Meet the Committee Members Behind Southside Collaborative: Candi Diaz

Candi Diaz, Southside Collaborative Committee Co-Chair

Nine years ago, Candi’s life took a dramatic turn when she survived a devastating rollover car accident. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “I went knocking on heaven’s door, and they said, ‘Nope, it’s not your time. You’re not done yet.’” That pivotal moment led her to reevaluate her purpose, setting her on a path of service and advocacy.

She struggled to find direction for a time, feeling lost and questioning her purpose. A chance encounter with a woman at church reignited her sense of mission. Candi, volunteering at food distributions, quickly recognized disparities in how resources were allocated. “I saw discrimination and injustice,” she recalled. Determined to make a difference, she challenged the status quo. “When they said, ‘No, it’s too much paperwork,’ I said, ‘Let me show you how easy it can be.’”

This determination drove her to establish her own nonprofit organization, A Hidden Heart. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her team serviced over 200 families and was instrumental in vaccinating more than 500 people in her neighborhood. “We were the first neighborhood to get vaccinated,” she proudly stated, crediting her work as a community health worker for helping her connect deeply with those in need.

Candi’s commitment to seniors, inspired by her late grandfather, became a central focus of her efforts. “I’ve always been drawn to older people. It feels like my calling to ensure they’re cared for, especially in a community where many live on just $1,100 a month.”

Her guiding principles are built on a foundation of trust, faith, communication, passion, love and laughter. “Trust is the center of everything. If you don’t have trust, nothing else holds,” she emphasized.

Despite the many hats she wears—leading a neighborhood association, managing A Hidden Heart, producing a documentary on local history and caring for her aging parents—Candi continues to embody her mission. “For me, it’s not about recognition. It’s about the necessity of helping my community, especially our seniors. If I can improve even one person’s life, that’s what I’m here to do.”

When asked why she stepped into the role of co-chair for the coalition, her response was simple: “Being a leader is in my nature. When no one else wanted to step up, I said, ‘Okay, then I’ll do it.’ It’s not about me; it’s about showing others what’s possible and inspiring them to rise.” ❤️