SoloReImagining Series EP4: My Story

We spend so much time cosplaying corporate—buttoned-up, polished, leaving parts of ourselves at the door—that we forget who we really are. In this vulnerable solo episode of Reimagining Community, Garland Fuller shares the personal journey that shaped her work in people, culture, and third spaces. From high school track meets to college leadership roles, to a two-decade career in HR and community building, Garland threads together the story of how she learned to design spaces where people can show up as their whole selves. This is her why behind Third Space Academy—and a call to leaders and organizers to build spaces where belonging isn't accidental, but intentional. Key Conversation Highlights Release as a Word of the Year Letting go of polished images and showing up with more authenticity—why release has been both vulnerable and liberating. Early Third Spaces Track and cross-country taught resilience; student orgs and peer health education built leadership and facilitation skills. Cosplaying Corporate The hidden cost of showing up as the "representative version" of yourself—and how third spaces peel back those layers. From HR to Third Space Academy Why two decades of building programs, internships, DEI initiatives, and nonprofit strategy revealed the deeper work: designing containers for connection. Third Spaces as Rehearsal for Society These are places to practice who we want to be—letting go of polarization, reclaiming humanity, and rebuilding trust. The Loneliness Epidemic 60% of Americans report daily loneliness —a reminder that intentional spaces aren't optional, they're urgent. Resources & Mentions Loneliness & Social Connection U.S. Surgeon General Advisory: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation Wellbeing & Work Gallup: Despite Employer Prioritization, Employee Wellbeing Falters Gallup: Leaders, Ignore Employee Wellbeing at Your Own Risk Connect & Keep the Conversation Going What third spaces shaped your story? Reflect on the teams, organizations, or programs that taught you something lasting—and share them with Garland. 👉 Comment or tag Garland on LinkedIn. 👉 Explore Third Space Academy and subscribe at garlandfuller.com. Stay Inspired "Community isn't built—it's practiced. Every gathering is a chance to rehearse who we want to be." — Garland Fuller Building legacies, together.