ACCENT ON ALUMNI
Alumni Spotlight: Nicole Crawford, CNM '00
Q: You're originally from Cleveland but you now live in South Dakota. What influenced you to move so far from home?
A: About two and a half years ago, I was working with seniors in Northfield, a town south of Cleveland. I found myself flipping through the paper and came across a classified ad in search of house parents. Immediately, I applied for the position and thought nothing of it. A few months later, I was interviewed and a few weeks after, I was hired for the job. Very soon, I found myself heading out to South Dakota where I began working with two groups of sixth through eighth grade Sioux Native Americans. There, the girls showed me a lot about their culture. I learned many things, such as the origins of Indian fry bread. All in all, I think I may have learned just as much from the students as I taught them.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about what you are up to now in South Dakota.
A: After working at the school for Native Americans for the year, I waited on God to lead me to the next thing. During this time, someone came to me about a job on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation. This reservation is about 20 miles from the school where I'd previously worked. It is on the reservation where I currently am Director of Dacotah Tipis, a Habitat for Humanity affiliate. The organization had its ground breaking late last fall and plans on completing a home this year. All are welcome to partner in this Christian ministry. If you would like more information about making a donation, or if you have a group that would be interested in volunteering, please email us at hfhtipis@midstatesd.net.
Q: How do you think your Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Mandel Center has helped prepare you for your current position?
A: My coursework at the Mandel Center was one of the main conduits for my work here. It was there that I learned of the importance of collaboration. In fact, it is collaboration that makes our sector unique. Coursework at the Center helps to illuminate to the student just how important the trend of partnership really is. Looking back on the classes I took for my Certificate in Nonprofit Management, I found they helped to prepare me for the road ahead.
I have learned that this same trend of collaboration helps everyone to share resources such as volunteers and funding in a more collective way. The efforts then become more team oriented. Collaborations include everyone and when everyone is included, more is accomplished. As students involved in the program begin to take more classes and work with others in and out of their sector, they will begin to accomplish more together.
Q: You are an active writer; please tell us about your new book, Many Gifts, and what inspired you to write it.
A: I've been keeping myself busy here in South Dakota where the total population is about that of Cleveland. A few years ago, I was led to write a Christian Inspirational book entitled Many Gifts. My inspiration for the book originated from wanting to know what I could do in His name for another. With the answers I've found, I was led to write about them. I self-published this non-fiction book this year. The book focuses on my amazing journey from Cleveland to South Dakota. Specifically, it focuses on God's specialized gifts for each of us. You can find this book at charmainpublishing.com.
Q: What other interests, hobbies, etc are you involved in at this time?
A: I do some volunteering with the literacy council in my area and tutor an adult learner. I also write for a local newspaper.
Q: Do you have any advice that you would like to give to current Mandel Center students?
A: There's a reason why we are each lead to this service-oriented life of the nonprofit sector. It's often because we want to make a difference in another's life. If you find yourself either beginning the program at the Mandel Center or finishing up your program, know that the ride is well worth all your efforts. And remember, we are to serve one another through love. Enjoy your classes, and learn as much as you can there, then go out and sow those seeds.
