Nonprofit Coffee Break: Leslie Hernández
In the Nonprofit Coffee Break video series, Nonprofit Connect sits down with a different nonprofit professional each month to chat about leadership, learning, and life over a cup of coffee. Tune in to each episode to learn from these individuals' experiences and challenges and help us highlight our sector as an important and vibrant part of our city.
Nonprofit Coffee Break is presented by FROST Media Group.
This month, we sit down with Leslie Hernández, Bilingual Trip Coordinator for Unbound.
In one sentence, please describe who you are and what you do.
I am an Experience Integration Coordinator at Unbound where we challenge poverty in new and innovative ways, working side by side with children, youth and elders around the world.
How did you get started working in the nonprofit sector?
I stumbled upon a job that was meant to be temporary. It was a great opportunity to make money, while in school and utilize my native language, Spanish. I instantly fell in love with Unbound’s mission. I did not realize that nonprofits offer the opportunity to change the world and earn a living. I celebrate my 12th anniversary next month!
On what day did you feel proudest of your work?
Daily! Strong sense of connection with my team and organization. We work together towards a shared mission. My career makes a difference in the world and that feeds me both spiritually and emotionally.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your role?
The pandemic has been a massive threat to the families we serve. Families are losing years of hard-won progress against extreme poverty. More people are facing food insecurity. In addition, kids who have worked so hard in their studies are watching their education fall out of reach. However, our approach allowed us to keep benefits flowing to our sponsored friends.
What is a trend you see in the nonprofit community that excites you, or concerns you, and why?
The acceleration and expansion of technology use due to COVID. It is bittersweet. The nonprofit community has been pushed out of its own comfort zone and we are all learning so much along the way.
What is your advice for a new nonprofit professional?
Definitely to leverage professional development opportunities, internally and externally.
What is your favorite place in Kansas City to grab a drink (coffee or cocktail)?
The Roasterie! Any iced latte with oat milk. YUM!
What is your favorite Nonprofit Connect resource?
It would have to Connext! Connext promotes the recruitment, development and retention of young professionals in the nonprofit sector to support and enhance a strong, dynamic nonprofit community. They have provided me with endless opportunities. Check us out! A close second would be the eLearning center. I am a busy person so having instant access to recorded webinars, templates, worksheets, guides, etc. is super handy!
What is your call to action for the viewers?
Join the Unbound community! Sponsor one of the 40,000 individuals on our waiting list. It is a wonderful opportunity to build a one-to-one, personal relationship developed through letters, photos and even international travel!
Connect with Leslie:
Connect with Leslie:
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