Recent School of Professional Studies alum, Westley Todd Holiday (‘23SPS, Nonprofit Management) writes about what he learned in the Nonprofit Management graduate program and how he wants to use his new skills in his family’s nonprofit organization.
What is the first thing graduates want to do after they get their master of science degree from the Nonprofit Management program at Columbia? More sleep, rest, and vacations are a given. But after that? Naturally, you take on the task of changing the world.
For me, changing the world means helping one child and one family at a time through the work of his family’s nonprofit, Holiday HOOPS & ARTs. At Columbia School of Professional Studies (SPS), I took courses including Managing the Mission-Based Organization, DEI for Nonprofits, and Role and Unique Nature of Nonprofits. I learned how philanthropy, fundraising, data, and communications are connected; that without good and intentional leadership, nonprofits will fail; and that ethics and DEI are not about right or wrong but about doing what is best for the key stakeholders.
Since graduating, I’ve been working with my family’s organization to give young people and their families the support they need to grow their familial bond, whether it’s with their grandparents, parents, or other caregivers. The organization provides high-quality sports and arts programs for boys and girls ages 8 through 18 to foster fundamental team skills and create lasting connections.
As with most nonprofits, fundraising and corporate support are critical to the growth of this organization. The board and advisory council are working to rally more supporters and donors to help them understand how Holiday HOOPS & ARTs is a place where families come together, get counseling, learn how to communicate, and deal with mental health. It’s also a place where they can just have fun and enjoy being together.
About the Author
Westley Todd Holiday is director of Strategic Engagement and Project Management at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and a graduate of the M.S. in Nonprofit Management program at the School of Professional Studies. As a leader and educator, Westley continues to work toward bettering his community through creative nonprofits, like Holiday HOOPS & ARTs, that foster personal and community development for youths through arts and athletics.
About the Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, health care, and the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
