Resilient Leadership: Rena Whittaker’s Journey from Survivor to Changemaker

In this powerful episode of Hiring For Good, Rena Whittaker—executive coach, author, and founder of Being Tribal—shares her transformative journey from a childhood marked by the trauma of sexual abuse to a celebrated career at the highest levels of nonprofit leadership. Her story is a testament to how personal resilience can drive professional success and inspire lasting change.

Rena turned the pain of her early experiences into a lifelong commitment to personal growth and authentic leadership. She speaks candidly about the importance of confronting shame and healing from within, encouraging leaders to do the inner work necessary to lead with empathy, strength, and clarity.

Out of this healing process, Rena developed her signature TRIBAL principles—Trust, Respect, Investment, Belonging, Accountability, and Leadership. These values are the foundation of Being Tribal, her mission-driven venture that empowers individuals and teams to lead with purpose, authenticity, and compassion.

With more than two decades of experience as a philanthropy executive and community changemaker, Rena has revitalized organizations and built strong, mission-aligned coalitions. During her tenure as Executive Director at both Emanuel Medical Center Foundation and Good Samaritan Foundation, she was known for her ability to unite teams around a shared vision and spark meaningful, collective action.

In addition to her executive leadership, Rena is a sought-after keynote speaker who has inspired audiences across the U.S. and internationally. Her insights into trauma-informed leadership, community-building, and personal transformation resonate deeply with leaders across sectors.

Today, as an author, speaker, and corporate trainer, Rena continues to guide individuals and organizations through the complexities of growth and leadership. Her work centers on the power of embracing one’s story, recognizing innate gifts, and living with intention—all in service of becoming the best version of oneself and uplifting others in the process.

It was a true honor to host Rena Whittaker on Hiring For Good. Her wisdom, heart, and vision offer a blueprint for courageous leadership grounded in truth, healing, and hope.

Rena’s Bio

Rena Whittaker is the author of BeingTribal: Practicing Life in One Degree Shifts. She has coached individuals and corporate leaders to cultivate purposeful tribes for nearly a decade. Rena’s commitment to coaching and mentoring throughout her career has helped transform herself and others through her passionate belief that “anything is truly possible.” 

When you get to know Rena, you quickly realize that you are at the heart of her mission. You haven’t even met her yet, and she is already in your corner. She will tell you that “We are all in this together” and “I got you, babe.”

“Rena is an Author, Speaker, and Expert in Building Purposeful Tribes.

She is a powerhouse of wisdom and kindness, and that is how you would describe Rena at first glance, and when you begin working with her, you realize she is so much more. She helps you become your own biggest advocate and believe in yourself again.” Abigail C. – Client 

Rena works with women worldwide to do something they have rarely done before – put themselves first. Her passion is to guide women into a self-full mindset, to design a path of greatness toward achieving their personal and professional goals. Her methodology is to help women create purposeful tribes in a culture of empowerment and advancement without competition.   

Rena also serves as an executive coach, guiding leaders and their teams through fear and uncertainty. She essentially helps teams transform into Tribes as they develop a deep sense of trust and respect together while discarding guilt, shame, and resentment, which often paralyze teams into stagnation. Together, the tribes move forward with positive visioning, team agreements, and authentic belonging, all in empowering themselves as individuals and the tribe together. 

Rena and her husband Bryan reside in Oregon and have six grown children and nine grandchildren. She loves to cook for her family and friends, paint, bake elaborate cakes, and enjoy the outdoors.