Carrie Sanders, CEO, Hope Community Capital LLC
What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job?
We work with organizations that need to develop or expand facilities and housing to advance their mission. We walk alongside them through real estate development and funding. The challenge is we are constantly navigating a shifting policy and funding landscape.
The most rewarding part is bringing the right people and resources together. I love connecting funders who have capital and a desire to create impact with organizations that can steward those resources well.
Who do you look up to or admire in business?
I deeply admire Darima “Dora” Gyamsto, owner of DG Beauty Salon and DG Aesthetics. I have known Dora since she was working as a hairstylist assistant and nail technician in 2013, while simultaneously learning English as her third language.
Dora grew up near Lake Baikal in Siberia, studied accounting, immigrated to the U.S., learned a new profession and took the risk of using a home equity loan to open her own salon. What inspires me most is that her success creates opportunity for others. She has built an international team of talented women.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Keep pushing yourself to the very edge of your capability but be disciplined enough to schedule active recovery.
Be scrupulous and deliberate with your time. Money comes and goes, but time only goes. Learn early what deserves your attention.
What are the best things about Dane County?
Dane County has an unusual combination of intellectual energy and deeply rooted Midwestern values. Those agrarian roots still shape us. People expect you to show up, do good work, be kind and help your neighbors.
And we should absolutely talk about the cheese. Wisconsin makes the best cheese in the world. I have traveled to faraway places only to discover Wisconsin cheese on the menu or behind the counter. Every time, I feel an unreasonable amount of hometown pride.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities?
I am pursuing both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Reformed Theology at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. It is changing how I think about leadership and community development. It is my calling and my mission field.
