Meet Anne White | Executive Director, Lead with Love

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne, what matters most to you?

“We forget that Love is revolutionary. The word, cute and overused in American culture, can feel devoid of spirit, a dead letter suitable only for easy exchange on social media platforms. But love does carry profound meanings. It indicates the radical realignment] of social life. To love is to turn away from the prioritization of the ego or even one’s particular party or tribe, to give oneself for another, to transfigure the narrow “I” into the expansive “you” or “we.” This four-letter word asks of us, then, one of the most difficult tasks in life: de-centering the self for the good of another. This is a task for which we need exemplars, especially in our divisive times.” — Tina Miles

Gaining knowledge about others lives can shine new perspectives on our own. And as we discover those lives so different from ours, we enhance our ability to peer across other differences — of race and culture, class and status, ability and disability, youth and age. We begin to see the makeup of intersecting worlds and appreciate a larger swath of interwoven experience. One can notice a shift from the self to the other, from personal and family history to local, national, and even global history. And this dawning awareness leads us to trace the intertwined threads, to appreciate there is one earth, and one humankind, one social fabric of many folds in dire need of mending.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I attended Savannah College of Art and Design, and recently visited on a college tour with my daughter. It reminded me how important it is in this day and age to be able to express and share one’s idea, story, one’s soul through the arts. Communication comes in many forms and styles, and art is the bridge that connects one to another. I practice art in my everyday work and thinking. I had a dear friend in my 20’s who was a stain glass artist. He wisely said to me, “There are many artists, but what would it look like to be a HeArtist? How can you make art in your relationships, in the meals you cook, in the work you do.” That set my compass, and while I paint or draw every now and again, I have transitioned to thinking my life, and all of life is making and becoming art.
Much of my success in running organizations has been birthed from that mindset. From working alongside others who are inspired and creative, and together building a zest for life, vibrancy, joy and heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my kids were little, we bought a 1984 VW Westfalia and named her Jellybean. We are so fortunate to live in the mountains, and so close to the beautiful desert. We spent years traveling around Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, and Wyoming. We visited Native American sites and attended ceremonies, International Folk Art festival in Santa Fe, drive in movies, music festivals, and spent countless nights under the stars. Colorado is a launching pad to get out and love the beauty of our natural world and the people who have, and do call this place home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes! I’ll start from the present. Lead with Love was founded by Gina Murdock with the tremendous support and encouragement of her husband, Jerry Murdock. Talk about a power couple. Gina had the courage to step into an established culture in Aspen, Colorado and shout out from the mountain tops with joy, love and encouragement, a message of love. To love oneself, another, and this beautiful planet on which we live.
The impact of her passion and courage can be felt throughout our town, and the natural desire and impulse to sense our interconnectedness, the sacredness in our lives and in the natural world around us, and find a way to work alongside one another for a better world was awakened.
Of course, I’ve had many teachers, mentors, guides, and fellow travelers who have supported my journey to today, but finding those who step out and begin a movement with voice, courage, and influence are where my light would like to shine today.

Website: www.ileadwithlove.org

Instagram: @ileadwithlove

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-white-8a29823/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ileadwithlove

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LeadWithLoveorg

Other: https://linktr.ee/ileadwithlove

Image Credits
Alexis Ahrling, Ahrling Photography