INTERVIEW WITH FOUNDER
NATHALI CANO

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Interview with the Founder

Many years ago, when I first started my local initiative, my dad asked, WHY?! His question was layered. Why take on the weight of others' struggles? Why invest time, energy, and resources into something with no clear path forward?

I remember answering without hesitation. Dad, because if I can help, then I should. Simple.

At the time, it felt like the most obvious truth in the world. And in many ways, it still does. I have never believed in doing something just because it is expected or because it fits within a predetermined mold. Instead, I believe in trying. If something works, wonderful, build on it. If it does not, adjust, learn, and keep going.

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For over a decade, I have tried to stay true to that mindset. No two families are the same. Wealth does not shield people from pain, and poverty does not define a person’s worth. Some families I worked with had financial stability yet struggled deeply with emotional and mental health challenges. Others faced systemic barriers, unemployment, street violence, homelessness, battles that often felt impossible to overcome.

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My work has never been about serving one type of person or addressing one specific issue. I have sat with white-collar professionals in crisis, helping them navigate silent struggles that no one else could see. I have stood side by side with individuals at needle exchange programs, listening to stories of resilience and survival that society often overlooks. I have met people in the highest rooms of privilege and in the toughest corners of the streets, and what I have learned is this. Every person, no matter their background, deserves dignity, understanding, and support.

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My childhood was shaped by the scars of one of the longest and most brutal civil wars in history. I grew up witnessing how conflict fractures families, how trauma lingers for generations, and how healing is rarely a linear process. These experiences are woven into the fabric of who I am, into the work I do, and into the heart of this organization.

GIA is deeply personal. It is more than an initiative. It is a reflection of everything I stand for. It is my belief that no one should have to navigate hardship alone. It is my commitment to creating spaces where people, regardless of their circumstances, feel seen, heard, and valued.

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This organization is the highest expression of my beliefs and values, and I will continue to honor it in action with grace and with unwavering dedication to those who need it most.

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Why GIA?

GIA is driven by the belief that when an idea emerges to positively transform lives, it becomes essential to pursue it tirelessly. This is why we exist.

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Why the Name Grace in Action?

The name Grace in Action was chosen because the word grace represents honor and unmerited help, we do not have a religious association. The concept of unmerited help and honor embodies our mission.

Our motto: "If we can help, we should!"

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Why Offer Various Services Instead of Sticking to One Focus

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Each person and each community faces different challenges. Some struggle with financial hardship, while others deal with emotional, mental, or systemic barriers. One approach cannot meet all needs, which is why we do not limit ourselves to a single focus. Our goal is to provide support that adapts to real challenges, whether it is education, crisis intervention, professional development, or access to essential resources.

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By remaining flexible in our approach, we can create meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.