Strategies for Success for FriendshipWorks
Caroline Kung first learned of FriendshipWorks through a Harvard Business School program that connects alumni with local non-profit organizations seeking pro bono strategic advisory. She had been looking to get more involved in the community during the pandemic and found herself drawn to FriendshipWorks’ mission to provide social connection to older adults who are feeling isolated. She joined the Board about a year later. “I see a lot of opportunity with FriendshipWorks to make a meaningful impact on older adults in Boston who don’t know where to go for help.”
Professionally, Caroline loves strategizing how to make businesses successful. As an investor at a private equity firm, she believes the principles that apply to her for-profit business clients would also make non-profits more successful, impactful, and sustainable. She hopes to adapt philosophies and proven best practices to help FriendshipWorks grow and touch even more older adults in a meaningful way.
As a Board member, Caroline brings a practical and results-driven perspective, and steps up where her skills and experience are most relevant, particularly with the Finance Committee. She was also very excited to be part of the planning committee for a Board retreat where members look at FriendshipWorks as it is today, and map out a strategic path for the future. She’d like to see FriendshipWorks set a goal to reach 5% of Boston’s 60,000 older adults living alone within 5 years. “Let’s touch more seniors with the FriendshipWorks’ magic.”
On a personal level, the FriendshipWorks’ mission resonates with Caroline because of her own family experiences. She recalls that caring for her aging grandparents took a toll on her mom, and Caroline wonders what will happen when her own parents get older. “There’s not just physical caregiving, but also the emotional aspect of companionship and community, which is essential to the human experience.”
In life outside work and the Board, Caroline prioritizes nurturing relationships with her family and friends. She also enjoys tennis and pickleball, wine, dance, and reading, although she says that she mostly finds herself running after her very active and talkative toddler.
