Nancy – A Global Voice Empowering Women, One Conversation at a Time
Nancy sees mentorship as a way to give back and as a dynamic learning experience.
“Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice; it’s a two-way mirror. I learn just as much from the creative, curious, and often trendier-than-me minds I meet.”
When Nancy Carleton says she thrives in cross-cultural spaces, she means it. She’s a true global citizen, having lived in the USA, Denmark, Dubai, Brazil, and Vietnam. But wherever she calls home, Nancy brings warmth, wisdom, and a touch of adventure to everything she does.
A seven-continent marathon runner (yes, even Antarctica!), coffee lover, and Global Media & PR executive, Nancy’s career has spanned industries from health tech to climate finance. She’s worked for giants like NBC Television and held CMO roles in fast-paced, mission-driven organizations. Along the way, she’s also built her own consulting business.
“I was drawn to Her Allies through the recommendation of a mutual friend (Her Allies Comms Volunteer, Liz Miller),” Nancy shares. “I believe in the power of stories, especially the messy, beautiful, evolving kind. I’ve had a non-linear career and wanted to create space for others to see value in their twists and turns.”
Mentorship as a Two-Way Mirror
Nancy sees mentorship as a way to give back and as a dynamic learning experience.
“Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice; it’s a two-way mirror. I learn just as much from the creative, curious, and often trendier-than-me minds I meet.”
For Nancy, Her Allies is more than a platform; it's a mission.
“It’s about empowering women, connecting like-minded minds, and building a network that’s not about hierarchy but about shared growth. Success isn’t a solo journey. It’s a relay race. And yes, I’ve slowly run a few of those, too.”
Rejection as Redirection
One of her most memorable volunteer experiences? Supporting a woman who was stuck in a cycle of unsuccessful interviews.
“Together, we reframed the entire process. Interviews weren’t rejection, but redirection. Every conversation is growth. Watching her regain her confidence was the moment that stuck with me. The job offer she got after that was just a bonus.”
Nancy sees her impact in the small but powerful mindset shifts she helps spark:
“Sometimes, the most significant difference is the shift in someone’s tone when they realize they’re doing better than they think.”
Naming the Challenge to Reclaim Power
From impostor syndrome to career pivots, Nancy supports Her Allies mentees in naming what holds them back.
“We talk about timing, rejection, navigating DEI, the ‘pink tax,’ all things I’ve faced too,” she explains. “The conversation becomes the bridge. We face it together. That’s where the power starts.”
Volunteering with Her Allies has also reshaped how Nancy views her own career journey.
“Careers aren’t ladders anymore; they’re lattices. Taking a break isn’t a weakness; it’s a strategy. I often say interviewing is like dating: it has to work for both sides. No one wants to be ghosted by a job, either.”
Volunteering also helped Nancy reflect more deeply on her own rhythms of work and rest.
“Working with Scandinavian companies taught me that rest isn’t a reward; it’s a right. Her Allies reminded me that showing up with quality matters more than just showing up constantly. When I need a break, I take one; and I encourage others to do the same.”
A Message to Future Volunteers
For those considering supporting Her Allies, Nancy offers this:
“Be the person who makes a difference today, not tomorrow.”
She also shares a favorite poem passed down by her grandmother. Here’s a short excerpt from It Couldn’t Be Done by Edgar Albert Guest:
“Somebody said that it couldn’t be done
But he, with a chuckle, replied
That ‘maybe it couldn’t,’ but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried…”
To the Her Allies team and community, Nancy offers her deepest gratitude:
“Thank you for continuing to build something meaningful, and oh-so-human. Keep doing the brave, bold, beautiful work you do.”
Join Nancy and other professionals who are making a difference. Learn more about volunteering with Her Allies.