging and confidence. We equip our founders with the tools necessary to develop sustainable business models, enhance their financial literacy, and build strategic partnerships. Through our human-centered approach, we not only guide but also inspire Founders of Color to navigate and overcome unique challenges, enabling them to thrive on their own terms.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising about me that others may not know is that I love being creative. My happy place (besides Mexico) is playing with clay or making purses out of thrifted jackets. I’ve been making purses as a hobby for the last 20 years. I am finally at the point of being okay with “letting go” of the purses I make and will be launching my site soon: www.antjeechoes.com. I’m ask
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ledbytruth.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/led.by.truth
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ledbytruth.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/led-by-truth
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeleven
Image Credits
Primary Photo: Mycah Bain Photography Photo 1 & 3: Bethany Birnie Photo 2: Sophia Knigge Photo 4: SPNN (Saint Paul Neighborhood Network)
