Member Spotlight: Kate Manley
Jun 12, 2025
Mentorship Member Spotlight: Kate Manley, Founder of Collaborkate
We had the pleasure of interviewing Kate Manley for our Mentorship Member Spotlight. She’s the founder and owner of Collaborkate.
Tell us about your business! What inspired you to become a nonprofit consultant, and what’s the focus of your work.
Kate: In 2022 after nearly 15 years in the Chamber of Commerce space, I left my full time job as president to spend more time with my young children. I loved what I did, but I was heartbroken over missing major life moments in my then-4-year-old and 11-month-olds’ lives.I craved more flexibility and autonomy over my life compared to the traditional view of success – making it to the C-Suite. Plain and simple, I was burnt out.
I knew my career journey held various chapters, and in this chapter, I wanted to put my family first. My full-time SAHM didn’t last long, and I soon was picking up small projects from my vast network. I’m a connector, relationship builder and lover of people so I couldn’t help myself! What I found out is that I loved making space and having control over the specific work I loved while still being able to enjoy the small moments with my family.
And from there, Collaborkate was born with a focus on event management for non-profits and associations, and fractional operations, management and board governance support for small associations. For me, event management was a full circle moment, which is how I started my career in the Chamber world right out of college. As president, I loved working with my board of director so those were two natural areas to start. I was doing what I loved. At Collaborkate, we understand events aren’t for everyone – nor is managing a small, board-run association. We do what we love, so you can get back to doing what you love.
What’s a recent project you’re proud of? How did you help the nonprofit organization achieve its goals?
Kate: During a time of leadership transition, I helped an association turn their largest event from an event that nearly broke even, to one that made a significant profit that allowed the association to make some important, strategic decisions regarding the direction of the organization. Without those funds, they wouldn’t have been in a financial position do that.
What advice would you give to new consultants just starting out?
Kate: You’ll never be fully ready to jump into the consultant world, so instead of continuing to put it off until you’re a little more ready, just leap – it will be worth it! Be sure to always be growing and engaging your network for clients and your own support system. Find a group to be your own personal “board of directors” who will support you, share advice and be willing to bounce ideas off. Also, I have to keep reminding myself it’s a journey!
How has being part of the Relatable Nonprofit Mentorship Community helped you grow your business?
Kate: I had been in business close to a year and a half before I joined the Mentorship Community so while I had clients in place and the beginnings of a brand, the Mentorship Program helped me finesse my offerings, build systems to implement, tailor my pricing to be reflective of the value I provide, and really help me gain more focus and clarity about my business. It’s made a huge impact on helping me attract new clients and retain existing ones.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or goals you’re working toward?
Kate: The fall of 2025 my son begins pre-school and I am able to take on more projects/clients then! I also have a goal of being featured as a panelist or event speaker before the year is up. The biggest goal I have to continuing doing what I love with Collaborkate!
