Lifelong Learning: How Porcelli’s Nonprofit Degree Helped Her as the Executive Director of Resilient

Dagmar Porcelli, a current student in Grace College’s Online Master’s Nonprofit Management program, shares how her nonprofit degree has impacted her work through Resilient, a local nonprofit Christian community development organization.

The Beginning of Resilient

After years of work as a chemical engineer and an entrepreneur, Porcelli became involved with the Roosevelt Road Initiative launched by her church, Christ Church of Oak Brook. Originally part of the church’s domestic missions, the board was eventually encouraged to make the initiative an independent 501(c)(3), allowing the organization to work with churches in the area.

This local nonprofit, now known as Resilient, is a community development organization serving youth and families in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. According to Porcelli, the mission of Resilient is to “provide opportunities for youth to rise and become resilient out of any sort of social challenge.” 

Resilient works with a wide range of ages, from middle school to young adults, teaching them both educational and practical skills. This ultimately prepares them for sustainable careers and independent living in the future.

In partnership with the Salvation Army, Resilient has been able to provide family meals to people in need once a month. At these meals, Scripture, food, and fellowship are shared. All of this accomplishes Resilient’s goal “to provide hope and flourishing to the hopeless.”

A Supported Education

Porcelli became the board president of Resilient and eventually the executive director of Resilient. As the executive director, Porcelli found that she needed to develop a knowledge base in nonprofit management. “When I started in the nonprofit world, I found that I really needed to sharpen my skills in the management, fundraising, and communication aspects of a nonprofit degree,” said Porcelli.

That’s when Grace became a part of her story. “I am a lifelong learner, and I’ve always wanted to go back to school,” said Porcelli. “I was looking for something that had Christian values, and Grace seemed like an awesome opportunity.” 

Balancing her role in Resilient with graduate studies hasn’t been easy, but Porcelli said she feels well supported, especially by Dr. Stephen Grill, the director of the Master of Nonprofit Management program.

“The professors are unbelievable because I don’t get the feeling that I am somewhere remote,” said Porcelli. “There’s a really great sense of community, even through a screen.”

Juggling Work and Education

Getting her nonprofit degree online allows Porcelli to juggle full-time work with the demands of higher education. As she said, “I have found that my courses are so practical. Like anything else, if it’s something that you like, you’re gonna really dive into it, and I have just truly enjoyed the whole program!”

Grace provides more than a degree; it provides knowledge for everyday life. “I am studying things that I’m going to use on a day-to-day basis,” said Porcelli. 

Porcelli uses the knowledge she has gained in her courses for Resilient daily. “I’m already applying concepts when it comes to marketing and communication,” said Porcelli. “Right now, I’m taking an analysis course. It’s really kind of funny! I’m 66 years old; I’ve been around. I have managed many different people and I have done many different things, but I can now put words to what I am doing.” 

While Porcelli had previous management experience, she greatly values her newfound ability to describe her work with professional business language.

“My heart and mind are joyful with the harmony I feel in my purpose, my values, and my alignment with Grace’s master’s program!”

Do you want to get a Nonprofit degree? Learn more about Grace College’s Master of Nonprofit Management program today!