Tell us about yourself and your journey.
For 17 years, Annemarie built Open Doors Academy from the ground up. But for her, success wasn't measured by how indispensable she became—it was measured by creating an organization that could thrive without her.
That philosophy eventually led her to launch Catalyzed Impact, where she now helps nonprofits strengthen the systems behind their missions through governance, fundraising strategy, evaluation, and organizational development.
"It's not glamorous," Annemarie says. "It's load-bearing."
What inspired you to start Catalyzed Impact?
Annemarie saw too many incredible organizations struggling, not because of passion, but because of preventable structural issues.
Rather than handing leaders lengthy reports that collect dust, she wanted to stay beside them through implementation and lasting change.
What challenges have you faced as a woman?
Annemarie speaks candidly about balancing leadership and motherhood.
She recalls the comments questioning why she worked after having children—questions, she notes, that were never directed at her husband.
Eventually she realized something important:
"My boys are watching their mother build things, fix things, walk into rooms and hold her ground. That's not time I'm taking from them. That's my legacy."
What do you love most about your work?
Watching leaders realize they aren't failing, they simply lacked the infrastructure to support their mission.
Annemarie admits she genuinely enjoys governance, evaluation systems, and even bookkeeping because she knows those "boring" systems allow organizations to outlive their founders.
How do you stay motivated?
Her answer is refreshingly honest.
"Some days just suck."
She doesn't pretend every day is easy.
Instead, she finds motivation in small moments, a grateful client, time with her children, or simply remembering she built a life and business that belongs to her.
What advice would you give other women?
"Start before you feel ready."
Annemarie believes confidence comes after taking action—not before.
The women we admire weren't fearless.
They simply kept moving.
Jewelry that tells a story
Annemarie's favorite jewelry isn't chosen for fashion.
It's chosen for meaning.
She wears four rings representing her engagement, marriage, and the births of her two sons, along with a sheRocks necklace featuring their initials.
"I don't wear jewelry to decorate. I wear it to feel connected."
Her next addition?
A custom ring featuring both of her sons' birthstones.
What does "sheRocks" mean to you?
"It means the women who are carrying more than anyone can see and doing it anyway."
Annemarie believes sheRocks celebrates the women showing up every day despite imperfect circumstances.
"It's about showing up with unwashed hair and doing the work."
How do you support other women?
Annemarie believes one of the most powerful things women can do is stop apologizing.
Stop apologizing for balancing motherhood and work.
Stop apologizing for speaking up.
Stop apologizing for being ambitious.
She also intentionally hires talented women building businesses of their own and believes authenticity, not perfection, is what creates community.
One lesson she'll never forget…
"You cannot build something lasting on your own back."
Whether leading an organization or raising a family, Annemarie believes true leadership means creating systems that continue working even when you're not in the room.
Her final piece of advice?
"Stop waiting to feel ready. Charge what you're worth. Say the thing in the meeting. Take the room. And keep going.”
Use code ANNEMARIEROCKS for 10% off your sheRocks order throughout the month of August.