Wendy Nadel is the Executive Director of Yonkers Partners in Education, a non-profit dedicated to supporting access to and success in education for all Yonkers students and their families. She’s not new at working for the greater good; 25 years ago Wendy founded Volunteer Emory while she was a student at Emory University. She’s worked for the March of Dimes, run her own non-profit consulting firm, performed research on child poverty for Save the Children, and currently serves as a member of the Emory University Alumni Board and the Volunteer Center of the United Way. Sounds like she knows a thing or two about following your heart…

TILE: How did you end up where you are today?
Wendy: I became passionate about serving the world when I was in college and made the decision as a sophomore that I wanted to spend my career in the not-for-profit sector. Twenty-eight years later, I’m still here!

TILE: How does what you do affect the world at large? Why should I care about what you do?
Wendy: My organization, Yonkers Partners in Education, provides opportunities to low-income, inner city students that even the playing field so that they can achieve their dreams. Many kids who live in poverty don’t realize that there is a wide world out there for them, and we help them to navigate the road to a better life.

TILE: What is your favorite thing about working with a nonprofit?
Wendy: Our work makes a difference and helps to transform lives. Doesn’t get much better then that!

TILE: What’s the best advice you would give to your teenage self?
Wendy: Stick with a dream, even if it’s not totally clear how to achieve it. Often kids think they need to have it all figured out in college. I never had anything figured out but let my passion guide my career and it worked out beautifully.

TILE: How did you get into the work you are doing today?
Wendy: The great part about the last question is that one thing led to another. Through work I was doing for Save the Children Federation, I became passionate about education as a way out of poverty. I was approached by a head-hunter when this position became available and went for it and got the job.

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Tags: Education, Wendy Nadel