I find myself returning, again and again, to one word: Dharma.
What is our duty? Our responsibility? Our purpose?
Why were we placed on this planet?
Our blessings, our struggles, our DNA, our upbringing.
All of these are shaping us, positioning us for something.
Dharma does not feel like something fixed at birth.
It is not a static declaration.
It is something that is shaped over time.
Yes, it is partly written into our nature.
But it is also sculpted by our homes, our relationships, our experiences.
It evolves as we move through the seasons of life.
And most importantly, it is called forth by the circumstances of our time.
So I ask: What is the call of this moment?
What does the world, our country, our community desperately need right now?
And what does that mean for each of us?
As I reflect, a pattern keeps emerging.
No matter where I go, no matter who I speak with, across age, politics, or background, people are yearning.
Yearning for hope.
But not fluffy hope.
Not rainbows, unicorns, or fairytales.
They want hope that is credible.
Hope that is anchored, genuine, and real.
And most of all, they want to be part of it.
Not spectators but participants.
Not observers but actors in shaping the story of tomorrow.
This conviction has been deepening in me day by day.
Let me share why, through three stories from very different, yet deeply connected worlds.
Exhibit One: The Human Desire to Contribute
In my role as an economic developer with Innovation Economy Partners, I work with communities across America, often in rural areas, to uncover their unique strengths.
We ask residents about their hopes and aspirations. The most powerful insight has been this: humans lean toward optimism.
No matter the size of the town, no matter its economic trajectory, people believe the future can be better.
And when given the right kind of invitation, one in three people raises their hand and says, I want to help.
That is the hidden potential in every community, its people waiting to contribute.
The real question is, where do we begin?
Exhibit Two: Engagement that Inspires
Just last week, we hosted a summit at the Aerozone Innovation District with about 50 regional leaders.
Yes, the technical discussion was important, real estate trends and market insights.
But what struck me most was what happened at the end.
People did not just leave with notes.
They left with energy.
They wanted to be part of the momentum.
Two industry veterans, Tony Asher of Weston Group and Suzan LaPine of LaPine Legacy LLC, stood up. They smiled, and they shared heartfelt reflections about a sense of a compelling and authentic regional vision.
And this was not a fairytale.
The conversation surfaced real, tangible, pragmatic opportunities that people could step into right away.
Exhibit Three: Impact at Scale
I have also seen this through our high school youth leadership program.
This year, students chose to serve at the Thea Bowman Center. It began with a fundraiser, a color walk, that raised ten thousand dollars. A great win.
But they did not stop there.
They asked, What more can we do?
Now they are painting a mural at the center’s entrance.
Building a Little Free Library.
Captured digital stories of the volunteers and people served.
And here is the magic.
Their work became a catalyst.
The efforts attracted the interest of a business student at The Ohio State University, who is now analyzing their donor database, looking for insights to supercharge the organization’s fundraising efforts.
And soon, dental students and residents will be providing dental outreach right there in Cleveland’s Kinsman community.
What started as one youth project has grown into a network of resources, expanding impact far beyond the original vision.
These stories reveal something timeless.
At the core of the human condition is a longing.
A longing to be part of something meaningful.
Something bigger than ourselves.
So let us ask together.
What is the call of this moment?
How will we rise to meet it?
What unique role can each of us play?
What is our Dharma asking of us?
Hrishue Mahalaha
Executive Director
Aerozone Alliance
