2005-2006 Board Member Testimonial
Nicole Casciello
WG '06
1. What was your motivation or interest in participating in the program?
I believed that serving on a non-profit board would enable me to serve an organization at a higher level, going beyond volunteering at events to using my business expertise to help guide the organization. This program provided a good training ground to help me understand the roles and responsibilities of board members while giving back to the Philadelphia community.
2. Could you give us at least one anecdote of an instance where your Wharton education was particularly helpful in addressing a problem encountered by the organization for which you work?
My organization struggles to gain exposure in the Philadelphia area and beyond. I have been leveraging my strong marketing background to help them develop marketing collateral aimed at increasing visibility and driving revenue through site rentals.
3. Are there any aspects of the training program that turned out to be particularly helpful?
In terms of organized training, I have found that the orientation program, where we discussed all the aspects of serving on a board, to be the most helpful. My organization is relatively small and the board tends to be very hands-on. The board is struggling with many issues, including fundraising, soliciting volunteers, and strategic planning. I have been able to use the elements of a high functioning board as painted by the LaSalle Center to help steer them towards a more strategic view.
4. How have you benefited from the experience to date?
I think the program is a great way for Wharton students to learn about serving on non-profit boards.
5. Has participating in the NPBLP changed your outlook on participating on a non-profit board in the future?
In addition to learning about the non-profit sector and its challenges, I have also discovered just how important it is to believe in the mission of the organization for which you are serving.
