Board Fellows places Net Impact Boston members on nonprofit boards as non-voting, but participating members for year-long fellowships. The program brings valuable business skills to nonprofits, while exposing Fellows to nonprofit management and governance in practice. Board Fellows and host organizations are matched according to organization need, professional experience, and mission interest alignment.
Learn more about the Board Fellows program from volunteer Elizabeth Jenkins, working with Families for Depression Awareness.
Tell us a little bit about yourself - both your personal and professional background.
I grew up in upstate NY and then went to college in Philadelphia at St. Joseph's University. After college I moved to Cuernavaca, Mexico for a year where I worked as a Communications Officer and an international volunteer at an organization called Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH). When I returned back to the US I worked in marketing at a national retail corporation but soon found myself back at NPH working in fundraising at their office in Boston. I left that to travel Central and South America for 3 months with my husband and two friends which was the experience of a lifetime. When we returned home I started grad school at Brandeis University where I earned my Master's in Sustainable International Development. I am now working at a job I love with Creative Associates International.
What drew you to the board fellows program?
I was drawn to the board fellows program because I have some familiarity with non-profit boards through my work at NPH. I have long been interested in gaining board experience and was really excited to find this opportunity. I hope to one day be an official member of a non-profit board and have the opportunity to give my time and talents to support a non-profit organization in a bigger way.
Tell us about the nonprofit you are working with?
I am working with Families For Depression Awareness, a non-profit dedicated to helping families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder to get people well and prevent suicides.
What are the key issues you’re hoping to help the organization with during the program?
I am hoping to help the organization launch a new fundraising program to help support the important work they do. My hopes are that this program helps them to engage donors and ensure life-long giving.
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the program so far?
So far, my biggest takeaway has been learning more about how their board is run and how non-profit board members can better engage with the organizations they support. It's been a great learning experience.
Do you have any top tips for someone who’s interested in applying to the board fellows program?
My tip is to be sure to reach out, connect with organizations you're interested in, and don't be afraid to share your passions and interests with them!