Tequionbrookins.com

“As the year comes to a close, I am reflecting on the moments that have shaped every season of my work thus far. The ones that do not always make headlines, but quietly build legacies and beautiful stories all the same.

In 2019, I founded the The Minority Freedom Community Fund as a 100% community-run and funded grantmaking intermediary with a clear belief that our communities already hold the wisdom needed to heal and sustain themselves. What they are often denied is access, infrastructure, and trust. From the beginning, I was intentional about building a platform that developed aspiring Black and Brown philanthropy practitioners rather than positioning myself as the visible lead and taking up space that others deserved to occupy.

In the current environment, I now understand that it is my calling to step fully into leadership for this mission. I have accepted my board’s decision to appoint me as President and CEO of MFCF. Entering this role in the new year feels less like a new chapter and more like a returning. A decision to formally stand inside work I have been building alongside community leaders, funders, and partners who believe philanthropy can and should be practiced with integrity, impatience, and accountability.

This year also reinforced a lesson I have learned more than once. Not every table is willing to be strengthened. Some are more comfortable remaining exclusive, fragile, or performative. When my offers to build systems, redistribute social power, or meaningfully improve impact were declined or sidelined, I chose a different path. I kept building new tables. Ones rooted in impact and justice.

That same philosophy is guiding the rebrand and refinement of my consulting practice through UpSkill 4Impact . Born from four years of full-time entrepreneurship serving as a fractional team member and advisor to nonprofits & funders combined with 15 years of experience, UpSkill 4Impact was designed to address a gap I see repeatedly: the distance between vision & ex*****on.

UpSkill 4Impact will serve as the technical assistance partner for MFCF programming, working in close collaboration with Driscoll Family Financial Education Services . Together, we are aligning leadership development, financial education, and operational support so organizations are not only funded, but equipped. This work will take place in Detroit through MFCF’s headquarters at Aya House and extend nationally.

On a personal note, this season of alignment extends beyond my professional life. I am stepping into the new year as a wife, alongside a true partner who understands that purpose and love do not compete. They reinforce one another. Being in relationship with the right person has clarified what partnership looks like in every sense: shared vision, shared labor, & shared hope.

I am closing this year grounded, grateful, & clear. Ready to continue building what was missing, strengthening what exists, & creating opportunities for other underestimated changemakers.”

TeQuion

🎉✨ Today, we celebrate someone whose impact spans across borders, time zones, and every part of our operations — Happy Birthday to our phenomenal Administrative Director, Claudine Morata!

Claud is more than just an admin — she is the quiet force behind the scenes who holds it all together. From client engagements to community partnerships, from board support to business operations, there is not a single area of our work or org that I’ve launched that hasn’t been strengthened by her brilliance, dedication, and care.

Since joining our team 3 years ago, Clau has been the backbone of everything we do — and somehow, she does it all with grace, speed, and precision, even while navigating her most important role yet: being a new mom. 💛

What Clau contributes can’t be captured in job descriptions or org charts. She’s the type of support other founders wish they had (I’m quick to let it be known she’s all mine 😂). The one who logs in early, stays on late to get it done, asks the hard questions, finds the right answers, and genuinely cares about the mission behind the work. Her talent is unmatched, and her loyalty and work ethic are a blessing I never take for granted.

Claudine, thank you for being you. We are endlessly grateful for your leadership, your heart, and your quiet excellence. May this year bring you joy, rest, and every dream you dare to dream. 🌏💐

Please join us in sending Claudine birthday love from across the globe! 🥳