Today we’d like to introduce you to Christal M Cherry.
Hi Christal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Right before COVID landed and shook us all out of our seats, I decided to make a career change. I hung out my shingle and opened my consulting firm, The Board Pro. I banked on the 25 years of experience that I had garnered as a nonprofit fundraiser and confidently began to court nonprofit leaders and their boards. I knew that leadership at nonprofits can make or break their vitality, progress and success. I adopted the motto “Who’s At the top Matters.” Read more on my website, www.theboardpro.com.
It was, in retrospect, the right decision…
In the years since I’ve worked with dozens of nonprofits to help them build better boards. It is all at once challenging, rewarding, truth-telling, and exhausting. It has pushed me to ground myself in my values and lead and counsel with candor, humor and compassion. I had to be ready!
To prepare myself as a credible source, I agreed to some pro-bono work, sat in on multiple podcast interviews, led numerous webinars, participated on dozens of panel workshops, read many books, became a certified leadership coach, said yes to becoming a contributing author, (Collecting Courage) wrote a children’s book (Mac and Cheez, Being Different is Okay) and served as a keynote at two national conferences.
In the midst of these many life-changing events, I started a professional network for Women of Color in the nonprofit center who work primarily in fundraising, Fabulous Female Fundraisers. The community has grown to fifty-five professional women in 21 states and Canada. We’ve held one another close during the challenges of 2020 and beyond. It has become not only a professional community but a sacred and brave space for us to grow personally and professionally. Learn more at www.fabfemalefundraisers.com.
Life got busy and I loved it!
I’ve always been a “go for it” individual. Born and raised in New York City, I am the oldest to five siblings. I’ve always been outgoing, silly, friendly and ambitious. Even before my career as a fundraiser, I worked on Wall Street after graduating from Hofstra University and learned about stocks and bonds. I moved into sales and worked at Essence Magazine and sold the publication to chain supermarkets and grocery stores across the country. There I met multiple celebrities including Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston and Oprah Winphrey.
When I turned thirty, I decided I wanted to go back to school. I pursued a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling at Hampton University. I became a full-time student and financed my post-college education by working on campus as a freshman dorm director and academic tutor for the football team. Working with young people is a passion I’ve always had. It was a life-changing experience.
One of my best career moves was working at the United Negro College Fund as a National Director of Development, Faith, and Community Partnerships. I traveled the country seeking philanthropic investment for the largest minority scholarship organization in the U.S. I interfaced with pastors, corporate executives, civic leaders and celebrities and helped raised millions of dollars to grant access to an HBCU education for thousands of students.
Years later, I decided to become a mom and adopted a baby boy. It was one of the most scary and exciting decisions I’ve ever made. My journey was chronicled in another book published in 2022, Unscripted: Narratives From Women At Life’s 50-Yard Line. Today, my son Malcolm is an amazing thirteen-year-old who keeps me on my toes. My days are filled with basketball games, acting classes and church events. I enjoy spending time with a few lifelong friends and family.
As I look back, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped my life. I approach each day with new determination. I continue to seek meaningful experiences that will allow me to use my gifts to fulfill the purpose God has for me.
Recently I was thinking of advice that I’d give to my younger self. It would be “lean in, listen, ask, jump and don’t allow fear to block your path. You got this girl.”
I can’t wait to see what’s next!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth. There were job layoffs and dismissals. At times my self-esteem dragged and I hustled to make ends meet but I never gave up. I’ve learned that struggle builds endurance and sharpens your coping skills. I am grateful now for the adversity I’ve experienced. I am stronger for it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud that I became a children’s book author. My book Mac and Cheez, Being Different is Okay is a wonderful tale that teaches children about accepting differences and embracing who you are.
This is an extension of my Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging work with nonprofit boards. I create experiences that encourage board members to take a deep dive into equity work. We discuss bias, inclusion and power. In the end, we reflect on our values and race histories, consider shifting our mindsets, and create a plan to help navigate a new way of being in the world.
It’s affirming. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I lost my partner and son’s father due to COVID. I’ve learned to not delay my aspirations but to move through each day with intention. Each day is a gift that I no longer take for granted. Spending time with family and friends is a joy that I embrace. In fact, I now choose joy each day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theboardpro.com
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/christal-m-cherry
Image Credits
Photography by Clarence Gabriel
