Lorelei Lamarre

I attribute my success to the value my family has placed on education; that foundation has shaped how I approach my career, continuously learning, asking questions, and striving to grow with every opportunity. Their support and emphasis on education have been a constant driving force behind my professional journey.

The best career advice I’ve received is to not take feedback on my work personally, especially in a field where we wear so many hats and our writing is constantly being reviewed and refined. Learning to separate myself from the work allowed me to grow faster, collaborate better, and stay open to feedback without losing confidence. Edits aren’t a reflection of my ability; they’re part of the process. Embracing that mindset has made me a stronger communicator and a better teammate.

My biggest piece of advice is to be honest with yourself about what you enjoy and what energizes you. If the nonprofit sector feels meaningful and fulfilling, stay and lean into it—the work can be incredibly rewarding. But if it starts to feel draining or misaligned, don’t be afraid to pivot. That isn’t failure; it’s growth. Your skills can take you in more directions than you may realize. Permit yourself to explore, ask questions, and choose a path that brings you both purpose and joy. You deserve a career that feels good to build every day.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating a rapidly evolving landscape where geographic flexibility is limited and AI-driven disruption is reshaping how marketing and communications operate. From a leadership perspective, this moment requires not just adaptation, but an intentional strategy that evaluates which technologies add real value, guides teams through change, and ensures innovation aligns with organizational goals. While the market can feel stagnant, this environment presents a strong opportunity for leaders to differentiate by investing in talent development, leveraging AI responsibly, and creating agile strategies that drive measurable impact. Those who approach these challenges with clarity and vision can turn disruption into long-term growth.

Authenticity and honesty are the values I hold most important in both my work and personal life. I believe meaningful impact is built on trust, whether with colleagues, clients, or the communities I serve. I strive to show up as my true self, communicate transparently, and take responsibility for my work and decisions. In my professional life, this means producing work that is ethical, thoughtful, and aligned with the mission and values of the organization. Personally, it means cultivating relationships rooted in respect, accountability, and integrity. When authenticity and honesty guide my actions, I can build stronger connections, make better decisions, and contribute work that truly matters.