By Mike Rizer

I’ve spent my entire adult life working on issues of economic disparity. Guided by a passion for social justice coupled with an affinity for law, I began my career as a Legal Aid lawyer representing very low-income families on issues spanning from racial discrimination and housing evictions to the right to education and health care. I later moved from law into banking, cutting my teeth on community reinvestment and fair lending. While my career has since transitioned to corporate philanthropy, my focus has remained on shepherding resources and opportunities across low-income and marginalized communities.

I was influenced by great teachers and received guidance from role models who shaped my belief in social justice – that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities – as a frame for my career. Perhaps the most important takeaway from these mentors was the unequivocal truth that not everyone starts at the same place, nor with the same advantages. So, as a society that professes to believe in equal opportunities, we must ensure that everyone is prepared for them. While we cannot guarantee outcomes, we should provide assistance and support at key life milestones to create equal opportunities.

But, as I reflect on my career with the privilege of hindsight, I now realize that the programs I created and the funding that I directed were purely from an economic perspective. My belief was that success equated to families moving out of poverty, having a living wage, stable housing, decent schools, and access to health care. I didn’t see a role for philanthropy beyond creating that infrastructure and societal support– a now glaring blind spot.

In 2023, I was invited to attend The Gambrell Foundation’s visit to Finland and Denmark. The goal of the trip was to discern why – and how – these were the two happiest countries in the world. I was asked to attend to expand my thinking around how we should approach economic mobility, and specifically whether the ultimate goal for families and societies should go beyond economic sustainability, but also include the ability to live lives of happiness and awe. I was open but somewhat skeptical. After all, happiness is subjective. If philanthropy could at least play a small part in helping to right the ship of opportunity, shouldn’t we leave it up to individuals to determine their particular route?

An honest assessment of those countries must acknowledge that they are happier (they would say “content”) because their governments step in at four of the most stressful and potentially frightening times in the lives of families: The Finnish and Danish governments pay for parental leave, daycare, college education and elderly care –and of course healthcare insurance. (The United States is alone among all industrialized countries in not offering healthcare insurance to its citizens). If we could subtract those four overarching worries, which cast a significant pall over the lives of most Americans, we would undoubtedly extract a lot of anxiety out of the system. But we can’t simply attribute the happiness factor to just that, nor shrug off that in “socialist countries” the welfare state provides a strong safety net that allows more room for happiness.

Still, those issues aside, we did find one Finnish practice in particular that we believe could be replicated in the United States with positive impact. “Culture Kids” is a program that was started in Finland in 2020. The program invites all newborn babies in Helsinki to be matched with an arts and culture institution in their community, and they are paired for the first seven years of the child’s life. Importantly, the child and family are introduced to this option by the city’s maternity and child health clinics at the birth, intentionally connecting health care and the arts – a strong statement on the arts’ effect on individual health, development and well-being. The City of Helsinki, along with culture and art organizations, have jointly formulated a set of core values that steer the work. The core values are “child-orientedness,” cooperation, professionalism, equality, accessibility, experimentation, and cultural awareness. The program is continuously refreshed in close cooperation between the different parties based on feedback from the families.

One key differentiator is that all families–no matter the income level– are eligible. I was particularly taken by the broad approach, which is very different from our domestic programmatic approach. In place of a need-blind approach, in the United States we instead apply a financial gap analysis. That is, identifying who cannot afford certain services and, within that, who can survive the gauntlet of applications, scrutiny, and shame to emerge eligible for housing, food, health care, or other basic needs. The inclusion of all children communicates that the arts are for everyone, and there is importance in experiencing them as a community

In Finland, while all newborns are invited, about 40% of families ultimately sign up for Culture Kids, and each year, a different sector of the arts is assigned to the year’s newborns (theater, symphony, ballet, etc.) and that sector remains with the children of that year until they begin school. Helsinki arts organizations invite participating children, together with a family member, to at least two free-of-charge classes, events, performances, or workshops annually until age seven. Perhaps this insight from the cultural director of the renowned Musiikkitalo, the symphony hall in Helsinki, summed it up best when he told us the arts “help face and change the future” and are a key force in the development of the city. I was particularly taken by the community-building goal and the participation of kids and families from all walks of life and it was clear that beyond the enjoyment and learning that comes from the arts, Helsinki views this as a way to connect families to city services, build a pathway to hobbies and inspire future patrons of the arts—all of which contribute to diverse and thriving communities.

