We hired Kristen through a competitive process to help Habitat for Humanity International design a new practicum fellowship program funded by USAID-BHA (U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance). She reached out to multiple external and internal stakeholders and provided a really insightful report that shaped the practicum fellowship in a way that made it more inclusive, focusing on the experience of the fellows, and ensuring that the program accounted for mechanisms to ensure successful engagement and learning. Without her work, we would probably have faced way too many issues, as she was able to steer the program in a direction that allowed it to be both feasible and meaningful. She was also able to have informed conversations with the donor to ensure that they were onboard with the adjustments proposed. I would fully recommend Kristen if your organization is aiming to increase its impact on youth engagement and professional development through internships or fellowships though Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility.

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-Irantzu (Iru) Serra Lasa, Sr. Director, Disaster Risk Reduction and Response, Habitat for Humanity International, November 2023

Kristen Hecht is an exceptional coach and facilitator! Through her sessions with Girl Security, we gained profound insights – both individually and collectively – making us stronger and more collaborative as a team. What truly sets Kristen apart is the wide range of tools she brings to her sessions. Whether it’s visualization exercises, graphics, music, discussion, engaging activities, breath work, somatic release, or asking thought-provoking questions, she skillfully adapts in the moment to meet the needs of the group. Kristen creates the perfect balance between providing structure and giving us the freedom to explore our thoughts. Her approach is dynamic, engaging, and transformative. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to deepen their self-awareness, leverage their strengths, or make meaningful progress on their goals.

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-Jorhena Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, Girl Security

Kristen embodies a unique blend of strengths that make her a standout in the leadership development field. As a connector and collaborator, Kristen excels in bridging diverse perspectives and stakeholders. I’ve had the personal pleasure of working with her on several initiatives, particularly the 2020 Fellowship Industry Report, which benefited from her insightful questions and rigorous research.

Kristen brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of evolving trends and best practices in leadership development and social impact. She is reliable, inclusive, personable, and professional.

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-John Cape, Chief Program Officer, Global Health Corps

Kristen Hecht is a transformational leader who, as a dedicated National Council member, helped the United Nations Association of the USA advance its mission by sharing her expertise on policy making and DEI strategies. Additionally, she represented the organization as a delegate to the 61st Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York and the 2023 World Federation of United Nations Associations in Tbilisi, Georgia. In these roles, she participated in advance research and planning, collaborated with other delegates, engaged with international attendees on pressing global topics, and spoke on follow-up panels to share her experience and increase awareness of the vital work of the United Nations. Kristen is thoughtful and intentional in how she engages people and programs and has risen to the top of my advisory circle. If you are looking for a thought leader who will always be real with you, I recommend that you work with Kristen Hecht.  

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–Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of UNA-USA, United Nations Foundation

Kristen’s impact on my journey during and after the Columbia World Project’s Social Impact Fellowship has been nothing short of transformative. Before the fellowship, I found myself standing at a crossroads, uncertain about which area – sustainability, gender equity, poverty, or immigration – I should channel my efforts into to make a long-term impact. Kristen’s guidance not only helped me navigate this complex terrain but also empowered me to uncover the values that resonate most deeply within me, guiding my decision-making and shaping my purpose. In the difficulty of defining my long-term goals, Kristen’s insights provided clarity, making the future feel less daunting and more like an exciting journey filled with possibilities and growth.

Kristen’s incredible energy and exceptional leadership played a crucial role in cultivating a fellowship environment that transcended mere learning. She curated and led many workshops, with some of my favorites being the Values-Based Leadership and Identifying Your Purpose sessions. They went beyond imparting knowledge; they created a space where shared goals and values became the bedrock for meaningful connections with my fellow peers and helped me understand myself better. Kristen’s commitment to fostering collaboration, transparency, and openness was evident in workshops centered around effective networking and relationship building. These workshops included engaging activities that helped me gain practice and reduce my anxiety related to networking. Additionally, the weekly reflection activities deepened my understanding and served as practical tools for applying insights gained throughout the program. I also appreciated Kristen’s insights into her own professional and personal trajectory. Her dedication and passion are exceptional and inspiring. Thanks to her unwavering support, I now feel not only equipped but also very inspired to navigate the intricate paths of both career and life decisions with newfound confidence.

Kristen helped make my experience as a Social Impact Fellow extend beyond being educational; it was a transformative journey that served as a beacon, guiding me toward becoming a future leader dedicated to advancing women’s equality and gender equity. Kristen’s influence has left an indelible mark, shaping not just my professional trajectory but also instilling a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the fellowship itself. Anyone fortunate enough to have her as part of a project, organization, or as a mentor is truly lucky.

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-Johanna Martinez, 2022-2023 Social Impact Fellow, Columbia World Projects at Columbia University

Attending Kristen’s “Visioning” workshop in January was a pivotal moment for me, wherein Kristen created a space for participants to reflect on the previous year, honor where they were presently, and set intentions for the year ahead.

Reflecting on the highs and lows of the previous year helped me to find clarity and rediscover my worth amidst personal and professional challenges. In one activity, she had us write down something negative that we wanted to release, then physically toss it away. The physical demonstration of this activity (writing, thinking, sharing, and supporting) helped to re-till the clouded soil I had in my mind and plant the seeds that were needed for new growth.

Her guidance inspired me to pray more, invest in relationships, and commit to personal growth through books, mentorship, and therapy. As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I carry with me the resilience and insights her workshop instilled. Thank you, Kristen, for being a beacon of positivity and growth in my life!

-Gabriel, “New Year Visioning” workshop participant

As a career coach and leadership development trainer, Kristen supported me through the uncertainty of exploring different career paths and looking for potential next steps in my academic career in the public health field.

