Influential Woman · Nonprofit
Jodie Chiricosta
Vice President, Somebody Cares
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Her Story
About Jodie
Jodie Chiricosta is a nonprofit executive, ministry leader, and humanitarian professional who serves as Vice President of Somebody Cares America and International, a role she has held since 2007. With more than three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, she provides strategic and executive leadership across organizational operations, disaster response, fundraising, marketing, program development, and partner engagement. Her career has included directing humanitarian programs in the United States and internationally, developing ministry partnerships, strengthening organizational systems, and equipping churches and leaders to respond to community needs.
Throughout her career, Jodie has combined strategic thinking, intercultural communication, discipleship, and compassionate leadership to expand the reach and effectiveness of mission-driven organizations. At Somebody Cares, she supports disaster-response initiatives, organizational development, staff leadership, fundraising, grant-making, and resource creation across written, audio, video, and digital platforms. She also serves on the organization's Board of Directors and has contributed to its governance and long-term strategic direction. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Management Information Technology, master's-level studies in international and cross-cultural communication and biblical studies, and a Doctorate of Ministry, reflecting her commitment to both professional development and ministry leadership.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Jodie is deeply involved in her faith community and enjoys investing in relationships, family, and personal well-being. She has been married for more than two decades and enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, hiking, skiing, exercising, gardening, walking, biking, and reading. She is also the host of Her God Story, a podcast featuring the faith journeys of women and exploring the experiences that have shaped their lives. Through her ministry, humanitarian work, and creative communication, Jodie remains focused on encouraging others, strengthening communities, and helping people and organizations translate compassion and faith into meaningful action.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jodie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep faith in the Lord and my commitment to living with integrity, compassion, and purpose. I’m also a lifelong learner with a strong work ethic, always seeking to grow, develop new skills, and follow where I believe God is leading me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to value people as much as productivity. Earlier in my career, I was very task-oriented, but experiencing burnout taught me the importance of emotional intelligence, setting healthy boundaries, and protecting both myself and my team to build a sustainable, long-term career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Care for your whole well-being and be intentional about the team and environment you choose. Work with people who value their own well-being and support their teams, and be mindful of the culture around you to protect yourself from burnout and unhealthy experiences.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the nonprofit field is securing funding to respond to crises, especially when disasters receive little national attention. Because we rely entirely on private funding, we must be strategic with limited resources while continuing to meet urgent needs that remain just as important.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are authenticity, integrity, and staying true to what I believe. I believe in knowing your values, standing by them with respect, and accepting that you may not fit in every environment. Being true to yourself is more important than trying to fit everywhere.
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