Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Alnierys Venegas! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what lead you down your current life path.
I have a Master in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Growing up, I had a strong desire to work in the media industry – specifically in either radio broadcasting or print media. Fast forward and my career took an interesting detour that landed me in the world of nonprofit, and most recently, higher education. Now, I enjoy helping people, building relationships, and working in underserved communities. Because of that, I am a community leader in nonprofit and education with extensive experience administrative experience in community education, outreach marketing, program development, management, and strategic planning throughout the city of Chicago.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
When I was an undergrad, I interned at nonprofits such as YWCA and Red Cross in public relations and marketing. My goal was to work at a nonprofit organization if I couldn’t land a job in media. So, when I graduated, my first job wasn’t in media, but at a nonprofit mental health service. From that point, I wasn’t aware of how rewarding it would be to work for mission-driven organizations which inspired me to further my career in nonprofit social services and obtain a Master’s in Nonprofit Management. I am now inspired to further my love for social services in higher education in assisting adults with obtaining their high school diploma or learning English as a second language.
What is one thing you are proud of achieving in your life?
Being a Hispanic woman and a second-generation graduate, I am proud of my degree attainments.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, engaging in self-care, traveling when I have the opportunity, and reading/writing.
Is there something exciting you are working on now? What is it and why did you choose to start it?
Because I have always wanted to be in media, I decided to combine that love with my current love of nonprofit to start a blog called I Work Nonprofit. The purpose is to provide a social platform of support and inspiration to those currently in nonprofit or looking to get into the field. I am excited to nurture this project in hopes to provide a wider range of support to those in the profession.
The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?
My advice would be to stay resilient and persistent. No matter the obstacle, there is always a solution.
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” This is one of my favorite quotes that resonates with my life. I want to live intentional and ensure that what I am doing personally and professionally bring me the joy and motivation to live my life to its fullest potential. Life is too short to not go after what you are passionate about.
Why did you choose to be a Board Member of Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I chose to join E.R.E. because the purpose, mission, and vision resonate with me. As an administrative professional with experience in nonprofit and education, I found it fitting to support the work of E.R.E. I think it’s great to be part of an organization that wants to close the equity gap in education by providing high-quality tutoring services to BIPOC students in underserved communities.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
What speaks most to me about E.R.E.’s purpose, mission, and core values is that E.R.E. strives to provide students with the tools to be successful in their education and society. It’s well said that E.R.E. works to educate equitably, radiate student success, and elevate society.
