Susan Schmidt, president of the Kansas City-based Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, has worked in public service since her teen years and has never looked back. Her organization’s mission is to strengthen the social sector with a talented, prepared workforce. Susan will be joining us at Upswell in November!

Q: In a few sentences, tell us who you are – what drives you, what you’re working on, and why you’re inspired to make the world a better place.

SS: I’m a Certified Nonprofit Professional who is passionate about bringing top talent to the nonprofit workforce. I want everyone to love their job as much as I do.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about the physical space you work in?

SS: My office brings me such energy because it is open, urban, and has bright orange walls. Try to have a droopy mood with bright orange walls. Can’t be done.

Q: What drew you to a career in the social sector?

SS: I ended up with a career in the social sector because my 10th grade English teacher invited me to volunteer with her. It was my first long-term, meaningful commitment to a volunteer role. Thank you Ms. Dunning!

Q: What excites you most about Upswell?

SS: Upswell excites me because I know some of the brightest minds in our sector will be there, lifting each other up, trying to make us all better. I hope I will leave with at least one new partner who wants to help us build talent capacity in the social sector workforce.