Let’s Talk Impact with Julia Devine & Catalina Parker @Relatable Nonprofit
One text, one Christmas tree, and two lives forever altered.
Rewind five years. Julia was a college sophomore starting a brand new internship at a nonprofit, and Cat was her supervisor. The first time their stars would cross at a significant transition point in their lives.
Both high achievers quickly ascended the professional ladder, securing six-figure salaries at 22 and 24 due to their relentless drive and commitment to excellence.
But, once they landed at the top, they found the growth opportunities were scarce – it turns out there’s just not as much room to climb when you’re already sitting at the peak.
Back to the Christmas tree. Strolling among the spruces and the firs, Julia received the text that would set in motion a whole new world of possibilities.
“Hey, heard you just quit your job. I’m quitting too. Do you want to start a business together?”
A few years – and a whole lot of life later – and the future has never looked brighter. With a successful consulting business under their belts, fantastic clients and missions they adore, and plenty of time for friends, family, and travel – Cat & Julia are the poster women for nonprofit consulting done right. And with new opportunities exploding in the sector, their new venture is laser-focused on helping others transform their nonprofit careers into thriving consulting businesses.
About the podcast
Let’s Talk Impact is a podcast series that explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. Hosted by Justyna Kedra and produced by The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and WERULE, the podcast features interviews with a diverse range of changemakers. From government officials to activists and entrepreneurs, these guests share their insights on the evolving definition of impactful work and the motivations driving their efforts. By focusing on the stories behind the initiatives, Let’s Talk Impact aims to inspire and inform listeners about the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change in the world.
About the host
Justyna Kedra, the founder of WERULE, received her BFA degree from Parsons the New School where she successfully finished their toughest major: Fashion Design. Since then she worked in Public Relations with celebrities ranging from Jeremy Scott, Lady Gaga to Madonna at People’s Revolution under the wing of Kelly Cutrone. Justyna is also no stranger to the corporate world working for 6 years in financial services at American Express generating over 20 Billion in acquisitions for Centurion, Platinum, Green Cards as well features such as their most successful “Employee Card” treatment. She also served as an advisor to the American Express’ President of US Consumer Services on topics related to the team’s culture.
She is a mentor & a team member at The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and a mentor at the Tory Burch Foundation, the AARP Foundation x Bridge for Billions program for aspiring founders over 50. Because of her work, she was recognized as the youngest Champion of Change at the United Nations. A book she co-authored with Erika De La Cruz, Editor in Chief at The La Girl, has become a bestseller across multiple categories and is available at Barnes and Noble.
Justyna also hosts a podcast, a collaboration between WERULE and The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, called Let’s Talk Impact, which was in the top 5% most shared podcasts globally according to Spotify Wrapped.
About the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (IEI) at The New School fosters a transformative approach to business and social change. We equip students with the skills to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ventures that address pressing global challenges. Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships, we empower students to become agents of positive change and build a more equitable world.
About WERULE
WERULE is a global platform dedicated to connecting individuals with life-changing mentors. Founded in 2015, they started by sharing stories of successful female entrepreneurs, becoming a recognized resource for women seeking inspiration and guidance. Today, WERULE offers a wider range of resources, including an AI-powered mentorship app used by businesses and organizations worldwide. Their mission is to make mentorship accessible to everyone, regardless of background or stage in life. They believe in the transformative power of mentorship and strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.