“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus for creating change.” – Max Carver

We think Max Carver got it right and that if we truly care about community building and making positive changes in the world, we have to invest in learning about how to become even more empathic as empathy is at the heart of true understanding. We asked some deeply empathic leaders to share their perspectives below.

Minori Groene

Our environment determines our character and lifestyle. Growing up in a family that encourages awareness and attending a school that discusses issues within our community has allowed me to determine problems that must be addressed. Living in San Diego and attending a school in Downtown has made me recognize a major issue — homelessness. Read More>>

Angela Winter

My empathy has been forged in the fires of life.

Born with a natural sensitivity to others’ emotions and circumstances (I’m a Cancer sun and an INFJ!), I’ve always felt others’ feelings within me and had an instinctive pull toward compassion and understanding. But it’s been the lived experience, the heartbreaks and healing, that shaped this affinity into a way of being. Read More>>

Erika Villafuerte

Going through early childhood experiences and adult situations watching others being treated unfairly or dismissed caused me to have a little more interest in helping people be seen and heard. Read More>>

Christian Inman

Growing up, I was always different from those around me and did not align with some of the expectations placed on me. I endured a lot of bullying in elementary school and a bit of middle school. I like to think that when you get bullied there are two outcomes; you either become the bully or you can become somewhat of an anti-bully (which is what happened to me). Read More>>

Krista Qualls

Being a nurse, empathy was not taught, it was innate. Seeing people go through mental, health and spiritual turmoil, just provided an environment where empathy was practiced. I was raised in a Christan home where the “Golden Rule” was mandatory. Sometimes it was difficult to show the “Golden Rule” toward those close to you, like siblings or parents.  Read More>>