Client Spotlight: Dr. Dorothy Hassan
Dr. Dorothy Hassan quoted Oprah when she applied to enter New Directions Career Center’s Women’s Advocacy Program in 2021. “Take your own life story and turn it into passion.” As a young woman, she traveled to Africa with her children and got married in Egypt before returning to the United States. Throughout that time, she grew uncomfortably and deeply versed in the experience of loss, racism and inequity. She returned to the United States to pursue graduate studies that would allow her to develop leadership skills and capacities to meaningfully advocate for her community.
In 2021, Dorothy joined the Women’s Advocacy program, which focuses on nonprofit leadership and board training to increase community voice representation on area boards. She knew she wanted to work in the nonprofit sector, was on the brink of a graduate degree and was exploring her next career steps. Through the program, Dorothy became the glue for fellow women, providing them with inspiring and affirming words and encouraging her fellow cohort members to stir good trouble. She asked presenters detailed questions on everything from Strategic Planning to Board Roles.
Today, Dr. Hassan has completed her PhD and assumed the position of Executive Director for a local nonprofit agency in Franklin County that supports immigrants in navigating the community, language skill development, employment, and resources. “I learned everything that I know about Board of Directors governance and engagement from New Directions, and I owe the success of my board to New Directions. I knew what to ask… and they answer the call every day!”
Dr. Dorothy Hassan, Women’s Advocacy Program Graduate
To New Directions clients, she offers the following words of encouragement, “Education is liberating. Continue to press forward and be open to new information and opportunities… Be open to a new direction.”
We are proud to call Dr. Hassan a colleague and friend in this work. The Women’s Advocacy Program opens applications in July for the 2024 cohort. To the women we serve, please consider applying to “take your own life story and turn it into passion!” To our partners, please consider referring amazing and passionate women you serve to this training program so you can build your own brilliant and powerful pipeline for board leadership!