Karen J. Wright

I attribute my success to the diverse experiences, adaptability, and dedication I have developed throughout my 25-year career, which has taken me from practicing law to nonprofit fundraising and consulting. After earning my undergraduate degree from Westmont College and my law degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, I became a licensed attorney in Kansas and Missouri before transitioning into the nonprofit sector after relocating to Washington, D.C. One of my most significant accomplishments was helping raise more than $15 million for a child development organization’s global food crisis campaign. Today, I draw on my legal background, grant writing expertise, fundraising experience, and ability to collaborate across teams to help smaller nonprofits strengthen grant proposals, donor relations, campaign messaging, and program outcomes. I believe my success comes from being disciplined, adaptable, committed to continuous learning, and passionate about creating meaningful impact, particularly in initiatives that support children’s nutrition and well-being.

The best career advice I have received has come through the example and guidance of the mentors who have supported me throughout my professional journey. Greg Spencer, my undergraduate advisor, provided invaluable encouragement and guidance early in my career, while Dale Hansen Burke, a strong female leader and manager, became an important source of inspiration. Their mentorship taught me the importance of seeking guidance from experienced leaders, learning from those who lead with strength and integrity, and remaining open to opportunities for growth and development throughout my career.

My advice to young women entering the nonprofit fundraising and consulting industry is to continually build and maintain your professional network while actively seeking mentors who can support and challenge you throughout your career. Mentorship can have a lasting impact, as I experienced with Greg Spencer, my undergraduate advisor and department head, who encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, particularly when I was shy about public speaking. His encouragement helped me develop confidence in an area that once felt challenging, and today, public speaking is no longer a concern. I encourage young women to embrace opportunities that push them beyond their comfort zones, build meaningful professional relationships, and remain open to the guidance of mentors who believe in their potential.

One of the biggest challenges in nonprofit fundraising is ensuring that organizations consistently secure the funding they need to sustain their programs and advance their missions. In my role, I see this challenge as an important opportunity to help nonprofits develop strong funding strategies, communicate their impact effectively, and build meaningful relationships with funders. I find it rewarding to use my experience in grant writing, fundraising, and donor relations to help organizations access the resources they need to continue serving their communities and making a meaningful difference.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are hard work, perseverance, purpose, and the desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. I believe in working diligently toward important goals and ensuring that contributions are recognized and valued fairly. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is helping raise more than $15 million for a Global Food Crisis campaign, an achievement that reflected the importance of teamwork, dedication, and commitment to a meaningful cause. I have also valued the opportunity to learn from strong female leaders, including Dale Hansen-Burke, whose example influenced my professional growth. Personally, I value family, balance, and creating opportunities for my children to learn and grow. Balancing work and parenting has taught me the importance of support, flexibility, and making intentional choices that allow both professional and family life to thrive.