Carla Gibson
Vice President of Programs
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Briefly describe your role:
I am responsible for all program functions of the Foundation, including developing strategic community investments designed to implement our mission of advancing health equity in our six-county service area.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: No, I actually planned to work in the for-profit sector after always being told, “You won’t make any money working in a nonprofit.” My first shot at that was to major in marketing during undergrad, which quickly lead me to change my major to sociology. Second, I had planned to work in banking since I worked in the field for five years while I was in school. I quickly learned the for-profit sector is not for me. My heart is and has always been in the community.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: Challenges for women have always been great, but tack on being a woman of color and the challenges tend to be exponential. One of the greatest challenges right now is women are being disproportionately affected by the economic and societal effects of COVID-19. Childcare for women and their families is the workforce development and economic equity issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Also, wage issues and access to leadership roles continue to impact women, particularly women of color.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: In my life, my parents have been my greatest inspiration. Neither graduated from high school, but they raised six kids through determination, resilience, and love. They always said they wanted us to have opportunities they did not and pushed us to achieve that. “I can’t” was not an acceptable response to them. Career-wise, I have been blessed with having some great female mentors along my career path that have opened doors, given me chances when no one else would and were there when I needed advice. Two, in particular, stand out to me.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: When one door closes, another one opens. Be willing to walk through it.
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: An inherent ability to be resilient.
