Nonprofit Spotlight: How the Kellogg Community Gives Back
There’s no question that the Kellogg community cares about impact: 75% of students join at least one of 12 social impact clubs at Kellogg, and each year 100+ first-year students conduct 10-week consulting projects for local nonprofits.
Though there are a number of ways students and their partners, known as JVs, can get involved through classes and clubs (like Kellogg Cares or Impact Consulting Club), there are many nonprofit causes that compel students to donate their time and resources outside of the academic environment.
In honor of Social Impact Week at Kellogg, we’re highlighting four community members who share the causes they’re passionate about and how they’re giving back through nonprofit service.
Hereford Johnson (2Y, 2022)
Board Member of Youth Job Center, Inc.
Youth Job Center, Inc. (YJC) supports young people in identifying, starting and thriving in their first fulfilling career. YJC’s support leads to an increased sense of self-worth, a way to contribute to the community and economy, and the ability to take on challenges that result in continued learning and personal growth.
Why are you passionate about the nonprofit’s mission?
I was once in the same shoes as the youth it serves, and I can’t think of a better way to continue to give back.
How did you become involved with this nonprofit?
I was fortunate to be selected as a Golub Capital Board Fellow during my first year at Kellogg, and YJC was my first choice. Prior to applying to become a Board Fellow, I was actively seeking ways to get involved in this particular space. I remember pitching in startup competitions this concept of creating sustainable programs, which could help underprivileged youth identify and succeed in entrepreneurship or careers that do not require a college degree.
How can people get involved to support your nonprofit’s mission?
YJC truly appreciates diverse perspectives and support; if you are a small business owner or business executive considering taking a board role or developing a strategic corporate partnership with a nonprofit that deeply impacts the youth of the Chicago area, we would love to chat.
How do you think about impact as you move forward through your career?
I view my contributions towards this effort to be a lifelong journey. I wrote my admissions essays on this, and I truly meant it. In my career, I not only see myself creating an impact through nonprofit organizations, but also through hiring, mentoring and developing these same youth as leaders.
Do you have any advice for people looking to get more involved in the nonprofit space?
Stop thinking about it and just do it. It’s not as big of a time commitment as you might think.
Michael Ogburn (JV)
Board Member and Co-Lead of Education Committee, The Baobab Home
The Baobab Home is a small, community-focused NGO in Tanzania whose mission is to help children from families affected by HIV/AIDS, mental illness and poverty. The organization accomplishes this through a range of programs, including a children’s home, a primary school, a breakfast program, an organic farm and general outreach work in the community.
Why are you passionate about the nonprofit’s mission?
While living in Tanzania, I was able to see firsthand the impact upon the community. The school provides two meals for students, a safe learning environment and instruction in an English-medium setting that will better prepare them for their secondary education.
How did you become involved with this nonprofit?
My partner and I worked for this organization for two years while we lived onsite in rural Tanzania. She worked in marketing and fundraising for the organization, while I taught elementary school and provided professional development for my colleagues.
How can people get involved to support your nonprofit’s mission?
There are a number of volunteer possibilities, available both virtually and in-person. Donations go to school supplies, staff and teacher salaries, student sponsorship, and various projects to make our organization more efficient.
How do you think about impact as you move forward through your career?
I think about impact in education through guiding students and being able to foster a community within my classroom — we work to build upon empathy and understanding for those around us. I also approach it through setting up systems and processes that extend beyond the classroom, leaving a legacy for the next generation.
Ellie Davidson (2Y, 2023)
VP of Communications, Associate Board of Steppenwolf.
Steppenwolf Education provides Chicagoland youth with access to world-class theatre and arts programming. StepEd uses theatre to promote compassion, encourage curiosity and inspire action by working together towards a more empathetic tomorrow.
Why are you passionate about the nonprofit’s mission?
I was personally very involved in theater and the arts growing up. I believe that it played a big role in developing my sense of empathy and my perspective on the world and those around me. Those experiences have been fundamental to my personal life and career, and I love helping to provide those opportunities to Chicago teens.
How did you become involved with this nonprofit?
A few years ago, I was living in Chicago and was looking to get more involved in my community. A friend who knew about my passion for theater suggested that I check out the Steppenwolf Associates (and board). I went to my first event alone, and I was thrilled to find other young Chicago professionals who loved theater and were passionate about making theater accessible to the broader public. I was elected to the board a year later and accepted my VP position this past fall.
How can people get involved to support your nonprofit’s mission?
The Steppenwolf Associates host various fundraising events throughout the year that are open to both members and non-members, and the group also coordinates volunteer opportunities to work with Steppenwolf’s Youth Arts Council.
How do you think about impact as you move forward through your career?
For me, it’s been incredibly rewarding to be a part of and contribute to my community, even though it has been outside of my career. Not only have I been able to see firsthand the impact of my efforts, but I’ve also reaped the benefits in my personal development and I’ve broadened my network. I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to give back in a way that is very specific and personal to me, and I plan to continue to do so moving forward.
Any advice for people looking to get more involved in the nonprofit space?
I think one of the most important aspects is to find something that matters to you and that you can put your heart into.
Amna Mahmud (MBAi, 2023)
Board Member, Zion Hill CDC
Zion Hill CDC endeavors to eradicate homelessness and poverty in the Metropolitan Atlanta area, with a focus on South Fulton, through financial assistance, education, housing and supportive services.
Why are you passionate about the nonprofit’s mission?
COVID magnified the inequities in education, housing and social justice for all Americans. As a consultant and woman of color, I wanted to find a way to give back to the local community that I was part of. Hence, I became involved with Zion Hill CDC in Atlanta, Georgia.
How did you become involved with this nonprofit?
As a manager at PwC, I applied through a PwC nonprofit matching program to be paired with a nonprofit in Atlanta. After an initial screening process, I was matched to Zion Hill CDC and after interviewing with the board of directors, I was voted in as a board member.
How can people get involved to support your nonprofit’s mission?
Zion Hill CDC appreciates any donations that go towards their mission. There are also many ways to get involved, including volunteering as an English/Spanish translator, social media coordinator or marketing coordinator, for example.
How do you think about impact as you move forward through your career?
As someone who survived a devastating earthquake as a teenager, I am determined to play my part in mitigating destruction caused by future natural disasters. Emigrating to America, studying engineering and thriving as a consultant solving infrastructure challenges were my first set of steps. A Kellogg MBA is my next step to explore how I can use the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to assist those impacted by natural disasters.