If you’re a wine enthusiast, you likely know that France’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day is November 15 this year. That coincides with Upswell. If you’re itching to celebrate France’s famous first wine of the season, you may want to join forces with Matthew L. Evans to organize an impromptu celebration, because he’s on a Beaujolais kick right now. Matthew serves as director of public policy and special projects for Southeastern Council of Foundations. Check out what motivates his work before he joins us in LA in just two weeks!

Q: What drives you?

ME: What drives me is how my skillset can impact change. I’m fortunate enough to work in a sector that touches almost everything. Whether it be education, healthcare, or poverty, being able to use what I’ve learned throughout my career to help that work is very rewarding and drives me to keep going.

Q: What’s your favorite way to relax?

ME: Enjoying a nice drink or glass of red wine (I’m partial to a good organic Beaujolais at the moment), while listening to soulful music in a chill atmosphere is probably my favorite way to relax.

Q: If income weren’t a consideration and you could do anything, what would you do – and why?

ME: I’d start a foundation and become an effective grantmaker, helping support causes that are important to me and my community.