Pros
The organization's mission and values are deeply rooted in community impact, and it does an incredible amount of meaningful work for the people it serves. If you're passionate about community-centered initiatives and want to be actively engaged in work that truly makes a difference, this is a fantastic place to be. The benefits are solid, and under strong leadership, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and develop your skills to meet—and even exceed—the demands of the role.
One of the standout perks is the chance to connect and network with a wide range of stakeholders, including civic leaders, nonprofits, and educational professionals. It’s a great environment for building relationships that extend beyond the organization itself. Ultimately, this is a great stepping-stone organization—providing you with valuable experience, connections, and growth opportunities to prepare you for the next big chapter in your career.
Cons
One of the challenges was the lack of awareness from leadership about the needs and well-being of their employees. When I joined in 2019, the workload was intense and could quickly become overwhelming. Advancement within the organization often required careful navigation of the established dynamics, and it was challenging to grow, especially if a manager misinterpreted confidence as arrogance or had personal biases.
During the pandemic, these pressures intensified, making it even harder to feel supported. Promotions seemed concentrated in upper management, particularly when significant financial support flowed into the organization. While equitable practices were often emphasized, they sometimes felt more like ideals reserved for leadership rather than principles consistently applied across all levels. Additionally, some managers exhibited unprofessional behavior toward their teams, and despite bringing these issues to HR, there were instances where no consequences followed.