Investing in Leadership and Community: My Experience at the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Conference

By Isabella Karabed, DSW, LifeMoves Director of Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Lived Experience

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Conference, representing LifeMoves alongside our CEO, Aubrey. The event brought together nonprofit leaders from across the country to learn, share, and celebrate the work we’re all doing to strengthen our communities.

The conference was a meaningful reminder of how vital leadership is to creating sustainable change. Through the Neighborhood Builders initiative, Bank of America not only provides essential funding but also invests directly in people, the leaders and emerging changemakers who are driving impact every day. LifeMoves was recognized as one of these organizations, and we received $200,000 in grant funding to support our mission. This investment helps us sustain critical operations and explore new ways to innovate in the fight against homelessness.

For me, attending this conference was both inspiring and affirming. One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of connection and collaboration within the nonprofit sector. Even though many of us compete for the same resources, we share a common goal: to make our communities stronger. The sessions and conversations reminded us that we can rely on one another, on our shared ideas and experiences, and ultimately, build on our collective strength.

Throughout the event, I met so many passionate leaders whose organizations mirror our commitment to community impact. I had the chance to connect with peers from the YOLO Food Bank, the Women’s Lunch Place, and the Franciscan Center. Each of these organizations approaches service in a unique way, yet we all share a belief in the power of collaboration and compassion.

Another highlight for me was being recognized, along with all the other attendees, as a “changemaker.” The conference emphasized the idea that leadership, vision, and how we support one another in our philanthropic work is just as important as our funding efforts. We explored ways to strengthen donor relationships, deepen community partnerships, and build leadership capacity at every level of our organizations.

Personally, this experience inspired me to think about how we can continue to grow leadership opportunities within LifeMoves. Leadership is often associated with titles or years of experience, but it’s also about nurturing potential and providing space for people to learn, lead, and thrive. I left the conference reinvigorated, with a greater sense of purpose and excitement about how we can carry that spirit into our work every day.

The true value in Bank of America Neighborhood Builders partnership is its investment in people and ideas that move communities forward. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent LifeMoves and to learn from such an inspiring network of nonprofit leaders. Together, we’re building something bigger than ourselves: a future where everyone has the opportunity to find stability, hope, and a path home.