This month, I’m so pleased to introduce you to November’s Texas Strong Woman of the Month, my incredible friend Cathleen Wenger. This creative, fashion-savvy and philanthropic, working momma of three (with one more on the way) never ceases to amaze me with her dedication to her family, her church and her central Texas community.
Meet Cathleen Wenger
An Austin native, Cathleen actually lives in the same neighborhood she grew up in, with her husband and their expanding family. Continuing her parents’ legacy of Christ-centered servant-leadership, Cathleen works as a financial consultant–alongside her mother, Melissa–at Thrivent Financial and also volunteers as co-coordinator of the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) ministry at southwest Austin’s Bethany Lutheran, where her father has served as a pastor for many years.
Texas Strong Woman of the Month
Favorite title(s) for yourself
My favorite title is “Mom.” I also love being “wife,”“daughter,” “sister” and “friend.” My professional calling is “guide”—helping people navigate financial goals and challenges. I’m blessed to enjoy all of these titles.
Toughest lesson or challenge
I’m a perfectionist. It’s been difficult to learn that I can’t score 100 percent all the time in every aspect of my life.
If I’m doing great with my home life, I’m likely dropping a ball or two at work. If I’m acing work, I am likely neglecting a relationship or the laundry at home. But thankfully, I have gracious people in my life who accept my failures, forgive me, and encourage me.
Proudest accomplishment
My proudest accomplishment is my family. I am married to a wonderful man who works so hard and sacrifices so much to ensure that we have what we need. Our children are our greatest gifts, and it is so rewarding to watch them grow into unique individuals.
Role models or mentors
I have always looked up to my parents. My mom and dad have been servant leaders my entire life. They both look for needs and seek to meet them.
Your best advice for newbies
Ask for help!
Whether it be motherhood or your career, there’s no shame in asking for guidance and support from those who have already blazed the trail.
Personally and professionally, there are a number of mentors I rely upon for great advice and encouragement. There’s no reason to have to figure everything out for ourselves!
How you’re building community
I was blessed to be invited by a dear friend, Jayna Love, to join a MOPS group when our youngest was a toddler and I was pregnant with our second.
Hays Hills Baptist Church MOPS welcomed me and introduced me to a wonderful sorority of moms. That group was so successful that they needed a new location where they could expand, and Bethany Lutheran—my home church—was willing to host a new group. It was such a blessing to be able to help launch a new MOPS group with Jayna and a fabulous group of other moms at Bethany three years ago.
I count these women among my closest friends, and we want to encourage more moms in our area to join us. Motherhood can be such an overwhelming and lonely experience—we want moms to know we have a community of support just for you!
Quote or verse you live by
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite nonprofits you support
I believe that everything we have is a gift from God, and I want to give Him “first fruits.”
My philosophy of stewardship comes from modeling by my parents, and my dad’s parents before them. In practice, this can be difficult as there are so many “needs” and “wants” competing for our resources. It’s easy to let the new furniture, the vacation, or the shopping spree supplant my well-meaning charitable intent if I do not commit to it constantly. With that said, I consider it a great blessing to be able to tithe as an expression of my faith.
When we give to others, we are not thinking of ourselves. We are saying to God that we know He will continue to provide for our every need.
Brent and I support our church, Bethany Lutheran. We also support Austin-based nonprofits, Upbring and Water to Thrive. This year, I met another great group—Austin Angels—and look forward to continuing to support their efforts to help foster children.