Upon our return, The Gambrell Foundation introduced us to Susan Magsamen and her New York Times bestseller, Your Brain on Art, which has only underscored my belief that the Finns are getting it right in more ways than one. It’s a fascinating analysis of neuro arts, or the impact that the arts have on our physical bodies. It addresses ways that art positively boosts learning, mental health, and life expectancy, and reduces dementia. One inescapable conclusion is that it’s not either arts or math/science/reading—the arts enhance all aspects of learning and health, and we need both. Just a few of Magsamen’s findings that support programs like Culture Kids:

• Singing and humming activate the vagus nerve, engaging parasympathetic systems to make you feel good
• One or more art experiences a month can extend your life by 10 years
• 20 minutes a day of art is as beneficial as getting enough exercise and sleep
• 45 minutes of art can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol
• Reading poetry lights up some of the same brain parts as listening to music, stimulating the brain’s reward circuitry. Light and sound alter the progress of dementia

As I look back on my career, I must acknowledge that I would have had more impact on community investment initiatives if I had envisioned success as more than economic mobility. While we’ve come a long way in how we look at holistic community development, we haven’t been intentional about looking beyond financial parameters to happiness and awe. The data now exists that supports the arts as drivers of learning, healing, and happiness. In Charlotte, we can start with Culture Kids, but we should commit to intentionally including the arts throughout our community.

Our world is cruelly separating us all, seeking to amplify our differentiators rather than our commonalities. But Finland remains an outlier – and an outlier we can learn from – where all citizens are viewed as part of a “common spirit” and every child is born with the same opportunity to succeed. At a time when our community is experiencing record levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, a program that positively impacts physical health, brings together unlike groups, builds a pathway to hobbies and social capital, and creates future art patrons is an idea whose time has come. I encourage you to join the effort to make Culture Kids a reality in Charlotte. Stay tuned for more details later this year!

By Miriam Espaillat

My Gambrell Foundation research trip experience — from experiencing new cultures to enriching relationships with folks from Charlotte, and basking in moments of personal reflection – is multilayered.

To start off, I chose not to do much research before going to keep the element of surprise and minimize my personal biases and expectations. At first, I was intimidated to even say “Helsinki” because I was afraid to pronounce it wrong! The culture in Finland constantly kept me on my toes — from the beautiful architecture, to the connection with the forests, to the investment in hobbies, and of course, saunas and cold plunges. As we explored the Finnish way of life, my curiosity kept growing and I needed to discover what makes Finland a happy country. The theme I heard over and over from them was that the access to free healthcare, free early education, and free higher education relieved the financial burden on what they considered as basic needs. Being relieved from these burdens allows the Finnish community to invest in hobbies, which leads to happier lives. We had the chance to explore a few of their hobbies and ways of life through saunas and connecting with nature. The sauna experience was truly unique — from the vulnerability of being in a small space with other women, to building the courage to take the cold plunge in the Baltic Sea. I mean, it was cold! The vulnerability I experienced in that moment allowed me to feel physically and emotionally safe and relax in that space. It allowed me to giggle and be silly. I felt I became playful.

The transition from Helsinki to Amsterdam felt like a complete contrast of culture. Amsterdam is fast-paced, racially diverse, busy, and let’s not forget the bikes — they have the right of way over pedestrians, yikes! As a person who grew up in NYC, this felt like home! The culinary diversity, hearing all types of languages while waiting to cross the street, the crowded streets — I felt myself say, “Yes! I belong here.” After getting through all the over-stimulation and excitement, especially as we visited parts of Amsterdam where most immigrants lived, I felt my heart get heavy. As we learned about the inequities that people of color and immigrants face in Amsterdam, I couldn’t help but say to myself, “Here, too? Is this truly a worldwide issue?”

Later, we went on a bike tour, and it was beautiful to ride through the neighborhood and learn about its history. When we stopped at a historic site where a plane crash destroyed homes, families, and lives, I became overly grieved. Our tour guide said something that just broke me, something along the lines of, “All areas in Amsterdam have a name, an identity, and it is legally registered and named. Yet, this plane crash site does not, leaving the community seeking identity.” Something about this brought me to tears. It made me think of African slaves and immigrants throughout the world who desperately seek to create roots and identity because they either were forced to give up their identity or made a choice to leave their community behind in search of a better life. I think of myself as an immigrant in the U.S. and how storytelling, food, language, and music are crucial to my identity. It is a human desire to belong, and so many times we neglect it in our efforts to fit in or avoid discrimination and oppression. This experience will live with me forever.

