Her Story
About Alexandra
Alexandra Anderson is the Senior Program Director at the Mahaska YMCA in Oskaloosa, Iowa. With 5 years in the field of nonprofit project management, she oversees the opening of two new pools in a recreation center, trains lifeguards, manages Red Cross certifications, and secures grants to provide free swim lessons to 1,500 children across 13 towns. Anderson began her career as a lifeguard and swimming instructor before advancing to aquatics director. She holds a bachelor's degree in project management with a minor in Public and Population Health from the University of Kansas along with certifications as a Red Cross Instructor, YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor, YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer, Certified Pool Operator, and PMP. She received the Emerging Leader Award from the YMCA National Y. Her expertise centers on pool safety and project management, and she volunteers with companies and other non-profits in her free time. Anderson attributes her success to helping others change lives in the nonprofit sector, mentoring staff, and being raised by hardworking people.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alexandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I like to help others change the lives of others and see the difference that I make, especially in a non-profit world. Also showing the staff below me how to guide, lead, and manage, bringing them into new projects. Being raised by hardworking people and having a good boss always helps.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Keep your head down, work hard. Love what you do.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't get wrapped up into the day-to-day things. Keep your eyes on the bigger picture.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
On a leadership level in a nonprofit, you're consistently understaffed, underpaid, or overworked. Work-life balance is a challenge because it's not a 9-to-5 job.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness, respect, faith.
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