Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Yuma.
Hi Kathryn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Prior to joining Hearts & Horses, I worked on a capital campaign to build and replace a nonprofit teaching hospital in Austin, TX, where I managed fundraising campaigns and events while cultivating meaningful relationships with donors throughout the hospital network.
When my husband and I moved to Northern Colorado, we happened to drive past the Hearts & Horses ranch on our way to Carter Lake. Intrigued by the organization and its mission, I looked it up and discovered an opening for a Development Manager, which proved to be the perfect opportunity.
At the time, Hearts & Horses had never had a dedicated development professional on staff. I was hired to establish the Development & Communications Department and create the systems, strategies, and relationships needed to support long-term growth.
Over the past seven years, she has helped significantly expand and diversify the organization’s funding, strengthening annual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, special events, and communications. Today, as Director of Development & Communications, I lead a team focused on connecting generous supporters with the Hearts & Horses’ mission.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any growing organization, it has not always been a smooth road. While I was fortunate to step into a mission that is incredibly easy to believe in, building a development program from the ground up came with its own challenges. When I started, there wasn’t an established fundraising infrastructure, so we were creating systems, processes, and strategies while also raising the resources needed to support a growing organization.
One of the biggest advantages, though, has always been the mission. I often tell prospective donors, “Stop me when you hear something you like.” Hearts & Horses serves children with disabilities, adults with special needs, veterans, first responders, youth at risk, and older adults living with dementia. Most people connect with at least one of those populations, and when they learn that horses are the catalyst for healing and growth, they immediately understand the impact.
The challenge has never been convincing people that the mission matters. The challenge has been keeping pace with the growing demand for our services and ensuring we have the sustainable funding to meet that need. Every year, we work to broaden our support base, engage new donors and partners, and build long-term philanthropic relationships so more people can experience the life-changing benefits of our programs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the Director of Development & Communications at Hearts & Horses, I have the privilege of connecting people with a mission that changes lives. My work spans fundraising strategy, donor relations, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, events, marketing, and communications, but at the heart of everything I do is building genuine relationships.
If there’s one thing I specialize in, it’s connecting with people. I’ve always been someone others feel comfortable talking to. Whether I’m meeting a donor for the first time, working with a volunteer, or collaborating with colleagues, I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and understanding what motivates them. Those conversations often become the foundation for meaningful, long-term relationships.
I’m also known for bringing a lot of energy to everything I do. No one has ever described me as quiet! I love creating enthusiasm around a cause, bringing people together, and helping others see the impact they can make.
What I’m most proud of, though, is my personal and professional growth over the past several years. Early in my career, I struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Like many people, I questioned whether I was experienced enough or capable enough. Over time, I’ve learned that confidence comes from showing up consistently, being willing to learn, and not letting the fear of failure stop me from trying something new.
Today, I trust myself much more than I used to. I know that if I’m willing to put in the work, stay curious, and remain focused, I can figure things out. That mindset has made me a stronger leader and a better fundraiser because I’m no longer driven by the fear of what others might think. Instead, I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a difference, build meaningful relationships, and help an organization I love continue to grow.
I think what sets me apart is that I lead with authenticity. People can tell when you’re genuinely interested in them, and I believe fundraising is ultimately about people, not transactions. When you invest in relationships first, everything else tends to follow.
What matters most to you? Why?
Without question, what matters most to me is my family. They are my foundation and the people who keep me grounded, no matter what life throws my way. I truly believe that if my relationships with the people I love are strong, I can handle just about any challenge that comes my way.
My family has always been my biggest source of encouragement and perspective. They celebrate the victories with me, help me navigate the setbacks, and remind me that my worth isn’t defined by my job or my accomplishments. Having that kind of support gives me the confidence to take risks, pursue ambitious goals, and keep moving forward even when things don’t go as planned.
While I’m passionate about my career and the work I do, success has never been just about professional achievements. At the end of the day, the moments that matter most are the ones spent with the people I love. Those relationships are what give everything else meaning, and they’re the reason I strive to be the best version of myself, both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heartsandhorses.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartsandhorses_loveland/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartsandhorsesloveland
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1547031/admin/dashboard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeartsHorsesColorado
