The Joy Rebellion: A Night That Proved Joy Is a Force for Good

If you know me, you know I’m rarely speechless. I make a living with words. I argue for a living. I win with words.

And yet, The Joy Rebellion managed to completely knock the wind out of me in the best possible way.

What started as a bold, joyful idea, a dance party rooted in connection, celebration, and refusing to dim ourselves, turned into one of the most meaningful nights I’ve experienced in a long time. Together, we raised nearly $2,000 for Sophia The Fierce, and I cannot overstate how proud and grateful I am for every single person who showed up, danced, laughed, donated, and leaned into joy with intention.

The energy in the room was electric. Joyful. Unapologetic. Women laughing loudly, friends hugging tightly, music blaring, sparkles everywhere. This wasn’t networking. This wasn’t performative philanthropy. This was community. real, messy, beautiful community, doing what it does best when given the space: showing up.

And then came the moment I truly did not see coming.

I was honored, no, floored, to receive the Caring Hearts Award from a group of women who are not just my friends, but my people. Women who devote their lives, time, and talents to lifting others in Buffalo. Women behind organizations like Hope Totes, Kaely’s Kindness, Sophia The Fierce, Sweet Buffalo, and so many others quietly doing the work that actually matters.

To be recognized by that group, by women who don’t do things for applause, who lead with heart, who serve without ego, was one of the greatest honors of my life. Full stop.

The Joy Rebellion reminded me why joy matters. Joy isn’t fluff. Joy isn’t extra. Joy is a force. It fuels generosity. It builds bridges. It sustains people doing hard things in hard seasons. And when joy is paired with purpose? That’s where real impact lives.

So thank you! For dancing, for giving, for celebrating, for surprising me, and for proving once again that when women come together with intention, incredible things happen.

This wasn’t just a successful event.
It was a statement.

And trust me, we’re just getting started.