The “Identifying Your Purpose” workshop proved invaluable, assisting me in delineating my unique strengths, values, and passions that seamlessly align with my overarching academic goals in public health. Additionally, the workshops focusing on enhancing networking skills have significantly improved my confidence in engaging with mentors and potential employers.

Kristen’s guidance equipped me with a diverse set of tools and resources that proved essential in gaining a deeper understanding of myself and charting a course for the future.

If you find yourself at a crossroads in your career or academic pursuits, Kristen is undoubtedly an invaluable resource who can provide the necessary support and insights to illuminate your path forward!

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-Alexandra Khodorova, 2023-2024 Social Impact Fellow, Columbia World Projects at Columbia University

I had the privilege of being a participant in the Columbia World Projects Fellowship Workshop this past summer, where I had the opportunity to learn from Kristen, who served as a consultant and facilitator for the inaugural cohort of the Columbia World Projects Social Impact Fellowship at Columbia University.

Kristen’s dedication to her work is unmatched. She brought a unique approach to our sessions, making complex content easily accessible through the use of visual imagery and personal anecdotes. Her ability to connect with the group on a personal level created an open and welcoming atmosphere, fostering meaningful conversations among us.

Not only did Kristen excel as a workshop facilitator, but she also played a pivotal role in designing and producing the workshop content. From Values-Based Leadership and co-creating group norms to developing job search strategies for the social sector and building a vibrant community, Kristen provided us with invaluable skills. She guided us through the intricacies of networking, imparted wisdom on resume and cover letter writing, and showed us how to reframe failures as opportunities for growth. Kristen also led weekly reflection activities to help us process and apply our newfound knowledge, and she shared best practices for navigating mentor relationships.

Furthermore, Kristen offered one-on-one coaching and guidance for students upon request, helping us navigate career and life decisions. Her multifaceted role as a Leadership Development Consultant and Coach is inspiring, and she has set a high standard as a professional and leader in her field.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Kristen as a mentor, colleague, and friend. Her multifaceted skills, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to social impact make her an asset to any organization or project. Kristen’s passion for what she does is infectious, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn under her guidance.

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-Julian Melo, 2022-2023 Social Impact Fellow, Columbia World Projects at Columbia University

As a young professional who was uncertain about her next career path earlier this year, I am glad that I made the decision to choose Kristen as my coach. She skillfully guided me through identifying my core strengths and skills and helping me align them with career pathways that best reflect my values. Her sessions were invaluable in supporting both my personal and professional growth, focusing on affirmative thinking, personal branding, and job interview preparation.

Looking back on this past year, I can attribute my increased self-confidence and clarity of purpose to her highly tailored workshops and exercises, which ultimately led me to secure my next job opportunity. Kristen’s patience, thoughtfulness, and expertise make her an exceptional coach. I wholeheartedly recommend her to those seeking guidance as they navigate crossroads in their life and career or need the additional support in achieving their goals.

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-Jessica Trowell, Coachee

​I’ve really appreciated the chance to work with Kristen as I’ve explored various life, career, and health transitions. Kristen has helped me to unlock the power of realizing my fuller potential. Through her thoughtful coaching, she helps people come alive.

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Before I started my coaching sessions with Kristen, I didn’t know what to expect from coaching and my relationship with her. However, after our first meeting, I knew it was one of the best decisions. Coaching was incredibly helpful for me as a second-semester senior in college, about to graduate and figuring out my post-graduate plans. With so much going on in my life, it was beneficial having Kristen to work through problems, share my successes, and gain a better understanding of myself. Coaching was an invaluable experience that I am grateful to have had since it opened my eyes to how I tackle issues and made me think about how to approach big life decisions.

Beyond the way Kristen helped me grow, she was also the best support system I could ask for. Although it’s easy to depend on family and close friends for help, I think it’s valuable to have an outside source of support without bias. Kristen is one of the kindest and most down-to-earth individuals. When I first started coaching, I thought of things that I knew I wanted to get out of it, but towards the end, we ended up tackling so many other things in my life that were pivotal in helping me grow. What I appreciated was her strong sense of intuition and picking up on the little things. What you might not think is that important, she may ask you more about it since it may hold more weight than you think. Lastly, I found her asking the tough questions to be of most value. There were many times when I had to give deep thought to a question Kristen asked, and I realized I had never thought of something that way.

Kristen is a genuine individual that truly cares about her clients and the work she does. I am so lucky to have had her help along my journey in college and postgraduate life. She is an invaluable tool to set you up for success in thinking deeply about yourself and what you want in life. She is there for you at your highs and lows and never judges when you need a good cry. Working with Kristen is one of the best decisions anyone can make, and I am glad to have met her this past year.

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-Sarah Velez, Alumna, Girl Security

I recently had the pleasure of working with Kristen as a coach, which was an incredibly insightful and confidence-boosting experience. One of the most helpful aspects was when Kristen asked me a simple yet profound question: ‘What’s one thing you can do?’ This question led me to discover not just one, but several actionable steps I could take to make progress on my goals. Moreover, having a neutral space to voice my ideas and start crafting a clear, positive vision for the future was incredibly relieving. I had been pondering these thoughts for quite some time, and finally being able to articulate them was truly empowering. Additionally, I found it thoughtful when Kristen took the time to identify and share follow-up resources with me. This level of dedication is a testament to her commitment to her clients’ success. Overall, I would recommend Kristen to anyone seeking a space to explore their ideas, set achievable goals, and take actionable steps towards a more fulfilling future.

-Carrie G., Coachee