All aspects of this research expedition were impactful. However, spending time with Charlotte folks that I would have never fathomed spending this much time with is one of the greatest treasures that I hold onto. The ability to exchange ideas, to laugh, play, cry, and disagree has now become a natural dynamic for us. We connected in ways that ensure we know we can share resources, seek counsel, and collaborate with one another in different spaces. It has increased my sense of belonging in Charlotte, and even though being vulnerable is a risk, I know that there are people in different spaces who have my back and vice versa.

My final reflection from this trip is that I now embrace seeking moments of awe and wonder. I am finding them almost everywhere — from my child hugging me, to a flower that captivated my attention; to hearing stories of others, that sometimes are painful but take immense courage to overcome; to being still, watching the trees sway and allowing a breeze to kiss my face; to steaming my shower to very hot and then turning it very cold to shock my body like the sauna and cold plunge. The biggest lesson I learned: stay curious! Stay curious to learn and try new things. Stay curious about people and their choices. My new sense of constant curiosity has increased my ability to be compassionate with and extend grace to myself and others.

By: TeRay Esquibel

Purpose. A word that sparks reaction and emotion, opinions and theories, and hope as well as dread.

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations about purpose with high school students, college students, mentors, executive directors of youth programs, staff of youth programs, researchers, funders, parents, my grandmother, and so many more. Purpose has been a big conversation topic, both because of my work, and because, well,it’s something people are thinking about whether they realize it or not.

My goal for these conversations has been mostly to get a sense of people’s natural reactions and reflections. Through all of these conversations, I’ve noticed that when you ask someone about purpose, it often raises more questions than answers.

What is purpose, really? Who has it? Who doesn’t? What does it mean to have purpose? Where does it come from? Why has nobody talked to me about purpose? Why is everybody always talking about purpose? 

Some people light up with excitement: Yes! This is what we should be talking about! Others meet the topic with skepticism: You can’t measure purpose, or, we need (insert vital and reasonable gap) before we even think about purpose.

However, nearly everyone agrees it’s important — especially for others and for youth. But when asked to reflect on their own sense of purpose? Things get even more complicated.

A lot of people say they wish they had a sense of purpose earlier. Some feel like they lost it along the way. Some are living fully in their purpose and will tell you as much. Others hesitate to claim it out loud. Many people say they found and sustained their sense of purpose despite the systems they navigate; while others credit those same systems for helping them cultivate it.

For some, purpose is deeply personal, something that doesn’t need external validation. Others believe it’s not purpose unless there is impact beyond the self. Some worry that defining purpose in rigid terms — especially through institutions or traditional power structures — could be dangerous. Some think purpose can be developed through a structured process, a specific curriculum, or a toolkit. Others believe it’s something that emerges over time, through experience, trial, and error.

So what do we do with all of this?

To me, these conversations make one thing abundantly clear: purpose matters. It resonates with people across backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. And yet, we don’t have a shared understanding of what it really means, how it’s cultivated, or how to best support it.

So how might we explore some of these questions? Who determines what questions to ask, how to ask them or to whom? And, maybe most importantly, what do we do with what we learn?

These are the questions we are asking ourselves every day at Purpose Commons.

An Opportunity to Explore. Together.

Purpose Commons is building a collective that collaborates with the brilliance of young people, the wisdom of the organizations and communities that support them, and leading researchers committed to purpose science so that we may have an opportunity to transform and expand the way purpose is understood, accessed, and cultivated.

We are doing this work in deep partnership with our sister organization, the Purpose Science and Innovation Exchange at Cornell University (PSiX). One of the nation’s leading purpose researchers, Dr. Anthony Burrow, co-founded PSIX and is building a collaborative, dynamic network of researchers in purpose science.

This collaboration is our foundation, enabling us to turn cutting-edge research into action through nationwide partnerships, while also providing the infrastructure needed to break down stubborn silos of networks to bring together groups whose work can have a profound impact on improving the lives of young people but rarely work together — researchers studying purpose, youth-serving organizations running youth programs, educators, funders, policymakers, and young people themselves, just to name a few.

What We Have Learned So Far

What we do know so far is that the research — yes there is already a world of purpose science research — indicates that purpose is a powerful leading indicator as to whether or not a young person is able to achieve and sustain the outputs our systems seek to measure. Things like, physical and mental well-being, resilience, and social connection all improve with a sense of purpose. Research also suggests that purpose leads to greater academic achievement and persistence, as well as greater work satisfaction and career clarity.

In other words: purpose seems to be an amplifier of opportunity.

Research thus far defines purpose as “a forward-looking intention or life aim.” It’s the sense that we know the direction we are headed. It’s the capacity to see ourselves in the future — that we’re going somewhere, even if the details change or get recreated over and over again throughout the course of our lives.

