Her Story
About Marilyn
Marilyn Muhammad is the interim president and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska, a role she has held for approximately seven months. She previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Organizational Development at the organization, and earlier as Vice President of Programs. With about 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Muhammad began her career as a classroom assistant at Head Start and later worked at Catholic Charities as Training and Education Coordinator and Program Director. She also gained corporate experience at Omaha Public Power District in human resources. Muhammad specializes in nonprofit leadership, training, and facilitation. She is a certified virtual facilitator, a certified Bridges Out of Poverty facilitator, and holds a yellow belt. Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Organizational Communication and Performance along with 18 hours of master's work in organizational development and performance. Among her honors are the Legacy Leadership Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the Enroads Award for Facilitator of the Year, and participation in LEED Diversity cohort 6. She serves on boards for Volunteers Assisting Seniors, the Pink Lotus Project, and the Salem Food Pantry, and is a member of the Native Omahaans Club. Muhammad has volunteered as a mentor at the Douglas County Correctional Facility, served on the Hate Crimes Task Force, and held advisory roles with Hunger Free Heartland and Voices for Children. She was formerly the Department of Economic Development Commissioner for Nebraska under Governor Heinemann.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marilyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I always want to make sure that I surround myself with the right people, and so I think a big part of my success is my faith. That is definitely a big part of it, because it has brought me through some very challenging times. But also having the right people in my circle as well. You know, I always say that if you have people that are calling your name in the rooms when you're not there, that's very powerful. And then also you have to be present, and so when I can, you know, my kids used to tell me it seems like I do more volunteer work than actual work work, but you're out in the community, you know, and you're making those connections and those partnerships. And I always tell young people this too, it's almost like it's always an audition, and not literally thinking about an audition, but when you're present and people, you know, your work speaks for itself, I think that has a lot to do with it. And I also believe when you're the type of person that cares so much, and you want to give in to others, and you want to see others be successful, that comes back to you.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let anyone label you. You have to come in with heart, because if you don't have heart for the work, it will be just that for you. And probably the last thing I would say for women coming into this industry is remember that other women in this work, see them as partners and not competitors. I think sometimes as women sometimes we can get too focused on climbing that ladder, or that next level, and this is actually part of the work that I'm working on right now, is that we mean to see each other as collaborators and partners, and not competitors.
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