Her Story
About April
April Elswick serves as the Volunteer Coordinator and Project Manager at Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County in Goose Creek, South Carolina, a role she has held for over five years within the nonprofit sector. She began her tenure with the organization as a peer coordinator before expanding into construction project management roughly three and a half years into her time there. Today, she balances a dual set of responsibilities: on the construction side, she plans projects, sources materials, and contributes to house design, while on the volunteer side, she oversees check-in, safety training, and ongoing support for the community members whose participation drives every build.
Before stepping into the nonprofit world, Elswick built a diverse career in sales, retail, and management. She owned and operated an engraving gift shop, worked within the clothing industry, and spent seven years as general manager of a sign company. She later spent several years with the Berkeley County Disability Board, an experience that helped shape her transition into service-oriented work. Her educational foundation traces back to Goose Creek High School, and she has since strengthened her professional expertise through certifications including the Project Manager Development Program from the Associated General Contractors of America and a Volunteer Management Fundamentals Certificate from VolunteerPro | Tobi Johnson & Associates.
Guided by faith, family, and a deep commitment to community, Elswick approaches her work as an extension of her personal values. She encourages young women considering a career in the nonprofit field to stay curious, take risks, and lead with heart, noting that while the path is not always easy, the impact it creates is immeasurable. Through her dual role in volunteer coordination and construction project management, she continues to help build homes, strengthen communities, and foster hope throughout Berkeley County.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with April
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to approaching my work with purpose and faith, which turns everyday tasks into meaningful contributions. I've also benefited from an organization that involves volunteers directly in construction and from leadership that genuinely supports career development.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to be willing to make career pivots, even when they feel uncertain. I took that to heart myself when I moved from a corporate background into nonprofit work, and though I had initial fears about the transition, it proved to be the right decision.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field to follow their passion, even knowing that not every decision along the way will be easy. Don't be afraid to ask questions or step outside your comfort zone. You need heart, passion, determination, and persistence to succeed in the nonprofit sector, but the reward is limitless.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is that nonprofits can be very difficult to transition into, particularly for those coming from other industries.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, compassion, and hard work guide me professionally, while in my personal life I hold family first and foremost, along with my faith, connecting with people in my community, and service.
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