Katie Elizabeth Rockwell

I attribute much of my success to perseverance and the decision not to give up when things become difficult. In moments when I’ve felt stretched to my limits or faced significant pushback, I’ve learned to keep going, trusting that the best outcomes often exist on the other side of the hardest seasons.

Nonprofit work is both physically demanding and emotionally intense. It requires hands-on labor while also walking alongside people who are experiencing some of the most challenging moments of their lives. That combination can be overwhelming at times, and it can make it tempting to step away. However, I’ve found that if you stay committed, remain grounded in your purpose, and push through the difficult seasons, the impact and “fruit” of that work eventually becomes clear.

I’ve also been deeply shaped by mentors who believed in me, challenged me, and encouraged me to keep going. Their influence, combined with a genuine passion for this work, has reinforced my commitment to it. I know the hours and effort invested are not in vain—they are creating meaningful, positive change in the lives of others. That belief is what continues to carry me forward.

The best career advice I've received has come through the example and guidance of remarkable mentors, including my mother, Stacy Fisher at Safe Harbor, and Tangela Griffin at Miracle Hill. Each of these women shaped me in unique ways and helped me become the leader I am today.

Through their leadership, I learned the value of servant leadership, investing in people, and continually growing both personally and professionally. They taught me grace in working with others, the importance of understanding the numbers behind the mission, the fundamentals of retail operations, and the discipline and work ethic required to lead effectively. More than anything, they showed me that strong leadership is not about position or title—it's about serving others, leading with integrity, and helping people reach their full potential.

When challenges seem overwhelming and the road ahead feels impossible, that's often where the greatest opportunities begin. Nonprofit work demands resilience—it is physically demanding, emotionally taxing, and often requires walking alongside people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Yet the most meaningful impact comes when we choose to keep going.

I've learned that success is often found just beyond the point where many people are tempted to quit. When we stay focused on our purpose, remember why we started, and persevere through adversity, we eventually see the fruit of our labor. The rewards may not come immediately, but they do come. My message to other women leaders is simple: don't quit before the breakthrough. The best things are often waiting on the other side of the struggle.

One of the greatest challenges in the thrift and nonprofit retail industry is staffing. The reality is that this work is demanding, no matter the role. Whether someone is processing donations, serving customers at the register, or sorting merchandise behind the scenes, the work requires both physical effort and a commitment to a mission larger than oneself.

Finding people who understand and embrace that purpose can be difficult. Many individuals join the organization without fully realizing the demands of the work and quickly discover it's not the right fit for them. But every so often, you find those exceptional team members—the people who immediately understand the mission, believe in it, and are willing to persevere through the challenges. Those are the individuals who become the backbone of the organization and often build long-term careers in this work.

For nonprofit retailers, maintaining adequate staffing is critical. When positions go unfilled, the burden often falls on existing team members, creating additional strain and increasing the risk of burnout. That's why one of our ongoing priorities is not only recruiting great people but finding individuals who are passionate about serving a cause, resilient in the face of challenges, and committed to making a lasting impact.

The values that guide both my personal life and professional journey are service, integrity, perseverance, compassion, faith, and leadership. These principles shape every decision I make and serve as the foundation for how I lead, serve others, and navigate challenges.

I believe true success is measured not by personal achievement, but by the impact we have on the lives of others. Whether through strengthening communities, supporting individuals and families during difficult seasons, or creating opportunities for people to thrive, my goal is to leave every person and every place better than I found it. Leading with compassion, remaining steadfast through adversity, and staying grounded in faith have taught me that the most meaningful work is often found in serving others with dignity, purpose, and hope.