Alumni Testimonials

Gary Davis, Class of 2010
Deputy Director
Companis

“The personal and professional growth I experienced in the MNPL program broadened my horizons, my perspective, and my sense of worth to the community. The cohort model, taught by the region’s top nonprofit leaders, offers the most valuable, real-world education and training available. It mirrors what I know to be true about agencies that successfully meet and even exceed their mission: it’s all about relationships.  The program presented me with new insights into my skills, style and leadership. The connections I made at Seattle U., especially my fellow cohort members, continue to be a source of support and strength today.”

Jessie Irwin-Hooper, Class of 2012
Director of Marketing and Communications
Wellspring Family Services

“The MNPL experience made a profound impact on my personal and professional development.  After spending the first five years of my career in the corporate sector, I knew that I wanted to make a transition to nonprofit work full-time. The program helped me develop a powerful toolkit, giving me the confidence I needed to transition from a management role in corporate marketing and communications, to launching a career in the nonprofit sector. During the program, I found a deeper sense of purpose, confidence, and commitment to my values and to my work.  Beyond the course curriculum, the knowledge that I gained and relationships forged with my cohort members was invaluable.”

Lydia Jurcys, Class of 2009
Assessment and Program Development Specialist
Powerful Schools

 “The MNPL program inherently embodies Seattle University’s mission of empowering leaders for a more just and humane world. The faculty, the organizations, the cohort of students naturally create a community working to impact positive change. The program intentionally fosters a reflective practice—encouraging students to focus on their core values and beliefs, recognize how these are inherently connected to the work they do, and apply this to strengthening and embodying leadership qualities. The program not only prepared me to take on this work; but also to lead conversations and efforts around measuring organizational impact in a deeper and more quantifiable way.”