We recently connected with Catalina Parker and have shared our conversation below.

Catalina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In the summer of 2023, my business partner and I decided to create an Instagram account called Relatable Nonprofit. Our goal was simple: to make people involved with nonprofits laugh. We both have extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, working as employees, funders, and consultants. Initially, like many others, we started our nonprofit journey with the noble intention of making a difference. However, we soon realized that the reality was far from what we had expected. We found ourselves overworked, overwhelmed, and our personal lives suffered greatly. As a form of catharsis, we began posting jokes on our Instagram account, and to our surprise, thousands of other nonprofit professionals related to our content. It became clear that we had tapped into something special.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been working in the nonprofit sector for a decade now. I absolutely love this line of work because it is incredibly rewarding, and it brings together amazing individuals who are making a difference. Unfortunately, nonprofits are facing a serious problem of staff burnout, leading to a high rate of employee turnover. According to the Social Impact Staff Retention 2024 report, a staggering 74 percent of nonprofit employees are either actively looking for a new job or considering it this year. Even more concerning is that 65 percent of them are uncertain if they will continue working in the nonprofit sector.

These numbers serve as a wake-up call for the nonprofit sector. If people are not willing to work for nonprofits, who will be there to deliver the life-changing programs and services that nonprofits offer? This is where Relatable Nonprofit comes in. Our purpose is to highlight the challenges that the sector is facing and advocate for much-needed change. We focus on promoting self-care, setting boundaries, fair pay, and other important issues.

Today, Relatable Nonprofit is more than just an Instagram account. We have built a community of like-minded changemakers who aspire to lead their best lives in the nonprofit world.

For nonprofit organizations looking to raise funds, we offer digital toolkits that provide practical guidance and strategies. Additionally, we have a group coaching program designed to help individuals build businesses that serve the needs of nonprofits.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

It was 2016, and I worked in digital communications at a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. In need of some extra help, I posted an internship position on local university job boards. Little did I know, this decision would have a profound impact on my life.

Julia quickly proved herself to be an invaluable member of our team and after she graduated, I was thrilled when she accepted a full-time position within the organization. However, in 2017, I decided to leave the organization and pursue a job opportunity in Pennsylvania. Despite the physical distance, Julia and I stayed in touch – she even rented my condo in DC! During the pandemic in 2020, Julia moved to New Jersey to be with family and we didn’t communicate as frequently.

Since that momentous decision, our lives have become intertwined in a way that goes beyond just being business partners. Julia has become my confidante, my best friend, and even the godmother of one of my children. Looking back, it’s incredible to think that our meeting, initially through a simple internship ad, would lead to such a deep and meaningful connection. As we continue to navigate the exciting and often unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, I know that having Julia as my co-founder and friend is an invaluable gift.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the lesson of having an unhealthy obsession with achievement and neglecting my personal well-being. Throughout most of my life, I was obsessed with accomplishing my goals and making a name for myself at a young age. I published my first book when I was just 15, completed four internships before I finished college, graduated college a year early at age 20, and earned a six-figure income at 24. I even managed to get my masters degree from an Ivy League school at 28, all while working a full-time job and having a baby.

Although my accomplishments may sound impressive, they did not bring me lasting happiness or fulfillment. In fact, I felt empty and unfulfilled. It wasn’t until I started my business at age 29 that I realized the importance of prioritizing my own well-being over my accomplishments. I had to learn how to focus on myself and make sure that I was taking care of my physical, mental, and emotional needs.

Learning to prioritize self-care and personal growth has transformed my life. I now walk on the beach daily, read, go to therapy, needlepoint, and am a present mother and partner. By shifting my perspective and prioritizing what truly brings me joy, I have created a much more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle. The cherry on top? My business is also thriving.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.relatablenonprofit.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/relatable_nonprofit
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/relatablenonprofit
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@Relatable_Nonprofit