Hidden Gems: Meet Kim Tarnopolski of 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Tarnopolski

Hi Kim, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a multi-talented leader and community advocate who brings years of experience from corporate, owner-managed business, and charitable worlds. I started my career in corporate America before moving into entrepreneurship to run my own business – a human resources consulting firm. These two decades of business experience gave me the opportunity to hone my skills in communication, accountability, relationship building, policy and process development, complex decision making and problem solving, and business management.

After making my impact in the business world, I shifted my focus and priorities to my community. When my daughter was in middle school, I discovered the need and a passion to help youth, teens and young adults maneuver the challenges of adolescence. I was actively involved with Teen Lifeline as a board and committee member for several years.

In 2014, I learned about a giving circle model of philanthropy and founded 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun. Through 100WWC, funding, awareness, and exposure have been brought to Phoenix metro nonprofits that are making an incredible impact on the lives of their community members. I am personally responsible for the grant process and communication with our charities. As of today, over $1.3 Million has been donated to over 100 local nonprofits.

I am an active member of ASU’s Women and Philanthropy group and sit on the Grant Review Committee. I am a graduate of the FBI’s Citizen’s Academy. These two organizations provide me with valuable information about our higher education system and risks to our society.

In 2022, I joined The Lodestar Foundation as their Vice President of Programs.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Career paths are rarely linear journeys; rather, they resemble intricate mosaics, composed of diverse experiences, unexpected detours, and unforeseen opportunities. My journey is no different. I’ve had to navigate winding roads and encountered twists and turns that challenged my initial plans. I viewed these deviations as valuable learning opportunities that offered a chance for growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun?
100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun is a local giving circle with three sister groups who meet quarterly in Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and the East Valley. We are a member of the 100 Who Care Alliance that oversees 800+ giving circles in the United States, Canada, and internationally. We are celebrating our 10th anniversary and have donated over $1.3M, impacting over 100 local nonprofits.

What is a giving circle? A giving circle brings a group of people with shared values together to collectively discuss and decide where to make a pooled gift. Giving circles support with their dollars, but also build awareness and educate members on the needs in their community. Members can voluntarily choose to engage beyond their gift of dollars by volunteering, becoming board members, donating clothing and household items, and more. Individuals multiply their impact and knowledge, have fun, and connect with their local community.

Everyone can be a philanthropist. Giving circles create a world filled with passionate, empowered people giving collectively and intentionally.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking in both career and life is akin to stepping into the unknown, a leap of faith that can yield remarkable rewards or unforeseen challenges. In my journey, embracing risk has been a catalyst for growth, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and fostering innovation. Whether it’s embarking on a new career path, venturing into entrepreneurship, or traveling around the world, each decision carries inherent risks. Yet, it’s through calculated risks that I’ve discovered my true potential, learned invaluable lessons, and achieved personal and professional milestones. While not every risk taken has led to immediate success, each experience has contributed to my resilience, adaptability, and overall fulfillment. Embracing risk has become an integral part of my ethos, guiding me towards paths less traveled and ultimately shaping the narrative of my career and life.

The biggest risk I’ve taken professionally was leaving my corporate human resources position and starting my own HR consulting firm. At the time, my daughter was two years old, my husband worked four days per week in Las Vegas, and I was working 50+ hours per week. Something had to give. So, I left corporate America and hung out my own shingle. Best decision I ever made. Owning my own business gave me the flexibility I desired to raise my daughter and still pursue my career.

On a personal level, I hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2023. Summit day was the hardest physical day of my life. The mountain is over 19,000 feet tall. You risk getting altitude sickness when you hike that high. Fortunately, I was fine and reached the summit of the tallest mountain in Africa. The risk was worth the reward of summiting!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://100wwcvalleyofthesun.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/100wwcvalleyofthesun/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100WWCValleyOfTheSun
• Other: https://vimeo.com/channels/1484786