Alicia Kunitz

I attribute my success to staying curious and being open to opportunities I never anticipated. My career has taken several unexpected turns, from working in higher education and nonprofit organizations to spending time as a pastry cook, and every step of the journey has added something valuable to who I am today.

I've learned that success isn't about following a perfect plan. It's about being adaptable, building meaningful relationships, and being willing to learn wherever you are. Whether I was planning events, engaging volunteers, baking pastries, or writing grants, each experience helped me develop skills and perspectives that continue to guide me today.

The best career advice I've ever received is, "If you're not happy where you are, move. You're not a tree." While it's a lighthearted saying, it carries an important message: we don't have to remain in situations that no longer support our growth. Some of the most rewarding opportunities in my career came from being willing to embrace change, take on new challenges, and step outside of my comfort zone.

I've also been fortunate to learn from leaders and mentors who encouraged me to recognize strengths and potential that I didn't always see in myself. Their guidance reinforced the importance of staying open to new possibilities and trusting that every experience adds value. My career has taught me that success isn't always the result of a perfectly planned path. Often, it's the willingness to adapt, keep learning, and have the courage to pursue new opportunities that leads to the greatest growth.

I encourage young women to pursue what genuinely excites them and to trust that a successful career doesn't have to follow a straight line. Your degree, first job, internship, or early career choices don't have to define your future. Every experience teaches you something valuable and helps build skills that may prove useful in unexpected ways down the road.

Having managed an internship program myself, I understand the importance of creating opportunities for emerging professionals to learn and grow. I would also encourage young women to seek out mentors, ask questions, and build meaningful relationships along the way. The people who invest in your growth can have a lasting impact on your confidence and career. Stay curious, advocate for yourself, and don't be afraid if your journey looks different from someone else's. Some of the most fulfilling careers are built through unexpected experiences, and often those turns lead you exactly where you're meant to be.

One of the greatest opportunities for women right now is the ability to build meaningful and influential careers within the nonprofit sector. Throughout my own career, I've been fortunate to work alongside strong women leaders, mentors, and colleagues who have shaped organizations, strengthened communities, and inspired others through their work.

The nonprofit sector offers women opportunities to lead, innovate, advocate for important causes, and create tangible impact. In my experience, many women excel in philanthropy, community engagement, and relationship building, all of which are essential to advancing mission-driven work.

In grant writing specifically, I have the privilege of connecting philanthropists and foundations with programs that address important community needs. While the demand for support continues to grow, so does the opportunity to build new relationships, think creatively, and help drive meaningful change. It's a field that continuously encourages learning, collaboration, and innovation, making it both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

The values that guide me most are impact, gratitude, and growth. I believe a meaningful life is built by making a positive difference, appreciating the journey, and remaining open to who you're still becoming.

Impact matters to me because I want my time, energy, and talents to contribute to something that leaves people and communities stronger. Gratitude keeps me grounded in the present and appreciative of the people who have supported me, as well as the individuals and organizations whose generosity makes meaningful change possible every day. Growth encourages me to stay curious, embrace new experiences, and continue learning throughout every stage of life.

When I look back on my life and career, it won't be the accomplishments I'm most proud of. It will be the people I've connected with, the lives I've been able to touch, and the ways I've continued to grow through each experience.