Executive Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders
Leadership + Executive Coach
for Women of Color + Allies
TRUSTED BY:
TRUSTED BY:
Struggling with your leadership, and need help improving nonprofit dynamics that creates clarity and sustainability for everyone?
Hi! I’m Elaine Lou Cartas – Business and Executive Career Coach for Women of Color (WOC) and Allies for nonprofit leaders. My first business before I became a coach, I was a fundraiser who raised $11 million — and I know how hard it is managing team members, donors and a board.
So I get it — everyone counts on you. Your team relies on you for direction and solutions, you need to hit fundraising goals so your team can get paid, and then your family depends on you to keep everything in harmony. MSN awarded me as a top Leadership & Executive Coach in 2024, and LA Weekly awarded me as the #1 Thought Leader for my Conscious Conversations® framework.
My leadership insights have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Money Magazine, Huffpost and MSN. In addition, I also have online courses with LinkedIn, Duke, Brown, John Hopkins, USC and 30+ more universities.
But enough about me — let’s talk about you:
- Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed and unsure how to find clarity?
- Are you craving a sounding board outside your nonprofit bubble?
- Dreaming of a moment to yourself where you aren’t putting out fires (even if it’s just 5 minutes in your car)?
Here’s the truth: Leading a nonprofit shouldn’t mean sacrificing your well-being or values. Through my trauma-informed coaching approach, we’ll simplify your workload, foster conscious conversations® and create systems that allow you to put your head out of the water and have a life outside of your work.
As a daughter of refugees and first-gen Asian American professional seeking to improve my assertiveness, leadership, and navigate my first role as an Executive Director for a dynamic and growing non-profit organization, I was fortunate to find Elaine Lou Cartas. Her unique approach to coaching has not only enhanced my communication and leadership abilities but also provided invaluable insights into personal growth and self-advocacy.
From the start, Elaine demonstrated a keen understanding of my cultural Asian background, enabling us to delve into complex topics without the need for lengthy explanations. Her deep empathy and compassion fostered a safe environment for me to explore sensitive issues, such as the impact of my upbringing in a patriarchal household (and broader society) on my career.
Elaine’s guidance has been instrumental in developing my ability to articulate my thoughts effectively and assert my needs both in the workplace and beyond. Her expertise in workplace politics has empowered me to confidently navigate difficult situations and stand up against oppressive behaviors.
— CHRISTINA T., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
“Working with Elaine helped me get a new job where I doubled my income. She has also helped me become more assertive in the workplace. Elaine focuses on the systems that will make your business successful. Those systems have allowed for me to have 80% of my client renewals completed early.”
— Lindsey, Market Director
Why should you work with executive coaches who have nonprofit experience?
Maybe you do surround yourself with fellow nonprofit leaders, but still don’t have anyone to turn to cause there’s the politics and confidential information you can’t share.
Often we get caught up with the mission of serving, but lose ourselves in the process. I’ve worked with nonprofit executives like you where they’ve worked with a coach (me), we got into a coaching engagement and they are having a life again, while hitting their fundraising goals and board members and team members are happy.
One where they are creating boundaries, and more importantly able to be present with their family and advocate for themselves in the process.
How am I different from other nonprofit executive leadership coaches?
(and how that helps YOU)
I am a proud first generation Filipino immigrant. I acknowledge the privilege I have because of all the generational sacrifices made before me. Here’s a pic of me with my dad, grandma, and a picture of my great-grandfather all who were grapevine workers that immigrated to Central California and a reminder of my roots and resilience.
I was a former grassroots organizer and fundraiser.I have worked on local, state and federal campaigns. Here’s a pic of me in the Capitol at 22 when I helped a congressional member get elected.
I’ve faced workplace bullying, and learned how to stand up for myself. Here’s a pic of me at the first event I hosted June 2018 to help women of color and allies to put themselves first.
I negotiated a $12k raise for myself, and got my first $100k contract. Now I teach my clients to do the same when it comes to negotiation, boundaries and assertiveness.
I successfully pivoted industries, increasing my salary by $26k while raising $8.2 Million in Community College Scholarships
Running my coaching business for 7+ years. I’ve served 11k+ clients in 58 different countries, hosted 57 events and retreats, became a Trauma-Informed Coach, and Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation.I also have online courses with LinkedIn, Duke, Brown, John Hopkins, USC and 30+ more universities. And I want to check in with you
“One of my favorite learnings from your session is to always take feedback, but you don’t always have to use it (paraphrasing of course). Thank you for the valuable tools!”
– Cynthia Byrnes, Coca-Cola
Director of Customer Service
“My favorite part was your ability to let others SHINE. You showed us our own power and knowledge by permitting us to help each other out. It sometimes takes people like you to bring it out of us.”
