Her Story
About Theresa
I spent 30 years in education, and I had the privilege of teaching at every level - kindergarten through seniors in high school, and even some online college courses. My last few years were at an alternative high school where I taught family consumer science and foods classes. That's really what led me into the nonprofit world. I was willing to jump in and try something different, and I got everyone at the district office involved in packaging foods for a program that helps feed kids. It was so meaningful to me because as an educator and as someone who has had many advantages in my life, I believe in giving back to people who don't make a living wage. After I retired in summer 2024, I knew I was too young to just stop working entirely - I still wanted to do things, but on my own terms with flexibility. Now I work as a project manager for Pete's Garden and their Kids Feeding Kids program, where I support classroom teachers across multiple states who run food packaging projects with their students. I handle all the logistics - training, containers, receipts, data collection, community service letters - making sure everything runs smoothly. I'm also building my own business as an independent travel advisor. Even though certification isn't required, my educator background made me want that solid foundation, so I'm currently taking classes to be certified. My husband and I love to travel, and I always told my students, especially at the alternative high school, that if you get the opportunity to get out of your city or out of the country, do it - travel so you can see the world from other perspectives. I also work as an event chef for a high-end culinary company, doing finishing work on appetizers and meals and setting up buffets. What's always mattered most to me, whether in education or now, is relationships and helping people believe in themselves and see that they're worthy.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Theresa
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always learn. You can never - most people think, I'm going to grow up and have all the answers. You never have all the answers. So, don't be afraid of the unknown. Keep learning and growing.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It really goes back to money. In the nonprofit world, we're always writing grants, always trying to see where we can get money, always having to be in PR mode and thinking about how we can show what we're doing to show that it's worth it. As far as travel, people need to do it, but obviously it costs money. So again, money - it's a huge blessing, but it's also a restraint. If you don't have it, then it makes it really difficult to be able to do things.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Relationships are most important to me - if I couldn't do relationships, I couldn't do all the things that I do. Integrity and character matter deeply to me. I believe that everyone is worthy, and that was so important in my work at the alternative high school where other teachers didn't really care. I would tell students, no, no, you can do this - when they tell you they can't do it 10 times more, come on, you can do it, believe in yourself. My faith completely drives me and guides me in everything I do. I know that ultimately, regardless of what's going on in the world, God is in charge, and pleasing God is what I think about.
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