In this episode of The Power Lunch Podcast, hosts Tracie Munce and Lisa Carmichael sit down with nonprofit leader Dena Anderson, Director of Operations at Kinsella Angels. From foster care and single motherhood to education, nonprofit leadership, and bold moves across the country, Dena shares what she has learned about taking chances before you feel completely ready. Together, they explore accountability, community, consistency, and why meaningful impact isn’t always measured by the size of the room.KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Growth often requires saying yes before the timing feels perfect.
• Surrounding yourself with people who challenge and hold you accountable can change the trajectory of your leadership.
• Meaningful leadership requires honest communication, humility, and a willingness to keep growing.
• Impact isn’t always about reaching more people. Sometimes changing the lives of two or three people matters just as much as filling a room.
• Consistency matters. Keep showing up, improving, and staying true to the mission even when you can’t see the results yet.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
• “You don't know what someone else needs to hear.”
• “If I want to grow as a woman leader, I need to put people around me who will hold me accountable.”
• “It shifted from I have to, to I get to.”
• “Sometimes we get so caught up in the quantity, we forget about the quality.”
• “If I stay true to the mission and keep improving, the impact will come.”
LINKS & REFERENCES:
• Kinsella Angels
• TLC Mastermind with Lauren Lahav
• Glass Ceiling Foundation and Power Lunch events
MORE ABOUT DENA ANDERSON:
Director of Operations Dena Anderson brings over 15 years of experience mentoring youth and 6 years as a lead teacher in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her passion for empowering young people is rooted in her own journey, including five years in foster care before being adopted at age eight. These experiences inspire her commitment to supporting underserved and foster youth.
Dena credits caring mentors and community support for helping shape her path in education and social services. A devoted mother, she raised two children on her own after the loss of their father. Her dedication to youth, families, and community drives her work every day.
CONNECT WITH DENA ANDERSON:
CONNECT WITH US:
If this episode gave you a new perspective or made you feel seen, share it with a woman who needs to hear it. Subscribe to the Power Lunch Podcast so you never miss a conversation. And remember, there is no ceiling you can’t break.
