Hello
My name is Sarah Marx Poulain, LMFT, and I am the founder and principal consultant of Power Rising Consulting. I launched Power Rising out of a deep passion for nonprofit work and a commitment to helping organizations thrive. With 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I bring a collaborative approach to every project, always with a DEIB lens at the forefront of my work.
My Background
I began my nonprofit career as a mental health clinician, working directly with underserved and underrepresented populations in San Mateo County, CA. From the very start, I knew this work was my calling. Over the next 19 years, I transitioned from direct client care into organizational leadership, gaining valuable insights at every step. Each role I held deepened my expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, leadership, change management, finance, fund development, grants management, HR, and operations.
Throughout my journey, I have built a strong, experiential knowledge base, but perhaps the most valuable lesson I've learned is the power of relationship building, partnerships, and collaboration—both within and beyond the organizations I served. These experiences have uniquely positioned me to offer meaningful consultation and coaching, enabling nonprofit teams to thrive and achieve lasting impact.