Wright State University is lucky to have one of two programs in the State of Ohio providing a certificate of Nonprofit Leadership and Management through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. The program is available to both undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining the designation of Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP). Those graduating with this credential have completed a series of nonprofit coursework, a 300-hour internship, a professional portfolio, and attended the Alliance Management Institute (AMI) held each year the first week of January.
Wright State’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Alumni Society keeps alumni connected with the university and program. As part of professional development for the NLA alumni, members have the opportunity to attend AMI, which becomes a whole new experience. Alumni not only get to attend workshops, but have the ability to become workshop presenters, facilitate case studies, and network with other alumni and professionals from across the country.
Along with 10 students and two faculty members, four alumni representatives were able to attend AMI this past January.
“It was an amazing opportunity to attend AMI this year and a very different experience going as alumni vs. as students. As an alum who does not live and work in the Dayton area, it was a great moment to see Wright State students putting finishing touches and offer advice on their poster session and then see them win first place! I was so proud! The experience of also connecting with other NLA Alumni from across the country was a great reminder that I have a strong network of educated nonprofit professionals to share resources and make connections.”
—Annie Crane, MPA, CNP (’10) Program Specialist at Homeport
Local alumni have the opportunity to connect more frequently with the university and NLAAS, but their experiences are also memorable.
“This was my third AMI as an alumnus. Each year I have presented a workshop ‘Life After NLA: Now What?’ where I discuss with the students what they need to know coming out of the program to be successful. The best part is talking with the students and having my brain picked. I love the challenge of facilitating a case study since it stretches me and gets me out of what I do every day.”
—Sarah Williams, CNP (’04) Executive Director at Hannah’s Treasure Chest
“Attending AMI as an alumna was as informative as when I was a student. Whether it was talking to students, college advisors, or professionals in the field, it continually impressed me what additional resources and networking I came away with. As the saying goes, ‘knowledge is power!’”
—Debbie Fox, CNP (’11) Grants and Operations Director, Levin Family Foundation