STUDENT CENTER
Student Spotlight: Vanessa Hansle, MNO - Executive Option Candidate
Q: How have your previous education and career experiences led you to your current position as Executive Director of Detroit Safe Neighborhood Action Plan, Inc?
A: I have a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies from the University of Michigan and have worked as a child care coordinator for the Ann Arbor YMCA and program director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit in the mid- to late-90s. When I left the YMCA I did small consulting jobs writing grants, creating operations manuals and board trainings.
In September 2001, I accepted the position of Executive Director for Detroit Safe Neighborhood Action Plan, Inc., a small community-based crime and delinquency prevention program in Detroit. It was not my intent to become an ED, but I would have to say my previous work experiences contributed to my ability to supervise people, create programs, and think outside the box.
Q: What goals do you have for the future of your organization?
A: My goal for the organization is to get closer to the vision of being a leader in developing and delivering comprehensive, collaborative, and effective community-based programs that promote safe neighborhoods each year we are in existence. I would also like to have the programs implemented city-wide.
Q: What made you decide to enroll at the Mandel Center and how do you think an education in Nonprofit Management will help you in the future?
A: After I left the YMCA, I took a few classes at Wayne State University in 2000 in the nonprofit sector to learn more about the purpose this sector served and how it should be managed. Because WSU did not have a Master's program, I did some research on the Internet and identified the Mandel Center. I waited five years to enroll in the program, when my youngest son was old enough to stay home without supervision.
I felt that having an advanced degree would be very useful, not only professionally but also personally, because it would give me both knowledge and confidence to do my job. In terms of my future, I can only imagine that having this degree will be an asset that will enable me to perform at a higher level of management.
Q: What advice do you have for people who are thinking about attending the Mandel Center for a degree in nonprofit management?
A: I would strongly advise anyone who is thinking about getting an MNO degree to do so. The nonprofit sector is rich in its ability to provide a wide array of experiences and this degree gives students the foundation to become very effective, knowledgeable leaders in any area.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your time at the Mandel Center so far?
A: That is a difficult question to answer. I have enjoyed all of the classes I have taken so far, but if I had to choose I would say the Program Design (MAND 444), Financial Accounting (MAND 425) and Leadership (MAND 412) classes have been the most useful to me. The practical application of the course content changed my life overnight with regard to being a more effective leader.
The professors I have totally enjoyed so far are Rob Fischer, Barbara Clemenson and Debbie O'Neal. These three are an asset to the university in their teaching style and the ease with which they can be approached.
Q: You make the commute from the Detroit area to the Mandel Center as often as necessary for your class schedule. Do you consider the time and effort you spend commuting to be worthwhile?
A: I definitely believe all of the driving I do is worthwhile. The quality education and connections I am making is priceless. I am getting information that I can use to not only improve myself, but the organization and the community its serves as well.
Q: What are your ultimate career goals?
A: In the next five years, in addition to being an ED, I see myself providing education workshops for nonprofit leaders in areas of program design/development, budgeting, understanding their 990s, and leadership development.
Q: Are there any other organizations, hobbies, interests, etc in which you are currently involved?
A:
Board Member: National Association of African America Fundraisers
Member: Society for Nonprofit Organizations
Member: Michigan Non-Profit Association
Board of Ethics: Detroit Police Department
Legislative Committee: Detroit Police Department
Board Member: Business United with Officers & Youth, 7th Precinct Detroit Police Department
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to share with us about yourself?
A: I am a mother of two sons, ages 19 and 13.
