What happens when business interests genuinely intertwine with community well-being?

Dr. Patricia Burlaud's work through 100 Women Strong in Central Florida demonstrates how to move beyond charitable add-ons toward true systemic collaboration that scales sustainable impact.

In this Contours episode, we explore Patricia's evolution from witnessing inequality firsthand in Africa to building cross-sector partnerships that tackle root causes.

Her breakthrough insight: working "with" communities rather than "for" them unlocks solutions that businesses can authentically embrace as core interests, not just CSR projects.

Key insights for changemakers:

• Why "meshing" business goals with community needs creates sustainable partnerships.
• How the benefit cliff traps women in poverty—and what financial firms can do about it.
• The power of peer-led mental health support scaled through existing infrastructure.
• Why heavy research must precede action to avoid reinventing failed approaches.
• How intentional collaboration planning prevents resource duplication and wasted effort

Patricia's framework proves that systems change requires both tenacity and humility—the grit to challenge structures that resist change and the wisdom to center community voices over personal ego.

Her approach to maternal health disparities and teen mental health shows how strategic partnerships leverage existing networks for maximum impact.

From benefit cliff navigation programs to advocacy task forces targeting Florida state policy, Patricia's story demonstrates how local action informed by global experience becomes the foundation for scalable social innovation.

Ready to build partnerships that create lasting systemic change?

Visit www.pathfinders.social for Dr. Patricia Burlaud's full story and more stories like it from everyday heroes creating positive change.