Nonprofit Coffee Break: Natasha Kirsch
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 leaders' 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 Natasha Kirsch, CEO of The Grooming Project.
In one sentence, please describe who you are and what you do.
I am the Founding CEO of The Grooming Project, a workforce training program for homeless and at-risk parents.
How did you get started working in the nonprofit sector?
I founded the organization when I learned how multiple barriers and low wages were causing generational poverty.
On what day did you feel proudest of your work?
About five years ago when I was texting my graduates to tell them about a new food stamp benefit and they all texted back saying "I'm not on food stamps anymore".
What is the biggest challenge you face in your role?
The constant need to fundraise.
What is a trend you see in the nonprofit community that excites you, or concerns you, and why?
I am excited by the level of investment the community is willing to make to grow organizations like mine and the connections that span across the country.
What is your advice for a new nonprofit professional?
It is all about partnerships and relationships AND don't accept the rationale "we pay less because we are a nonprofit". The work is often harder in the nonprofit sector.
What is your favorite place in Kansas City to grab a drink (coffee or cocktail)?
Grand Street Cafe
What is your favorite Nonprofit Connect resource?
GrantStation
What is your call to action for the viewers?
If you don't ask you don't get.
Connect with Natasha
Connect with Natasha
- Learn more about The Grooming Project
Nonprofit Coffee Break is presented by:
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