Name: Amena Wallace
Job title: Program Manager, College Success
Organization: iMentor
Time in current role: Since August 2021
College attended: Hope College
College major: Sociology & Latin American Studies
What do you like most about working in the non-profit sector? I like that I can do work that directly impacts a community. Working in the non-profit industry means working in service of others and using my professional skills to serve the communities that I care about.
What drew you to YNPN originally? My entire professional career has been in education, so my network was too. I joined YNPN to gain connections and a broader understanding of the work being done across the non-profit sector and at other organizations throughout the city and best practices for the work I do and hope to do.
What do you like most about YNPN? I like the variety of programming we provide. We do a great job of supporting our community. This has been a tremendous professional development opportunity, and I would not be involved if it weren't for YNPN. I have learned from various experts in the field through panel and keynote speaker events and opportunities to socialize with like-minded folks.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to cook, visit museums, and explore/travel to new places. In the warmer months, I do a bit of hiking. I'm an avid reader and will read nearly anything non-fiction.
How would you describe your job to a child? I help high schoolers think about what they want to do as an adult --what they want to be when they grow up, where they want to work if they're going to go to college and connect them with another adult who can help them meet their goals and reach their dreams.
What advice would you give to people joining the non-profit sector? There are a ton of unique ways to get involved. I would say to be open to the various options/pathways and think about where your talents lie and how you can use them. There is a space for you if you truly want there to be; it just might require a bit of research, but you'll find your place in time.