“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.
Nicky Ruan
I lost my father to cancer when I was 7 years old. My mother later re-married to a guy who, for over a decade, abused us. Growing up, I’ve also witnessed other unfortunate events amongst my extended family. Affairs, divorce, domestic violence, death, you name it. It’s not overdramatic to say that I’ve seen the darkest side of human nature. Read more>>
Jiawen Chen
Growing up in China, I was taught the importance of empathy through Confucian values, with the famous quote “Do not impose on others what you do not desire” from Confucius’s the Analects often cited by adults and teachers. As a naturally introverted and sensitive individual, I’ve always been sensitive to others’ emotions, frequently adjusting my words and actions based on their expressions. Read more>>
Justin Loca
Well to start off I believe that empathy has many shapes and forms. Whether that’d by physical touch/embrace or by communication. I feel that I am a very empathetic person because of the cards I’ve been dealt in my personal life. Read more>>
Kelly Elsas
I think empathy has always been a big part of my soul. I’ve always deeply cared for the people in my life. I used to think it was a weakness and that I needed to focus on myself more. Now, I really love that part of myself. I think loving the people in our life is one of the most beautiful part of being a human. Read more>>
Paola García
I consider that my life story has been fundamental in developing my empathy towards the pain of other beings. In my case, I lost my mother when I was very little. This meant that my family’s life changed abruptly and consequently my own life as well. I know what it is like to lose a loved one and live in a fragmented family that does not fit the happy family model. Read more>>
Monique Douglas
I can truly say that the “empathy for others” seed was planted very early on in my youth. My parents were very empathetic people and so were so many of their friends. They taught my sister and I the importance of caring for the needs of others and having that agapé love for your neighbor. Read more>>
Noelle Farr
Through my life though wonderful, I have faced many different trials, and emotional challenges that have pushed me to not only grow and become resilient, but have given me a soul of empathy and understanding for others pain or struggle. Read more>>
Dr. Malika Stewart-Bey
Experiencing the loss of a parent at a young age was definitely a contributing factor to the development of empathy. Read more>>
Yanran Bi
I have always been described as an empathic person by people around me. My emotion shifts quickly and I cry quite often. In the narrative of an illustrated animation about highly sensitive personalities, I wrote: “My little house rains often, because of sorrow, because of happiness, because of ugliness, because of beauty, and because of everything passes through it.” Read more>>
Jazzilyn Tanks
I am an Atlanta native and I come from a very cultural background. Growing up in the city I had the opportunity to be exposed to a plethora of events and spaces that provided deep enrichment for the youth. I have seen how things have changed since I was a child. Read more>>
Tonya Canady
There were many conditions that allowed me to develop my empathy. It first started when my paraplegic brother was in a swimming accident when I was two and a half years old and he was 11. The lifeguard was supposed to be on duty, but he left to go to a party when my mom took me to the restroom. Read more>>
Iman Warren
I feel like one of the main ways I continue to develop and evolve my empathy comes from my love of travel. I’m very inquisitive and love learning about people and cultures outside of my immediate circle. Putting myself in someone else’s shoes means I can learn about their perspective and where they are coming from on certain issues. Read more>>
Treisha Peterson
I grew up in a small town nestled in a beautiful basin surrounded by three mountain ranges. Though I was born a member of the predominate religion, I was not raised in accordance with the community standards, norms, or ideals. My earliest memories of going to church are laden with feeling like I was broken, flawed, and would never truly measure up. Read more>>
