Meet Misty Romano of Westport

Today we’d like to introduce you to Misty Romano

Hi Misty , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey with Capacity 2 Care (C2C) is deeply personal, shaped by the kindness of others and the experiences that defined my early years. Growing up in a small rural town in the Ozarks, I often had to raise money to participate in school clubs and extracurricular activities. I vividly remember a friend’s father donating to my pageant fund and telling me, “I know that you’ll repay us back in your success.” He wasn’t asking for anything in return—only that I strive to do well.

There were other moments of generosity, too. A teacher once wrote me a check so I could buy groceries. I don’t think people in my community fully understood how alone I felt—not just in the typical way teenagers often do, but because my parents had moved away for work. Navigating adolescence largely on my own, I found that the kindness of others wasn’t just a comfort—it was the reason I thrived. I knew early on that college would only be possible through scholarships and the help of those willing to invest in my future. I promised myself that one day, I would be in a position to give back.

That commitment took root early. My first charity drive was in sixth grade when I organized a donation collection for a women’s shelter. By the time I was 25 and living in Dallas, my understanding of the world had expanded. In a large city, I saw firsthand how much excess existed—not just in material belongings, but in financial resources and time. Inspired by Karen Armstrong’s Charter for Compassion, I decided to channel that abundance into something meaningful. For my 25th birthday, I founded Capacity 2 Care—a movement centered around compassion.

Over the years, C2C has evolved into more than just an organization; it has become a way of living. It started with simple acts—connecting people who wanted to donate with organizations that needed their support. I often received emails asking where to give, and instead of handling the funds myself, I would guide people based on their interests. I was young, still discovering my own path, and had just returned to university to pursue a degree in neuroscience, hoping to help people better understand their health.

Through my studies, I became fascinated by the impact of compassion on the brain and well-being. I began speaking and teaching on the subject, reinforcing the idea that acts of kindness create ripples in the world. I also reflected on my own journey—like the time I needed a suit for an interview. Today, there is someone out there trying to secure a job who could use a suit, while someone else has many to spare. C2C embodies this philosophy—bridging the gap between need and abundance in the simplest, most human ways.

Recently, my platform has expanded to include compassion for nature. I’ve come to recognize that nature sustains and heals us, just as we have a responsibility to care for it. While my content creation has slowed as I complete my degree in clinical psychology, my commitment remains unwavering. I continue my work as a board member of Compassionate DFW and I volunteer here in KC when I can (I love the work that Nourish KC is doing).

As C2C continues to grow, my current goal is to collect and share stories of compassion. I believe that when we highlight moments of kindness, we inspire others to create more of them. I plan to compile these stories into a book that celebrates the ways in which generosity and empathy change lives. If you have a story about an act of compassion—big or small—I would love to hear it. Stories can be submitted to [email protected].

At its core, Capacity 2 Care is about lifting others up—through generosity, connection, and understanding. My hope is that this message reaches others, inspiring them to embrace kindness—not just toward one another, but toward themselves and the world around them.

Be kind to yourself. Be kind to this world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. As I mentioned earlier, Capacity 2 Care has grown alongside me, evolving as I have learned and faced my own challenges. In the early days, there were times when I struggled to keep the lights on because I had poured everything I had into a mission. It took time to recognize that in order to sustainably help others, I had to take care of myself first. That realization led me to shift my focus—not just on direct giving, but on educating others about compassion, kindness, and mindfulness. By empowering people to cultivate these qualities in their own lives, I could create a lasting impact that extended far beyond what I could do alone.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I started my career as a commercial model and actress—before Instagram and influencer culture became what it is today. While I loved acting, I wanted to be more than just a face on a screen; I wanted to use my mind to help others in a meaningful way. That passion led me to earn a degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience, and today, my work revolves around compassion, education, and advocacy.

Some of the achievements I’m most proud of include becoming SAG-eligible as an actress, founding a nonprofit, and pursuing a career as a scientist. Each of these required immense dedication, and I’ve worked hard to transform my passions into something greater. I have a strong work ethic and an insatiable curiosity—I spend time learning when others are out having fun because, in a way, my work is my hobby. I love understanding how things function—especially the mind—and how these processes shape our emotions and behavior.

I think people know me for a few different things. Some recognize me for my advocacy work, small acting projects, and my connection to nature. Others know me as someone who will talk to anyone, anywhere. Many associate me with my work rescuing birds and caring for animals, including my free-roam bunny and other creatures at my home.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge seemingly opposite worlds. I have a deep love for esoteric teachings and spirituality, yet I am also a firm believer in the scientific method. I’ve always felt different in that way—I believe in both science and spirituality and see them as complementary rather than contradictory. My work reflects that balance, whether it’s educating others about the neuroscience of compassion, advocating for ethical treatment of animals, or inspiring people to cultivate kindness in their daily lives.

Ultimately, I believe in transforming energy—turning knowledge into action, turning compassion into change, and helping others recognize their own power to create a better world.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Many of my mentors came from my time in college, but I’ve also found guidance in the most unexpected places—business meetings, poker games, traveling, movie sets, even from a podcast I listened to and decided to email the host.

The best advice I can give is to stay curious and open. A mentor doesn’t always have to be someone in your field or a formal advisor. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come from chance encounters with people who offered a new perspective or challenged me to grow.

Be proactive. If someone inspires you, reach out. Send the email. Ask the question. You’d be surprised how often people are willing to share their knowledge if you show genuine interest and initiative.

Finally, mentorship is a two-way street. The best relationships are built on mutual respect, and often, you’ll find that you have something valuable to offer in return—even if it’s just a fresh perspective or a thoughtful conversation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://c2ccharity.org
• Instagram: capacity2care
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistyhuckabey