Introducing 2011 ProInspire Fellow: Nikita T. Mitchell
Name: Nikita Mitchell
Hometown: Beltsville, MD
Organization: Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)
Previous Employer: Deloitte Consulting
What inspired you to make the switch into the nonprofit sector?
I graduated with my undergraduate degree in business knowing that at some point in my career I wanted to make the shift over to the nonprofit sector. However, I wanted to gain some experience in the private sector first, so I completed internships in finance and started working for a management consulting firm post-graduation. A few years into my career at Deloitte I realized that – though I really enjoyed the projects I had been placed on – it was time to start make my transition into the social sector. As I continued to reflect on my next move I was fortunate to have learned about ProInspire.
What was your position like at AEO?
At AEO I managed two projects. The first, the AEO500, involved a significant amount of communication with AEO’s member organizations – which serve entrepreneurs directly – as well as entrepreneurs themselves. Most days you could find me conducting an interview with entrepreneurs to learn more about their experiences starting and growing their businesses.
The second project, the Catalyst Initiative, provided me with the opportunity to work closely with partners at Grameen Foundations Bankers without Borders programs. Through that partnership AEO members could access a volunteer corps of 6,000 private sector professionals to help them solve some of their most challenging problems.
What is your professional background and areas of expertise?
Management consulting, more specifically working with federal agencies on their strategic and operational challenges. I also have significant facilitation and social media/networking experience.
What are you involved in outside of work?
I volunteer almost all of my time with organizations committed to the empowerment of women and girls. I currently facilitate a 16-week empowerment course for women in the DC community and work as a counselor and advocate for the DC Rape Crisis Center. I also raise money for Girls on the Run DC as a SoleMate by running a half-marathon in the spring. Lastly, I serve on the board of directors for the Cultural Academy for Excellence, a local arts-in-education program for youth.
Who do you look to as a leader in your respective field, and why?
Michael Porter. I’m very interested in the ways businesses develop social impact strategies, and Michael Porter’s concept of shared value has had me very excited ever since I read the Harvard Business Review article last year. In general there are hardly any business students who don’t study Porter’s frameworks, and I’m excited that this is one that both my and the next generation of business leaders will be learning (and hopefully utilizing).
What blogs or websites do you read on a daily basis?
Some of the business and social sector sites I love the most include: Harvard Business Review, Stanford Social Innovation Review, the 99 Percent and www.rosettathurman.com.
If your friends and enemies had to describe you in three words, what would they be?
I conducted a 360 assessment recently, which I asked friends and family to complete (no enemies, however). Here are the three top attributes that were selected for me: intelligent, passionate and community-oriented.
If you won $20 million dollars in the lottery and had to donate it to a social organization – which one would it be, and why?
I would start my own, if that’s allowed. I dream of one day running a travel program for young women that promotes cultural education, self-esteem building and academic achievement. I believe that my experiences traveling as a child greatly shaped who I am, and I believe everyone should have that opportunity. I particularly think it will be transformative and empowering for black girls who otherwise might not have had such an experience.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your fellowship experience?
I learned that the nonprofit sector doesn’t have a monopoly on social change. I used to think that I couldn’t really have a career focused on sustainable social impact in the private sector, however through the experiences I’ve had and relationships I’ve built over the last year I now realize that each sector has its own unique role in addressing our biggest social issues. Furthermore not one sector could, or should try to, do it alone.
What is your dream career if money was not an option?
I’m not sure, but it would involve lots of travel to new countries and experiencing new cultures. The destinations, however, would be skewed toward places with beautiful beaches. The other option is to own a small boat and transport people to and from small, nearby islands off of a Caribbean island’s mainland. I’d get to regularly meet new people, be near water and spend the day in the sunshine – all on my own schedule.
What book are you reading right now?
I’m currently reading Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes and Black Women in America by Melissa Harris-Perry, and I highly recommend it so far. I recently finished Social Innovation, Inc: 5 Strategies for Driving Business Growth Through Social Change by Jason Saul and Born to Run by Christopher McDougall which were also great reads.
Where else have you lived?
New York, NY
London, UK
Grenoble, France