Her Story
About Candace
Candace Lester is a nonprofit development and fundraising professional who transitioned into contract grant writing and commercial and residential cleaning. She began her fundraising career in 2018 and served as Director of Development at The Soulsville Foundation before shifting focus in 2023 to running her cleaning business Clean 901 full time while continuing part time grant writing for Memphis nonprofits such as Oasis of Hope. She holds a BA in English from Christian Brothers University completed in 2018 after starting studies at Nelson State. Additional training includes the Nonprofit Academy from Momentum Nonprofit Partners, grant writing courses, active membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and support from the Tennessee Small Business Center at Southwest Community College for business operations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Candace
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents' work ethic. My mom started as a speech pathologist and homeschooled me due to my dyslexia and ADHD, growing her business organically. My dad was a pastor who started a business helping single moms find work. Watching them juggle everything with five kids showed me that the only things I don't do are what I choose not to.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Your network is your net worth. This came from Brett during college when she helped me navigate job hunting as a single mom. Fundraising and securing contracts are all about relationships and being reliable.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can do it. The world is filled with people who want to help you. Be open and humble, take advice from those around you, and trust yourself. There's never a right time, so just do it anyway.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Time management is the biggest challenge. There are only 24 hours in a day, and juggling two businesses means sometimes choosing between sleep and work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Relationships with people, especially family, friendships, and my relationship with my kid. Being a good daughter, mom, or friend bleeds into everything else. Honesty and caring happen naturally from being good people.
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