On Saturday, Nov. 15, at Carleton’s convocation ceremony, Jenna Richards and André Scott were two of the first students to graduate with a Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL). NOv. 15th also happens to be National Philanthropy Day.
Jenna Richards
Richards is passionate about the arts. She trained as a classical pianist and has performed in many different venues. But she also wants to work with arts organizations.
Says Richards: “I believe that the possibilities the nonprofit arts sector present today can play a key role in bridging social, economic, and cultural disparities. I have a keen interest in helping transform the way people think of the arts, especially music, and in expanding its traditional uses.”
She thought that the MPNL program would be a perfect complement to her previous studies.
The MPNL program is offered in a flexible format involving intensive summer institutes at Carleton, along with interactive online learning and a professional development practicum.
“I think combining the theoretical basis from our classes with the practical experience of my placement and the real life issues shared and discussed by my colleagues has provided me with a strong and well-rounded background to deal with the challenges the third sector (nonprofit sector) currently faces,” says Richards.
For her practicum, she worked with the Ottawa Arts Council. “It was amazing, and I continue to work with them on a project that was being developed during my time there. The practicum allowed me to “try-out” the arts sector in Ottawa under my new “administrator” hat. I felt confident learning from professionals in the field, and actually working on key issues for a well-respected arts organization in the city.”
However, Richards says the best part for her was the other students. “The plethora of talented, kind, and hardworking individuals with completely different backgrounds brought the program to life and made the experience utterly unique. This mix of student engagement and curriculum choice allowed all of us to look at issues through varying lenses. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.”
Reflecting on the program, which is the first of its kind in Canada, Richards says: “The MNPL degree program provides an essential framework for developing strong leaders for change. Getting a conversation going is so important, and being able to back that up with knowledge and practical experience is even better. This program could easily be the spark needed for those taking first steps in the nonprofit sphere as well as those hoping to make a major career move, or take on leadership positions.”
André Scott
After being a lifelong volunteer for various groups, André Scott wanted to learn more about the rules and regulations governing Canada’s nonprofit and charitable sector after the conclusion of the Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) in the 2000’s. So the MPNL program was a perfect choice.
He said the best part of the program for him was, “the guest speakers and the real world skills that we learned from them. Only after hearing others reference their work did I understand that the best and brightest minds of the third sector are right here at Carleton.”
Scott did a practicum at the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency. “It was an amazing experience. I was able to apply what I had learned from the readings and courses to real cases involving some of our nation’s largest charities and philanthropic foundations.”
Scott says that he is grateful that the MPNL program exposed him to research methods tools which have allowed him to work on a team to enhance the CRA’s ability to report on the activities of charities.
After the practicum ended, Scott was able to remain on a part-time basis with the CRA until the end of the program and was then hired as an Analyst. He is currently leading a research group of academics who want to use charity data to improve the charitable sector. “I would like to see more students have the opportunity to use open data from charities to advance research on the third sector.”
He also wants continue volunteering with local nonprofits and charities.
More information about the MPNL program is available by clicking here.
The first graduate from the Graduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership also graduated on Nov. 15.
Monday, October 20, 2014 in News, Programs
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