Behind The Idea …
Experience That Blends Strategy, Heart, and Real-World Results
With more than 20 years in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community development, and executive strategy, I bring both practical experience and deep understanding of what leaders are carrying. I have been blessed with a broad range of experiences and have been fortunate to work with some amazing people, successfully raising over $250 million for our community!
My background includes executive nonprofit leadership, major fundraising strategy, capital planning, board development, community partnerships, donor engagement, and leadership training. I also hold an advanced degree in Nonprofit Organizational Leadership from Arizona State University and an Executive Coaching Certification from Harvard University.
When leaders understand people better, they attract exciting opportunities, raise more money, build stronger teams, create deeper trust, and make better decisions.
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I completed advanced study in Nonprofit Organizational Leadership through Arizona State University, strengthening my knowledge of nonprofit management, strategic leadership, fundraising, governance, community impact, and organizational sustainability.
This training deepened my understanding of how mission-driven organizations grow, adapt, and lead through complexity. It provided a strong foundation in nonprofit operations, board engagement, resource development, program strategy, ethical leadership, and the role nonprofits play in building stronger communities.
Through this work, I strengthened my ability to lead organizations with both strategy and empathy — connecting mission, people, funding, partnerships, and measurable impact.
Harvard Executive Coaching Mastery Certification
I completed an Executive Coaching Mastery certification through Harvard, which strengthened my ability to support leaders through self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, strategic thinking, and behavior change. The training focused on helping executives and professionals clarify goals, navigate challenges, improve leadership effectiveness, and lead with greater confidence and intention.
This certification supports my work as a leadership coach, trainer, and nonprofit strategist by giving me practical tools to help individuals and teams identify patterns, strengthen communication, build trust, and move from insight to action. It also deepened my ability to ask thoughtful questions, listen for motivation and barriers, and support leaders in making meaningful, sustainable growth.
My dream and the reason for creating What’s The Big Idea? is for the purpose of adding support to nonprofits and businesses I love.
My knowledge and expertise come from not only formal education but, being a part of the good, bad and ugly in nonprofit and business leadership. I seek to elevate the good, help you cope with the bad and name the ugly so that we can deal with it and actually find a resolution rather than a quick or temporary fix.
My Coaching Style
My coaching style is warm, direct, strategic, and grounded in real-world nonprofit leadership. I help leaders better understand themselves, the people they lead, and the systems they are navigating so they can make clearer decisions, build stronger relationships, and move forward with confidence.
Using the CliftonStrengths model, my top 5 strengths are:
Developer®
Recognizes and cultivates the potential in others. Spots the signs of each small improvement and derives satisfaction from evidence of progress.
Positivity®
Exudes contagious enthusiasm. Maintains an upbeat attitude and gets others excited about their upcoming activities.
Belief®
Holds certain core values that remain unchanging. From these values emerges a defined purpose in life.
Individualization®
Is intrigued by the unique qualities of each person. Possesses a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively.
Arranger®
Can organize with a flexibility that enhances this ability. Enjoys determining how all pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.
Click Here to view my full report.
I am an 2 on the Enneagram.
What is a 2 on the enneagram? Enneagram Type 2s, also known as "The Helper," are known for being generous, kind, and warm-hearted. They are motivated by a desire to help others and make them feel loved and comfortable.
Learn more about the Enneagram here!