Purpose is not a destination that we can reach. It is not even, contrary to popular belief, the journey it takes to get there. A sense of purpose is our ability to see ourselves further and further down the road, even if our destination is blurry. It provides a compass that orients us as we get lost, change paths, or face challenges along the way.  Purpose does not require a specific destination; you don’t need to know where you’re going, it just matters that you’re looking.

This is what research has shown us to date. But if I’ve learned anything through my time connecting with communities, students, and scholars it is that we all hold only a piece of this puzzle.

Building the Ecosystem 

What I love about this work is that we don’t claim to have all the answers; we are simply building the connections and creating the space to ask better questions, connecting an ecosystem to explore them, and moving collaboratively to put what we learn into action.

Through this new partnership, we have the potential to break down the traditional silos that often get in the way of building a collective vision and understanding. We can bring together groups who are often under pressure to have all the right answers into a community that embraces asking new questions, then doing something about what we learn.

It all starts with questions. I hope those of you reading this will come on this journey with us.

A new report by Tommi Laitio recommends a path to ensuring that every child in Charlotte has something in their life that makes their eyes light up: a hobby.

By Tommi Laitio

Last August, my husband and I had to empty the attic of our Helsinki apartment. We discovered a dozen broken suitcases, a box of old notebooks, a coffee table, a step ladder, half empty paint cans — and my old army-style rucksack.

I got the rucksack as a teenager for longer scouting camps. It still smelled like smoke after three decades.

I was a chatty kid who got good grades, was liked by teachers and volunteered in school clubs and plays. But I did not quite fit in with other boys. I seldom managed to hit or catch the ball in pesäpallo, the Finnish national sport. I was usually among the last to be selected to teams.
Being a scout helped me carve my way. I loved packing the ruck-sack for weekend camping trips and spending time outdoors. Our group was led by a teenager who knew how to make a kid like me feel seen. His leadership built my confidence to eventually lead my own group and start training other youth leaders. At the age of 16, I was asked to manage the outdoor kitchen of a week-long camp for 100 participants. While I did that under the supervision of adults, I felt responsible that everyone had enough to eat, the kitchen was clean, and that everyone washed their hands.

The scouting movement created numerous opportunities for learning without the pressures of grading or competition. In 1996, at the age of 19, I was chosen to be a news reporter for the camp radio of a national scouting jamboree. Our editorial team was led by a professional journalist who taught us how to check facts and use our voice on radio. I loved getting up every morning, sorting through the bulletins from news agencies, editing and reading them on air. I don’t know if anyone listened to the channel, but that was not the point.

I have since worked as a journalist for Finland’s largest newspaper and overseen everything from arts education and youth clubs to soccer fields for Finland’s capital. I know now, nearly 30 years later, that the childhood and teenage experiences of feeling seen were instrumental for my career, confidence and wellbeing. But I did all this learning because I just loved it. It was my hobby.

During the last year, I have talked with more than 40 Charlotte leaders about hobbies. This work resulted from a trip to Helsinki in 2023, organized by The Gambrell Foundation, where many of the Charlotte leaders fell in love with Helsinki’s simple policy goal: every child should have a hobby. This research was based on my experience as Helsinki’s Executive Director for Culture and Leisure, where I was accountable to the City Council for making sure that every kid has a hobby. According to the School Health Promotion Survey, 94% of 4th and 5th graders and 96% of 8th and 9th graders in Helsinki report that they have a hobby that they engage in at least once a week. Helsinki believes that this is a powerful and resource-smart way to increase belonging, wellbeing, and happiness.

The discussions in Charlotte ranged from puzzled to excited. “A hobby. I don’t think I have ever used that word,” a nonprofit leader reacted. Many said that this is exactly what we should be talking about. As another nonprofit executive said, ”We often convene around problems. It is wonderful to convene around something hopeful, simple, and exciting.”

I define a hobby as something done voluntarily and regularly by oneself or with others for enjoyment, relaxation, and pleasure. In its softness and simplicity, a hobby is a radical idea. While hobbies might and do have proven benefits like physical health, career, networks, or extra points in a college application, at their core, hobbies are defined by motivation. A hobby is something you do for the sake of itself. In a world of increasing uncertainty, social isolation, and division, hobbies can be something that help us build and hold onto a sense of self and build positive connections to others. Using philosopher Isaiah Berlin’s language, they turn us from a nobody to a somebody.

