We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karima Evans a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Karima thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The vision for toGATHER was born out of what I began to notice in the lives of senior widowed women of color (60+)—women who had given so much of themselves to their families, churches, and communities, yet often found themselves quietly isolated after loss. I saw how their voices, dreams, and even their laughter began to fade into the background.

It stirred something in me deeply. I knew it wasn’t just sadness I was witnessing—it was a call. A divine nudge to create a space where these women could be seen, celebrated, and supported. A place where they could live fully again, not just survive their grief but rediscover joy and purpose.

That calling became toGATHER—a faith-rooted community built to nurture not only healing, but growth. It’s where women come together to share stories, explore wellness, travel, and continue writing the next chapter of their lives with intention.

I believe this season of life still holds beauty, purpose, and connection. toGATHER is simply the reminder that they still have more to live, more to give, and more to gather.

Karima, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

toGATHER was born out of both observation and obedience. I began to notice how senior widowed women of color (60+)—women who had spent their lives giving, nurturing, and leading—were quietly disappearing into isolation after loss. Their strength was undeniable, but their support systems were often lacking. I felt a divine call to respond and create a space where they could be seen, celebrated, and spiritually nourished.

That calling became toGATHER—a faith-based community for senior widowed women of color (60+) designed to nurture not just grief, but growth. Through virtual and in-person experiences, we explore wellness, spirituality, self-care, travel, and lifelong learning in ways that inspire connection and renewal.

What sets toGATHER apart is our holistic and heart-centered approach. We don’t just help women process loss—we help them rediscover joy, purpose, and community. Every gathering, resource, and partnership is grounded in faith and created to uplift the whole woman: body, mind, and spirit.

Personally, I’m someone who loves to travel, live an active and healthy lifestyle, and express love through cooking. I’m also the proud mama of a bright and shining boy who keeps me inspired every day. Rooted in service and community, I don’t take this assignment to lead and serve with love lightly.

I’m most proud of witnessing transformation—seeing women light up again, laugh freely, and begin dreaming about their future. That’s what toGATHER is truly about: reminding women that their story isn’t over and that this season of life still holds purpose, beauty, and hope.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Although I’m not a widow myself, I’ve experienced loss and walked through a season of transition that I neither anticipated nor desired. It was a time that stripped away my sense of certainty and control—but it also became one of my greatest teachers. In that space, I discovered resilience rooted not in perfection, but in faith and surrender.

That experience has given me a deeper compassion for the women I serve through toGATHER. I see reflections of strength and grace in each of them. Their ability to honor the love they once shared while still choosing to move forward inspires me daily. They’ve taught me so much about courage, dignity, and what it truly means to love deeply—even after loss.

What I’ve learned from this journey is that resilience doesn’t mean avoiding pain—it’s allowing God to repurpose it. It’s about trusting that even when life takes an unexpected turn, there’s still beauty waiting to unfold. And that’s the spirit of toGATHER: believing that we can grow through what we go through, together.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life came when I took a leap of faith and stepped away from my marketplace role to build toGATHER. It wasn’t an easy decision—on paper, it didn’t make sense. I had stability, structure, and a clear path ahead. But in my spirit, I knew I was being called to something greater.

Walking away from what was familiar to pursue a vision that hadn’t fully taken shape yet required deep trust. It was a season of stretching and surrender, but it also brought an incredible sense of peace. For the first time, I felt fully aligned with my purpose. Every step, even the uncertain ones, confirmed that this work was bigger than me.

Building toGATHER has reminded me that true fulfillment doesn’t come from titles or positions—it comes from obedience and impact. Seeing the way this community has touched women’s lives affirms that leap every single day.

This journey has taught me that pivoting isn’t about losing direction—it’s about finding divine alignment. And when you follow that call, peace follows too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.togathered.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577053743468
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karima-evans-mba/

Image Credits

Professional photo with red dress: Damien Carter Photography