Megan McKinley Thomas
Associate Director of Donor Relations and Engagement
N Street Village
Washington, DC USA
“Have faith in the process. Trust your gut, your heart, your instincts. You know yourself the best and you know what you need.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationMegan McKinley Thomas
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Grew up volunteering and says that she was raised to give back.
Attended Old Dominion University where she received her degree in women’s studies and creative writing.
After graduating, she took a job at a Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C.—left after only a few months because she wasn’t making enough money.
After a brief stint working at Target, she decided she needed to go back to working in nonprofits.
She got a job working in fundraising and development for Washington Hospital Center Foundation.
This led to nearly a decade of working in state and national healthcare fundraising for organizations like Children’s National Medical Center and The ALS Association.
She has also worked for the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, which is a Women's Equality National Monument, and the Washington Animal Rescue League.
She is now the Associate Director of Donor Relations and Engagement for N Street Village, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering homeless and low-income women in Washington, D.C.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Associate Director of Donor Relations and Engagement
I am in charge of all donor relations for an organization empowering homeless and low-income women.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Business
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
My day is typically spent managing relationships with our donors and keeping them engaged in what we are doing at N Street Village to make them aware of where their money is going and how it is helping the community. It's a lot of emails, phone calls, and meetings. Our communications manager reports to me, so I help her organize and strategize a lot of our outreach and marketing targeted towards securing new donors. I also help organize our year-end fundraiser where we raise $1 million.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Trust your instincts and follow your gut. Do the homework and do your due diligence, but don't be afraid to take leaps of faith. You know deep down what's right for you.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"Ok, let's be realistic...nonprofit work isn't going to sustain you. What are you going to do with a women's studies major?"
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Physical Issues
School Stress
Interviewed By
Old Dominion University Roadtrip
Old Dominion University students and alumni
