In celebration of November Nonprofit Awareness Month, our team caught up with some of our nonprofit program alumni and asked them a few questions about their nonprofit-related experiences and inspirations. Here’s how they answered:
Christine Henry (MNO ’95) has been employed by and volunteered for nonprofit organizations for her entire career, in the U.S. as well as abroad. Previous positions in the nonprofit sector include public relations, volunteer management, continuing education, hospital administration, community development, consulting and serving as a board member for many organizations. She also has a bachelor's in sociology from Hiram College. She has been teaching her course, "Doing Good: How Nonprofits Change Lives," at Case Western Reserve University through the SAGES program for 13 years, and will offer it through the Weatherhead School of Management in Jan. 2026.
"What inspires me most about being involved with nonprofits is their missions, all of which are focused on making a positive impact on people’s lives without being motivated by profit. Every task a nonprofit undertakes connects to a larger purpose. Being part of something that drives change and helps individuals and communities thrive gives me a deep sense of fulfillment and motivation."
Timothy D. Logan (MNO ’95) is senior legacy director at Mal Warwick Donordigital, where he works with clients on planned giving marketing and program strategy. Tim is a leader in developing innovative multichannel direct response programs for mid-level, major and planned giving. He is a member of the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive certification board and is track dean of the annual giving track at the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Madison Institute. He is a past president of the Mandel Center Alumni Association at Case Western Reserve, where he was named one of 100 Centennial Alumni in 2016.
"Creating impact—in real and measurable ways—is what inspires me in this work. As a fundraising professional, I’m inspired by helping organizations achieve their financial goals so they can expand their impact in the world. Every campaign is an opportunity to connect donors with a mission that matters and to show them the tangible outcomes their generosity makes possible. As a volunteer, that inspiration becomes even more personal: the closer I am to the mission in action, the deeper the sense of purpose and fulfillment."
Julian Rogers (MNO ’08) is associate vice president for local government and community relations at Case Western Reserve. He also serves on the boards of Midtown Cleveland Inc., LAND Studio and University Circle Inc. He previously served as the director of community partnerships with Cleveland State University for five years. Before joining CSU, he was a member of the inaugural Cuyahoga County Council, where he represented District 10. Prior to being elected to County Council, Julian served as the executive director of Education Voters of Ohio, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public education.
"Last month, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Wade Park Community Engagement Center. Seeing how the community has embraced the space through active, regular use has been extremely rewarding. What inspires me most about working for and with nonprofit organizations is being surrounded by people who are all dedicated to achieving the nonprofit's mission."
Katie Ross (SAS ’22, MNO ’22) has over a decade of experience in nonprofit management and program design, with a focus on putting people at the center of decision-making. At Stand Together Foundation, she leads a team of coaches advancing Customer First Measurement—a framework that uses customer feedback to drive learning, innovation and impact across the social sector. Previously, she served as a Program Director in Cleveland and co-founded Crown Connections, a consulting firm supporting nonprofit innovation. She holds a certificate in trauma-informed care from the Mandel School.
"I think back to the long evenings at the Algebra Tea House, just a few blocks from campus, where my colleagues and I would gather after class. Over cups of tea and endless conversation, we unpacked dense readings, wrestled with challenging ideas, and built memories that still ground me today. The curriculum could be heavy at times, but having a community of peers who shared the same struggles and passions not only deepened my understanding—it shaped how I show up in this work and in the world."
Julie Weagraff (MNO ’94) is chief development officer for Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, where she has led fundraising and advancement efforts since 2015. She also serves on the board of directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Cleveland and the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland. She boasts more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and is a Certified Fundraising Executive. Recognized as a 2025 Crain’s Cleveland Business Notable Leader in Philanthropy and an ATHENA Akron Leadership Award Finalist, she is dedicated to mission-driven work and empowering community leadership.
"I would tell our students and alumni to not underestimate the power of relationships—your ability to connect with others, listen well, and collaborate will open doors and make your impact even greater. The nonprofit world is driven by mission, but it is sustained by people—donors, volunteers, staff, and the communities we serve. Take time to listen, build trust, and understand the ‘why’ behind the work. Whether you are fundraising, managing programs, or advocating for change, your ability to connect authentically will be your greatest asset. What inspires me most about serving a nonprofit, especially through my work with Girl Scouts and my volunteer service on boards and committees, is the opportunity to empower others and help shape the future of our community."
Nancy Wellener (CNM ’10) is on the board of directors for the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Great Lakes Theater, and Starting Point. She is an experienced nonprofit board trustee and community advocate for high-quality educational opportunities for children and youth. She served for many years on the Education Committee for United Way of Greater Cleveland and as a Trustee for United Way of Medina County. A graduate of Leadership Medina County’s Class of 2012 and the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Civic Leadership Institute, Nancy also has a master’s in technical and scientific communication from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
“It’s the people who work with me, whether the executive staff or my fellow board members, that inspire me most as a nonprofit volunteer leader. They care so deeply about the missions of their organizations and the wider Northeast Ohio community. It is an honor to work alongside them."
