During Women’s History Month, Knox Grove Financial is honored to spotlight remarkable local women who are not only shaping our economy and institutions but helping define the future of our community. Through this series, we celebrate entrepreneurs, authors, attorneys, educators, and visionaries who we have the pleasure of working with - they build businesses from the ground up, lead organizations, guide clients through complex decisions, and inspire the next generation.
In this seventh feature, the spotlight is on Carol Feldman, whose dedication to service and community impact reflects these values. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference, she embraced the idea of paying it forward by creating an organization that empowers recipients to extend kindness within their own communities. As Executive Director, Carol has created a mission-driven initiative focused on uplifting children and families while encouraging a ripple effect of generosity and compassion.
A Calling to Make a Difference
I had always wanted to start a nonprofit. I loved television shows like Home Makeover and Secret Millionaire and was fascinated by the idea of making a difference in people’s lives who need help.
I believe in the idea of Paying It Forward. I wanted the nonprofit to not just be about us giving, but empowering those we give to, by encouraging them to do something for someone else. It can be for others, their community, or their school – we want them to be creative. We say, "if we help you to Shine what will it Inspire you to do?"
Shine and Inspire was established in 2012 and is known for helping children and their families in the Mercer, and now Burlington County area with our Shine and Inspire Closets. In 2019 we opened our first "Closet" in Ewing High School. Today we have over thirty locations in Trenton, Hamilton, and Ewing. It may simply be a shelf in the nurse's office or a cabinet, or in one case a room, it all depends on what kind of space they have.
What’s one money lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?
As with any non-profit finances are always a challenge. Learning how to grow financially so that we can help as many as possible is an ongoing process. I am learning along the best ways to raise funds so that we can continue to help those in need.
What challenges come with making a difference?
It has been a challenge and an honor to see how we are growing. As awareness increases, so too does the need within the community which is both motivating and humbling. Despite being powered by a small but dedicated group of volunteers, the commitment to making a meaningful difference never wavers. Each effort contributes to a larger mission rooted in compassion and connection. We are guided by our tagline "make a difference in someone's life and it will make a difference in yours"
Through her dedication and vision, Carol Feldman continues to demonstrate the profound impact that community-driven efforts can have, even when led by a small group of committed volunteers. As Shine and Inspire grows to meet an increasing need, her work serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single act of kindness. By fostering both support and empowerment, she not only improves lives but inspires others to do the same, reinforcing the enduring value of paying it forward. For more information about Carol and the work she does, please contact her at carol@shineandinspire.org.
At Knox Grove Financial, we are proud to support and celebrate individuals like Carol who are building stronger communities—and we remain committed to helping our clients pursue their own lasting impact through thoughtful wealth management and financial planning.