Breaking Barriers: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

The Nonprofit Exchange: Leadership Tools & Strategies

In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with two inspiring leaders, Christine Sakdalan and Miguel Valentin, who are making significant strides in addressing inequities in the workforce through their nonprofit organization, Momentum and Value for People of Color (MVP).

Christine, a pharmaceutical executive with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare and life sciences industry, shared her journey of recognizing the biases and discrimination that exist in the professional world. This awareness, coupled with her passion for mentorship, led her to co-found MVP in 2020. The organization aims to empower young people of color by providing them with practical advice, coaching, and opportunities to thrive in their early careers. Christine emphasized the importance of paying it forward and leaving a legacy, which is a core value of MVP.

Miguel, the executive director of MVP, brought his extensive nonprofit experience to the conversation. He discussed his personal connection to the mission of MVP, highlighting the challenges faced by young people of color in navigating the workforce. Miguel shared how MVP provides essential resources such as workshops, coaching, and internship opportunities to help these individuals build their networks and gain the skills necessary for success.

Throughout our discussion, we explored the transformative impact of mentorship and the importance of representation in leadership roles. Christine recounted a poignant moment when a young Filipino student expressed how inspiring it was to see someone in a leadership position who looked like him. This representation is crucial for young people who may not see themselves in higher-level positions within organizations.

We also delved into the barriers that young people often impose on themselves, particularly in areas like public speaking. Miguel shared insights on how MVP helps students overcome these fears by providing them with the tools and opportunities to practice and improve their communication skills.

As the conversation progressed, we discussed the challenges nonprofits face in securing funding and the importance of investing in talented leaders who can drive organizational growth. Christine encouraged nonprofit leaders to take risks and invest in people who can elevate their missions, while Miguel urged listeners to expand their networks and seek diverse perspectives.

In closing, both Christine and Miguel left us with powerful messages about the importance of empathy, curiosity, and the willingness to step outside of our comfort zones to create a more inclusive and equitable world. This episode is a testament to the incredible work being done by MVP and the profound impact that mentorship and community support can have on the lives of young people.

For more information about MVP and how you can get involved, visit their website at https://mvpoc.org/about/

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