Welcome to Strat Labs’ Changemaker Spotlight Series! This blog series is dedicated to showcasing the inspiring journeys of remarkable individuals who have transformed their passions into purposeful endeavors, leaving a significant impact on the world around them every single day. Join us as we delve into the heart of innovation and commitment, celebrating the extraordinary stories of those who are not just dreaming of a better future but actively shaping it in their journey as a Changemaker.

Courtney Anika, Co-Executive Director of Soul 2 Soul Sisters, has built a career dedicated to creating equitable solutions for communities most impacted by systemic oppression. With more than a decade of leadership experience across nonprofits, churches, and higher education, Courtney brings a justice-centered approach rooted in Black healing, liberation, and truth-telling. In this Changemaker Spotlight, Courtney shares the experiences that have shaped their leadership and the vision driving their work today.

1. What inspired you to become a Changemaker, and how has that purpose evolved over time?

The intersections of my identity as a Black, Queer, femme have made me aware of the systemic barriers that exist. However, as I started my career in higher education, I began to understand that there were opportunities for policy change at every level. We all have access to our own circles of people, places, and institutions with opportunities for growth and change.

I valued the chance to change policy to support students who held identities that were, and continue to be, historically oppressed—changes that could support not only current students but also future ones. I’ve continued to create change that would hold beyond my role, my responsibilities, or even my time at the institution.

My purpose has always been to ask: Why are things the way they are? Who made the decisions? Who wasn’t at the table? And then to curate space for those of us at the margins to hear from one another and create change, in partnership with one another.

2. What’s a challenge you’ve faced in your journey, and how did it shape the way you lead today?

It’s really challenging to lead when your intersections are being impacted. My team and I are constantly advocating and working toward goals that impact us directly, and it can be exhausting to continue the work. It takes intentional care, rest, and community to keep going.

3. What does impact mean to you, and how do you measure it in your work?

Impact is simply people reached and change made. We measure our work by identifying the people who need it most, the access to information we’re able to provide, and the people who are able to receive our services directly. I am grateful for the many ways our work makes an impact individually, institutionally, and systemically.

4. What advice would you give to someone just beginning their changemaking journey?

There is so much you can do, and so much you will do—you don’t have to do it all at once. Small change is important. Celebrate your milestones. Honor your body. Trust your intuition. What you’re doing is worth it and will benefit people you may never even know.

You are passionate and committed to change for a greater purpose. You are joining a legacy of changemakers who bring people up with you.

5. What’s a story or moment that reminds you why this work matters?

Sista Soul Search is probably my favorite example of our work. It’s often how people first learn about Soul 2 Soul Sisters, as we host an annual retreat centering Black healing, health, and joy. There are countless stories from Black Beloveds who have shared their gratitude after attending for being held in their tears, fears, joy, and laughter unapologetically.

We see Black femmes let their guards down and be loved, 

while also receiving reproductive justice resources because it’s all connected. Through this work, we’ve been able to provide safe housing, skill-building workshops, utility payments, abortion aftercare, prenatal and doula support, advocacy, and policy change. All of these support the daily lives of Black women, femmes, and gender-expansive people.

This year, our theme for Sista Soul Search is Love is the Antidote, with keynote speaker Dr. Jenn Mullan of Decolonizing Therapy. For more information: Sista Soul Search 2025.

6. In the current landscape, how is your organization adapting or leading change?

We are partnering now more than ever! The work is bigger than any one of our organizations, and we need us all. QTBIPOC organizations have been drastically impacted by funding cuts, especially as DEI efforts and the current administration’s fear-mongering have increased.

We are co-organizing a mutual aid campaign with Youth Seen and Black Pride Colorado to raise money for organizations led by Queer, trans, and/or BIPOC communities that have experienced a loss of funding and are at risk. Our work is so important, and yet it is not being funded, so we are reaching out to the community to raise $2 million to offer $100,000 to QTBIPOC organizations. Mutual Aid Fund

Communities can support by setting up a one-time or monthly donation until our goal is met, and by uplifting the campaign within the networks you have access to!

7. What’s something people often misunderstand about the community you serve, and what would you want them to better understand?

We serve Black women, femmes, and gender-expansive people because, as a womanist organization, we know that when Black women are free, all people will be free. While our programming centers Black women in a world that often de-centers them, we remain committed to the liberation of all people. Our path to collective liberation is through actualizing Black healing and joy.

Courtney Anika reminds us that changemaking is not about carrying the weight of the world alone. It’s about building community, centering those on the margins, and creating systems rooted in equity and healing.

To learn more about Soul 2 Soul Sisters, or to support their powerful work, visit https://soul2soulsisters.org.

If you’d like to connect with Courtney Anika to learn more about their Changemaker journey, you can reach out at courtney@soul2soulsisters.org or connect with her on LinkedIn.