by Andrea Hill, Chief Partnerships and Development Officer, Tennessee Nonprofit Network.
You might have seen my name followed by a string of letters that look like they fell out of a Scrabble game. Wondering what they all mean? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the glorious world of lifelong learning!
As a firm believer in never letting your brain get dusty, I’m always on the hunt for new knowledge and skills. Whether it’s webinars, blog posts, or snagging fancy titles like B.S., MPA, CVA, CFRE, and now ACNP, it’s all part of my commitment to this awesome field. Don’t get me wrong, these letters aren’t just to show off (although, they do look pretty snazzy on a business card). They reflect a dedication to ethical practices and a desire to make a real difference by playing by the rules. But hey, enough about me and my alphabet soup – let’s talk about the new addition: ACNP.
Level Up Your Nonprofit Game and Shine!
Listen up, coordinators, managers, directors – professional development is kind of like that gym membership you should use. Here’s why: reason number one, it keeps your skills sharp so you can rock your current role. Reason number two, it opens doors for that promotion you’ve been eyeing (muahaha). No matter your reason, a new credential can supercharge your impact, whether you’re a volunteer or a seasoned pro. Plus, it benefits the organization you serve by making them a lean, mean, nonprofit machine. Want some war stories? Let me tell you how a couple of mine have done just that…
My Experience with ACNP
So, when the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance announced their brand new, super-powered ACNP credential, I was like “SIGN. ME. UP.” I knew this was the key to unlocking the next level for myself and, ultimately, my organization. Now, with this shiny new credential and my Master in Public Administration from Kennesaw State University, I’m basically a nonprofit warrior queen, ready to slay any leadership challenge that comes my way. Plus, it perfectly complements the demands of my new role at the Tennessee Nonprofit Network, which involve things like fundraising, partnership development, and working with our President & CEO, Dr. Kevin Dean.
Double the ACNP, Double the Awesome
But wait, there’s more! My colleague, April Carter (Chief Program Officer and fellow overachiever) also snagged her ACNP. Let’s just say she beat me to it by a couple of weeks, which totally lit a fire under my, ahem, competitive spirit. (Don’t tell her I said that.) Now, with a double dose of ACNP power on the Tennessee Nonprofit Network team, we’re basically unstoppable (and yes, we have a pretty darn awesome team too). This means TNN can expand its reach, create killer programs, and become the ultimate resource for our fellow nonprofit members.
The Takeaway: It’s Your Turn to Shine!
Hopefully, my journey has inspired you to consider adding a few more letters to your name. Trust me, those credentials are more than just conversation starters at networking events (although, they are pretty good for that too). They’ll equip you to make a real difference in your community and propel you towards your career goals. Remember, the learning never stops, not even for a lifelong learner like me. But for now, I’ll be busy wielding my ACNP to make the Tennessee nonprofit sector the most epic one ever. Now get out there and conquer your own path to awesomeness!