Jenny Tillman

I attribute my success to being comfortable being uncomfortable and having the ability to meet people where they are. I enjoy all the phases of my work, not just the end results. It's not about reaching a final destination but about embracing the entire journey and process. What has really made a difference for me is this ability to meet people where they are - to understand their needs and circumstances and work with them from that place. Being comfortable with discomfort has allowed me to take on challenges and grow in ways that might have seemed intimidating to others.

The best career advice I've ever received is to get comfortable being uncomfortable. This advice has shaped how I approach my work and has been instrumental in my career growth. It's about not shying away from challenges or situations that push you outside your comfort zone, but instead embracing them as opportunities for growth and learning. This mindset has allowed me to take on difficult projects and navigate complex situations throughout my career in both the military and nonprofit sectors.

I would tell young women entering the nonprofit industry to pair themselves with a veteran in the industry - obviously a successful veteran. Find a strong mentor who can guide you through the field. You've got to be so careful about who you choose as that mentor, but having someone experienced to learn from is crucial. And don't be afraid. The nonprofit field can be challenging, but it's important to move forward with confidence and not let fear hold you back from making an impact.

The biggest challenge in the nonprofit field right now is when we focus too much on the dollar and not the people. It's easy to get caught up in fundraising numbers and financial metrics, but we have to remember that our work is fundamentally about serving people. On the opportunity side, I think the nonprofit field is a phenomenal career for working women with families. It can be a great fit for women who are balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities, offering the chance to do meaningful work while maintaining that balance.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are integrity and grace. When I say integrity, I don't mean that somebody has to be perfect. I mean having the integrity to say 'listen, I don't know it' or 'listen, I do' or 'I can do that' or 'I can't.' It's about being honest about your capabilities and limitations. Grace is equally important - extending grace to others and understanding that we're all human. These two values, integrity and grace, are what I look for in others and what I strive to embody in my own work and life.