Meet Stephy Sunny Divakaran | Founder & Spoken Word Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephy Sunny Divakaran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I have to admit that I wasn’t always ok with taking risks. It is something that I’ve had to cultivate in myself because it is an important quality to have as a leader. If you never take risks you’ll never know what could have been. Starting a nonprofit along with my husband, Dalton was risky because it required sacrifice, commitment, and a huge amount of faith that things were going to work out in our favor at the end. Three years later, I would say it was a risk worth taking especially when I look back at the incredible people that have supported us and the difference we have made.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
2018 was a memorable year in my life. I got married, moved into a new home with my husband, and life was going just as I had planned. We were quintessentially living the American dream and yet I distinctly remember feeling that there had to be more to life. I remember my husband telling me that he felt that he didn’t want to just work a 9-5 job and live for a two week vacation every year. We wanted to do more for our family and our community. We had been so blessed and yet we knew of so many people who were struggling. And that’s how Ethne was born. We both had no previous background in the nonprofit sector and it was very overwhelming in the beginning. In many ways it was like having a child, because often you realize that you are not going to have all the answers and you will just figure it out as you go. Our tagline is True Passion Finds Purpose. We encourage others who are passionate about things to find meaningful work and make a difference in society. Our mission is to empower vulnerable communities. What’s unique about our organization is that we have a place for everyone and anyone. No matter what your gifting is, we can find a way for you to give back. We hope to not only touch the lives of our beneficiaries but also of our donors and volunteers by helping them find an avenue for their own passions. One lesson I have learned along the way is the importance of being persistent in your journey. It won’t be without roadblocks but you will often find a detour that will lead you forward regardless.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
DFW has a lot to offer especially when it comes to food. I grew up eating a lot of Indian food and its still my favorite cuisine. A restaurant called Windmills is one of my favorite places to take my visiting friends for a unique experience. I also have a personal soft spot for cute coffeeshops and Turbo Coffee is one of my go-to spots. Fat Straws is my favorite boba place and I can usually be found there at least once a week. Delucca, Saint Ann, Local Yocal, Catbird, and Uchi are some of my favorite local restaurants that all have fantastic food and memorable experiences. I also love to take my friends to my local home church Metro COG, a place that has blessed me with valuable leadership lessons and great community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family that has always believed in me more than I have in myself at times. My husband, Dalton especially has a special gift of pushing people to be their best self and I have been the recipient of it as well. I would say that community is the most amazing aspect of my life and I am surrounded by wonderful people and a team that goes above and beyond constantly to iron out the wrinkles. I could have never gotten this far without them!

Website: https://www.ethne.life/

Instagram: @ethne.life

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethnelife/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ethne_life

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethne.life

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Ethnelife/featured