Our next CWIP in Focus: Voices in Our Sector highlights Tina Erickson, Principal of Erickson Coaching and Consulting. CWIP Communications Committee members Leslie Wooten and Erin Fleming had the pleasure of having a conversation with Tina to learn more about her life, career journey, and membership in CWIP. Tina is not only a coach, but a leader, mentor, and change-maker in the field. 

Tina was raised in Minnesota and currently lives in Evanston. Her professional journey began as a congressional aide and political fundraiser in Washington D.C. She also taught English in Japan! From there, Tina embarked upon an impressive 25-year career journey in philanthropy and fundraising. She has held leadership roles at organizations including The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation, The Night Ministry, and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine, as well as Women Employed. 

Tina’s coaching journey began just before the pandemic started. For the past 6 years, she has provided career coaching for professionals from early to mid-career to seasoned professionals. With a strong understanding of the sector, she has found that oftentimes financial resources for professional development and coaching can be a barrier. 

Tina offers affordable coaching services that remove the barrier for nonprofit professionals. Her work focuses on those in job pivots and transitions, as well as supporting professional growth to become great managers. Through her coaching services she helps individuals navigate and thrive in challenging work environments, supports people as they become acclimated to new roles, and more. Tina has a calm and welcoming presence that makes it easy for others to connect with her. She is mission-focused, excels in building relationships, and builds trusts with others. 

Tina believes in the power of mentorship, advocacy, and women supporting one another. When Tina was asked who supported her in her career journey, she shared that her good friend and Chicago Foundation for Women founder Iris Krieg was a mentor to her, especially when she made the transition from working in fundraising to grant-making. 

Tina’s CWIP member journey includes being a mentor for many years in the Women’s Leadership & Mentoring Program (WLMP). She’s mentored 8 individuals and continues to stay in touch with most of her mentees to this day. When asked if she had any advice for new CWIP members, Tina shared that she encourages new members to attend the events, become a mentor or mentee, and tap into the CWIP network. 

Tina continues to stay abreast on trends and changes in the sector. She feels that AI could be beneficial in helping professionals work smarter and help fundraisers and grant professionals find new funding opportunities. She noted that it is critical for nonprofits to have diversified funding portfolios. She feels that Chicago-based foundations are doing an incredible job at stepping up to support nonprofit grantees, especially with recent changes in federal and state funding challenges.

When Tina is not coaching, she enjoys watching Lincoln Lawyer and The Pitt television series. She enjoys traveling and serves on the Board of Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center. She also enjoys reading historical political novels and biographies. One of the best places Tina has traveled to recently is Africa! Thank you so much Tina for your willingness to meet and share more about your career, time in CWIP and your positive impact in the nonprofit sector. 

Website: https://www.tinaericksoncoaching.com/career-coaching
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-erickson-coaching/