Carol Klocek | Women of Impact 2025

CAROL KLOCEK

CEO

Center for Transforming Lives

I’ve been the CEO of the Center for Transforming Lives for 16 years, and I’ve been in social services focused on children and families in poverty for 35 years, primarily in Tarrant County.
Our work addresses the root causes of poverty and homelessness, providing essential services and education to break the intergenerational cycles of poverty and trauma, using a two-generation approach.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

Because the drive to do the work only grows and gets more exciting.

Biggest challenges in my career

Getting through COVID stronger and better as an organization and successfully completing a $40M capital campaign for the new Riverside campus, which officially opens May 2025.

My first job and what it taught me

My first job was working concessions at a pool at 13. It gave me a sense of freedom, control and independence.

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Center for Transforming Lives.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

The women and children whose lives we change and my incredible team.

Best career moment so far

Being told by women that we serve that they see me as their inspiration. I’ve made it despite coming from a similar background — they can do it, too.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Working knowledge of construction terminology and how to care for 100-year-old buildings.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Yoga.

Best advice I ever received

Keep a list of things not to do.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Working in the nonprofit world is much the same as the business world. You work as hard, just with fewer resources.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Go back to the plan.

IN THE DETAILS