Hudjy Dolce

I joined Teach For America just a few weeks after completing a master’s in public administration with honors from Rutgers University. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect — I just knew I wanted to do work that made a difference. What I didn’t realize then was that this nonprofit role would give me some of the most valuable project management skills I still use today.

At TFA, I worked as a compliance associate. That meant managing timesheets, expense reports, and ensuring we met the requirements tied to our funding. It wasn’t just admin work — it was project coordination, stakeholder management, and process improvement wrapped in one. I may not have had “Project Manager” in my title yet, but looking back, I was doing the work.

1. Resourcefulness became second nature

In nonprofits, the resources are limited but the expectations are high — so you learn to get creative. Early on, I had to quickly master complex Excel formulas to generate compliance reports across the entire organization. I wasn’t an Excel wizard when I started, but there was no time to wait — I taught myself what I needed to know, fast. I also got some help from my then manager and some colleagues.

That kind of on-the-fly problem solving became second nature. Now, in corporate settings, I bring that same mindset to every challenge. If there’s a way to automate, optimize, or simplify — I’m on it.

2. Mission-driven work taught me purpose

Nonprofit work is deeply tied to purpose — but it’s also tied to grants, and those grants come with strict requirements. Every task had to be tied to a specific outcome. That meant aligning with the mission wasn’t just a nice-to-have — it was a funding requirement. I had to make sure every report, system, or workflow supported the bigger goal.

Now, as a corporate PM, I still approach every project by asking: “What’s the goal? What’s the impact?” That clarity helps teams stay focused and clients feel confident.

3. Communication was key — always

With cross-functional teams, last-minute changes, and passionate stakeholders, clear communication wasn’t optional — it was essential. I learned to simplify updates, set expectations early, and follow up consistently.

That skill still serves me today. Whether I’m managing a global campaign or aligning with vendors, I know how to communicate in a way that keeps everyone on the same page.

4. Empathy became my superpower

Working in nonprofit means working with people — from teammates to community partners to families. I learned to listen actively, navigate tension, and lead with empathy. That ability to connect and relate has been crucial in every corporate role I’ve had since.

Bottom line: Starting in the nonprofit world wasn’t just a job — it was a crash course in leadership, adaptability, and impact-driven work. It taught me how to do a lot with a little, how to manage projects that matter, and how to communicate with heart. Corporate gave me more resources, but the core skills? I built those back in my nonprofit days — and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.