Stacy Harper
Founder & Executive Director
Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
Briefly describe your role:
As Founder & Executive Director of Light House Solutions, a Black woman-led nonprofit, my role is multifaceted and impactful. I am the visionary and driving force behind the organization, ensuring its mission is fulfilled. I oversee the development of our vision, mission, and strategic goals, manage programs, and maintain financial stability. I provide guiding principles to keep our work aligned with our core values of empowerment, equity, and wellness. Most importantly, I am a champion for our community, leading with a "feet on the street" approach to address the real needs of underserved families and break down barriers.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: No, this isn't exactly what I envisioned for myself. But looking back, every step, challenge, and heartbreak led me here. Becoming a mother changed everything, shifting my priorities and igniting a desire to make the world better for my child. Leaving the corporate world was a leap of faith, aligning my work with my values. Then life threw curveballs – financial struggles, health scares, even battling breast cancer during a pandemic. These experiences cracked me open, forcing me to confront harsh realities and deepening my empathy. Through those fires, Light House Solutions was born, a way to channel my pain into purpose and offer a hand to those who feel unseen, unheard, and undervalued. It's about restoring dignity, fostering connection, and reminding people of their worth. No, I didn’t picture myself here, but I wouldn’t trade it. This journey has shaped and refined me, giving me a profound understanding of the human spirit’s resilience and allowing me to make a real difference in others’ lives. That, more than any grand plan, is what truly matters.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: The nonprofit world presents unique challenges and powerful opportunities for women. My journey with Light House Solutions has taught me this firsthand:
Challenges:
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- Funding disparity: Black woman-led nonprofits often struggle to secure adequate funding, requiring constant resourcefulness and advocacy.
- Underrepresentation in leadership: This limits diverse perspectives and hinders effectively addressing community needs.
- Balancing multiple roles: Juggling motherhood, caregiving, and leadership responsibilities is a constant challenge.
Opportunities:
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- Driving social change: Women, especially Black women, have a deep understanding of marginalized communities, allowing us to lead with empathy and create innovative solutions.
- Building strong communities: We excel at fostering connections and building supportive networks that empower individuals and drive lasting change.
- Inspiring future generations: As leaders, we can mentor and inspire young people, particularly women of color, to pursue their dreams and become agents of change.
Despite the obstacles, I remain dedicated to our mission. Women bring unique perspectives, passion, and determination to the nonprofit sector, making us a powerful force for a brighter future.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: My parents, Barbara and Larry, instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion, laying the foundation for my journey.
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- My sister, Lakisha: Her courage to blaze new trails showed me the power of possibility.
- My Lewisville roots: Growing up in a small town surrounded by love and support nurtured my sense of community.
- Mrs. Brown, my high school teacher: Her belief in me and encouragement ignited my passion for education and opened my eyes to a world beyond Lewisville.
- My daughter, Trinity: She is my daily inspiration, reminding me of the love and faith that carry me through every challenge.
- My Light Workers: My incredible team shows up every day with dedication and passion, fueling my determination and keeping me grounded with their faith and support.
- The stories of the community: Every person and experience has woven a thread into the tapestry of my life, inspiring me to become the woman I am today.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: Find Your Voice: Don't be afraid to speak your truth and advocate for what you believe in. Your unique perspective and voice are valuable assets in any field. Lead with Empathy: Seek to understand the perspectives and experiences of others. Cultivate empathy and compassion, and let these qualities guide your interactions and decision
making. Cultivate Resilience: The path to success is rarely linear. There will be setbacks, disappointments, and moments of doubt. Develop resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, and never give up on your dreams. Become a lifelong student of business and financial management. Continuously seek new knowledge and strategies to build your organization's capacity and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Q: What's been the secret to success?
A: L.I.F.E. - Living in Front of Everything "with no fear"
