Meet Sloane Davidson

We recently connected with Sloane Davidson and have shared our conversation below.

Sloane, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

I get my optimism from people. I see the good that people do every day to help neighbors, to help elders, to help pregnant women and moms with strollers and those in need. I see optimism through my two small kids who are wildly optimistic about the world and I get it from myself. I believe resilience is a form of optimism. I’ve been knocked down with grief, trauma, accidents, conflict, anger, fear, regret and every time I have gotten back up. It might take a while, I might have a few more bruises on the inside and a harder shell on the outside, but I’ve done it and I’ve seen people do it who face the unthinkable of having to leave everything behind, flee their homes and become refugees. I see optimism but I also choose to see it and I think that makes a world of difference for how I see the world around me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As the Founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor, based in Pittsburgh, I’ve been working since 2017 to build a more inclusive and supportive community for refugees and immigrants. Hello Neighbor started with a local focus and we have grown a lot, but we’ve also grown to have national programming through the Hello Neighbor Network, which connects and supports similar organizations across the country.

What began as a way to foster connections between refugees and their neighbors has evolved into a broader mission to create welcoming communities nationwide. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing—not just here in Pittsburgh but across the U.S.—to ensure that those who have been displaced have the resources, mentorship, and community support they need to build new lives.

Being a mom of two boys adds an extra layer to my work. I see the world through their eyes, and it makes me even more determined to help create a future where all kids, no matter where they come from, are embraced by a community that cares about them. My work at Hello Neighbor is all about making that vision a reality.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, I’d say three qualities and skills have been particularly impactful:

Empathy: Understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds has been crucial in my work. It’s not just about knowing what challenges others face but genuinely feeling and responding to their experiences. For those starting out, I’d recommend actively listening to and learning from the communities you aim to serve. It will enrich your perspective and guide your actions in meaningful ways.

Resilience: Building and leading a nonprofit, especially one focused on such a complex issue as refugee support, requires resilience. There will be setbacks and challenges, but it’s important to stay focused on your mission and keep pushing forward. My advice is to develop a strong support network and stay adaptable. Embrace feedback and rely on your inner voice to trust your instincts.

Strategic Vision: Being able to see the big picture while managing the details has been essential. This means setting clear goals, being able to pivot when necessary, and maintaining a long-term vision for your work. For those early in their journey, I’d suggest taking the time to map out your goals and regularly reassessing them. Surround yourself with mentors and advisors who can help you navigate and refine your strategy.

For anyone starting out, focus on building these qualities through real-world experience and learning from others in your field. Stay curious, seek out mentorship, and remember that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was encourage me to handle things on my own from a very young age. I remember walking home by myself in first grade, flying solo to meet my mom at a conference when I was just four or five, and taking my first international flight alone. Even during high school, I visited some college campuses on my own and found apartments in college on my own and saved money to travel alone and packed for study abroad by myself.

My family was incredibly loving and supportive, but they didn’t hover or hand things to me. Instead, they gave me the space to go out, believe in myself, and act independently. This upbringing taught me to trust my abilities and keep pushing forward, even when things didn’t go as planned.

By the time I faced challenges with more awareness of fear and hesitation, I had already built a foundation of confidence and resilience. I felt like I could handle whatever came my way, knowing that even if things didn’t turn out perfectly, I’d be okay. Their approach instilled in me a belief that I could keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles I encountered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.helloneighbor.io/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sloane/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sloanedavidson/
• Other: https://www.sloanedavidson.com/

Image Credits

Photo Credit: Taylor Davidson