Meet the Board: An Interview with Carrie Godwin

Tell us a little about yourself — what’s your background, and what lights you up outside of work?

I worked in local government for many years before leaving to start my own business a few years ago. My business is in the hospitality industry, and I love being able to help create experiences and memories for people. I’m a mom of two wonderful little boys! We love being outside - exploring, hiking, and finding moments of beauty in nature. Those experiences remind me of what’s most important: presence, curiosity, and gratitude.

What inspired you to join the board of The Sunrise Coalition?

Kaitlin is someone who I respect deeply and I was so inspired by her vision for The Sunrise Coalition. Through my own experiences I am so aware of how the well-being of women shapes the strength of families and communities. Joining Sunrise felt like a way to help create the kind of change I want my sons to grow up seeing

In your view, what makes The Sunrise Coalition’s approach to women’s health unique?

Its approach honors women’s experiences and partners with diverse care providers to meet women where they are. It’s not about “fixing” women but about restoring trust, community, and accessibility in healthcare. That holistic, collaborative model is powerful and rare.

What part of our mission resonates most deeply with you — and why?

The idea of healing at the beginning of the journey moves me deeply. So often, women are asked to endure pain or silence their intuition until a crisis forces change.

How do you see the impact of The Sunrise Coalition growing over the next few years?

I see Sunrise becoming a catalyst for cultural change in our community; expanding partnerships and empowering women to advocate for their own care. The ripple effect of that transformation extends beyond healthcare, it nurtures healthier families, workplaces, and communities.

How do you take care of yourself or practice community care in your own life?

For me, self-care and community care intertwine. I care for myself through time in nature and movement, but also through connection, sharing meals, checking in with friends, being part of something larger than myself. That sense of belonging is its own kind of medicine.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about women’s health or community care?

That women’s health is community health. When women are supported physically, emotionally, and systemically families thrive, workplaces flourish, and society strengthens. Investing in women’s wellness benefits everyone.

What values guide your decisions and leadership?

Integrity, empathy, and curiosity. I try to lead with compassion while staying grounded in purpose. I believe in asking thoughtful questions, listening deeply, and making decisions that align with love and long-term impact.

If you could describe The Sunrise Coalition in one word, what would it be — and why?

Illuminating. Because Sunrise brings light to the gaps in care, to women’s stories, and to the possibilities of a more compassionate system.

How does your personal story connect with Sunrise’s mission?

As a mother and as a woman, I’ve experienced firsthand how vital it is to feel seen and supported in health and life transitions. I’ve also seen how women’s wellness shapes the tone of a family - when we feel whole, our children and communities feel it too. Sunrise embodies that belief.

What do you think needs to shift in the way our culture approaches women’s health?

We need to move from dismissal to deep listening, from reaction to prevention, and from fragmentation to holistic care. Women’s health should honor both science and story; data and intuition.

What do you hope your role on the board helps bring to life within the organization?

I hope to contribute a perspective that bridges community, storytelling, and strategic growth. Helping Sunrise share its message with more people while staying grounded in its heart-centered mission.

How do you see community partnerships playing a role in the movement for equitable care?

Community partnerships are where transformation takes root. When healthcare providers, educators, advocates, and families collaborate, we create systems that truly reflect and serve women’s lived realities.

What does thriving — personally, collectively, or systemically — look like to you?

Thriving means living in alignment where individuals, families, and systems all support each other’s well-being. It’s when health care feels human, when women feel safe to speak, and when every child grows up watching that kind of care modeled.

Coffee or tea — and your favorite way to start the morning?

Coffee. Probably way too much of it.

What song, quote, or book best represents this season of your life?

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles 💛