Meet Cat Lockman | Nonprofit Leader and Community Safety Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cat Lockman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cat, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I’m a big believer in planning, persistence, and the power of baby steps. I’ve always been drawn to frameworks like Franklin Covey’s—tools that help turn big dreams into daily actions. Whether it’s a major life change or a long-term goal, breaking it down into manageable steps has been my compass. Progress isn’t always dramatic, and inspiration doesn’t always show up on schedule—but discipline does. I’ve learned that even when motivation wavers, showing up and sticking to the plan moves the needle. Over time, those small, consistent efforts compound into something meaningful. We can climb mountains with baby steps.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Over the past two decades, I’ve built a career at the intersection of fundraising, organizational leadership, and peacebuilding—working across sectors and around the world as both a staff leader and a consultant. What has always anchored my work is a deep commitment to impact: bringing in resources not just for the sake of growth, but to help communities prevent violence, foster connection, and open doors to opportunity through education, jobs, and belonging. I’m proud to say that my expertise spans both the strategic side—resource development, donor engagement, capacity-building—and the human side, as a peacebuilding practitioner dedicated to social change.

Like many women, I’ve had to navigate spaces that weren’t always built with me in mind. From operating in male-dominated fields to adapting across global cultures, I’ve learned to lead with both grit and grace. Along the way, I’ve climbed the career ladder step by step—through persistence, learning, and a refusal to shrink in the face of challenge. My story is one of steady growth, purpose-driven leadership, and lifting others as I rise. Mentorship, especially for women and underrepresented voices, has become part of my brand—my personal way of doing good in the world. Because to me, success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about who you bring with you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My Detroit Favorites: A Long Weekend (Plus One) in the D

When I want to experience the best of the Detroit metro area, I mix a little art, nature, vintage shopping, global eats—and, of course, music. Here’s how I’d spend four ideal days soaking up everything I love about this city:

Day 1: Culture + Cocktails
Start at the Detroit Institute of Arts—I never tire of the Rivera murals or the quiet beauty of the galleries. After a dose of inspiration, catch a show at Detroit Public Theatre, then wrap the night with a beautifully crafted cocktail at Parq, one of my favorite places to unwind in style and then visit the Riverwalk for views.

Day 2: Nature, Sculpture + Style
Spend the morning wandering the trails at Cranbrook, where nature and outdoor sculpture blend into a peaceful retreat. Then head to Royal Oak or Eastern Market for vintage shopping—you never know what unique pieces you’ll find. Dinner is a toss-up between Le Suprême (if I’m craving elegance) or The Statler for that classic Detroit glamour.

Day 3: Architecture, Global Flavors + Coffee
Start with a stroll through the opulent Fisher Building, a masterpiece of art deco design. Then head to Dearborn for some of the best Mediterranean cuisine around—shwarma, tabbouleh, and rich hummus are a must. I always wrap up with a visit to a Yemeni coffee shop, where the cardamom coffee is magic in a cup.

Day 4: All That Jazz (and Opera, Too)
Detroit’s music scene feeds my soul. I love to settle in for live jazz at Cliff Bell’s, where the vibe is stylish, and timeless. On the east side, Cadieux Café offers quirky charm and great live music, often with a local twist. And for the grand finale? A performance at the Detroit Opera House or Orchestra Hall—both world-class venues that remind me just how much art and talent live in this city.

Bonus Beauty Spot: No trip feels complete without a moment at Belle Isle Park—whether it’s a riverside walk, a picnic, or just some quiet reflection.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the women who came before me—my mother, grandmother, and the maternal ancestors whose strength I carry forward.. I am the first woman in my family line to graduate from college, build a significant career, and reach a measure of financial independence. These milestones are not mine alone—they are the result of generations of women who worked tirelessly, often without recognition, carving a path through resilience, grit, and love. Their mentorship taught me how to be smart, how to be strong, and most importantly, how to keep climbing—even when the road is steep. Everything I am doing now is, in many ways, a continuation of their unfinished dreams.

Website: https://globalpeace.org

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