The word “philanthropy” comes from two Greek words — “philein,” meaning to love, and “anthropos,” meaning humankind,” thus effectively making a philanthropist a lover of humanity.

A philanthropist is a person who gives of their time, talent and treasure to affect change for good. Philanthropy is a culture, one that is known to make a difference in so many ways and on so many levels — at home, business, community, even global.

When I think about philanthropy, benevolence, generosity and making a difference, there is one woman who is exemplary, a joyful light among us all — CJ Moore, community leader and philanthropist extraordinaire.

Moore, retired after 21 years as public affairs director for Kaiser Permanente in southern Colorado, is an avid community advocate for Colorado Springs.

She serves on several local boards, including the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Fire Foundation of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Police Foundation, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Foundation, Peak Vista Community Health Center Foundation and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Arts Council. She also serves on the UCCS Chancellor’s Ambassadors Council. Other boards on which she has served include Pikes Peak State College Foundation, Discover Goodwill Foundation, American Heart Association, El Paso County Board of Health and many more, plus too many committees to list.

Among her many awards: the 2006 Athena Award, 2005 Girl Scout Women of Distinction, the Makepeace Community Trustee Award, 2007 Accolades Business Leader of the Year by the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber; 2010 Business Leader in the Arts by the Colorado Springs Chamber; and Mentor of the Year by the Colorado Springs Rising Professionals in 2013.

Here is just a bit from my conversation with Moore.

Question: What does the word “culture” mean to you?

Answer: There is a saying that goes, “Culture will eat strategy for breakfast.” Shared values and behaviors that are an integral part of certain peoples. Culture is everything, everywhere and everyone.

Culture is big and culture is small. It is about how we pay attention to what matters to us and to others.

Q: How would you define philanthropy and how do you think most of the population perceives philanthropy?

A: Philanthropy means to understand the needs of your community, your culture, your family and friends, and then being able to help without making people feel that they are beholden to you. Philanthropy comes from the heart. Be passionate about what you are supporting. I serve on six boards of directors and I give to all of those organizations — I am passionate about all of those causes. I am not rich by any means, but I was taught early on that you give what you can as often as you can.

The perception that philanthropy is only for rich people is a misconception. We can all give and we should.

Q: You would say you were bought up in a culture of giving. What were some of the most important lessons you learned along the way and who had the biggest impact on you when it comes to philanthropy?

A: My father and my mother. They taught me that philanthropy is very personal. They taught me to care.

Q: You are an icon in this community— you’ve give of your time, talent and treasure for so many over the years. You are a shining example of how to contribute to a community in so many different ways. What would you like to share with readers as to how to best cultivate a culture of philanthropy and giving in households, businesses, personal journeys?

A: Lead by example and encourage folks to understand that even a little bit goes a long way. It is often the lowest-paid employee that gives the most during a giving campaign. Go figure. It’s the power of giving from the heart.

Q: How do you see the evolution of the philanthropic culture of Colorado Springs as we grow?

A: I do believe we need to educate and inspire younger people to the power of philanthropy. Again, it doesn’t need to always be a big gift and it can be a cause that is close to their heart. Just start!

I also believe that networking and getting involved is very important. It is part of being a good citizen.

Q: What are some of your most proud moments of philanthropy in our community or elsewhere along the way?

A: I love to support the arts, the Colorado Springs Conservatory, the Fine Arts Center and several others. I also love to support our first responders. Can you imagine our lives without them? Why wouldn’t we help them if they ask?

Q: Philanthropy is often equated with legacy — whether a name on a building or just knowing you did good by someone. What do you want your legacy to be?

A: I don’t think about my legacy. I do this because it makes me feel good and I know that I can make a difference.

(To watch the entire conversation with CJ Moore, go to communityculturalcollective.org.)