Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

One of SRQ Magazine’s Good Heroes of 2022, Erin Minor, will be joining Gulf Coast Community Foundation in March 2025. Minor has been appointed Vice President of Community Leadership. In her new role, she will create and implement key strategies for achieving the Foundation’s vision of thriving communities with opportunities for all together with donors and nonprofit partners. This week, Minor took some time to talk with us about her new role and her passion for giving back.

What inspires your philanthropic spirit, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and mental health support?

I believe everyone deserves a life where they can thrive, and this belief shapes how I view others—with compassion and love. We never truly know the struggles someone has faced, and understanding this helps us extend grace, even when they’re not at their best. Often, it’s trauma speaking, not the person. By recognizing this, we can approach others with empathy and support them in reaching their goals and living the life they deserve.

Which philanthropic endeavor are you most proud of?

I’ve been fortunate to have a platform to create meaningful change, making it hard to choose just one endeavor. However, the journey I’m on now is significant—passing the baton of leadership at Harvest House after 21 incredible years. It takes courage to entrust something so dear to new hands, but it’s a moment worth celebrating. I’m excited to see where the next generation leads and look forward to cheering them on.

What is your favorite mantra?

“Love yourself without shame, others without an agenda, and god without fear.” This is a line from one of Glennon Doyle’s books. It struck me between the eyes when I read it. If we can do these three things, the world would begin to heal itself.

What are you most looking forward to with your new role as Vice President of Community Leadership with Gulf Coast Community Foundation?

I’m excited to explore the many ways philanthropy impacts various sectors and how it can leverage funding and partnerships for the greater good. I also look forward to using my experience in the nonprofit sector to strengthen collaboration between funders and the organizations on the ground doing the hard, transformative work. Building cohesion between these groups is key to creating lasting, meaningful change, and I’m eager to contribute to that effort. 

Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

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