Holly Robbins Hermes

I attribute my success to a strong sense of purpose, a commitment to service, and the values instilled in me throughout my life. Early on, I was inspired by conversations around spiritual gifts and the importance of using my abilities to give back to the community. While pursuing my marketing degree, I explored different career paths, but I ultimately found that my passion aligned with the nonprofit sector, where I could make a meaningful impact. I was also shaped by my parents’ strong work ethic and their belief that contributing, helping others, and giving your best effort are simply part of who you are. Their example, along with my own experiences volunteering in the community, taught me the importance of compassion, accountability, and maintaining high standards. Today, I carry those values into my work by focusing on the people we serve, ensuring that every decision is centered on making a positive difference, especially for the children and families who rely on nonprofit services.

The best career advice I have ever received is that you can have it all, but perhaps not all at once. This perspective has taught me the importance of patience, balance, and recognizing that success is built over time. There are seasons in life and in a career where different priorities require focus, and it is important to embrace each stage while continuing to work toward long-term goals. I have learned that meaningful achievements come from making intentional choices, staying committed to my values, and trusting the process rather than trying to accomplish everything at the same time.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to be coachable, seek out mentors, and build strong professional relationships. Some of the most impactful mentors in my career have been women who have walked a similar path, understand the challenges I may face, and can help guide me toward future opportunities. My relationships and conversations with Yvette Jones, Antigua Wilbern, Beth Seling, Holly Hatcher, Anne Banos and Josh Densen are beyond value.

I encourage young professionals to listen actively, ask for feedback, and embrace opportunities for growth, as development is often rooted in meaningful conversations and relationships. You do not have to have all the answers, but having the curiosity, humility, and determination to find them will set you apart. Strong communication, follow-through, and a willingness to learn will help you build a successful and fulfilling career.

The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field are rooted in the evolving nature of consulting and the importance of remaining adaptable. Consulting is highly relationship-driven, making it essential to build a strong, authentic network of professionals who understand your expertise and can connect you with opportunities that align with your skills. In development consulting, particularly within the nonprofit sector, shifts in federal funding have created challenges for organizations, requiring them to explore new strategies and partnerships to sustain their missions. Staying informed about industry trends, understanding the broader political and economic landscape, and maintaining transparent conversations with clients are critical to providing effective guidance. At the same time, consulting provides valuable opportunities for continuous learning, allowing professionals to work across diverse sectors, expand their knowledge, and develop new skills in areas such as strategic planning and business development. The ability to evolve, recognize strengths, embrace growth opportunities, and connect clients with the right resources is what creates meaningful impact in this field.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authentic connection, integrity, openness, and a commitment to making a positive impact. I believe in creating space for honest, thoughtful, and productive conversations that build trust and strengthen relationships. Integrity is especially important in the nonprofit sector, where individuals are often driven by a shared passion for creating meaningful change rather than financial gain. I am inspired by the people who dedicate their careers to improving the lives of others, and I value the opportunity to support and contribute to the work of those who are creating a better future. In my personal life, family is a priority. Spending time with my kids brings me more joy than anything. They teach me to approach every situation with an open mind, empathy, and a willingness to understand. My personal and professional life guides how I build relationships, serve others, and navigate experiences.