A Life Changing Experience
Ten years ago, I participated in the Fieldstone Leadership Network’s Executive Learning Group, a fantastic program that brings new nonprofit executives together to discuss their challenges in a safe and supportive environment. With time and support from my peers, I became more confident in my ability to lead and develop my team, and I graduated from the program feeling empowered and strong.
It was the Coaching Program, however, that I found to be transformational. I vividly remember driving away from my first meeting with my coach, feeling overcome with gratitude, knowing that this person, my coach, was there to support me and only me. From that day on, I looked forward to our meetings with anticipation. No topic was off-limits. My coach always had practical solutions and advice to get me through almost any challenge I was dealing with, which ultimately helped me find more balance in my professional and personal life. To say it was life-changing is an understatement.
Karen, far right, with her “coaching cousins”. Each of these nonprofit leaders was coached by Shirley Cole, in white, and now serve as Fieldstone Coaches.
A year or so later, Janine Mason invited me to become a coach. I was excited and eager to have the opportunity to give back to other nonprofit professionals who were looking for the same support I had been and to guide them on their leadership journey. Since then, I have coached five nonprofit professionals and am looking forward to coaching my sixth this year. Every coaching experience has been a joy and an honor, and I’m pretty sure I get as much, if not more, out of the partnership as my coachee does.
Thank you, Janine and Fieldstone Leadership Network, for the opportunity to be a part of your mission these last ten years. The San Diego community is fortunate to have this incredible resource designed to create and sustain personal and professional relationships among nonprofit leaders. I am honored and proud to be a part of this fantastic organization. Congratulations on celebrating 40 years of making a difference in the lives of hundreds of nonprofit professionals.
Karen Terra, Executive Director, Emilio Nares Foundation
Karen has more than 25 years of experience in strategic planning, development and administration of start-up and non-profit organizations. Areas of expertise include board development and management, fundraising, grant writing, publication production, direct mail campaigns, website and social media development; special events, marketing, community outreach and public relations activities. Prior to leading EMF, she worked for Special Olympics and Hubbs-Sea World Research Center. Karen is a graduate of our 2013 Executive Learning Group, was coached in 2015 and became a Fieldstone Coach in 2018. She is currently coaching her sixth nonprofit professional. Karen received her degree from St. Boneventure University and has earned a certificate from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance for Coaching as a Leadership Tool.
Each week during our 40th anniversary year, a member of our Network will share what Fieldstone means to them and how being a part of this learning and leadership community has impacted them and the work they do to serve the community.
If you have a story you would like to contribute to our collection, please contact Janine Mason.