One of the many joys of being a consultant is the exposure to a wide range of organizations, missions, and ways of doing business. Because we’re not tied to just one client or sector, we’re constantly learning, growing, and building a broader network—and that has been an unforeseen gift.

In addition to all I learn about an organization’s work, I deeply value the relationships that grew from the engagement. Being a consultant doesn’t just expand your knowledge—it expands your social capital. I get the chance to connect with smart, driven, and mission-minded professionals who care about making the world a better place. Those connections can be short term and, in many cases, become longer meaningful relationships.

DarkSky International Team members during a visit to Tucson, AZ

During the past six months, I had the privilege of working alongside Lana Baldwin of Alexander | Carrillo in support of DarkSky International—a truly remarkable organization headquartered in Tucson, with team members located across the U.S. and even around the globe.

The Tucson Development Team members with Executive Director Ruskin Hartley, Chief Development Director, Sarah Martin, & Consultants Lana Baldwin and Phoebe Chalk-Wadsworth

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with their entire team and specifically their passionate development and engagement staff. Most of our collaboration took place virtually, but we also had a few meaningful in-person moments in Tucson. Every interaction reflected the deep care and commitment this team has to their mission of reducing light pollution and protecting the night.

If you’re unfamiliar, light pollution is the human-made alteration of natural outdoor light levels. I learned that light pollution can:

Destroy critical wildlife habitats
Waste energy and money
Harms human health
Decrease safety and security
Robs us of our night sky heritage
Inhibits scientific research

Thankfully, DarkSky International is tackling these issues through education, advocacy, and programs rooted in the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting:

Useful – Light only when and where it’s needed
Targeted – Direct light to minimize glare and spill
Low Levels – Use the lowest light levels necessary
Controlled – Use timers, sensors, and shields
Warm Colored – Choose lighting with minimal blue light

I also discovered that there are nearly 250 certified Dark Sky Places around the world, communities and parks that have adopted policies to preserve and protect the night through responsible lighting and public education. These organizations have been certified by DarkSky International.

It was a joy to spend time with this inspiring team and learn so much about the impact of light on our world. This experience is a great example of why I love the work I do, being a consultant allows me to engage with meaningful causes while continuously evolving my own perspective, practice, and relationships.

Phoebe Chalk-Wadsworth and Nicole Rose, CFO of DarkSky International

Thank you, DarkSky International, for the work you do—and for letting me be part of it. This Week marks International Dark Sky Week – check out this video

Shout out to DarkSky International

Lessons in Gratitude