Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining

Through the experience of Small Town, USA, I have gotten the chance to follow just a small sliver of the incredible life of Diane Wells. Diane and I's lives intersected as she was searching for a gallery to have prisoner artwork shown in Hillsborough. Our first-time meeting, Diane shared with me that she was prosecuted for a crime she didn't commit 15 years ago. Her experience in the criminal justice system led her to found a non-profit called Impartial. Their mission is to make the system a more just and equitable place for all.

It was initially my goal to track the progress of how a non-profit operates on a day-to-day basis—the interactions, the meetings, the yeses, and the noes. It goes without saying, but running a non-profit is demanding, complicated, and can at times be thankless. Yet amongst the stress, as you will see, Diane's infectious laughter and smile can make even the most difficult day seem not too bad.

I've learned a lot about life from Diane. Anyone who shares just a short conversation with her leaves impacted by not only her zest for life and change, but her unique gift of making anyone feel seen and heard. She is an incredible person, and her work will hopefully usher in a new age of savvy non-profits with Impartial and its mission. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and please learn more about not only Diane's life but her organization, Impartial, as well.