Picture this: I'm sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops, Pontilly Coffee in Gentilly, savoring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of friendly chatter. The place is buzzing with life, and I can't help but feel a sense of belonging. This cozy spot is more than just a coffee shop; it's a living, thriving, supportive organism that embodies the spirit of love, community, and advocacy. Every time I step foot in Pontilly Coffee, I'm reminded of what makes our city so special. So, when I had the opportunity to meet with Evie Poitevent Sanders from Greater New Orleans, Inc. – GNO, Inc., I couldn't think of a more fitting location. As we sipped on our beverages, we discussed our shared desire to build an ecosystem that captures the essence of our city. We envision a community that nurtures and supports one another, much like the atmosphere of Pontilly Coffee. As I said my goodbyes to Evie, I left Pontilly Coffee feeling inspired and motivated to bring these values to our ecosystem. The world could undoubtedly use more places like this - spaces where love, community, and advocacy are not just words, but a way of life. So here's to capturing the magic of our city, one coffee shop-inspired idea at a time!