ACCENT ON ALUMNI
Alumni Profile: Jennifer Potocnik, MNO '05
Q: You graduated with your MNO in 2005. What is some advice you might pass along to current or potential Mandel Center students regarding how they can make the most out of their programs?
A: As students, I think it is extremely important to take time to review the course offerings early on in your graduate studies. I suggest talking with other students, reviewing past syllabi, and if needed, talking with professors. Many students only have four semesters, of which several classes are mandatory. My advice would be to think early on about which classes you want to take because like many graduate programs, classes are not offered every semester.
Q: You recently accepted the position as Director of External Relations for the St. Augustine University of Tanzania. What types of responsibilities will you have and what types of goals do you hope to accomplish in this position?
A: The main objective of my position as Director of External Relations - U.S. is to establish the U.S. fundraising arm for the St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT). Currently the University does not receive any funds from any organizations in the United States. My focus will be in three areas: foundation proposals, university relationships and major donors. My first goal will be to learn about the university, the staff, the students and the needs inside and out by spending this fall at the St. Augustine University of Tanzania. My hope is to transfer what I learn into proposals and materials that truly convey the needs of higher education in a developing country.
Q: How do you think your Nonprofit Management education from the Mandel Center will help you in this new position, and how has it helped you already along your career path?
A: My education from the Mandel Center has provided me with a strong foundation. My class work and projects in the Mandel Center have helped me think strategically, understand processes, and learn how to develop program plans, all of which have been beneficial to me in my previous consulting role and in my new position.
Q: You recently joined Julie (Glavan) Griffiths, another Mandel Center alumna, for three months in Kenya with the Internal Partners in Mission's Project Partners. Tell us a little bit about this experience. What types of things did you accomplish while in Kenya? What were some of your most memorable and meaningful moments there? What type of effect did this experience have on you and how do you think it will play a part in your future?
A: I think I can speak for both Julie and me when I say the most memorable or impactful part of our stay in Kenya was the people we met. It took a couple of weeks to learn the names of all 50 kids at the Villa Teag orphanage in Dandora (outside of Nairobi) but we will never forget little Joyce, Grace, Joseph, Lillian, Ann - I could go on and on. We lived at the orphanage but our work was out in the community meeting with a different women's group each day of the week (four groups in total). Our assistance focused on improving their income generating activities. We provided advice on budgeting, time management, profit margin analysis, communication and leadership training and most importantly understanding that time is money.
The second half of our stay in Kenya was at the AIC Girls Primary School in Kajiado, two hours from Nairobi. Within the school is a bride rescue program started by the past principal Mrs. Priscilla Nangurai. The majority of the girls in the program are of the Massai tribe and have run away from home to escape early marriage or female circumcision and to continue their education. Our work included interviewing girls, proposal assistance, and general office work. Mrs. Nangurai and a couple of the rescued girls will be honored at International Partners in Mission's luncheon this November. While I will not be in town for the luncheon, I do hope to reconnect with Mrs. Nangurai (who was like a Mom to us) and with some of the girls we befriended when I am in East Africa this fall/early winter.
Q: What other interests, hobbies, organizations, etc are you involved in?
A: Prior to taking this position, I lived in Seattle and can honestly say I have joined the coffee craze. I now know what it means to have good cup of coffee. While living in Seattle, I enjoyed hiking near Mount Rainier and in the I-90 corridor as well as road biking. I am no Lance Armstrong but I did manage to make it up some of those big hills in the Seattle area.
In September, I had my last meeting with Vincentian Service Corps - Central, a program providing year-long volunteer opportunities serving the poor in the St. Louis area. I was a VSC volunteer the year after I finished my undergrad and have served as the marketing lead on the Advisory Board for the last three years. It was difficult and sad for me to end my board involvement.
Q: Anything else you would like to share with us about yourself...?
A: Upon return from Tanzania in January, I will be based on the East Coast, most likely in DC or NY.
