Nonprofit Management Alumni Spotlight

Susannah Mikulin, Class of 2019
Chief Executive Officer, Greater Fayette Community Foundation

"The UHD Nonprofit Management Program equipped me with both practical skills and strategic mindset I rely on every day as a nonprofit leader. The blend of academic rigor, real-world application, and deeply committed faculty prepared me to lead with confidence, creativity, and community impact."

Elisabet Iparrea, Class of 2016
Executive Director, Bo's Place

"My experience in the MNPM program was truly transformative, both personally and professionally. The program provided a strong foundation in strategic leadership, fundraising, board governance, and nonprofit operations—skills that I use every day in my work.

Courses in strategic planning and financial management were especially meaningful, giving me the confidence to make data-driven decisions and lead with clarity.

The MNPM program expanded my perspective on what effective nonprofit leadership looks like and equipped me with practical tools to strengthen the organizations I serve. It played a significant role in advancing my career and preparing me to lead with purpose."

Robert Thomas, Class of 2020
Executive Director, YMCA of Greater Houston

"The MNPM program was a transformational experience in my leadership journey. Returning to school after spending nearly 10 years in nonprofit work, it strengthened my ability to think strategically while staying deeply connected to mission-driven work. The curriculum blended real-world nonprofit challenges with practical tools I could immediately apply in my role, especially in areas such as financial leadership, organizational strategy, and board development.

Courses focused on financial management, strategic planning, and community impact were especially meaningful to me. They expanded my confidence in forecasting, long-range planning, and leading teams through growth and change. Just as important were the relationships I built with peers and faculty—real nonprofit leaders who challenged me, encouraged me, and broadened my perspective.

This program directly elevated my career by sharpening the way I communicate vision, manage complexity, and design sustainable programs. I left the MNPM program not only more skilled, but also more grounded in purpose and prepared to lead with clarity and confidence. I believe I am achieving a higher level of success in my career because of my time at UHD."

Beth Lamb, Class of 2022
Executive Director, Key School and Training Center

"Earning a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management connected all the dots to leading a nonprofit organization. Although I have been working in nonprofits since 2000, my work primarily focused on communications and fundraising. Enhancing my skills through financial management and legal considerations and deepening my fundraising knowledge prepared me for my current role as the executive director of an organization.”

Allison McBryde, Class of 2025
Relationship Manager, Foundations and Grants, United Way of Greater Houston

"As a first-generation college graduate and now a master's degree holder, my journey has always been about more than personal success; it has been about opening doors for others. The Nonprofit Management program at UHD was the catalyst that turned my passion for service into a strategic professional mission.

The program's curriculum didn't just teach theory; it offered a masterclass in the mechanics of social change. From deep dives into financial stewardship to the nuances of grant development, the education I received was rigorous, relevant, and rooted in the reality of Houston's diverse nonprofit landscape."

Russell Rankin, Class of 2020
Director of Marketing and Communications, Baylor University Hankamer School of Business

"I enrolled in the MNPM program with nearly two decades of experience working in communications and public relations, predominantly in the nonprofit sector. While certainly beneficial for entry-level nonprofit practitioners, the program was exactly what I needed at that point in my career.

As a communications leader, I had experience working across all areas of nonprofit organizations—human resources, programs, fundraising, and board relations. The MNPM program validated those experiences through a graduate degree while also providing additional tools related to strategy, board relations, and effective community engagement.

My motivation for earning an MA in Nonprofit Management was twofold: to serve as a resource to nonprofit organizations through consulting and freelance work, and to teach as an adjunct at the university level. I'm grateful to have achieved both goals, the latter of which ultimately opened the door to my current position at Baylor."

Darenda Dorsey, Class of 2021
Development Director, Nature Discovery Center

"The UHD Nonprofit Management MA program gave me a strong foundation in fundraising strategy and donor engagement. More importantly, it built my confidence to step into nonprofit fundraising roles knowing I had both the skills and practical experience to succeed. I appreciated the diversity of courses offered, which gave me a holistic view of how a nonprofit organization functions."

Don'L Nicol, Class of 2024
Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

"The MNPM program at UHD helped me advance my fundraising career, take on greater responsibilities, and move into a leadership role. The opportunity to learn from professionals with real nonprofit experience, coupled with immersive learning courses, gave me the confidence to apply what I've learned to make a meaningful difference and serve some truly amazing causes."

Christopher Marroquin, Class of 2022
Director of Community Engagement, Spring Branch ISD

"Having nonprofit leaders from the Houston community involved in the MNPM program made a tremendous impact on my learning experience. Being able to learn from prominent leaders and hear about their real-world experiences helped me develop leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead an organization."

Espiridion Zuniga, Class of 2025
Manager for U.S. Family Health Plan, CHRISTUS Health

"The MNPM program at UHD gave me the opportunity to engage directly with senior nonprofit leaders in a setting where I could ask meaningful questions and gain valuable insights. Those conversations helped me better understand executive decision-making and how strategy connects to mission at the highest level.

Combined with practical coursework, the program strengthened how I lead, plan, and build partnerships in the organizations I support. It pushed me to think bigger while staying grounded in service."

Clinton Hopkins, Class of 2025
Grant Writer, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

"The UHD MA in Nonprofit Management provided the strategic bridge I needed to turn mission-driven passion into professional excellence. Mastering nonprofit finance gave me the fiscal fluency to navigate complex budgets with confidence. Additionally, the focus on program evaluation equipped me to demonstrate impact through rigorous, data-driven results that resonate with stakeholders.

This program doesn't just teach theory; it provides the sophisticated toolkit necessary to lead organizations through today's most pressing challenges."