Kimberly Sanchez: Exploring Possibilities Through Creativity
Kimberly Sanchez is the Executive Director/CEO of Community Home Trust in Chapel Hill. Her core values are integrity, transparency, and fun. Kimberly is a 2023 Regional graduate.
People who work for non-profits are helpers, and they can put others before themselves, so I try very hard to create a culture that gives staff the flexibility they need to live their lives outside of their jobs. It is important to me that staff show up every day feeling supported.
What was the primary impact of the Regional program on your life?
The Regional program allowed me to get to know the region and see the incredible work being done. I walked away from each session inspired by the community I live and work in. On tough days, I reach back to that inspiration, which helps remind me of this community's perseverance in helping others. I also made some great friends in the program!
Did you make any meaningful connections during or after the program? My cohort was very diverse and created a bond only you can create in a group with such meaningful shared experiences. Each person in the group continues to be a meaningful connection for networking. I also made a few close friends with whom I regularly socialize.
How do you show up as a leader in your organization?
I truly believe in collaboration. I know only what I know and trust people with experience in their field to do their jobs the best way they can. As a leader, I give them the tools they need to be their best. I also understand that people who work for non-profits are helpers, and they can put others before themselves, so I try very hard to create a culture that gives staff the flexibility they need to live their lives outside of their jobs. It is important to me that staff show up every day feeling supported. I also believe in taking a little risk, exploring creative ideas and solutions, and allowing staff to try something and fail without punishment. Non-profits have a unique opportunity to be creative and take risks to address social needs. I come to work every day excited about new possibilities.
How do you feel you make an impact in the community?
Community Home Trust provides permanently affordable homeownership opportunities to individuals and families who work in service to this community. Our homeowners include teachers, firefighters, restaurant workers, City and County employees, and nurses, to name a few. Our homes are provided to us through an inclusionary housing policy, which means they look like every other home in a development. This gives access to neighborhoods that would otherwise be unavailable to lower-income homeowners. In addition, the homes remain in trust to the community under our land trust model. This model limits appreciation to maintain affordability for the next person/family.
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
My favorite book is Catcher in the Rye. I fell in love with it when I was an angsty teenager, and as I've gotten older, I have found its straightforward style inspiring. Now with a teenager myself, the words have new meaning, and whatever I could have imagined happened next with Holden, reading it as a mom, Holden's future becomes even more elusive. The book inspires my imagination.
What is one fun fact about yourself?
I love sequins.
