The best way to learn is by observing.

Kaeli Carerra
Foundation Director, Arbonne, USA

Can you tell us about what you do at Groupe Rocher and your background, along with the qualities and skills you need to do your job? 

I lead all philanthropy initiatives at Arbonne through the Flourish Arbonne Foundation, our global nonprofit organization. From 2020 to 2024, we provided numerous monetary grants for youth mental health projects. With our mission evolving to "Building a better tomorrow for humanity and the planet," we will continue our grant-making, focusing on supporting local communities, primarily in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. 

To excel in this role, one must be proactive, a self-starter, and adaptable. Attention to detail and a fresh perspective on processes are also essential.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in human development and have spent my entire career in nonprofit organizations. I joined Arbonne in 2016 as a fundraising manager and was promoted to Foundation Director a few years later. I’m also a member of a local NGO community and a certified fundraising professional, which requires ongoing training and development in the U.S.

 

How has the group supported you in your learning and what concrete actions have been most useful to you?

At Arbonne, I have various opportunities for learning, from formal training and conferences to experiential learning. My role requires cross-functional collaboration, which allows me to learn a great deal from my peers as I discover their roles and processes. 

One of my most significant learning experiences came from adapting our Foundation team to gradual structural changes. This taught me invaluable lessons that can’t be learned in a classroom. We needed to streamline our fundraising processes while maintaining service levels and distributing projects among Arbonne countries. This experience helped me learn how to prioritize effectively, develop an agile mindset, and constantly reassess priorities.

 

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to go further with their learning? 

The best way to learn is by observing. As a seasoned professional, you have a wealth of knowledge to share, so don’t hesitate to mentor others, it's a great way to pass on insights and experiences.