Last week, MCF debuted the first video in our “What I Wish I Knew” series. These videos capture some of MCF’s experienced members talking about how they got started in the field, what they wish they knew when they started, and what advice they have for new professionals in the field. We kicked off the series with Ellis Bullock, executive director at the Grotto Foundation.
Our next video features Claire Chang, Associate Vice President of Grants and Programs at the Minnesota Community Foundation and The Saint Paul Foundation. As Claire explains, she was happily working in the nonprofit sector when two of her mentors encouraged her to consider working in the foundation field “to leverage more good.”
When she started in the field, she learned a lot about the different foundation types and took advantage of her network to grow in her position. Claire advises new foundation staff to be aware of the power imbalance that can come with a position in philanthropy and to be honest with yourself about what you know and what you don’t know so that you can “walk with others.” Thank you, Claire!
-Stephanie Jacobs, MCF member services manager
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Great series! Thank you to Claire for sharing and to Stephanie for putting this together. Really nice for those of us who may not have the exposure to these professionals normally. Thanks!
Thanks, Suzy! These videos were a lot of fun to put together. I think you are right: these interviews are a great opportunity for our members to learn from each other, particularly for those who don’t get to see each as often face to face. I’m excited to unveil the other 7 videos in the series!
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