Investing in Impact: My Journey Through Georgetown’s Nonprofit Management Program

musa kamara
Apr 8
3 min read

Our Journey is Self-Evident of Resilience and Strides

A goal without a plan is wishful thinking.

As a consultant committed to elevating mission-driven organizations, I’m always searching for ways to deepen my expertise and strengthen the value I bring to the table. That’s why last year, I reached out to Luisa Boyarski, Director of the Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership at Georgetown University. I had my sights set on the Spring cohort of the Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program—and I’m grateful to say, I made it in.

But before I hit “submit” on that application, I took a moment to reflect.

Would I still be doing this work—nonprofit strategy, leadership development, systems-level impact—10 or 20 years from now?

The answer didn’t come instantly. It emerged through long conversations with mentors, family, and friends. I thought about the communities I serve, the leaders I support, and the kind of legacy I want to leave behind. The clarity came: Yes. This is the work I’m called to do. The next step was clear—apply.

A Transformational Learning Experience

From February through April, I joined a remarkable group of nonprofit leaders from across the country. Together, we honed our skills with a shared commitment: to lead more boldly, more strategically, and more authentically. Each month, we focused on a different pillar of nonprofit leadership:

February: Strategic Planning & Evaluation

We opened with the foundations—how to lead with clarity and vision. I learned how to create and assess strategic plans that are not only mission-aligned but also outcomes-driven. We looked beyond the surface and dug into the why of our work, learning how to measure real, lasting impact.

March: Talent Management & DEI

March shifted our attention to people—the heart of any organization. We explored leadership styles, organizational culture, equitable hiring, and inclusive retention strategies. It was a powerful reminder that building strong teams isn’t just about structure—it’s about cultivating belonging.

April: Financial Management & Donor Profiles

This final instructional phase was all about financial fluency. We developed the skills to interpret budgets with confidence, assess financial health, and craft donor profiles rooted in ethical fundraising practices. For someone who values sustainability as much as vision, this was game-changing.

Capstone Project: Integration in Action

We closed with a Capstone Management Project—a real-world challenge that tested everything we’d learned. It wasn’t theoretical. It was practical, complex, and grounded in reality. We had to apply strategy, leadership, finance, and communication to solve high-stakes challenages. It pushed us to grow—and it made us better.

Grounded in Purpose, Ready for More

The Georgetown experience gave language and structure to the instincts I’ve sharpened over the years. It reinforced what I’ve always believed: that nonprofit leadership is human work. It’s about clarity, flexibility, and community. It’s about navigating uncertainty with purpose—and never losing sight of who we’re doing this for.

To the Georgetown faculty, my brilliant cohort, and especially Luisa Boyarski—thank you for investing in me. Thank you for believing in the power of this work.

What’s Next for Huda Strategies

At Huda Strategies, we’re not just offering advice—we’re building capacity. We’re co-creating vision. We’re helping nonprofits move from performative change to deep, sustainable impact. And with this experience in our toolbox, we’re even better equipped to walk alongside our partners as they do the transformational work that communities deserve.

We’re just getting started. Let’s build something lasting.