Opportunity Welcomes New Board of Governors Chair
Carey Lindeman, Opportunity International’s new Chair of the Board of Governors, first connected with Opportunity because of a simple invitation. “I heard about a summer garden party at Muffy McMillan’s home, and I decided to go,” she recalled. There, she learned about Opportunity’s mission and reconnected with a longtime friend who suggested she join the Women Warriors, a group of Opportunity supporters in Carey’s home city of Minneapolis.
“It’s funny how these things happen,” Carey recalled. “Looking back, it was all very God-driven.”
As a longtime business owner, Carey spent two decades building and growing companies, always with a heart for service. But her professional life had largely centered on clients who could afford her services. She had long wanted to give back and considered launching a nonprofit, but the idea of starting her own organization felt daunting. “I didn’t know enough,” she explained. “But then I learned about Opportunity’s mission, and it spoke directly to my heart. It felt like exactly what I’d been looking for without knowing it.”
As an entrepreneur, Carey immediately resonated with the experiences of the people Opportunity serves. “I kept going back to how I got started in my business,” she said. “I didn’t have a lot, but I had an idea and a community that came around me. So many people don’t have those resources or connections—they don’t have a way to find them or get them. That’s where I wanted to help.”
Diving Deeper into Opportunity’s Mission
Philanthropy and service have always been key parts of Carey’s life. She’s supported Tubman, an organization providing shelter and resources for women in violent situations; she’s also been involved with the Women’s Club of Minneapolis, Junior League, and arts programs for children. “These were smaller ways of giving back,” she reflected. “Now, I’m at a point in my life where I want to dive a little deeper.”
This desire to get more involved led Carey to join the Board of Governors, and has now driven her to chair our community of dedicated supporters across the United States.
“I can’t wait to meet people all over the country who are involved in this mission,” she shared. “And I have lots of big ideas!”
For example, not long after getting involved with Opportunity, Carey organized a retail shopping weekend during which participating stores donated 15% of their profits. “It was so much fun,” she shared. “I’d love to do more of that—not just in Minneapolis. My hope is to create community-based initiatives that can be replicated in other cities. I love the idea of starting small. One person tells another person—it doesn’t have to be a big, splashy thing. You just get started in a community and build momentum as you go.”
Though she’s relatively new to Opportunity’s Board of Governors, Carey already feels inspired by the community she’s joined. “It’s such a great group,” she said. “Everyone I’ve met has a gentle spirit.”
Looking ahead, she’s excited to travel with Opportunity, connect with people across the country, and help spark new energy in community initiatives.
Carey finds herself inspired by every aspect of Opportunity’s work—from microfinance to girls’ education. “My problem is that everything sounds amazing!” she laughed. With her entrepreneurial mindset, heart for service, and passion for bringing people together, Carey embodies the spirit of Opportunity: visionary, generous, and boldly committed to making the world a better place.
Want to meet like-minded philanthropists, learn more about global poverty, expand your network, and deepen your impact on clients around the world? Learn more about Opportunity International's Board of Governors here.