The hobby conversations in Charlotte have resulted in the Acts of Purpose report we are sharing today. The research and interviews I carried out with two brilliant UNC Charlotte students, Emmanuella Assem and Sophia Gerz-Escandón, point to racial and economic divides in recreational opportunities, especially for children. Barriers like transportation prevent many Charlotteans from accessing opportunities. Fragmentation and lack of coordination among nonprofit providers make it difficult to find the offering or know where the gaps and needs are. However, Charlotte has strengths to build from, such as a collaborative civic culture and existing data-sharing infrastructure.

In the report, I suggest seven practical actions to make Charlotte the hobby capital of the United States.

1. Collect data on children’s experiences, needs, and hopes.
2. Distribute microgrants for exposure to fun and creative things.
3. Create universal experiences of wonder and belonging.
4. Spark collaboration between hobby providers.
5. Tell the story of the power of hobbies.
6. Spur place-based youth investment.
7. Link hobbies to the vibrancy and prosperity of Charlotte.

Over the next few months, we are looking for partners to turn these recommendations into practice. I am convinced that by adopting these strategies, Charlotte can improve the well-being of its children and youth; create both systemic change and concrete action now; foster creativity and purpose in every individual; tackle loneliness; and build a more socially and economically vibrant city.

Understanding the importance of hobbies is something that we adults have catching up to do. Children and youth get it already. As Ava, a 14-year-old Charlottean we talked to put it:

“I like to make jewelry, and I like to do a bunch of things that are creative. I like helping people, so I use those skills to help. It has helped a lot with my public speaking skills. And I use art to help me be creative.”

The World Happiness Report just dropped, and it’s clear—our work at the Gambrell Foundation has never been more relevant. This year’s focus? Relationships. Whether it’s family, friends, neighbors, or even the barista who knows your name, the report is full of data showing that connection is at the heart of a great life. If you’ve been following our work, you know that the WRH findings are similar to what Dr. Robert Walldinger showed in his book The Good Life.

Realdania’s newly released Danish happiness study—one of the largest ever conducted—also backs this up in a big way. With over 122,000 responses, it found that social connection is the most important factor in our happiness. Not just deep relationships, but even small interactions matter. A nod from a neighbor. A chat at the grocery store. It all adds up.

One surprising finding? The happiest people in Denmark aren’t Danish. They’re immigrants—especially from the Philippines and the U.S.—who consistently reported higher well-being than native Danes. Why? A strong sense of meaning, trust in local government, and the feeling of safety, especially for children. These aren’t just Scandinavian luxuries—they’re designable outcomes. We can build toward them here in Charlotte and throughout the US.

This is something we need to do…and quickly. The World Happiness Report also notes rising loneliness, especially among young people. In 2023, nearly 1 in 5 young adults said they had no one to rely on. That’s why our work at Gambrell focuses on belonging, purpose, awe, wonder, and the small but powerful rituals—like shared meals—that create community.

So as we think about what it means to live a great life, as you would define it, we should be taking cues from Denmark—and from our own instincts. Invest in relationships. Build trust. Design spaces that spark connection. It’s not just good policy. It’s what makes life worth living.

By Sally Gambrell Bridgford

Whenever I want to have a great day, I start my morning with a sun salutation as an essential part of my yoga routine. The physical and mental benefits of yoga are well-known — from improved strength, balance, and flexibility, to more energy and better moods overall. Beyond these benefits, hobbies connect us to a community of like-minded enthusiasts while also encouraging us to more intentionally experience awe and wonder. 

Exploring different hobbies and embracing new experiences are critical components of Living Greatly. That’s why we partnered with award-winning urban strategist Tommi Laitio on his latest research on the value of hobbies as an instrumental part of our Charlotte community fully realizing its purpose. 

1. Why are hobbies important to living greatly, particularly in Charlotte?

The short answer is that hobbies make people’s eyes light up. A sign of a real hobby is that you could talk about it for hours.

In our report, we define a hobby as something done voluntarily and regularly by oneself or with others for enjoyment, relaxation, and pleasure. This means a hobby can be anything from needlework and pickleball to 19th-century dolls or football. Research shows that hobbies bring agency, belonging, and mastery into our lives. Hobbies let us experience joy, relieve stress from school or work, and provide moments of wonder. Having at least one hobby is shown to be associated with fewer depressive symptoms and higher reported health. Hobbies allow us to develop character. They bring new people into our lives. Especially for children, they help build and hold onto an identity, develop and sustain supportive relationships, and bring more trusted adults into their lives. Having a weekly hobby correlates with children feeling less lonely, experiencing less stress, being less bullied, feeling better, and sleeping more. Hobbies also enhance the joy of learning, boost persistence, and teach self-regulation, all of which benefit academic performance.

