Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Potrzeba.
Hi Brooke, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was inspired by the success of my hometown’s Impact100 chapter, Impact100 Pensacola and saw an opportunity to bring this model of transformational philanthropy to Greater Cleveland. I knew firsthand the power of collective giving, and I wanted to create a space where women of all ages, life stages, and backgrounds could unite to make a lasting impact.
On February 24, 2025, Impact100 Cleveland was officially founded. From the very beginning, I worked alongside a dedicated group of women to build the infrastructure, establish a strong foundation, and cultivate a passionate Board of Directors.
I believe that leadership is about empowering others, solving problems, and building something bigger than yourself. Whether in my professional life, volunteer work, or personal journey, I’m always looking for ways to bring people together and drive meaningful change.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest hurdles was starting from scratch. When I founded Impact100 Cleveland, there was no existing framework in our city, no built-in membership, and no guaranteed funding. Fortunately, I was able to leverage the guidance and resources of Impact100 Global, which provided a strong foundation and invaluable insights from other chapters. However, every community is different, and we quickly realized that we needed to shape our chapter in a way that best served Greater Cleveland.
We have to be intentional about making Impact100 Cleveland its own entity and one that truly reflects the diversity, passion, and priorities of the women and nonprofits in our community. Another challenge is educating people about the power of collective giving. Many were unfamiliar with the model, so we focus on clear communication, relationship-building, and showing the tangible impact of transformational grants.
Despite the challenges, seeing women come together, knowing that we’re helping to fund transformational grants, and watching this movement grow has been incredibly fulfilling. Every obstacle has been an opportunity to learn, adapt, and build something truly meaningful for Greater Cleveland.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Professionally, I work for Huron Consulting Group where I’m passionate about equipping teams with the tools they need to solve complex problems, collaborate effectively, and drive meaningful change within organizations.
But beyond my professional work, I’m proud of my role in founding Impact100 Cleveland. What sets Impact100 Cleveland apart is its ability to bring women of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds together to pool resources and fund $100,000 transformational grants for local nonprofits. This model of collective giving isn’t just about writing big checks, it’s about building a community where women are empowered to make a lasting impact, no matter their financial background. Personally, I never wrote a $1,000 check directly to charity before, but I hope that through Impact100 Cleveland, I can show other women that philanthropy is for all women, it’s not just for the wealthy. It’s about coming together and realizing that every dollar counts.
I’m also proud of my ability to balance personal and professional life. In 2022, I went through an incredibly challenging time, I lost my father suddenly, becoming my mother’s caretaker while she battled brain cancer, and navigating pregnancy, all while being laid off from my job. It was during this time that I realized the power of community support and how we can turn our struggles into strengths. That resilience drives everything I do today.
At the heart of my work, I’m focused on building communities of connection and impact, whether in my career, volunteer roles, or through initiatives like Impact100 Cleveland. I’m not just looking to make a difference, I’m focused on helping others do the same.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for those just starting out is to embrace the journey, trust the process, and don’t be afraid to take risks, even the ones that feel a little scary. There will be setbacks, detours, and moments when doubt creeps in, especially the kind that whispers, “Who do you think you are?” That’s imposter syndrome talking, and it’s more common than you think. Push through it anyway. Remind yourself that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
One of the most empowering shifts for me was adopting the mindset: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Waiting for permission or the perfect moment will hold you back. Believe in your vision, take ownership, and keep showing up. Resilience, confidence, and community will carry you farther than perfection ever could.
Pricing:
- If you are a women who would like to join Impact100 Cleveland, it is $1,000 membership donation that will go straight to our grants pool
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.impact100cleveland.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impact100cleveland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/impact100cleveland
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact100cleveland
