Today we’d like to introduce you to Ileana Treviño & Mari Glass.
Hi Ileana & Mari, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
IVT ANSWER: After a 20+ year career in Development as the Vice Chancellor of Advancement for the University of Houston System and then as the CEO of the Memorial Hermann Foundation, I launched Treviño Consulting Group in 2016.
I had always known that I wanted to provide consulting services to the many, many not-for-profit organizations that are in Houston. I believed that I was in the unique position of not only providing solid consulting advice and guidance in the areas that allow a not-for-profit to grow and move to the next level, but I can share the first-hand experience that I had meeting revenue goals, executing Campaigns, managing successful events and recruiting one of the most productive Boards in the city.
MTG ANSWER: After graduating from UT-Austin, I worked at a national nonprofit organization while I simultaneously attended graduate school to receive my Master’s in Nonprofit Management. When Ileana and I started TCG eight years ago, it was a big career change for me. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work with a myriad of organizations in Houston, Texas and nationwide.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
IVT ANSWER: I don’t think starting any small business is without its challenges but honestly, the struggles have been what you would expect. Well, not entirely. COVID was completely unexpected. And we lost some revenue and some clients, but everyone demonstrated grace. Clients, Foundations, businesses, colleagues. Because we were all in this together. So, it has been a relatively smooth ride, and in eight years, we have grown exponentially.
MTG ANSWER: I don’t believe anything worthwhile is ever a smooth road. It has been exciting to face the challenges of starting a company – what services would we offer? at what point is it appropriate to strategically grow and bring on new team members? tactfully expand our presence in the community, etc? We have faced all the challenges that come with growing a company vs. organization and building our brand within the community.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Treviño Consulting Group (TCG) is a boutique firm designed to provide strategic consulting solutions that advance organizations and companies alike. TCG team members are professionals with expertise in Board governance, fundraising, advocacy, grant writing, Capital campaign planning and execution, media relations and communications, and positioning in the community. We pride ourselves on meeting clients where they are and helping them advance to the next level. Our mission is to be your partner in strategic growth.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
IVT ANSWER: I think that our industry will continue to grow – A LOT. There is such a demand in all the areas where not-for-profits exist – healthcare, education, the arts, social services- and they fill in where government cannot. I think the philanthropic side will just continue to grow more. People will continue to give of their time and treasure.
MTG ANSWER: One trend I am anticipating is more collaboration between nonprofits that aim to achieve similar missions. With more than 26,000 nonprofits in Houston alone, I hope to see nonprofits with similar goals be open to combining resources for the common good to ensure the largest community impact is achieved. With the “next generation” of givers, I expect a bigger push with social media marketing and fundraising efforts. Only time (and AI) will tell…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
trevinocg.com/contact - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/trevinoconsulting - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/company/trevino- consulting-group
Image Credits
Emily Gordon
TCG
