Her Story
About Cierra
Cierra Graham serves at Truth Pregnancy Resource Center, where she has worked for three years as staff and board member of the startup nonprofit. Her involvement in the nonprofit sector spans 13 years, beginning with volunteer board work in her early twenties. She studied social sciences at a private university in Ohio, an experience that exposed her to diverse urban populations and the realities of different communities, influencing her commitment to integrity, justice, empathy, and care in her work. Graham emphasizes listening deeply to understand those she serves, building relationships across sectors, and maintaining healthy boundaries to sustain long-term impact in the nonprofit field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cierra
01What do you attribute your success to?
Always seeking to understand whether it's the person I'm serving or a problem that's been brought to my attention. Being curious and seeking to understand where people are coming from, and really listening deeper than the first answer. When we listen and seek to understand, we can make better decisions and build better relationships.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Not to make assumptions. Always ask the questions and be willing to ask the hard questions. Also, be willing to do some of the work that maybe other people overlook. You can become a really valuable member of an organization simply by raising your hand and being willing to do the hard stuff.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Have healthy boundaries. Boundaries can be very respectful. It's how you conduct yourself and what are the things that are important and priorities for you so you don't lose sight of what it takes for you to wake up every morning and continue on. Having boundaries in this industry is extremely important for sustainability.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The main challenge is fundraising and the shift in what types of activities can be funded. Lack of federal and state funding, relying on private donations which are stretched. The work is unfortunately political, and helping people understand the difference between what is legislated and what is just is a challenge.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, justice, empathy and care. They can be hard and there will be challenging moments where those values will be challenged, but I hold strong with them and it gives me a lot of inner strength and confidence in the decisions that I make.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.