Robbin Finney-Granston

I attribute my success to the female examples in my life - my mom, my aunties - hardworking, dedicated, committed women. I'd also say it's my desire to do well, to be successful, and to push through challenges. Having a mindset of fearlessness has been crucial, though unfortunately that usually only comes with time. But I've learned that just because the building is tall and there's a lot of men in there does not mean you don't belong. The women in my life showed me how to be confident, know my self-worth, and hold my position in any room, whether with movers and shakers or in small groups. They helped shape and influence my professional development, probably without even knowing it.

The best career advice I ever received was about compensation and knowing my worth. A man told me this about 30 years ago, and I've never forgotten it. He said that when you're going in for an interview or a new opportunity, or when you're expecting an increase in your salary, you should always be prepared to ask for at least 20% more than what they're offering, because usually 20-30% is their scale but they'll start you lower. As women, we often devalue ourselves and our skills. For example, if they offer us $20,000, we might ask for $22,000 when $35,000 is actually available. He told me their offer is their lowest bid, so keep going regardless of what they say their range is. I've had experiences where I negotiated with my manager, stated my level and the reasons why I deserved it, and the following week he came back with my level and some more because he respected me for asking and standing my ground. We have to remember that we have all the skills, while men with half the skills will come in and ask for the high dollar. Don't undervalue your skills and experience - you are a mother who has run a house, which is just like running a business, you just translate the language.

My advice to young women is absolutely this: do not undervalue your skills and your experience. When you're negotiating compensation, always ask for at least 20% more than what they're offering, because their offer is their lowest bid. You keep going, regardless of what they say their range is. I've had experiences where I stated my level and the reasons why I deserved it, and my manager came back with my level and some more because he respected me for asking and standing my ground. Remember, you are a mother who has run a house, which is just like running a business - you just translate the language. Don't let them undervalue you. We have all the skills, and men with half the skills will come in and want the high dollar. It's gonna be us who fix this crazy world anyway. We've been trying to provide guidance for a long time, and sometimes they've not listened, and hence we have wars. Women tend to not want wars unless it's the absolute last resort - why would we want to send our daughters and sons to get hurt? There's gotta be a better way. Come to the table.

Right now, for nonprofits, it's a very strenuous time. Government support has decreased tremendously, and when you have a lot of nonprofit organizations who depend on the government and can no longer depend on them, they have to turn to philanthropy, foundations, and individuals. This just causes more competition and chaos. Funding is always an issue in nonprofit, but it becomes exacerbated when the government does not cooperate or recognize the goodness and quality of work that nonprofits do to keep our communities functioning. At this particular time, fundraising is a bigger challenge than really needs to be necessary. The political and social issues that are put out, addressed by the government or not addressed or incorrectly addressed, just impact our population that much more and make their lives that much more difficult. Whether it's on the economic side or just dealing with the whole person of a single parent who's trying to improve her quality of life for herself and her family, and then she has to deal with government challenges on her level - life doesn't have to be as hard as it is. These are the challenges: economics and the social-emotional grounding that is not available, both from an organizational level and dealing with our adult learners who experience economic instability too. However, I am someone who has strong faith, and the storm doesn't last always. This is an opportunity for us to look at where we are, what we might be able to do differently, what can make us more effective, both as an organization and as individuals. While we're uncertain and anxious right now on a daily basis, I do foresee opportunity at the end. If we can just hold on and continue to push through, I think there will be tremendous opportunity.

Honesty and integrity are most important to me. Do what you say you're gonna do, and if you can't do it, say that too. If you cannot get it accomplished for whatever reason, just be honest - say I need help, I cannot do it, I don't have the time, whatever the case may be. Honesty is high on the list for me because if I can't trust you, how can I work with you? How can we plan if I can't trust you to know that the plan we're putting together is the one that you'll follow? I'm very big on trust. Some people would say respect, and I think respect comes with time and how you conduct yourself. But you can't get respect if you're not honest either.