Twelve years ago, I sprinted, held my breath, and leapt head first into the magnificent sea of nonprofit leadership. I had a clear and ambitious vision of what I wanted to accomplish with the organization that I co-founded with my childhood friend. But, like any journey of great magnitude, I didn't fully grasp the many possibilities, nor could I predict every challenge I would face.

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To start, I launched the organization while in school, working full-time, and pregnant with my second child. (Insert gasp here.) Yes, it was just as strenuous and exhausting as you might imagine.

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I was able to stay afloat during those challenging first years with help from an amazing co-founder who was also in the weeds with me, my family support system, and numerous community stakeholders who believed in me when literally all I had was a bright idea. My passion and youthfulness kept me motivated with the drive and energy when I needed to trade sleep for extra time to write proposals and develop programs.

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It was a pinch of naivete' that gave me the courage to dive into an industry where I had limited experience and believe that I could actually make a difference in the lives of young people in some of Chicago's most under-served communities.

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Today, I share strategies, reflections, and lessons, from my decade of service as a nonprofit leader and social impact strategist.