The Backstory: Jenn Bellamy, ProInspire’s Partnerships & Development Director

We believe in the power of people. Any nonprofit organization — including ours — is made stronger by the constellation of individuals with unique perspectives, interests, and dreams. You know our title, and you know what we do to help achieve ProInspire’s mission. But who are we as individuals, and what do we do and think about in the spaces between work?

The Backstory is an occasional blog series to help you learn more about our staff. Here, we profile Jenn Bellamy, ProInspire’s Partnerships & Development Director.

Backgrounder

Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia. My roots are deep in Northern Virginia. My mother is from Alexandria, my father is from Arlington, and I went to high school in Woodbridge.

Meyers Briggs Type Indicator: ESFJ

Years with ProInspire: In my current capacity, I’ve worked with ProInspire for less than a year. However, I participated in the Managing for Success pilot program in 2013, and then joined the Managing for Success Alumni Council. I also participated in the Strategic Planning process in 2015, providing stakeholder input from the alumni perspective. I have enjoyed staying connected to ProInspire, and was excited when this opportunity arose to join the staff.

Pre-ProInspire:  I started my professional life in corporate sales, but it didn’t fill me up. After getting my Masters in Organizational Management, I worked in a few different nonprofit organizations, the unifying theme of which was youth development. I spent 3 ½ years with National 4-H Council (a ProInspire partner!) in Resource and Fund Development. This was a great role for me, where I had a strong mentor and built a solid foundation in development and grantmaking. I then partnered with a local nonprofit called Metro Teen AIDS. This role opened my eyes to the importance of fundraising on a local level, and of anchoring your efforts around a specific cause. I transitioned to National Childrens Center, which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2016, I decided to become an independent consultant. I’m happy with this approach and proud of myself for taking this step.

Why social sector?   I’m an altruist at heart. I sought out community service work from a young age; it was a regular part of our family life. With a solid religious background, I have fed the homeless, done clean up projects, and worked with people in need. I then worked as a mentor in college, and participated in an alternative spring break project in college in Post-Katrina New Orleans. The sum of these experiences was a deeper understanding of the gratitude that comes with doing this work. My career in corporate sales was great — I was successful and it came easy to me. But I wanted a career with meaning, and where I felt like I was making a difference in others’ lives.  

What does your typical day look like? It’s important to have a forward-thinking mentality when you work in Development. I have to understand what trends are influencing the sector, and where there might be potential partnerships down the road. It’s about understanding the needs of our partners and existing and potential donors, and where there is alignment of objectives between ProInspire and other organizations and funders — this is where the magic happens. In my role, I have to be observant and keep my ear to the ground so I can find and create this alignment. I also engage in customer service on a daily basis. I have to be considerate of ProInspire’s needs as well as those of the partners with whom we work. Every day, I work to maximize our partnerships so that they are mutually beneficial.

Deep Thoughts

What is your personal philosophy? To whom much is given, much is required. Even if I don’t understand why things are happening or what may happen in the future, what comes to mind is that I’ve been blessed in a lot of ways. This requires me to give back, and to work hard for the things that I want and need.

What is one professional or leadership development experience that has had a profound impact on you? I believe in the power of mentor/mentee relationships. I joined National 4-H Council as a young and impressionable person, ready to figure out how to grow, accelerate, and become the best professional I could be. My mentor was on her way to becoming the CEO of the organization; it was amazing that she took the time to mentor me and provide guidance. She saw potential in me, which helped me see it, too. Our relationship sparked a fire in me to become a stronger leader, and to tap into my skills and the areas where I could develop further. She taught me how to take constructive criticism and feedback as fuel for growth.

What one piece of leadership advice would you give to social sector leaders? Never stop learning. Always be open to change.

What are the greatest challenges facing social sector leaders? I think it’s tough for some social sector leaders to be open to the rapid pace of change in the sector. There are so many things that influence the social sector and determine which causes are most urgent, including political, cultural, and economic dynamics. There is also a lot of ambiguity in our sector, so it’s important to be both solid on what your mission is but flexible on how you maintain that mission and achieve your goals.

Lightning Round

When I’m not working to fulfill ProInspire’s mission, you can find me…spending time with family. Or shopping. Or cooking.

Something you wouldn’t know about me from reading my resume...I am a great pool player.

Morning drink of choice: Coffee.

First concert: I’ll answer BEST concert: Beyonce in 2016.

First job: Sales. I was a telemarketer, selling Washington Post subscriptions at age 15.

Book on my nightstand: The Love Dare. I’m reading a marriage preparation book in anticipation of my upcoming wedding in Fall 2017.

Publication I read every day: I like podcasts. A current favorite is Dr. Eric Thomas’ The Secrets to Success.

Next up on my playlist: Jill Scott