Message From The Executive Director:
Dear Friends of the Mandel Center,
First and foremost I would like to extend another welcome to the Fall 2008 entering class. As you will read in the article about this new class, we have some very exciting and talented nonprofit leaders on the horizon.
The Center's Youth Philanthropy and Service program will hold its 13th Annual Workshop on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. This year's keynote speaker will be Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Programs Director for the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1993 by the Chavez family and friends to educate people about his life and work and to engage all, particularly youth, to carry on his values and timeless vision for a better, more just world. The Center is also partnering with Facing History and Ourselves to provide a free public forum featuring Ms. Rodriguez. Her presentation, Perfect Participation: The Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez Today and Tomorrow, will focus on her grandfather's legacy, the values which embodied his work and their implications in today's society, and how each one of us can make a difference.
The Center continues to have success with our Professional Development programs, which have included such topics this year as "Dashboard & Metrics - Yes, You can," "The New IRS 990 Form - Preparing for Operations and Governance Audits," and "Financial Fitness: Understanding & Using Your Organization's Financial Information." The Center also launched a Community Dialogue Series in November, which brought in many leaders from the nonprofit field and areas of government. The intent of the series is to highlight the contributions of nonprofits to high-priority community issues.
This year's Nonprofit Management and Leadership Editors' Prize has been awarded to Femida Handy, Bhagyashree Ranade, and Meenaz Kassam for their article "To Profit or Not to Profit: Women Entrepreneurs in India." The article appeared in the Summer 2007 issue.
As always, Mandel Center students are up to some exciting things. In the Student Spotlight, you can learn about Tina Kiehn, MNO candidate and intern for the LeBron James Family Foundation. Tina discusses her role at the Foundation, and also shares with us something that her fellow students might not know about her.
Also, in this issue's Faculty Spotlight, find out why instructor Mark Light is known as "Dr. Conflict" and what he enjoys about teaching Mandel Center students.
In alumni news, you can learn about next steps for the steering committee and think about nominating someone (or yourself) for this opportunity. You can also read about Marsha Dobrzynski, CNM '96. Find out how her Certificate in Nonprofit Management helped her as Executive Director of Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio, and why she feels it's important to stay connected to the Mandel Center community.
Thanks to everyone for their continued support of the Mandel Center, and best wishes for a happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Susan L. Eagan
Executive Director
