Women in Philanthropy Episode 9 with Brenda Canella
Hosted by Tara Doyon, Director of Client Services and Sarah Rose, Director of Communications.
In this episode Tara and Sarah are joined by Brenda Canella of the Archdiocese of Denver. They discuss how Brenda went from being a full-time mother of five to working fulltime and how she integrated the two pieces of her world into one fulfilled life. Learn how to create a flexible work environment and how you can approach your employer for those changes. Brenda gives excellent advise on how to handle being a working mother when the culture may not approve.
Show Notes:
Background
Brenda is originally from Houston, Texas and attended college for finance and accounting at the University of Houston.
She is currently the CFO for the Archdiocese of Denver, and oversees accounting, parish finances, treasury, information technology, legal and risk management. Team of 20 people.
In 1999, she and her husband relocated to Colorado and she worked as a stay at home mother, raising five children. In 2010, she was lead through her prayer life back to the work force. Which was when she was introduced to FOCUS and started working with the accounting department within two weeks.
In 2020, she was led to the Archdiocese and the CFO position. With this new venture, God called Brenda to be focused on her community.
Working outside the Home
There is a pressure to be at home, culturally and in the church. However, the call on our lives is unique. Every person is called to something individually. Having that advice gives courage and encouragement. The focus needs to be on what God's will is for your life.
Kids and Working Full Time
Brenda started when her youngest was three years old. In her prayers she reminded God that she had five young kids. Her mother-in-law was able to live close and help with the children. That arrangement came from God. And having a conversation with her work was what she needed to take care of her family and work on her projects.
Family Friendly Changes
Excellence brings excellence. If you are giving quality work, then there should be flexibility for family needs.
If you'd like to connect with Brenda, you can find her on LinkedIn or the Archdiocese of Denver website.
Take-Aways:
- Prayer and discernment should be the first step in any decision.
- We need to stop and take stock of what we want out of a job.
- There's an opportunity for conversation with an employer can take place with all life phases change.
- Changing the way you view your work/life balance and seeing it as one integrated life.
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If you have any questions, email us at [email protected]. Please reach out and we would love to connect. God bless you and your work and we will continue to pray for your success.
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