Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Wiskerson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lauren , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from a number of sources, rooted in both my personal experiences and my ongoing commitment to self-healing and growth.
One significant source of strength has been my experience as a woman navigating societal pressures, where we are often told how to think, what to feel, and the roles we should play. Yoga introduced me to the idea of slowing down and being a witness—not just to my breath, but to my thoughts and actions. This practice helped me begin questioning what is true and necessary for me, rather than simply following the programming I’ve absorbed over the years. Resilience, I’ve learned, means owning my voice and stepping out of the roles I had unconsciously imposed on myself. This has been vital in overcoming emotional challenges in my personal life, particularly in relationships and family dynamics. Every challenge has reminded me that I have the power to shape my reality, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
Another powerful source of my resilience is my sense of purpose through motherhood. My daughter is my greatest motivator, grounding me in my personal growth and inner strength. Being her mother compels me to lead by example—to live in alignment with my truth, and to show her the strength it takes to overcome adversity while striving for authenticity and well-being.
My work as a nonprofit fundraiser has given me a sense of purpose that has been with me for as long as I can remember. Even as early as elementary school, I was eager to raise funds, excited by the idea of contributing to something bigger than myself. This passion grew as I matured, and as a teenager, I started collecting donations for Oxfam, deeply moved by their mission to combat global poverty. In my 20s, my excitement to volunteer fundraising deepened when I was inspired by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission. It pulled on my heartstrings and led me to raise funds while taking on the challenge of cycling 100 miles around Lake Tahoe in California. That experience not only solidified my belief in the power of collective action but also built some beautiful lifelong friendships. It was a moment of clarity—realizing that together, we could drive meaningful change and help others in need. The knowledge that my efforts have a direct impact on causes I care about keeps me motivated and resilient, even during the inevitable challenges that arise. What truly makes my day is hearing from passionate donors who thank me for my part in the larger cause. It’s incredibly rewarding and reminds me that resilience isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about serving a greater good and contributing to positive change in the world.
Finally, my journey through health issues has been a profound source of resilience. Even with access to excellent medical care, I realized that simply addressing the symptoms wasn’t enough—I needed to get to the root causes of my health challenges. By turning to meditation, self-reflection, and alternative healing modalities, I learned to build resilience from within. This journey not only taught me to trust in my body’s ability to heal but also showed me the importance of giving myself space and time to truly recover. I’ve learned to maintain a balance between managing life’s responsibilities and prioritizing my well-being, ensuring that I don’t get too wrapped up in work or daily stress.
All of these experiences have taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about growing stronger through the process, realigning with what truly matters to me, and living in harmony with who I am, in mind, body, and spirit.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey has been driven by a passion for contributing to causes bigger than myself. I’ve developed a career as a nonprofit fundraising consultant, specializing in helping organizations secure the financial resources they need to make a lasting impact. I work with a variety of nonprofits, from small grassroots initiatives to more established organizations, guiding them through the intricacies of donor relationships, grant writing, and strategic fundraising.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to create a real, lasting impact in the world, particularly by connecting the passions of donors with the critical work that nonprofits are doing. There’s something incredibly powerful about bringing people together to support causes that matter and make a collective difference. I’ve seen firsthand how liberating it can be when people move past their discomfort around money and realize that giving is one of the most meaningful ways they can contribute to positive change.
Most people feel uneasy discussing or asking for money, even for a great cause. But I believe that giving is not just about transactions—it’s about fulfilling a deeper purpose. People often say that money can’t buy happiness, but I’ve found that’s not true. There’s an undeniable sense of joy and fulfillment that comes from contributing to causes close to our hearts. When we ask for support, we are inviting others into this mission. If we don’t ask, we’re missing the opportunity to fully realize our goals and meet the needs of the people we aim to serve. It’s about shifting the mindset to see fundraising as an extension of the cause itself, helping fulfill the mission and making a tangible difference.
In addition to my fundraising consulting, I’ve created a Nonprofit Leadership Collaborative, a group that connects nonprofit professionals to encourage collaboration and strengthen the impact of each organization. The Collaborative focuses on sharing resources, networking, and fostering a sense of community among leaders, ensuring that nonprofits can amplify their missions through collective action.
