Katherine Cazares

I attribute a lot of my success to the way I was raised and the incredible women who came before me. My grandmother immigrated from Mexico without knowing English, but she never let that stop her. She had the mindset of, "I'll figure it out," and she did. Watching her perseverance taught me that obstacles don't define you—your determination does.

My mom has been one of my biggest inspirations. She always told me, "You're a woman, and there will be times when it's harder, but don't ever let anyone tell you no. You've got this." She encouraged me to dream bigger than she was able to and always reminded me that each generation should open more doors for the next. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to believe in myself, and that's something I carry with me every day.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you do not always have to be the loudest or most recognized person in the room to make an impact. Sometimes the best work is done quietly, with consistency, professionalism, and confidence. Move with purpose, and trust that your work will eventually speak for itself.

I’ve also learned the importance of building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community with others. Success is rarely achieved alone. When you support the people around you, stay grounded in what you know, and stand behind your work with confidence, you create opportunities for both yourself and others to succeed.

My biggest piece of advice is to network as much as you can. Whatever area you're interested in, whether it's nonprofit leadership, social media, publishing, journalism, or another field, find professional organizations and get involved. Attend events, ask questions, and don't be afraid to introduce yourself.

Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people in your industry, especially alumni from your school or professionals whose careers you admire. Most opportunities come from relationships, and you never know where one conversation or connection might lead. Be curious, be willing to learn, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

One of the biggest challenges in the nonprofit sector right now is the increasing competition for grants and funding. Organizations like Tara's Chance rely on fundraising and grants to continue providing life changing services for individuals with disabilities and those who benefit from the healing power of horses. With today's economic climate, securing funding has become more competitive than ever. At the same time, I see that as an opportunity. It reinforces the importance of building genuine, long term relationships with donors, grantmakers, and community partners. Those personal connections matter. When people know your organization, trust your leadership, and understand the impact of your work, they're more likely to continue supporting your mission, even during challenging times. In nonprofit work, relationships are just as important as the funding itself.

The values that guide me most, both professionally and personally, are integrity, accountability, collaboration, and humility. I believe in doing the right thing, being honest, and taking responsibility for my actions. Accountability is important because it builds trust and helps create strong relationships.

I also value collaboration because success is rarely achieved alone. Whether it's working with my team, volunteers, community partners, or families, everyone brings unique strengths and perspectives. Being willing to listen, learn from others, and recognize when someone else has a better idea is just as important as leading. I believe in giving credit where it's due and celebrating the accomplishments of the people around me, because the best outcomes come from working together.