
Mark Murphy
Founder & CEO
GripTape
Rhinebeck, NY USA
“Live life in a curious state of mind.”
GripTape
Rhinebeck, NY USA
“Live life in a curious state of mind.”
Founder & CEO
I lead a nonprofit organization that helps young people pursue their passions and interests on their own terms.
On any given day, there are four different things that I'm doing. First, I help to chart the path of the organization. This means focusing on questions of our strategy and how it best meets our mission and vision. Second, I support the youth and adult staff at GripTape to ensure they have the resources to lead great efforts. Third, I work to directly raise and earn the funding that our organization needs to exist. Fourth, I meet with external audiences and organizations to represent GripTape.
Here's the first step for high school students
First, before a degree, I recommend an experience that illuminates what it's like to work with youth—an internship, teacher's assistant, or a role with a youth development organization. Then pursue an undergrad degree that you're passionate about and provides a foundation of supporting youth. Next, experience multiple roles with direct responsibility for youth development. Finally, if beneficial or needed, pursue a graduate degree that directly supports your aspirations to serve young people.
"I want to be a school principal but I'm not ready yet. I don't know enough. I need to wait a few years before I'm ready."
Meet the people building a better future