STUDENT CENTER
Student Spotlight: Darren Hamm, MNO Candidate
Q: What influenced your decision to enroll in the MNO program at the Mandel Center?
A: It is difficult to recall what exactly was the catalyst to my decision. The factors of greatest influence to me were the needs for change in the world as I see it, the passion for serving others, an idealistic pursuit of leadership, and (like others I have spoken with) an opportunity to escape the corporate world. I think I had been pushed one too many times to act outside of my own judgment and what I felt was in the best interest of others, all in the name of profit. I think that my conscience got the best of me. No longer would I be another moth destined for the flame.
Q: What career and education path led you to the Mandel Center?
A: My eventual enrollment into this program was led more by the need to actively participate in what I felt was important than any particular career or education path. However, to trace back the lineage between the two shows some correlation. My undergraduate study was in painting and drawing. Typical to any formal education program, I was encouraged to follow the successful path of those before me. I found out soon after that I was never much for "wine and cheese" gallery affairs. For some time I had managed retail arts stores and aligned strongly with the communal missions and visions. Thankfully, over some time, I was able to parlay all these learned skills, both in study and practice, into a career in graphic design. I spent some time working for an ad agency. But there was something substantially lacking and I felt compelled to change course and pursue a field that was of great interest to me. Despite a sudden career shift, I think that the transition went over quite smoothly. Today, these accumulated skills combined with my studies at Case have provided for opportunities to bring together my love of art and love of working with others. I think I made the most appropriate decision for me and have come to realize that the nonprofit sector is where I belong.
Q: What is your ultimate career goal and how do you envision your Mandel Center education will help you achieve it?
A: Unlike many fellow classmates, I don't have an ideal organization that I am just destined to work with. My "ultimate" career goal is mainly to find new ways to get things done. I can't envision an end to the processes of learning and leading others toward just causes. I do know that I would feel greatly accomplished knowing that my time, dedication, passion and resources had even the smallest impact in the fields of international relations and/or environmental conservation. My time at the Mandel Center has been well spent. It has provided opportunities to work with some wonderful local organizations. Further, it has introduced me to a wealth of smart and talented colleagues, many of whom I am proud to call friends. You feel you can achieve any aspiration when you work with such gifted people. It will be a pleasure to enter the field in accompaniment with these individuals.
Q: You are this year's President of the Mandel Center's Student Leadership Committee. What goals do you have for the committee this year and how do you envision achieving these goals?
A: I must say, much to my dismay, that the competition for this position wasn't too stiff this year. I envisioned speaking engagements, debates, rallies, canvassing the neighborhood, tour buses and a possible book signing. Maybe it's better it happened the way it did. I am honored and flattered to have been elected to serve the student body. I also feel quite comfortable that I can do a great job. I come to this post with no agenda other than enhancing the program we are all a part of. Sadly, over the past year or so, the SLC had been rather non-existent. Fortunate for our students though, we now have a group of extremely talented folks working for the cause. As far as I am concerned, we have four presidents this year. We feel it important that as new practitioners in the nonprofit sector we maintain an intimate relationship in the world around us. The SLC is an opportunity for everyone involved to obtain a pragmatic education in the field. We hope to provide this by assembling a series of events over the course of the year relevant to the interests of students that would engage the young professional and provide opportunities for growth. I personally would like to know that students exiting this program feel embedded, not trapped, in Cleveland. There is an immense gap for leadership and further for innovation in this city. We, as the new garde, need to fulfill the needs of our city in the interest of those around us, and ultimately for the sake of future generations.
Q: Are there any particular causes that are dear to you? If so, how do you go about taking action for these causes?
A: I have quite of few causes that are dear to me. To list them would appear to be indiscriminate to the seriousness of each issue. I could say confidently that I am a faithful believer in Gandhian nonviolence. I should clarify that this philosophy entails every incarnation of violence; physical, structural, psychological and emotional. There is violence in the ways in which we speak, the ways we act, the ways we treat one another and the ways in which we treat our environment. It's exploitation, capital punishment, war, and inequality. Violence permeates every aspect of modern society, affecting the very social fabric that binds us together. Simply put, nonviolence means forgiveness, not revenge and replacing greed with moderation. It is civil, truthful, humble, knowing, willful and loving yet never criminal and hateful. In essence it means plain living and high thinking. The most rewarding part of what some may consider such an idealistic pursuit is that the means of achieving nonviolence are as important as the goal. In proceeding with action to adopt this philosophy in daily life, nonviolence inevitably involves education and ultimately, patience. Education I should say is by no means formal in requirement. It is education in one's perspective and experience and the perspectives and experiences of all those around you. I believe in sharing this philosophy with as many people as possible, throughout my personal and professional life. When you know something just makes sense or it just seems right, you share it with those around you. It's like planting a seed one by one. Before you know it, you have a whole field of the same crop.
Q: What other hobbies, interests, organizations, etc are you involved in?
A: In terms of professional development, I am currently involved with quite a few organizations; the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, the Cleveland Leadership Center, Art House, CityWheels, Phoenix Coffee, the Ohio Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, Greater Cleveland Community Shares, Cleveland City Council, and the Cleveland After School Alliance among others. For each I wear a different hat, facilitating development, marketing, planning, research and special events.
I really enjoy making art when time allows. I have also been a musician for 16 years and enjoy composing music. I spend the happiest moments of my life with my wife. She is the source of all energy, entertainment, judgment, encouragement, reason, enthusiasmÉ well, in short, the definitive compliment to my time here. We travel as far and as often as we can. We have recently been to Egypt, and have travels planned for India, Indonesia and Peru. We also enjoy any opportunity to experience the natural world. Regularly this means hiking through some of the wonderful parks and nature reserves that Ohio has to offer.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?
A: I think I may have said enough. George Costanza had the philosophy of "leaving on a high note." I am concerned that I may have already passed that point.
