Liz Schurgin is the Executive Director of the Greater DC Diaper Bank. As a nonprofit leader, she is passionate about challenging systemic inequities, utilizing creativity as a tool for change, and building strong teams and organizations. Prior to the Diaper Bank, Liz served as Executive Director of the DC Youth Orchestra Program. She is also a musician and mother.
TAKEAWAYS |
Advice for Moving into the Non-Profit Sector
Adapt your language, not your expertise. Translate your skills using the organization’s vocabulary. For example, what might be called “procurement” in the private sector is referred to as “wholesale purchasing” for us—but the underlying work is very similar.
Volunteer to learn the culture. Volunteering is one of the best ways to understand an organization’s communication style, decision-making rhythms, and structure—while also building real connections in your community.
Understand how decisions get made. In nonprofits, decision-making is often consensus-driven. Instead of asking only about the Executive Director’s vision, ask how the Board of Directors operates to show you understand their role.
Fostering Resilience When Resources are Cut
Shorten the runway. In moments of chaos, focus on what can be done right now rather than what’s uncertain in the future.
Name and celebrate small wins. Recognizing progress—no matter how incremental—helps surface the resilience that already exists within your team.
Model permission to pause. When things get tough, explicitly give people space to breathe—and lead by example by doing the same yourself.
Support Your Local Diaper Bank
As funding for programs that support women and families continue to be cut, diaper banks are facing levels of need similar to those seen during the pandemic. Nearly one in two caregivers of young children struggle to access diapers to keep their child healthy and dry—and diapers aren’t covered by SNAP or WIC.