In 2024, I had the opportunity to interview dozens of nonprofit leaders, public servants, and philanthropic leaders on hobbies in Charlotte. What I heard was a desire to rethink the idea of success in Charlotte, especially for children. According to the 2021 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Risk Behavior Survey, only 56 percent of students report feeling good about themselves, a decline from 76 percent in 2013. Almost a third of teens reported that their mental health was most of the time or always “not good.” Hobbies are a simple yet effective way to foster belonging.  As one of our interviewees with a long history of youth work in Charlotte said: “What teens need is not difficult. They need fun and creative things to do.”

2. What brought you to begin researching hobbies and their impact?

I was a bookish, talkative, and a bit clumsy kid growing up in the ’80s and ’90s in a small town in Finland. It was the weekend scouting camps and weekly classes in painting and photography that really shaped me into who I am. In my hobbies, I experienced what it means to a child when you see them, when you believe in them, and when you give them responsibility while promising support. 

That experience is what drove me into youth work, eventually running the city of Helsinki’s Youth Department and then its entire Culture and Leisure Services. In overseeing everything from arts education to swimming halls, making sure that every child had at least one thing in their life that they really enjoyed doing was an annual goal that I needed to report on to the City Council. 

During that time, I was fortunate to meet Brian Collier. When I moved to the US in 2022, I had the opportunity to work with the Gambrell Foundation team on an expedition to Finland. One of the main issues that moved the participants was this simple idea of hobbies. After the trip, we agreed to try to capture the Finnish model and explore how this idea of hobbies would resonate with the Charlotte Community. 

3. What challenges or barriers prevent people from engaging with hobbies in their daily lives, and how can we as a society better address those barriers?

The list of main challenges is fairly simple: cost, access, facilities, and transportation. Transportation was mentioned by many as one of the greatest obstacles to real equity. Several interviewees and workshop participants advocated for neighborhood-level investments as a way to counter the limited public transportation and walkability in Charlotte.  

Next to these obstacles, we know from research that there are barriers that are much more subtle but real. They are things like do you see people like you in the activity, how do you feel about your body, have you had a lot of disappointments in your life, do you know what is available, do your interests differ from those of your friends and is the instruction encouraging or humiliating. 

To create a truly equitable and enjoyable hobby ecosystem, we need to listen to kids more, try out new things more often, and create opportunities for learning from others. That is why the report advocates for research, capacity building, grants, and place-based investments.

4. What is your personal favorite hobby and why?

I am a library lover. I love reading. I read around 40-50 books a year. I read both fiction and nonfiction and increasingly listen to narrative fiction when I go for a walk or even to the gym. I also enjoy running in new cities and neighborhoods. And I want to get back to something that I was doing in Finland, which was live model drawing. I loved it as the two-minute exercises force you to look at the human body very carefully, and you don’t have too much time to criticize your own ideas.

5. What does it mean to you to Live Greatly?

The Nobel Prize-winning economist and philosopher Amartya Sen defines a good life as being able to live a life one has reason to value. “Reason to value” means that you know what’s available, you have the rights, access, and resources to utilize the choices around you, and you have agency to assemble your own life so that it looks like yours and nobody else’s. 

My “reason to value” is feeling like I leave a positive handprint in the lives of people and places around me, tasting and doing new things frequently, being wrong and having to adjust my thinking often enough, and the simple pleasures of going to our country house in Finland, chopping wood, carrying water, lighting the fireplace in the sauna, and sitting on the porch waiting for the sauna to warm up and listening to the sounds of the stream behind the building.

By Dr. Ingrid W. Medlock

Journey with me — step away from the confines of your offices, classrooms, workspaces, and the congested hustle-bustle of your day-to-day routine, and free your mind! Imagine traveling from the United States and arriving in a city surrounded by majestic — yet functional and minimalistic — Nordic architecture as you breathe in the fresh, cool, and crisp air. The accentuated voices you hear are soft, warm, yet speaking in an unfamiliar tongue. The pace of your walk has slowed from the usual swift hurriedness to a rhythmic stroll that allows you to engage with nature and cordially smile at the many passersby who are just as enamoured with you as you are with them. This is when you realize that you can finally exhale; your mind can relax and be present in the moment instead of anxiously planning for the next event on your overbooked calendar.  My friend, welcome to Helsinki, Finland, where the country truly lives up to its unofficial motto: “room to roam” as well as the proposed motto: “strong, stable and free.”  

