Celebrating Western Montana Women Nonprofit Leaders

March is Women’s History Month – a time dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of women throughout history. We are seizing the moment to recognize the leadership of women in the nonprofit sphere. Women, who make up 73% of the nonprofit workforce according to Nonprofit Quarterly, are shaping the sector with their dedication and passion, and driving positive change for the health of communities across Western Montana.

In this blog, we spotlight some of the nonprofit heroines of Western Montana. Featuring 5 extraordinary women whose organizations we proudly partner with, we explore their leadership motivations by asking the question, “What drives your leadership for your organization and cause?” Their responses inspire us and amplify the vital role that women play in sparking meaningful change through nonprofits.

Nicole Callahan, Program Director, Friends of the Children- Flathead Nation

“I am driven by a deep commitment to breaking generational cycles and creating opportunities for children and families to thrive. At Friends of the Children, I’ve seen how long-term mentorship transforms lives. I believe every child deserves stability, support, and belonging—regardless of their circumstances. Lasting change occurs through relationships, advocacy, and persistence. My work focuses on ensuring that the next generation has the resources and guidance to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. It’s not just about today; it’s about shaping a future where every child and family can succeed.”

Claire Muller, Executive Director, Seeley Lake Community Foundation

“Seeley Lake has captured my heart. This weird, beautiful, unincorporated community inspires me to give my best back to it. I believe the Seeley Lake Community Foundation has unlimited potential, and that people—both here and beyond—want it to succeed. I lead with a vision of embodying, not just talking about, the kind of leadership I wish there were more of—grounded, capable, loving, and alive. Like the Three Sisters in Braiding Sweetgrass, I see Seeley Lake as a vibrant, intertwined community. My role is to make the beloved community real by living as if it already exists.” 

Nicole Gomez, Justice Initiative Director, Catalyst MT

“I’ve worked on criminal legal reform for over a decade, and in many ways, it feels like everything is criminal legal reform. Rather than investing in programs that address hunger, mental illness, substance use disorder, housing, and poverty, lawmakers treat jails and prisons as a cruel catch-all. My previous work at Free Verse bringing creative writing programs to incarcerated kids exposed the brutality of jailing children for trying to survive. It drew me to Catalyst Montana, where we build power with low-income people for systemic change. My hope is that we can live in a Montana where there is justice, safety, and dignity for everyone — not just those with resources and power.”

Cecily Whitworth, Executive Director, Montana Family ASL

“I work to create a more equitable and inclusive world by increasing deaf children’s access to language and resources. I want to see deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families be fluently bilingual in both signed and spoken languages, with families raising children who are happy members of both the deaf and the hearing communities, and local communities that are fully accessible to all of the people who live in them.”

Heidi Wallace, Executive Director, EmpowerMT

“A deep belief in community, connection, and justice drives my leadership. As a sixth-generation non-Indigenous Montanan, daughter, mother, sister, auntie, and ally, I feel a profound responsibility and fierce urgency to model and foster equity and belonging. I’ve come to understand that true leadership requires a delicate balance of strength and humility—particularly as a white cisgender woman serving as Executive Director of an organization dedicated to creating a just and inclusive society. Guided by mentors and young leaders and working alongside brilliant, courageous, and dedicated colleagues, I strive to embody equity-centered leadership and foster environments where everyone’s strengths contribute to our collective impact.”

Thank you to these five incredible leaders, all the women making a difference through nonprofits across our state and our world. This Women’s History Month, join us in amplifying the women in our communities and celebrating their achievements!