Meet an innoFaither is our new series to introduce the inspiring optimists in the innoFaith world and what they’re working on and thinking about. We hope it helps you find and engage with each other across the network to advance faith-rooted social innovation and interfaith collaboration for social impact. Or just meet some cool people.
In this first edition, we’re thrilled to introduce Kimberly Daniel, Senior Director of Communications at the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and leader of the FTE initiative, DO GOOD X.
What faith, if any, do you practice?
I grew up as a preacher’s kid after my father shifted from being a musician to a singing pastor in my childhood years. My Christian roots and practices run deep for me and on both sides of my family with devout Baptists, Catholics, and United Methodists, and those in the African Methodist Episcopal church. It has also been significant and a gift for me to connect with the practices of my ancestors in honoring nature and the sacredness of the earth.
Where do you live?
I’ve lived in Atlanta, GA, for almost 12 years, but am originally from a small city right outside of Myrtle Beach, SC.
What’s your favorite pastime?
I love being outside—long walks, sitting by rivers and the ocean, and simply taking in the beauty of nature. In addition, I find energy, joy, and resiliency in martial arts—particularly kickboxing.
What are you working on currently?
I am currently helping to lead DO GOOD X, an 8-week accelerator program for early-stage social entrepreneurs who want to make a positive impact in people’s lives and in communities. These are entrepreneurs that are committed to the principles of their Christian faith to do good.
We just completed the last week of the accelerator, which is the most intensive portion of the program that ends with a pitch event. It is rewarding to watch participants’ transformation during their journey in our accelerator program and the clarity that emerges as they discern what they are deeply passionate about, their sweet spot in their businesses, pivots, and how they will make a positive impact.
What question are you thinking about these days?
Coming out of our most recent accelerator program, a lot of the questions that are on my mind are focused on: What does it take to be a social entrepreneur? What separates successful social entrepreneurs from others? What is the value and advantage of a person of faith building a business? What creative processes and practices can be explored to help entrepreneurs expand their imagination about what is possible while also helping them to gain clarity about a business solution that is an actual need for people and communities?
Where can folks find you?
kimberly@dogoodx.org
Photo credit Kiyah Crittendon