I didn’t join Brazos Writers to lead—I joined to write. I was looking for connection, community, and a place to nurture my creative voice. But as I became more involved, I began noticing areas where the group’s foundation had weakened after the disruptions of the pandemic. One of the most pressing issues was that the organization had quietly lost its nonprofit status—not due to wrongdoing, but through an administrative lapse that had gone unaddressed.

Rather than treat that as someone else’s problem, I saw it as an invitation. Not to fix everything alone, but to participate in the quiet work of restoration. I stepped into a shared caretaking role and initiated the process of reinstating our nonprofit status—a slow, often invisible task that requires persistence, attention to detail, and a willingness to navigate unfamiliar bureaucratic terrain. Over time, I’ve learned that every thriving creative space relies on someone—or more often, a few people—doing the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the community alive.

What made this experience especially meaningful was the richness of the people around the table. Brazos Writers is a multigenerational, multidisciplinary group composed of individuals from many backgrounds, professions, and perspectives—all brought together by a shared love of storytelling. That diversity has made the experience deeply human and grounded in empathy.

Alongside the administrative work, I built bridges with local partners such as the public library and promoted the work of fellow writers—highlighting their projects, celebrating their milestones, and making space for their voices to be heard.

This experience reshaped how I understand leadership. It doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it looks like showing up consistently, asking questions, doing the paperwork, and encouraging others when their confidence falters. More than anything, I’ve tried to leave the group better than I found it—not by reinventing it, but by protecting what is already good and making space for growth.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek