When asked, “What is your mission?” I feel the weight of the question. As a 21-year-old embedded in the process of figuring out who I am, who I want to become, and how to get there, the answer isn’t always clear—and to be honest, it can feel quite intimidating. That said, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been in spaces that support that exploration, and ROI Solutions has been one of the most formative. While I may not have a single, definitive answer just yet, I’ve been doing the work—and that, in itself, feels like progress.
I was fortunate to grow up in a family that valued volunteering and giving back to your community, and I have made a conscious effort to carry that mindset into adulthood. I walk through the world grounded in the belief that it is my duty both personally and professionally to give back, and in recent years, I’ve been on a nonprofit sector career journey to figure out what that means for me. Now on my second summer at ROI Solutions, interning at another local nonprofit, and entering my final year of undergrad, I’m starting to find my footing as I enter this space I have long admired and aspired to join. There have certainly been a lot of changes in this sector within the past year, but it only makes me more eager to step into a field so full of purpose, passion, and care for humanity.
When I first toured the college I now attend, I sat in on a mock Communication Studies class where a professor spoke about the nonprofit communication program—specifically, a course where students run a book drive for under-resourced elementary schools. That moment stuck with me. I knew right then that this was the program for me. This past fall, I was lucky enough to take that very class, bringing things full circle. Since starting college, I’ve developed a strong passion for marketing and communications in the nonprofit space—a path that ultimately led me to ROI Solutions, a place that has only deepened my interest in nonprofit work.
During my time at ROI Solutions, I’ve gained a deep and well-rounded understanding of an industry I initially knew very little about. From donor cultivation and retention strategies to the importance of using a purpose-built fundraising CRM, being immersed in the nonprofit technology space for two summers has been an incredible privilege. This summer, I also served as a Marketing & Communications Intern at a local nonprofit focused on combating family homelessness in Massachusetts. In that role, I’ve developed client stories, social media content, and a website evaluation—many of the same types of projects I’ve taken on at ROI. While there are clear differences between working for a technology vendor and a direct service organization, both experiences have reinforced how vital donor engagement is across the entire nonprofit sector. If anything, they’ve underscored the power of acquiring and sustaining donor support—something I’ve come to deeply value in both settings. Whether supporting large organizations or small community-based nonprofits, this is a pivotal moment for the sector, and I’m committed to contributing my time and talents to this important work.
It’s no secret that this past year, there’s been an abundance of change surrounding the nonprofit sector when it comes to federal and state policy, as well as funding. While it can be disheartening at times, seeing the unwavering passion and dedication from nonprofit professionals everywhere has been invigorating. I’ve held firm in my belief that nonprofits fill a necessary gap in society when government falls short, and if anything, this year has proved that even more. I am beyond proud to begin my career starting a career in nonprofits where the dedication and desire to make an impact outweigh the setbacks.
Much of the passion and commitment I feel toward the nonprofit sector is rooted in my experience at ROI. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to contribute to such a dynamic and critically important sector. This year especially, I developed a deeper appreciation for how our technology empowers clients to create meaningful, far-reaching change—and it’s been truly rewarding to play even a small part in that impact. I’m especially thankful to my supervisor, Derek, for his trust, encouragement, and for helping me see that I have a place in this work. At such a formative stage in my career, this experience has been nothing short of transformational and has been a cornerstone in my finding purpose after college journey.
So, what is my mission? That’s a question I continue to ask myself, with an answer that I think will evolve over time. Right now, it’s to amplify the voices of organizations that are active changemakers in the face of so much pushback and injustice. Whether that’s through marketing, storytelling, fundraising, or working on the corporate side of the sector, My Mission: Finding Purpose in Progress is to use my skills and passion to make a positive impact for something greater than myself. And that commitment will always be at the core of whatever I do.
