High Impact Philanthropy: Cicley Gay Of Black Lives Matter On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful & Effective Nonprofit Organization
I spent decades intentionally preparing my sons for the world; I am now focused on also preparing the world for my sons.
As a part of this series, we had the pleasure to interview Cicley Gay.
Committed to advocating for the lives of those in underinvested communities, Cicley Gay is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. As the visionary founder of The Amplifiers, a pioneering social enterprise at the intersection of cause and communications, and new Chairwoman of the Board for the Black Lives Matter, Cicley brings a wealth of expertise to the forefront of social justice initiatives. She embarked on her civic service journey by participating in two terms in AmeriCorps, then assumed a pivotal position as the founding director of STAND (Students Take Action for New Directions), where she empowered students by educating them on the ramifications of federal budget allocations on under-resourced communities. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized communities is shown through her decade-long commitment to catalyzing change at The Women’s Sports Foundation. In her roles as the founding director of GoGirlGo! and later as the National Director of Education and Alliances, she tirelessly spearheaded initiatives aimed at expanding access to physical activity for young women in underserved areas across the nation. Her passion for mentorship and empowerment further propelled her to serve as the Director of National Initiatives at the National CARES Mentoring Movement, where she played a central role in establishing a multi-million-dollar national mentoring initiative for children, earning the endorsement of the U.S. Department of Juvenile Justice. Cicley’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, receiving accolades such as the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the Obama Administration in 2013 and the Catalyst Award from the Global Center for Social Change through Women’s Leadership in 2015. Additionally, Cicley is a proud member of the inaugural class of WEI (Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative) and has been honored as one of Georgia’s 40 Under 40, awarded a SPANX Red Backpack grant for Women’s Entrepreneurship, ATL+ most powerful women in Atlanta in 2024 and one of SUCCESS magazine’s 50 Women of Impact in 2025. Her greatest accomplishment was winning “Mom of the Year” as a mom to three sons. Cicley often says, “I spent decades intentionally preparing my sons for the world, I am now focused on also preparing the world for my sons.”
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
First, resilience. I’ve had to lead through moments where the pressure was public and the stakes were high. There were times when it would have been easier to step back, but I understood that leadership requires staying present, even when it’s difficult.
Second, discernment. Not every opportunity is aligned, and not every voice should guide your decisions. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, especially when protecting the integrity of the work.
Third, love. Love is my superpower. It is how I lead, how I build, and how I make decisions. It shows up in how I care for people, how I invest in communities, and how I ensure that the work is not just effective, but meaningful and lasting.
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?
That trust is the real currency. Not attention, not headlines. Trust. People are watching how you lead, how you respond under pressure, and how you treat others. Building trust requires consistency, humility, and a real commitment to people. When you lead with care, people feel it. And when people feel it, they stay connected to the work.
Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?
Our approach is rooted in investing in people and building infrastructure that lasts. Through Black Lives Matter, we support organizations and initiatives across education, the arts, and community wellness. At the same time, I am expanding into sports through BLM Sports, with a focus on wellness, access, and equity, especially for athletes coming through HBCUs. This is part of a broader vision I’m building around how care, protection, and opportunity show up in the spaces that shape culture. For me, impact is about building systems that reflect dignity and responsibility, systems that hold people with intention, not just for a moment, but over time.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
Because I’ve lived close enough to understand what’s at stake. This work is personal. I know what it feels like to need support, to want opportunity, and to be working toward something better for your children. That connection keeps me grounded. Love is what anchors that passion. It keeps the work honest, and it keeps me accountable to the people I serve.
Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?
There was a young person in a program we supported who was living in transitional housing. She wanted to attend consistently, but transportation and safety were real barriers. We made a simple decision to remove those barriers. Not a large grant or a headline moment, just making sure she could get there safely and consistently. She showed up. She stayed engaged. And she began to see a different future for herself. That’s what this work looks like. It’s quiet, it’s intentional, and it’s rooted in making sure someone feels seen and supported enough to keep going.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
- First, get closer to the work. Proximity changes perspective.
- Second, invest intentionally. Whether it’s time, money, or resources, be thoughtful about where you’re putting your energy.
- Third, follow through. Care without action doesn’t create change. Love has to move.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.
1. Clarity of purpose
There have been moments where I had to make difficult decisions, and clarity about why we exist made those decisions possible. Without that, you lose direction.
2. Trustworthy leadership
Leading with integrity, even when it’s uncomfortable, builds credibility. People don’t just follow vision, they follow how you show up.
3. Strong infrastructure
I’ve seen how quickly meaningful work can stall without the right systems in place. Discipline and structure allow care to scale.
4. Strategic partnerships
Some of our most impactful work has come through collaboration. The right partners strengthen the work and extend its reach.
5. Commitment to evolution
Communities change. Listening and adapting ensures that your work remains relevant and continues to meet real needs.
How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?
It made success more human. Before, success was often measured in scale and visibility. Now, I look at sustainability, care, and whether the people doing the work are supported and able to continue. If the people are not well, the work will not last.
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
I return to why I started. Setbacks are part of the work, but they don’t define it. I stay grounded in purpose and in the people this work is meant to serve. That clarity allows me to move forward with intention.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit?
I would welcome a conversation with Mellody Hobson. Her work at the intersection of finance, ownership, and sports reflects a deep understanding of how capital can shape access and opportunity. That perspective aligns with how I’m building BLM Sports and thinking about legacy beyond the moment. I believe the most meaningful impact happens when strategy is grounded in a real commitment to people. That alignment is something I value and recognize in how she leads.
You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?
You can follow along on Instagram at @cicleygay, and learn more about the work through BLMsports.net and through ongoing community initiatives connected to Black Lives Matter.
Thank you for sharing these insights!
High Impact Philanthropy: Cicley Gay Of Black Lives Matter On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.