– Vicki Goizueta, PHR, SHRM-CP Acosta Group
Human Resources Business Partner
Conscious Conversations®
We use our Conscious Conversations® 6-prong approach to guide high-performing leaders and their teams to:
- Reduce burnout and foster happier, more productive teams
- Tailor solutions to each team member’s unique needs, ensuring goals are met with less stress
- Build accountability for leaders and their teams
Our approach centers on these pillars:
- Pause: Reflect on your communication and leadership style, drawing insights from past projects and interactions to uncover growth opportunities.
- Perspective(s): Gain clarity on others’ goals and leadership styles to improve communication and productivity.
- Priorities: Understand goals from all team members and stakeholders to ensure alignment and focus.
- Prepare: Strategize effectively for meetings, projects, and challenging situations.
- Perform: Execute with confidence to lead impactful meetings and achieve outcomes.
- Passion: Remind yourself why you are passionate about your role, and the projects you are working on.
Imagine this:
- You and your team members confidently achieving their goals
- Hitting fundraising goals, and the board supporting you
- Peace at work and your life
Conscious Conversations® equips leaders and teams with the tools to lead and foster thriving, engaged teams.
I want to implement conscious conversations
“I loved the 6-prong framework, I’ve leveraged it and plan to do so, as it’s easy to remember the 6-Ps organized around the visual of the heart. Passion at its core. I just had a real time conversation yesterday. I was part of a team that led a big networking event last week, and when I stepped in and around with the attendees, I owned the room!”
– Brenda Valley, Albertsons
Finance Officer
Need a trusted guide to navigate tough conversations with your team while celebrating the big and small wins along the way?
My nonprofit leadership coaching sessions are designed to help guide a top executive like YOU through challenges and opportunities, including:
- Supporting your team through big transitions
- Strengthening your nonprofit’s culture with transparency and purpose
- Leading with values while ensuring your own well-being
Meet The Team
Through personalized one-on-one coaching with me and my team of experts—Monica Schrock, a Marketing Strategist; Gabrielle Lacasse, a Systems & Operations Strategist; Iryne Carrasquillo, an Intuitive Guide; and myself, your Business and Career Coach—you’ll gain the tools and support to create a sustainable, values-driven culture that remains profitable and aligned with your goals with my coaching practice.
Elaine Lou Cartas, MA
CEO + Business Strategist | IG: @elainelou_
Elaine is the CEO and visionary behind the business. She empowers leaders and teams to create more sustainable lives through her one-on-one coaching and Business & Career Leadership Mastermind. She loves doing Muay Thai and has been doing it for 21 years. She was a former nonprofit fundraiser.
Monica Schrock
Marketing Strategist
Monica (she/they) is an optimistic, introverted copywriter who’s spent the last 15 years helping 200 clients craft their message to increased sales and donations from double to over ten times. Monica has done marketing for nonprofits. They provides monthly coaching to the Business & Career Leadership Mastermind and 1:1 sessions to support our clients with their messaging and copy.
Gabrielle Lacasse
Systems & Operations Strategist
Gabrielle is a seasoned Business Integrator and Consultant with 10+ years of experience in managing projects and operations. She helps business owners focus on the big picture instead of getting bogged down in the details. She’s skilled at building effective teams, coming up with creative solutions, and setting up systems to make businesses run smoother. She’s worked closely in the coaching, consulting, and the tech industry.
Iryne Carrasquillo
Intuitive Guide
Iryne has 20 years of coaching, counseling, and intuitive guidance experience. She is a certified life coach and holds a Masters level education in psychology, social work, and business administration. Iryne enjoys helping her clients discover their purpose, follow through on their direction, and find clarity within their life and business. Iryne is happily married for over 20 years, is a mother to two young daughters, and resides in the beautiful, rural mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania.
What’s possible for you:
- Imagine being present with your family because your team has your back and can carry out your legacy
- Seamlessly navigating change while fostering trust and commitment within your team, board and donors
- Developing strengths-based leadership styles that encourages your team to do the same.
- Building a team culture where individuals respect and support one another to achieve shared goals
- Creating a base of happy, loyal donors who rave about your service and refer others
- Defining success and happiness by your own terms — and knowing that it’s possible.
Curious about my programs?
While there are different types of coaching, it’s important to know that I do not have a cookie-cutter program that’s built for everyone–I acknowledge each company has its own struggles, challenges, and needs and create a custom program for you. This is not a one-size-fits-all experience, our work together will consider your whole humanness and your team’s, so you can grow as a unit.
I love scheduling a 30-minute Legacy Business and Career Review Call where you will receive 3 action-items. And after the initial coaching conversation, you will receive an individualized proposal to meet your needs and outline the deliverables.
My coaching style is personalized and professional, customized to your unique needs as an individual leader and as part of a cohesive team.
So instead of forcing you into a templated program, we’ll identify three goals to help you develop your leadership skills while ensuring your team meets deliverables.
“As a business owner knee-deep in day-to-day operations for my restaurant, I needed high-level support with strategy and creating a game plan that my whole leadership team could get on board with. Elaine was our answer! During our sessions, she created a safe space where everyone felt comfortable bringing ideas to the table. Furthermore, she kept an open line of communication amongst all involved, so everyone could share their thoughts equally! Every time we leave a session with her, we have more clarity and direction, which has led to more productivity and a positive boost in our morale in the workplace.”
