As creator and president of Proper Southern Strategies, an independent Little Rock-based consulting firm, I provide an array of services for philanthropic, nonprofit, and corporate leaders. My passion for improving the financial security and economic mobility of lower income families is the key factor driving my engagement in strategic philanthropy and partnership building.
After sharpening my skills with a start-up company, I took a leap of faith and created my own business. This prepared me to work with private-sector partners and validated owning my own business was the perfect fit for my personality and my family.
I knew this was my passion the first time I turned words into action. I thrive on making alliances that spark positive change. Connecting difference-makers who can have a real impact on people's lives matters to me.
Strategic grantmaking is harder work than it may seem, especially when the goal is making a measurable impact.
Know your value and ask for what you want. You will not receive what you do not request.
Bring in diverse minds for input. I benefit immensely from other amazing, talented consultant friends willing to share advice and chart strategies with me.
Persistence. Sometimes no means "not right now". When a funder declines to invest or engage in a certain project, they may simply mean not this time. Situations and perspectives can change.
The responsibility I feel to help guide real change impacting real people and communities keeps me coming back daily.
