Reflections on Strong Women

Today is International Grant Professionals Day, and I’ve been reflecting on two of the grant professionals who helped me get started down this track.

One was my first boss in my “big girl” job right out of college. She hired me into a big title at a small organization and helped me through my first-ever grant applications. We’ve stayed in touch through the years, and she was one of the first people to read my business plan for Nonprofit Nomad. She’s retired now and has a farm with donkeys, goats, tons of figs, and a huge garden. My husband and I stayed with her in January, which was a real treat as our first official destination after leaving our families from the holidays. I’ve always appreciated her warmth and perspective, and feel lucky to know her. Plus, she is an incredible hostess and makes world-famous cheese straws each Christmas!

The other is a current grant professional who launched her own grant agency a few years ago. We met in a local leadership program, and when I told her my plan last year, she was immediately supportive. Her patient answers to my questions and help through formation and launching has been invaluable. Even down to which NAICS sector code I should use to open my business banking account and what business memberships have been most helpful to her. I am grateful for all her help, and her belief in me.

These strong women are only two of the many in my life. My two grandmothers, still living at 90 and 92, both of whom I’ve been able to see recently because of our nomadic lifestyle. My mom, mother-in-law, aunts, sisters-in-law, nieces. My college girlfriends, who still keep in touch from across the US. A friend in Savannah who owns two successful businesses, one of which she started during the pandemic. My sister, who’s kicking ass and taking names on the Left Coast. A friend in Atlanta who launched her business and is doing awesome work to preserve public education. The two women who helped me launch my website and brand. The women entrepreneurs and leaders who I’ve had informational interviews with in recent weeks, and who have shared their stories and dreams. To all these women and many more, I’m thankful for your strength, leadership, empathy, and love.

Who are the women in your life you’re grateful for?

Post image by my beautiful friend Elizabeth Leitzell, who always makes me feel strong