Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeynep Portway.
Hi Zeynep, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started in the non-profit sector as a volunteer with a pilot program that served families who were experiencing homelessness. After a few months of volunteering, I was offered a position as an Eligibility Specialist but because it was a small program, I gained experience in all facets of the work and wore many hats.
That was in 2010 and I have been a with few different organizations in several different roles that led to my current job as the Executive Director of Samaritan Resource Center.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have been at Samaritan Resource Center since June 2020. It has had its ups and downs since we were right in the middle of Covid when I started. Shortly after that, we extended our days and hours of service and as well as expanding our scope.
It is tough to operate in crisis management mode for an extended period of time and it takes its toll on volunteers and staff. We have managed to get through it though and are now on a smoother path.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Executive Director at Samaritan Resource Center.
We serve those who are on the margins and have become invisible to all in our society and I try to make sure that they know that there are people who care about them and what happens to them. Sometimes we are the only family they have.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
1. When I first started out in business back in my youth, I was very impatient. My advice for someone just getting out there at the start of their career would be to be patient and enjoy the journey. Things will happen as they are meant to happen so don’t stress so much about raises, promotions, the next job, etc. Do your best every day and trust the process.
2. For those changing industries as I did and those who are starting out in a nonprofit, I would advise them to learn to be flexible. Nonprofits are a great place to make a difference but there are lots of frustrations along the way. If you are not flexible and learn to bend, you will break very quickly. Always keep the big vision in mind so that you are always moving towards that target and do not get lost along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samaritanresourcecenter.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zportway/
