Light Carrier: Illuminating Pathways to Hope and Change
When Candice Bailey founded Light Carrier, it wasn’t from theory—it was from life. Born from her own lived experiences and a reflection on the power of missed advocacy, Bailey envisioned a model for social change rooted in authenticity, resilience, and community. “Creating Light Carrier was a spark from the living experiences in my own life,” she explains. “I thought deeply about the advocacy that could have changed my path and outcomes.”
Today, Light Carrier stands as a bold, transformative nonprofit with a mission to empower people with lived experience and bring hope. At its core is a powerful vision: to reduce systemic oppression, dismantle harmful institutional engagement, and help people not just survive—but thrive.
Guiding by the North Star
Staying grounded in a mission while meeting the ever-shifting needs of communities can be a daunting task. For Bailey, the answer lies in regular introspection and deep community engagement. “We continually assess and check in with the community to ensure we are serving, not just delivering,” she shares. This mindset ensures that Light Carrier remains adaptive yet unwavering in its purpose.
Leadership With Heart
Being the Executive Director of a nonprofit is no easy feat, and Bailey is the first to admit the balancing act it requires. “It’s imperative to have a team that supports the goals, to set boundaries, and maintain a schedule that allows for the inevitable crisis in community.” Within the organization, she cultivates a unique culture where conflict is embraced as opportunity. “Leadership helps to predicate both attitude and outcomes,” she says.
Relationships as Revolution
At Light Carrier, collaboration is not a buzzword—it’s the blueprint. Whether fostering relationships with donors, allies, or sister organizations, Bailey emphasizes mutual respect, authenticity, and a shared vision. “Partnership and collaboration are the cornerstones of Light Carrier,” she says, recalling a pivotal moment when overwhelming community needs forced the organization to pause and rebuild capacity. Rather than closing doors, partners leaned into trust and waited for Light Carrier to be ready again—an affirmation of their values-driven leadership.
Funding the Future with Equity
Despite remarkable progress, systemic inequities remain a persistent challenge. As a Black woman ED, Bailey confronts stark funding disparities head-on. “Doing 90% of the work and receiving less than 8% of national funding will always keep me up at night,” she states. Rather than conforming to traditional grant pipelines, Light Carrier builds sustainability through innovative strategies and by calling on affluent community members to reinvest in humanity. “We focus on getting the 1% to contribute to the 99%,” she explains. “By educating our wealthiest community members and creating relationships that refocus on humanity, our goals have been exceeded in sustainability.”
Impact You Can Feel
Light Carrier measures success in tangible transformation. “We collect feedback, encourage transparent communication, and most importantly, see our participants come back to support,” Bailey shares. A prime example is the Motherhood Support Program, where participants have not only grown into confident leaders but have launched businesses and initiatives in honor of their journeys.
Innovation Rooted in Community
For Bailey, innovation is not about flashy technology or trends—it’s about relevance, responsiveness, and revolution. “The future of Light Carrier will always be led by the needs of the community,” she emphasizes. “Today we may have a clear and concise ideology and tomorrow everything can change.” Flexibility is their superpower, and readiness to pivot is ingrained in their organizational DNA.
Fueling the Flame
Inspiration at Light Carrier flows from within. “We watch the daily miracle of our participants, volunteers, and staff constantly showing us why we are needed,” Bailey says. Their passion ignites others, ensuring that the Light Carrier mission remains vibrant and ever evolving.
When asked what single change she would make in the world, Bailey offers the timeless wisdom of her grandmother: “Leave it better than you found it.” This simple yet profound ethos underscores her approach to leadership and to life. It’s not just about impact—it’s about legacy.
Candice Bailey
Community Actionist, Founder of Light Carrier
Lighthouse Consultants Colorado
📞 720-477-8079
