Nascence represents the very beginning — the first spark of an idea, the start of a journey, or the early stages of growth. It’s about the birth of something new, whether it’s a concept, a vision, a process, or even the earliest moments of a person's life; or new life for that matter. On this page, we celebrate our beginnings, honor where we started, and share the foundation that continues to shape our path forward. 

Nascence: The Beginning of Our Journey

Fundamental Chromatic was born from lived experience — not theory, not assumption, not secondhand knowledge — but real life.

I know what it feels like to have nothing.
No roof overhead.
No money in my pocket.
No family nearby.
No idea where to turn or who would listen.

I know the deep ache of walking into places that claimed to help, only to be judged, ignored, or treated like a burden. I remember being denied benefits I qualified for by law — and feeling powerless to fight back because I didn't know how. I spent my teenage and young adult years unaware that resources even existed, let alone how to access them. When I did find them, rarely did I feel genuine care or compassion. Too often, I was met with cold systems and people working only for a paycheck, not a mission.

I noticed gaps — wide gaps — in services and systems meant to help.
Gaps in empathy.
Gaps in action.
Gaps between the money raised and the help actually delivered to the people who needed it.

I never had met a nonprofit leader who had walked in the same shoes as the people they were trying to serve.
But I have.

I have lived those days and nights of despair.
I have fought, step by step, to rebuild my life — setting goals, working tirelessly, overcoming setback after setback.
Even now, I still face struggles like so many others. But today, I have a clearer mind, a kinder heart, and a spirit driven not just by survival — but by purpose.

Fundamental Chromatic was born from this place:
A place of understanding, of knowing firsthand what it feels like to be left behind — and a burning desire to make sure no one else has to feel that way without someone truly standing by their side.

Our nascence is more than our beginning.
It’s a promise:

• To fight for those still in the dark.

• To advocate for fairness, access, and dignity.

• To build real connections, real support, and real opportunities for healing and growth.

• To lead not from above, but from alongside.

We believe in community, in education, in empowerment.
We believe in building relationships, not just transactions.
We believe that lived experience is not a weakness — it is our greatest strength.

Welcome to our beginning.
Welcome to our journey.
Welcome to Fundamental Chromatic.

I often wondered if anyone at the helm truly understood the struggles of those they were meant to serve. My own journey—facing homelessness, battling system failures, and feeling unseen—has given me a unique perspective. And, I have walked in those very shoes.

Moments we share can remind you that true empathy and understanding can exist.

Reflect & Engage:

• Have you ever experienced a moment when someone in a leadership position truly listened and understood your struggles?
  
  

• What does genuine empathy in nonprofit work look like to you?
  
  

• How can we all work together to ensure every voice is heard?
  
  

We invite you to share your thoughts, stories, or even ideas on what authentic leadership and compassion mean in your life. Your insights would help shape a future where every interaction counts.

My own journey has taught me that lived experience matters. It shapes how we show up, how we listen, and how we lead.

Have you ever felt the difference when someone truly understands where you’re coming from?

At Fundamental Chromatic, we believe connection and compassion grow stronger when we meet people exactly where they are — because we’ve been there too.

In Mind and In Heart !

Share Your Story Here.