I also provide grant writing services, helping organizations secure the crucial funding they need to achieve their goals. By offering tailored grant proposals, I support nonprofits in navigating the competitive grant landscape, enabling them access to the resources that will propel their missions forward.
What excites me most is seeing the ripple effect that these actions have—when nonprofits are equipped to secure the funds they need and build strong leadership connections, they can focus on their missions and grow their impact. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be a part of that process, and I’m looking forward to continuing to expand my reach and support even more organizations in the future.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I can see how three key areas—adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication—have woven together to shape not only my career but also how I navigate life.
Adaptability has been one of the most important qualities I’ve leaned into over the years. Life, much like nonprofit work, rarely goes according to plan. There have been times when I’ve had to shift strategies, adapt to changes in my personal life, or pivot professionally in ways I didn’t expect. Instead of seeing these moments as setbacks, I’ve learned to approach them as opportunities for growth and reinvention. There’s a strength in being able to adapt, not just by adjusting to external circumstances but by using those shifts to explore new paths and discover untapped potential. For those starting their journey, welcoming change rather than resisting it is key. Being adaptable means being open to new ideas and opportunities, which can lead to growth and unexpected successes.
Emotional intelligence has come fairly naturally to me as an empathetic person, and it has been essential in my work as a nonprofit fundraiser. Early on, I realized that understanding people—what drives them and what they care about—was far more important than any fundraising strategy. Expanding my emotional intelligence has allowed me to navigate difficult conversations, build stronger relationships, and foster trust with donors and colleagues. It’s not just about managing my own emotions; it’s about getting outside of myself, focusing on others, and truly tuning into their needs. Recognizing and responding to those needs in a way that fosters connection is what has made a difference. For anyone early in their journey, developing emotional intelligence is crucial, especially in fields that require constant interaction with people. The ability to empathize, listen actively, and handle rejection or challenges with grace can transform both professional relationships and personal growth. This insight was the driving force behind the establishment of Kindred Spirits Collaborative. At its core, Kindred Spirits Collaborative is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders and organizations to connect with their communities on a deeper level. We focus on donor-centric fundraising, fostering meaningful, long-term partnerships. Through fundraising and grant writing consulting, we help nonprofit professionals realize their mission. Looking back, I can see how developing emotional intelligence is crucial—it’s a skill that not only elevates professional relationships but also promotes personal growth and fulfillment.
Strategic communication is the third area that has played a central role in my journey. Whether it’s crafting a compelling grant proposal, asking for support, or building partnerships, the ability to communicate effectively is everything. For me, strategic communication goes beyond just getting a message across—it’s about storytelling. It’s about connecting with people on a deeper level and aligning a nonprofit’s mission with what matters most to them. One of the most exciting parts of my work is bringing together passionate people and meaningful causes to create tangible change in the world. For those starting their journey, I would say to focus on communication as both an art and a science. Learn how to not only tell the story of what you do but also how it aligns with the passions of those who can help you achieve your goals.
As I reflect on these areas, it’s clear that they don’t exist in isolation. Adaptability has helped me adjust my communication strategies in ever-changing circumstances, while emotional intelligence has allowed me to connect on a more personal level with donors and colleagues. Together, these qualities have shaped my approach to leadership and resilience. By cultivating adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication early on, anyone can build a strong foundation for both personal growth and professional success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love working with businesses and entrepreneurs who are passionate about making an impact through their work and aligning that passion with causes that drive real change. There’s an inspiring energy in bringing together individuals from different fields, all united by the desire to create positive outcomes. When people channel their talents toward something meaningful, it leads to powerful transformations—not just for the cause, but for everyone involved.
For example collaborating with a property manager seeking to enhance opportunities for low-income families – by connecting them to organizations focused on affordable housing and community support, we can collectively create pathways to long-term stability for these families.
I’m always looking for new ways to partner and support, and it’s this kind of innovative collaboration that fuels me. If you’re reading this and interested in joining forces, I’d love to connect and explore how we can make a bigger impact together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kindredspiritscollaboraive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredspiritscollaborative
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindredspiritscollaborative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredspiritscollaborative/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kindredspiritscollaborative
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