Amelia Hartley
Development Associate at United Way of San Diego
"It is tremendously important to find a network of people that share your values and are focused on collective impact. YNPN has provided valuable workshops and newsletters for me to connect with new organizations and professionals."
What made you decide to join YNPN San Diego?
I recently moved back to San Diego after living in the Bay Area and wanted to connect with other nonprofit professionals.
How has your YNPN San Diego membership impacted your career and/or your professional development?
As someone who is currently working in nonprofit space, I think it is tremendously important to find a network of people that share your values and are focused on collective impact. YNPN has provided valuable workshops and newsletters for me to connect with new organizations and professionals.
What is one of your top values? How does it play a role in your personal and/or professional life?
My top value is Education. I believe that we all have a responsibility to learn something new everyday in the pursuit of being responsible, global citizens. In my current role, I aim to consistently learn about the needs of the community and how we can better serve our youth and families.
What is a personal strategy or self-care practice you’ve used to cope with the impacts of COVID-19?
The lack of social interaction has been tough, but I do my best to stay in touch with friends all over the world. Many of us have shared different hiking trails or outdoor spots we’ve been to.
What has been your organization’s response to COVID-19?
United Way of San Diego County launched the Worker Assistance Initiative as part of the greater San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund, to provide flexible resources to individuals impacted by layoffs and reduced working hours implemented by employers. We’re uniquely positioned to process and deploy capital quickly and efficiently to individuals, as we currently administer SDG&E’s Neighbor to Neighbor Fund.
What advice do you have for someone who is just getting started in their non-profit career?
I would recommend attending various community meetings and getting actively engaged in the communities you serve. It may help you discover a particular passion you weren’t attuned to before. Also, it never hurts to expand your network to a variety of sectors.
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