Wearing All the Hats: My First Year Running a Nonprofit

With our one year anniversary last month, I have been doing a ton of reflecting. A little over a year ago, I started The Do Better Initiative with little more than an idea and a whole lot of determination. I had no detailed plan, just a passion to make a difference. So I jumped in headfirst.

What followed has been one of the most rewarding things in my life. This journey has pushed me far outside my comfort zone and forced me to learn skills I never imagined I’d need. And let’s be honest: a lot of this has started with frantic Google searches that began with “How do I…” From figuring out social media algorithms to building a website from scratch, every step has been a crash course in something new.

The nonprofit has allowed me to meet some of the coolest people and have some of the wildest experiences. More than once I have been genuinely starstruck when talking to real life heroes, and completely blown away by awesome events. 

I also have a love/hate relationship with how much this initiative throws me out of my comfort zone. As an introvert, putting myself out there (networking at events, reaching out to strangers, speaking to groups) still sometimes feels unnatural and draining. There are days I just want to just stay behind the laptop. But I’ve learned that real growth lives right outside that comfort zone, and the impact we’re making makes every uncomfortable step worth it.

Running a nonprofit means I get to wear so many hats, here are just a few I do on a daily bases:

Social Media Manager

From figuring out the everchanging algorithm to writing posts, this one is equal parts fun and frustrating. I love writing posts and getting to know incredible people who share our vision. When it comes to figuring out hashtags and the best times to post though, it has been a bit of a learning curve. 

Graphic Design

I’ve designed pamphlets for our booths, flyers for the individuals who receive our resources, and eye-catching social media graphics. Fun fact, Canva provides its Pro version at no cost to registered 501(C)(3) nonprofits, which has been super helpful! 

IT Department (a.k.a. Website Builder)

Now, if you had told me over a year ago that I would design and a maintain a website from scratch, I would probably have laughed. I am not going to lie, this is probably one of my least favorite tasks (there is nothing quite as frustrating as formatting and broken links), but the finished product is incredibly satisfying. 

PR and Communications

Endless emails and texts. Coordinating kit dropoffs. Booth events sharing about us. Creating program partnerships. The list goes on.

None of this would have been possible without my incredible mom. She has been by my side through every late-night brainstorming session, every moment of doubt, and every small victory. 

She’s taken on countless roles herself, and her support has meant everything.