Favorite Parts Of Working In The Non Profit Industry As A CEO
To thrive in the nonprofit sector, a deep passion for social justice and belief in education's transformative power are crucial, coupled with a balance of "idealist and pragmatist"—dreaming big while being resourceful and data-driven. The most impactful change begins with small, sustainable actions, as Humzah notes, "changing the life of one person," ultimately building towards a larger vision.
Social Justice, Education, Nonprofit Management, Idealism and Pragmatism, Transformational Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Humzah Farrukh
CEO
Farrukh Foundation
UCLA
N/A
Anthropology, Sociology
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Business Strategy
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. A deep passion for social justice and a strong belief in education's transformative power are crucial for success in the nonprofit sector.
2. A blend of idealism and pragmatism is essential: dream big, but be resourceful, data-driven, and develop practical, actionable steps.
3. Start small and focus on making a measurable impact on one person's life; sustainable, consistent effort leads to significant, long-term change.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry? Thrive in the nonprofit space.
You have to have a deep passion for social justice and a very deep belief in education's transformative power. Both of those are key.
I also believe that you need a blend of idealism and practicality. This means you dream big but are also resourceful and data-driven to make those dreams a reality. You have a plan and look forward to the future idealistically.
Dream big, but also have practical steps you can take every day. Sometimes our dreams outpace the reality of our lives and what we're capable of.
However, I tell all individuals interested in changing the world, becoming a changemaker, that you will be very surprised how little it takes to change the life of one person. That is where you should start.
Start by changing the life of one person, whether it's getting them an education or helping them get a meal for one day. Whatever that impact is, if it's measurable and you can sustainably do it over a long period, you have already won.
Those who thrive in this industry also need to believe in what they are doing. It's important to believe that you are capable of carrying out the vision.