We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vasheti Quiros a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Vasheti , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care is not a luxury for me—it is a non-negotiable foundation of my effectiveness as a leader, fundraiser, and advocate. I’ve learned that I cannot pour from an empty cup, and the more I prioritize my well-being, the more impact I can create for the organizations and communities I serve.
My self-care practice is holistic, blending mind, body, and spirit. I engage in energy embodiment practices like dancing to release stress and reconnect with joy. I also incorporate breathwork, which has been transformative in helping me process emotions, release limiting beliefs, and stay grounded in my leadership.
I set boundaries around my time and energy, allowing space for rest and creativity. I also surround myself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who remind me of my worth, my purpose, and the importance of leading from a place of balance.
The impact of self-care on my effectiveness has been profound. It has allowed me to show up fully present, make clearer decisions, and lead with resilience. It has also reinforced my ability to navigate challenges with grace, ensuring that I can sustain my work without burning out.
When I take care of myself, I lead by example—demonstrating that strong leadership is not about overworking or self-sacrifice but about operating from a place of wholeness, confidence, and unwavering clarity.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Vasheti Quiros, the founder of Well Balanced CEO, where I empower nonprofit women leaders through trauma-informed leadership coaching and fearless fundraising strategies. My work focuses on helping mission-driven organizations cultivate financial sustainability while ensuring that their leaders have the tools, confidence, and energy to thrive.
What excites me most about this work is witnessing the transformation in nonprofit leaders when they shift from scarcity and burnout to clarity and empowerment. Fundraising can feel overwhelming, but I specialize in making it strategic, relational, and deeply aligned with an organization’s mission. Seeing clients secure the funding they need—without sacrificing their well-being—is what fuels my passion.
Right now, I’m thrilled to introduce my Wealth & Confidence program—a transformational experience designed for nonprofit women leaders who are ready to break free from scarcity, embrace financial abundance, and lead with unshakable confidence. This program combines trauma-informed leadership principles, strategic fundraising insights, and mindset shifts to help leaders not only secure funding but also step fully into their power. If you’re ready to fundraise with ease, attract aligned opportunities, and build the wealth your mission deserves, this program is for you!
Additionally, I’ve recently launched my Fundraising Toolkit, a resource-packed guide designed to help nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs confidently engage donors, build corporate partnerships, and streamline their fundraising efforts.
My brand is about creating lasting impact through balance, strategy, and authenticity. Nonprofit leaders don’t have to choose between financial success and personal well-being—they can have both. I help them get there.
To learn more about my work and upcoming offerings, visit wellbalancedceo.com. Let’s change the way nonprofits fundraise—fearlessly and with purpose.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in shaping my journey: resilience, strategic relationship-building, and fearless leadership.
Resilience: The nonprofit sector—and leadership in general—is full of challenges, from financial hurdles to systemic barriers. Overcoming personal and professional obstacles, including my own health journey, has taught me the power of perseverance. I’ve learned that setbacks are not the end but opportunities for growth and recalibration.
Cultivate resilience by practicing self-awareness, embracing adaptability, and reframing challenges as learning experiences. Investing in mindset work, breathwork, or mentorship can help strengthen your ability to navigate uncertainty with grace.
Strategic Relationship-Building: Success in fundraising and leadership is rooted in relationships. Understanding how to authentically connect with donors, partners, and stakeholders has allowed me to build bridges, expand opportunities, and create sustainable funding strategies for organizations.
Be intentional about networking. Focus on building trust, listening deeply, and providing value before asking for anything. Seek mentorship, join professional communities, and nurture relationships consistently.
Fearless Leadership: I’ve learned that fundraising and leadership require a bold, visionary mindset—one that embraces asking for what you need, standing in your worth, and making decisions from a place of alignment rather than fear.
Develop fearless leadership by investing in your growth, setting boundaries, and stepping into spaces where your voice is needed. Seek out personal development programs, leadership training, and trauma-informed coaching to expand your confidence and impact.
For those early in their journey, my biggest piece of advice is this: Believe that you belong in every room you walk into. Own your expertise, invest in your growth, and surround yourself with people who see your greatness—even on days when you don’t.
Your leadership and impact matter. Keep going.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been fully embracing my personal brand and stepping into greater visibility as a thought leader in nonprofit leadership and fearless fundraising.
For a long time, I focused on the work—helping organizations build sustainable fundraising strategies, empowering women leaders, and advocating for trauma-informed leadership. But I often struggled with the visibility piece—being the face of my brand, sharing my personal journey, and confidently owning my expertise on a larger stage.
In the last 12 months, I’ve leaned into showing up fully and unapologetically. I’ve refined my messaging, launched programs that deeply align with my values (like Wealth & Confidence), and spoken on platforms where my voice can create real impact. This shift has not only grown my business but has also attracted aligned clients, collaborators, and opportunities that reflect my mission.
The biggest lesson? Visibility is not about self-promotion—it’s about service. When I show up, I create space for others to rise, to believe in their own power, and to transform the way they lead and fundraise.
This journey of owning my voice, standing in my worth, and leading fearlessly has been my greatest transformation. And I know it’s only the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wellbalancedceo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbalancedceo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewellbalancedceo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellbalancedceo/
Image Credits
Photo by Athena Llewellyn
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