Toni Gripper

In 1995 after working for more than 10 years as an employee at a number of global technology companies, I decided to go on my own to use my skills and experience as a marketing consultant. Working fewer hours and making more money was very appealing. Great challenges, new technology and smart clients made for wonderful experiences, professional and spiritual growth, and more time to discover who I was becoming. Six years later 9/11 happened. That was a call for me to reflect on my life and decide how I wanted to move through the world going forward. I realized I was called to devote my time to spiritual studies and put consulting to the side for a while.

I’ve always been curious and interested in why things are the way they are. It’s in my nature to ask questions in my church and schools, of employers and of my friends. Most of the time my questions were perceived as being aggressive (or too masculine). I’ve been seeking answers other than, “That’s how it’s done.” or “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” I’ve always intuited that there are many ways to look at and approach challenges and life. My experience has taught me that listening and collaborating can lead to higher ground and creative solutions.

In 2002 I moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles to study with Rev. Michael Beckwith and his staff at the Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City, CA. The 2-year program to become a licensed Spiritual Practitioner started that fall. In that program is where I met Kate Rodger. Throughout those years of studying together I admired the work she was doing in the world. We became prayer partners, which drew us even closer. Our connection continued beyond our time together at Agape.

After completing my studies at Agape, I returned to 10 more years in the corporate world.  Throughout those years, Kate and I have kept our conversation going. So now it’s time for us to work together and create a space to expand our conversation to include others. She Spotlight is a place for real talk, to explore emerging ideas, and to support each other in our own becoming. We’re here to lift one another up so we can manifest change wherever we are. I look forward to this new partnership with Kate, and with you. Thank you, I’m so grateful you’re here.