At 19 and in the midst of mapping out what life could look like after college, Nilo G. Low received news that would reroute life's trajectory: Her best friend's mom had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Quick to jump into action, she rallied friends and family for a backyard party to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.
The purpose of that night proved greater than the simple monetary support for an important cause—it provided an opportunity for young professionals to be philanthropic within their means and share their own experiences with cancer. Who knew that designing an invite and juggling Trader Joe's frozen appetizers could so clearly define her calling?
What was initially believed to be a one-time cocktail party led to the inception of THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser (THE BCF), a nationwide 501c3 non-profit organization. Over two decades, under the leadership of Nilo's volunteer efforts, THE BCF has served thousands of breast cancer patients in need by providing tangible, compassionate care.
Realizing that her passion for events was fueling her purpose to serve others, Nilo knew she had to take it further. In 2009, she launched Kapture Vision, a full-service event agency that produces experiences around the world for a variety of confidential clients and notable brands.
As she reflects on 15 years at Kapture and 22 years at THE BCF, there are still three important takeaways from that backyard party that guide Nilo and her team every day:
1. Look for inspiration in your network and define the "why."
Tapping into the collective wisdom, experiences, and perspectives of those around you fuels creativity and production. Curiosity and reserving expectation can often be the greatest gift when designing an experience. No matter how small or large, the message is the driving force of a successful event. Many agencies can design something beautiful or create a single moment, but the experiential art of storytelling in every detail is what sets Kapture apart and elevates the human connection.2. Remember that good attracts good.
The "coincidences" of the people you meet are no coincidence at all. Good people attract other good people. Kindness, a positive work ethic, and the integrity of service are magnetic in any industry, but especially in hospitality and events. Be good.3. Believe in your vision and look for signs along the way.
Nilo is inspired by the vision that people hold for themselves. Having the courage to dream it, believe it, and go after it is something that she feels blessed to have done at an early age. THE BCF became the intersection of her passion and purpose, and by remaining open to the possibilities, she has been able to make a difference in her volunteer work advocating for breast cancer patients, while achieving great success with her team at Kapture. None of this would've been possible if it wasn't for the people who helped shape her and her organizations over the years.To learn more about THE BCF, visit thebreastcancerfundraiser.org and Kapture, visit kapturevision.com.
