We were lucky to catch up with Vasheti Quiros recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Vasheti thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Imagine leading a nonprofit that feels like a dream come true—then suddenly, everything changes. That was my reality in September 2018 when a routine vision test uncovered a brain tumor the size of a grapefruit. Within two weeks, I was preparing for surgery, leaving behind ambitious fundraising goals and projects. The surgery was just the beginning. As I faced months of intensive recovery, I found myself rethinking everything, from my health to my life’s purpose. I knew that if I wanted to thrive, not just survive, a profound change was necessary.

That’s when mentorship and coaching became my lifeline. I invested in guidance through Woman Rocking Business, where I was surrounded by bold women who redefined what’s possible in business. Earning my designation as an Award-Winning International Speaker and becoming Dare to Lead™ trained were milestones, marking not just skills but deep personal growth. This mentorship and my certification in Fractional Fundraising didn’t just shape my business—they equipped me with new tools, perspectives, and resilience to empower other nonprofit leaders facing their own hurdles.

Moving from idea to execution wasn’t an overnight process; it was a journey rooted in learning and rebuilding my mind, body, and spirit. My mentors guided me in everything from building sustainable business models to mastering authentic, impactful communication. I began mapping out my business deliberately, establishing a foundation in Fractional Fundraising and Leadership Coaching that allowed me to support nonprofits without compromising my health and well-being.

Each step was intentional—networking, certifying, creating structure, and continually learning—all while still honoring my physical healing journey. Coaching helped me see how to shape my business with balance, setting boundaries and clear objectives to turn my vision into reality. It’s a path I now share with others, helping nonprofit leaders find strength and balance as they pursue ambitious goals.

Today, I draw on this journey to guide clients through their own breakthroughs. With the combined power of mentorship, coaching, and hands-on experience, I help nonprofit leaders build resilient paths, transforming their missions into reality with purpose, balance, and clarity.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Vasheti Quiros, and I’m honored to work at the intersection of nonprofit empowerment, fundraising expertise, and trauma-informed leadership. My journey in this industry began over twenty years ago in the nonprofit sector, where I started out passionate about creating lasting change. Along the way, life handed me a challenge that completely reframed my approach: a brain tumor diagnosis in 2018. The experience not only transformed my life but also my leadership, bringing a deep understanding of resilience and the importance of a balanced, mindful approach to impactful work.

I now run Rocking Fundraising, where I provide a range of services tailored specifically for nonprofits—everything from fractional fundraising support and interim executive leadership to grant writing and strategic planning. My work goes beyond just helping organizations secure funding; I’m here to guide leaders through overcoming their most pressing challenges. I help them establish sustainable systems, elevate their teams, and connect more meaningfully with funders and sponsors.

My approach to fundraising is grounded in both expertise and empathy. I’m a Certified Trauma-Informed Coach, a Dare to Lead™ trained leader, and an Award-Winning International Speaker, all of which equip me to support leaders in ways that recognize their personal and professional journeys. The Fractional Fundraising model is particularly powerful because it allows me to provide high-level expertise in a flexible way, meeting each organization where they are without the need for a full-time hire.

What sets my brand apart is the combination of trauma-informed care, resilience-based leadership, and hands-on fundraising skills. My clients often tell me they value my ability to bring clarity and compassion to their mission-driven work, creating space for sustainable growth while also addressing the unique pressures faced by nonprofit leaders.

I’m most proud of the impact I get to make by empowering nonprofit women leaders to embrace fearless fundraising and transformational leadership. Through tailored strategies, I help them reclaim their passion and purpose, paving the way for positive change within their organizations and communities.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, my message is clear: I’m here to be more than just a service provider. My goal is to stand by your side as you navigate your journey, helping you to grow with purpose, peace of mind, and a plan that works for you. Together, we can transform challenges into achievements, creating a foundation for lasting impact that aligns with your mission and values.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments of my life—and a testament to my resilience—came in September 2018, when I was fully immersed in leading a nonprofit organization that aligned deeply with my vision for impact. Just as I was reaching new heights professionally, life threw an unexpected challenge my way. During what was meant to be a routine vision test, I received a diagnosis that would turn everything upside down—a brain tumor the size of a grapefruit. In an instant, my life was put on hold as I prepared for an urgent craniotomy. I had only two weeks to organize my life and my work, knowing that the road ahead was uncertain. The surgery was only the beginning. The next three months required intense recovery, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as I had to relearn all my basic functions. It was a grueling process, but I was determined to rebuild, step by step.

After three intense months of recovery, I felt a powerful sense of determination and returned to my nonprofit full-time. I wasn’t fully healed, but I was motivated to serve the organization and its mission. Just over a year later, as I was regaining my strength, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, throwing the entire nonprofit sector—and our organization—into unprecedented uncertainty. I found myself leading my team through this incredibly challenging period, drawing on every bit of strength, resilience, and creative problem-solving I had learned on my journey.

Leading through COVID solidified my understanding of resilience and adaptability. I learned how to pivot strategies, support a team through uncertainty, and keep an organization moving forward under tremendous pressure. When the time felt right, I made the decision to take the leap and launch my business, Rocking Fundraising, so I could use everything I had learned to support other nonprofit leaders on their journeys.

Today, my story is not only about surviving a brain tumor; it’s about returning with renewed purpose, leading through a global crisis, and transforming that experience into a business that empowers others.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came in early 2020 when COVID-19 struck. At the time, I was leading a music therapy organization, and we were faced with an enormous challenge: how to continue serving our clients safely while supporting our staff through the crisis. Almost overnight, we had to reimagine the way we provided therapy. Traditional, in-person sessions were no longer possible, so we quickly transitioned to offering music therapy over telehealth platforms like Zoom. It was a significant adjustment for our therapists and clients alike, but we embraced it as a new way to stay connected and continue our work.

We also recognized that many of our clients were facing food insecurity and increased isolation. To address this, we pivoted again, transforming the organization into a food delivery pick-up and drop-off site. Our therapists took on additional roles, delivering groceries and essential supplies to clients’ homes. This initiative not only ensured that our clients’ needs were met but also allowed our therapists to maintain contact with them, offering comfort and connection during a time of profound uncertainty.

Every decision during that time was guided by our commitment to supporting both our clients and our team. As a designated mandated provider, I worked tirelessly to ensure payroll continued uninterrupted, providing stability for our staff when they needed it most. This pivot wasn’t just about adapting our services—it was about leaning into our mission in new and unexpected ways to keep our community supported. It was a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience that underscored the importance of flexibility, resilience, and a deep commitment to our values in the face of adversity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rockingfundraising.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockingfundraising
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockingfundraising
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasheti-quiros

Image Credits

Vasheti Quiros