— JENNY VALLES, CO-OWNER, SAMPA RESTAURANT
You got two ways to partner with us:
There are many types of coaching to choose from — cookie-cutter templates, rigid frameworks — but my coaching style and coaching conversation is both individualized and intentional.
My coaching program is selective, with no more than 15 active clients at any one time. This ensures a personalized and professional experience with results that matter.
Join a 6-month mastermind with high-achieving leaders who want to create a sustainable life. You will develop leadership skills as an individual leader to:
- Reclaim your time by streamlining systems that prioritize your nonprofit’s mission and reduce overwhelm
- Master communication skills to foster collaboration, inspire your team, build stronger relationships with donors and stakeholders.
- Simplify your workload to improve fundraising, create sustainable growth and have an actual personal life
- Build a career and team culture that aligns with your values and creates lasting impact for your nonprofit and community
This 6-month mastermind includes eight 60-minute sessions with me, and monthly office hours with our dream team of coaches who specialize in marketing, operations, intuitive guidance and financial strategy.
1:1 Mentorship
Want me, Elaine, in your corner with exclusive, personalized coaching? You get a direct line with me to help you:
- Streamline systems to hit fundraising goals, and team productivity
- Boost collaboration and creativity while simplifying processes
- Navigate the goals of board members, team members, donors and other stakeholders goals while learning how to communicate effectively and collaborate seamlessly with them
My one-to-one mentorship is tailored to your leadership goals with two 60-minute coaching sessions per month, and we can add coaching services from our dream team of coaches who specialize in marketing, operations, intuitive guidance and financial strategy.
Are you an organization looking for team coaching, facilitation or a speaker?
Email us at [email protected]
Want me, Elaine, in your corner with exclusive, personalized coaching? You get a direct line with me to help you:
- Streamline systems to hit fundraising goals, and team productivity
- Boost collaboration and creativity while simplifying processes
- Navigate the goals of board members, team members, donors and other stakeholders goals while learning how to communicate effectively and collaborate seamlessly with them
My one-to-one mentorship is tailored to your leadership goals with two 60-minute coaching sessions per month, and we can add coaching services from our dream team of coaches who specialize in marketing, operations, intuitive guidance and financial strategy.
Hi! I’m Elaine Lou Cartas.
I’m a Leadership & Executive Coach for Nonprofit Leaders like you. I specialize in guiding nonprofit leaders and their teams to achieve clarity, simplify chaos and create sustainable results.
Let’s be real: It’s hard — hitting fundraising goals, managing team members, and juggling the needs of donors, board members and stakeholders. But here’s the better question to ask yourself:
- Are you leading in a way that feels aligned to your values and vision?
- Are you staying true to your values especially when the pressure-cookier is on?
- And with all that you give to your nonprofit and community, are you having a meaningful and personal life?
It’s time for you to break free from the hamster wheel and build something that works for you, your team and mission.
In 2020, my business doubled in revenue, but I burned out. I was constantly on my phone and working.
In 2022, the effects of working a lot finally got to me, and I slowed down a lot to ask, “What is important to me?” I share more in this podcast episode. So I made some radical changes which led to:
- 4-week vacations annually (completely unplugged. Yelp, NO working)
- Tripling profitability in 2024 by doing less, and doing it better
- Fully present moments with loved ones, phone stashed away so I can be present with loved ones in-person vs. my phone
I work with nonprofit leaders who…
- Want to create change and develop their own leadership and coaching skills while building trust and commitment to their teams
- Are grounded in their values and want to lead with purpose
- Are open to self-reflection and willing to grow as leaders
But I’m not the coach for you if:
- You do not have a growth mindset
- You don’t believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion
- You aren’t willing to truly listen and learn from your team
“I was so impressed with Elaine’s ability to command the room of 20+ executives, coaches and mentors for the training we brought her in to lead to kick off our Cohort #1 Mentorship Coaching Circles. Elaine is such a natural speaker and brings with her an amazing energy that creates an inclusive, safe and inspirational environment. She spoke to an audience of Mentors for the Project Management Institute’s San Francisco, Bay Area chapter’s coaching circles to provide them with the tools they would need to mentor a group of Project Managers and aspiring Project Managers. The group was engaged, taking notes, sharing their experiences and gave such great feedback after the training. I am really glad I had her speak to this group to kick off our coaching circles, the wisdom and energy she left them with has certainly made a huge impact on our program.”
— JULIANA WISE, CERTIFIED PROJECT MANAGER,
OWNER, JWISE PROJECT
Trained, coached and presented to Fortune 500 Executives & leaders from:
Tired of how things are going, and ready to create change?
Then schedule a 30-minute Leadership Nonprofit Review Call to receive a coaching plan three individualized action-items and a custom proposal to support you and your nonprofit team for sustainable results.
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