In the heart of Dayton Ohio’s nonprofit sector, you can find Rebecca Cantrell, MA ABS, MPA, ACNP (Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional). This exclusive interview gives us a peek into her inspiring career journey and the profound impact one individual can have on their community as the Greene County Director for the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area. 

Early Aspirations

Rebecca’s career began with a desire to make a difference in her community. “I wanted to become an attorney,” she recalls, “I thought I could make that change in my community, by learning about law and really advocating for people.” Her initial steps were taken at Wright State University, where she pursued a dual graduate program in applied behavioral science and public administration. 

It was during her time at Wright State that Rebecca’s path took a defining turn. Encouraged by her professor, she discovered the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) program. “She said that I could be better prepared with my CNP,” Rebecca recalled. Six months later, she was ready to start a remarkable career in the nonprofit sector. 

A Commitment to Community

Rebecca’s impactful career journey is shaped by a series of experiences that have influenced her approach to community service.  

One of the earliest was her involvement with a Pee Wee football organization, where she faced the stark realities of inequality and resource disparities. “The uniforms were not comparable to others,” she recalls. “At first, I was like, why is this happening? Something should be done about this. And then it occurred to me, I have to be the change.” 

This led her to take on a leadership role within the organization. “We were in the negative $20,000,” she says. “But through consistent efforts and the application of the competencies I learned in my nonprofit training, we turned it around. We ended up with $250,000, which allowed us to buy new equipment, bleachers, and even partner with the high school to buy turf for our football field.” 

Rebecca’s career journey continued to flourish as she took on various roles throughout the sector. From working in institutional advancement at Central State University to serving as the executive director for Ohio Robotics, Rebecca’s ability to connect resources with community needs became clear. “I really excel at raising money and the fundraising side,” she notes. “That’s what I’ve done throughout my career.” 

Her time at the Epilepsy Foundation was particularly poignant. “I was three days into the Epilepsy Foundation, and there was a gift that came in for a five-year-old girl who had passed away. Reading her story, my heart was just aching so bad for that family,” Rebecca shares. This experience reinforced her commitment to health and human services, leading to creating a legacy in the girl’s honor. 

United Way of the Greater Dayton Area

Today, as the Greene County Director for the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, Rebecca continues to leverage her skills to drive positive change in her community. Her role involves not only fundraising but also strategic planning and community engagement. “I’ve been working in the field for over 12 years now. I still reference the material and competencies I learned through my CNP training,” she says. 

Rebecca’s leadership at United Way is characterized by her ability to bring people together and foster collaboration. “In the nonprofit sector, there’s less red tape. I feel I can be a more direct aid and get things done,” she explains. Her efforts have resulted in many successful campaigns and initiatives that address critical community needs, from education to health services. 

The Power of the CNP Credential

Rebecca Cantrell’s story is a shining example of the value of the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential. “The CNP program really helped me channel my energy and passion into effective leadership,” she emphasizes. “It provided me with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible impact in my community.” 

Her journey from aspiring attorney to nonprofit leader underscores the importance of continuous learning and professional development. “I still have a binder about this thick,” she says with a laugh, referring to her CNP training materials. “I look through a lot of those competencies just to refresh my memory.” 

Rebecca’s journey illustrates that with dedication, the right training, and a passion for making a difference, anyone can make positive change in their community. “I have to be the change,” she says, a mantra that has guided her throughout her career. 

For those considering a career in the nonprofit sector or contemplating earning their CNP credential, Rebecca Cantrell’s story is a powerful reminder of what is possible. As Rebecca continues to lead and inspire, her legacy of positive change will undoubtedly resonate for years to come. 

Develop the nonprofit management skills you need by becoming a CNP!

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