What does it take to build a lasting legacy without burning out in the process? In this episode of The Black Woman’s Confidant, Dr. Nicole sits down with Carmen James Randolph, founding President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS). With nearly three decades of trailblazing work in philanthropy, Carmen is leading the charge to build a permanent endowment supporting Black and Brown women and girls across 13 Southern states.
Drawing from her personal journey into high-stakes philanthropy, Carmen shares how she leverages her connections to mobilize funders, reshape systems, and direct critical resources into underserved Southern communities. But more than just funding, Carmen brings a vital message for every high-achieving leader: rest is non-negotiable.
If you are a change maker trying to impact your community without sacrificing your own well-being, this conversation is your blueprint for sustainable leadership.
About Carmen James Randolph
Carmen James Randolph, founding president & CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS), is leading efforts to build a permanent endowment for women and girls of color across 13 Southern states. With nearly 30 years in philanthropy, Carmen is guided by the power of sisterhood to support, nurture, and amplify one another. Building on this core value, she continually partners with other women in philanthropy to mobilize funders and drive systems change.
Key Points
00:18 Introduction
1:00 Philanthropy in the community
3:00 Carmen’s journey with philanthropy
6:30 People are always watching
7:30 Avoiding burnout in philanthropy
9:00 Standing in the buffer
11:00 Philanthropy can be similar to the C-suite
12:30 Understanding the community you serve
14:00 Bringing your experience to philanthropy
15:30 Decision making power is not usually in our hands
16:30 Bringing resources to the south
17:45 What Women’s Foundation of The South Does
19:30 State cohort programs
22:00 Rest is an action
23:30 Caring too deeply
24:30 Your body will force you to rest
26:00 Rest should be non negotiable
28:00 Dr. Nicole’s past with overworking
30:00 You have to rest, so you can dream
33:00 We could be much more productive if we weren’t burnt out
33:30 What states Women’s Foundation of The South is in
34:00 Pay attention to the south
35:00 Making sure the work is resourced
37:00 Where you can find info about Women’s Foundation of The South
38:00 Conclusion
Episode Resources
Follow Carmen on Instagram @cjrandolph12
Follow Carmen on Facebook @Carmen.Lane.79
Follow Carmen on LinkedIn @Carmen James Randoph
Visit the Women’s Foundation of The South site: WomensFoundationSouth.org
Connect with Dr. Nicole
Follow the Podcast @theblackwomansconfidant
Follow Dr. Nicole on Instagram @drnicolepsych
Follow Dr. Nicole on Facebook Dr. Nicole Psych
Follow Dr. Nicole on X @drnicolepsych
Follow Dr. Nicole on tik tok @drnicolepsych
#Philanthropy #WomenInLeadership #WomensFoundationOfTheSouth #Sisterhood #BurnoutPrevention #RestIsRevolutionary #BlackWomansConfidant
