Voices of Impact: We Rise Faster Together

Voices of Impact: Catherine (Cat) Curry-Williams

Welcome to the inaugural Voices of Impact interview series.

Voices of Impact highlights nonprofit and community leaders creating meaningful change through service, innovation, and a deep commitment to the people they serve.

Through Shane’s Inspiration and She Angels Foundation, Catherine (Cat) Curry-Williams has spent years helping children, families, entrepreneurs, and changemakers discover what becomes possible when opportunity, inclusion, and belonging come together.

Some leaders build programs. Others build communities.

Cat shares what continues to inspire her work, the challenges nonprofits face today, and why collaboration remains at the center of everything she does.

💭 QUESTION 1

What first drew you to this mission, and what keeps you committed to it today?

My heart. I’ve always believed deeply in the power of inclusion, community, and giving people opportunities they may not otherwise have.

With Shane’s Inspiration, that mission became incredibly personal, creating playgrounds and programs where children of all abilities can truly play together, connect, and feel seen. Watching kids who may have felt excluded suddenly light up with joy and confidence changes you forever.

And with She Angels Foundation, it came from seeing how many brilliant women with purpose-driven ideas simply needed someone to believe in them, mentor them, fund them, and open doors. I know what it feels like to build something from the ground up, and I wanted to create a community where women feel supported rather than alone.

What keeps me committed today is, as always, the people. The stories. The transformations.

One opportunity, one connection, one act of kindness can truly change someone’s life trajectory.

I never take that for granted.

💭 QUESTION 2

What’s one of the biggest challenges you’re navigating right now as you work to sustain or grow your organization’s impact?

I think one of the biggest challenges for so many nonprofits right now is that the needs in our communities continue to grow, while funding and donor priorities constantly shift.

For me, it’s important that growth never comes at the expense of authenticity, connection, or mission.

I’m passionate about creating collaborative communities instead of competitive ones. I believe we rise faster together.

A big part of the work right now is building partnerships, expanding awareness, and continuing to bring the right people into the room who genuinely care about impact.

💡 KEY INSIGHT

“I’m passionate about creating collaborative communities instead of competitive ones. I believe we rise faster together.”

💭 QUESTION 3

Can you share a recent moment, story, or practice that has helped your team keep moving forward or made the work feel especially meaningful?

One of my favorite moments, which happens each time we get together, is watching women we’ve supported through She Angels begin supporting each other, investing in one another, collaborating on projects, mentoring younger founders, and showing up for each other.

That ripple effect means everything to me because it proves our community is working.

With Shane’s Inspiration, there are also these moments that never stop touching me, seeing a child on an inclusive playground who may have previously sat on the sidelines now fully engaged, laughing, and making friends.

Those moments are magic.

Celebrating small wins. Nonprofit work can feel endless sometimes, so we intentionally pause to recognize impact, gratitude, and human connection along the way. That practice keeps us grounded and reminds us why we started.

💭 QUESTION 4

As you look ahead a few years, what feels most important for your organization or the community you serve?

What feels most important is deepening impact while continuing to expand access.

I want to see more women receiving the funding, mentorship, and visibility they deserve, while building communities rooted in empathy, collaboration, and humanity.

The world feels very divided at times, and I believe organizations like ours can help bring people together through shared purpose and compassion.

Learn More

She Angels Foundation

https://www.sheangelsfoundation.org

Shane’s Inspiration

https://www.shanesinspiration.org

We are always grateful for support, collaboration, and people who want to help create more inclusive and empowered communities.

About Voices of Impact

Voices of Impact highlights nonprofit leaders, community builders, and changemakers creating meaningful impact through service, innovation, and community engagement.

Interested in being featured in a future Voices of Impact conversation? Contact Impact Squad to learn more. https://impactsquad.co/contact