Creative Pathways Collective was born from a place of transformation, resilience, and deep love for the community we longed for in our own youth. As two non-binary, neurodiverse co-founders—one a higher education executive, the other a specialist in early childhood development—we met during a time of profound transition and reflection. Both of us were reckoning with the lasting wounds of childhood trauma, shaped by environments where safety, stability, and affirmation were scarce. In each other, we found not only healing and solidarity, but a shared calling: to build the kind of nurturing, creative, and inclusive space we never had growing up.

We founded CPC because we believe every young person deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated—especially those growing up without affirming adults or safe spaces. We carry the memory of what it felt like to be overlooked and unheard. But we also carry a deep understanding of the transformative power of art, education, and community to break generational cycles. Creative Pathways Collective is our offering—a way to channel the wisdom, hope, and grounding we've cultivated into something tangible for the next generation.

Our work is rooted in the belief that lasting change begins with radical care and community-rooted creativity. Through culturally relevant arts programming, college access support, and inclusive, community-based child care, CPC is more than a nonprofit—it’s a living promise to create what we needed, for the young people who need it now.