Fireside Chat: Sheryl Lane and Supervisor Gioia on Community Power and Partnership
Two decades ago, what began as Building Blocks for Kids grew into what we now know as FIERCE Advocates. At our core, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of Black and Latinx families, advancing equity in education, and fostering healing-centered spaces where communities can thrive.
As part of our 20th anniversary year, Executive Director Sheryl Lane sat down with District 1 Supervisor of Richmond, John M. Gioia, for a fireside chat about FIERCE’s journey and the importance of community-driven change.
Watch the Full Conversation
In this special fireside chat, Sheryl Lane and Supervisor Gioia reflect on the early vision for FIERCE, the power of storytelling, and the importance of partnerships between government and community-based organizations.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Supervisor Gioia recalled the early days, when community leaders looked to the Harlem Children’s Zone as a model for transforming neighborhoods. “To really improve communities, you need a partnership between government and the community,” he shared. “We are fortunate in Richmond to have strong organizations with capacity, including FIERCE Advocates.”
That commitment to partnership continues to guide FIERCE’s work. From the Community Education Leadership Institute (CELI), which prepares parents and caregivers to serve on boards and commissions, to wellness spaces like the Black Women’s Sanctuary and Brotherhood of Brilliance, FIERCE invests in building leadership and creating spaces of healing, safety, and belonging. Programs like CoCo Doulas, offered in partnership with Contra Costa Health Services, show the lasting impact of collaboration between residents, community-based organizations, and government agencies.
The Power of Storytelling
The conversation also underscored how community stories shape policy and drive change. “Personal stories that reflect the data are more effective than statistics alone,” Supervisor Gioia emphasized. Sheryl Lane added, “If they don’t have a seat at the table, then bring your own table or build your own table.”
These words resonate deeply as FIERCE enters its 20th year. Our work has always been about creating opportunities for families and young people to claim their power and influence the systems that affect their daily lives. It has also been about sustainability, ensuring that this work not only continues but expands to meet the needs of the community.
Looking Ahead
As Sheryl shared, “One of the core things we do here is amplifying the voices of residents, especially Black and Latinx families.” That commitment remains at the heart of every program, every partnership, and every story we tell.
This fireside chat is both a reflection on the past and a call to action for the future. As we celebrate 20 years of impact, we invite you to learn more about our anniversary events, share your own story, and continue building with us.
