Receptionist to Executive Director: A.S.C.E.N.D. to Leadership

November 19, 2010 |
Valor

Some are presented with a multitude of opportunities.  For others the opportunities are few and far in between.  I believe one of the best ways to take advantage of an opportunity is to be prepared.  That preparation can come through work and life experiences or building your skill set through specific training seminars or formal education such as college courses and certified training programs.
At the age of 17 I began working at the local rape crisis center while attending college.   After completing the 40 hour crisis intervention/volunteer training class I believed that I could make a difference in the community.   On a regular basis I looked at the agency organizational chart to view where I wanted to transition next.  I would research what experience was needed, where I could get trained and learn from people that already held that position.  Sometimes the agency would pay for the training and sometimes I had to scrape together the money and take time off from work to attend.  Throughout my 14 years of working at one rape crisis center I held virtually every job at the agency:

  • Receptionist
  • Project Aide
  • Prevention Educator
  • Volunteer Advocate
  • Group Counseling Coordinator
  • SART Advocate
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Program Manager
  • Prevention Coordinator
  • Grants Manager
  • Executive Director

Whatever you decide to do or however you decide to achieve your goals of leadership; I believe the CALCASA A.S.C.E.N.D. Academy is a great way to receive vital training around leadership principals and management skills for working at nonprofit agencies.  The A.S.C.E.N.D. Academy deadline has been extended to Tuesday, November 23, 2010.  To view more information on the A.S.C.E.N.D.  Academy click below

A.S.C.E.N.D. Academy Flyer

 A.S.C.E.N.D. Application