Words cannot express my appreciation to have the unexpected pleasure and honor to be invited to participate in The Gambrell Foundation Study Trip to Finland and Amsterdam with fellow Charlotteans. Although the purpose of our trip was to study and learn about Finnish and Dutch education and society (often praised for their happiness and well-being), it was clear after the first couple of days that this eclectic traveling group from Charlotte, North Carolina, would also study the passions and purpose that we each shared within our daily work. Together, we learned how we could collectively increase happiness and wellbeing for our own community. 

The trip participants included: elected officials, philanthropists, students, professors, entrepreneurs, social activists, computer scientists, healthcare professionals, engineers, education administrators, creative artists, corporate leaders, and country ambassadors who may have otherwise never truly connected how we did while learning and observing together on this study trip. The impeccable tour itinerary, immersive cultural activities, and educational lectures were extremely insightful and very instrumental in helping our group of unassuming strangers evolve into a multi-faceted team of kindred spirits — destined, determined and dedicated to enriching the lives of our fellow citizens in Charlotte. Since we have returned to the United States and intentionally remained connected, I realize that this trip has been the springboard for us to strategically partner in several unique ways to address systemic, educational, holistic, and creative needs, as well as the overall communal needs of our city. 

Now, let’s travel back to Finland for a moment, to the woods of an island off the Helsinki coast. Imagine a day of exploration, foraging, and adventure, where every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow. Can you hear the leaves rustling under your feet? Feel the warmth of the sun on your chilled cheeks? Do you hear the gentle whisper of the wind and the laughter of friends echoing against the backdrop of towering trees?

Just like in a classroom, we gathered knowledge, but on this island, our learning experiences looked and felt so unique. We experienced mindfulness, resilience, teamwork, and leadership — just like you would in a top-notch classroom, but with a twist. In the wilderness, we learned about mindfulness as we individually engaged with, embraced, and appreciated the peacefulness of nature. We learned about resilience as we navigated hilly, wooded trails in the pouring rain. We naturally bonded and practiced teamwork as we foraged for our dinner, experienced the sauna culture and plunged in the Baltic Sea together. Finally, we leaned into our leadership skills as we strategically planned how we would use our experiences abroad to begin to cultivate and enhance the thriving, altruistic culture of Charlotte collaboratively as a team. This focus on being present with nature confirmed that health in mind, body, and spirit begins with intentional exposure to our beautiful earth in its natural state, which then leads to an appreciation for all created beings to function and live in harmony. As I explored the many facets of Finland, this country proved to be the epitome of simple lives lived in harmony.

As we ventured to Amsterdam, it struck me as being the New York of the Netherlands! A beautiful canal system, cobblestone streets, delicious cuisine, a network of bicycle paths, a hodgepodge of stores, a fantastic museum district, and streets filled with entertainment for all — our visit to Amsterdam was unforgettable. The Amsterdam experience was exciting; fast-paced; artistically, architecturally and culturally profound; diverse, yet complex in regard to the historically significant background of the citizens of Amsterdam. The complexities of the history of the diverse population, more specifically Black immigrants, seemed to mirror that of the civil rights movement in America and was sobering to discover. After learning about some of the history of the people of Amsterdam and the challenges they’ve overcome, the motto, ​​Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig, which means “valiant, steadfast and compassionate” is truly fitting. As in Finland, Amsterdam provided an educational experience interwoven with deep, cultural engagement that left an indelible mark on me as a leader in education.

The 2024 Gambrell Foundation Study Trip reminded me to embrace both worlds — the structured, formal education of the classroom and the unpredictable lessons of nature. Hence, as an educator it is extremely important to remember not to relegate learning to the classroom. Let us venture into the wilderness and to other countries where we can learn about ourselves, about each other, and about the world we inhabit. I conclude with the words of John Muir, naturalist and conservationist who inspired the creation of the US National Park System, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” So, my friend, as we aspire to enhance and improve life in Charlotte, in North Carolina, and within our overall society, let us walk together, hand in hand, heart to heart, as we continue to explore the beauty of diverse life experiences. Because ultimately, it is through these lessons that we will cultivate not just knowledgeable individuals, but mindful, empathetic, resilient, and inspired leaders capable of creating a more fruitful tomorrow collaborating together as unassuming strangers turned kindred spirits!

By Sally Gambrell Bridgford

Many of you know how important awe is to us at The Gambrell Foundation. We have been on a continual journey to better incorporate awe and wonder into our daily lives, and that is a large reason why we partnered with Gehl, a group of strategists who are dedicated to making sure we can all live greatly in our cities.

The folks at Gehl really get people, and they have a deep understanding of how the places and spaces around us have a deep impact on our well-being. Through our partnership, Gehl created In Awe of Charlotte, a research initiative that explores the profound connection between awe and the city. I had the pleasure of chatting with Sophia Schuff, a director and urban anthropologist at Gehl, about some of their approaches to designing with awe in the cities they’ve worked in all around the world.

1. What motivates Gehl’s work to transform cities?

Gehl is driven by the belief that cities should be designed for life first — where both people and the planet can thrive. This means shaping urban spaces that nurture connection, health, and joy or play by prioritizing walkability, accessibility, and a vibrant ever-evolving public life. As architects, social scientists, and data analysts, we’ve spent over 25 years championing public life, and today, we’re inspired by new questions: How can cities spark positive emotions, strengthen our sense of belonging, or help us find meaning in daily life? These are the ideas guiding our work as we continue to shape cities for a better future. As rapid urbanization reshapes the world, these questions are more urgent than ever. Cities face mounting pressures — from climate change to social inequality and political polarization — making it crucial to design urban environments that really support both resilience and well-being simultaneously. Therefore, we put people and planet at the center of urban transformation to create cities that don’t just accommodate growth but elevate the human experience.

2. Can you tell me about some of the ways Gehl goes beyond designing and planning to make tangible changes within the cities you’ve helped to transform?

We try to work directly with communities, policymakers, and local leaders to create real, measurable change. Our approach varies depending on the place, culture, and willingness to engage, but it always starts with listening. We bring policymakers out from behind their desks to experience the city firsthand — because we believe the best decisions are made from the street. We also implement pilot projects to test ideas in real time, using hyper-local insights to tackle complex, systemic challenges. By bringing together big thinkers, community members, and problem-solvers, we prototype innovative solutions that can scale. Through data collection, and public participation we can turn visionary ideas or people’s unique and important lived stories into lasting, meaningful solutions — ensuring that change is felt at eye level where daily life happens.

3. How does Gehl incorporate sustainability and climate-friendly approaches within your work?

Sustainability often gets diluted in the real estate and development sector, but we work to ensure it remains a core principle of our projects. We prioritize walkable and bike-friendly streets, integrate green and blue infrastructure where possible, and leverage urban design to make sustainable choices effortless—like taking public transit or spending time in nature. Research shows that cities generate over 70% of global CO₂ emissions, with transportation and buildings as the biggest contributors. By designing compact, mixed-use neighborhoods, we can help reduce car dependency, lower emissions, and improve public health. But sustainability isn’t just about design—it’s about action. One of the biggest challenges is translating climate goals into political will and achievable development strategies, and that’s where we focus on working with policymakers and local communities to turn ambitious ideas into something tangible.

4. How does awe influence the way people experience cities like Charlotte?

The feeling of awe is the feeling of being amazed by things outside of the self and having a moment where you feel small in comparison to the world around you. Research shows that experiencing awe can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and strengthen social connections. Cities, as dynamic and densely populated places, have the potential to bring awe into everyday life, transforming routine moments into sources of inspiration and joy. But when urban spaces are poorly designed, they can contribute to isolation rather than connection. Designing streets, parks, and neighborhoods with belonging and joy in mind isn’t just good urbanism—it’s a public health necessity.

We’ve found that in cities like Charlotte, moments of awe can come from the places and the people that animate them — hearing beautiful music on the street, feeling small under the canopy of the old-growth trees, or participating in community-organized events. A city that nurtures awe doesn’t just function — it makes people feel safe enough to wander, provides shared moments of joy or play, and reinforces the feeling that we are part of something bigger.

5. What does it mean to you to Live Greatly?

To us, living greatly means feeling like your city cares for you — that your environment supports your well-being, that you feel safe and inspired to explore, that you’re connected to a community, and that delight is woven into daily experiences. Since our environment shapes 80% of our well-being, the design of our cities plays a huge role in determining whether we feel safe, can easily meet others, or have access to nature in our daily routines. When cities make the healthy choice the easy choice, they help people flourish.

We believe designing for well-being means designing for everyday life. A neighborhood that supports living greatly is one where streets invite people to walk and bike, parks and public spaces encourage gathering, and homes, jobs, and services are equitably distributed and accessible. It’s a place where public life flourishes — where the urban fabric prioritizes people over cars, connection over isolation, and joy over mere functionality. Creating these kinds of cities requires a neighborhood-level approach, where we listen to communities and leverage the power of design to respond to their needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but to live greatly is to live in a place that supports, nurtures, and inspires public life to thrive.