To connect passionate graduates with local charities
seeking board members and volunteers

New York, N.Y. — On March 4, 2025, the Harvard Club of New York City hosted a landmark event bringing together over 300 Harvard alumni to explore opportunities in nonprofit board service.

The evening, organized by Harvard Alumni for Climate and the Environment representative Eleanor Powers and Harvard Alumni Disaster Preparedness and Response Team coordinator Nermin Ahmad, aimed to connect passionate graduates with local charities seeking board members and volunteers.

Responsibilities, challenges, and personal growth opportunities
that come with serving on a charity’s board

The event began with an insightful panel discussion on the expectations and rewards of nonprofit board service. Experienced board members and nonprofit executives shared their perspectives on the responsibilities, challenges, and personal growth opportunities that come with serving on a charity’s board.

Following the panel, attendees moved to the historic Harvard Hall, where they engaged in lively conversations with representatives from various nonprofit organizations. This networking session allowed alumni to explore a wide range of causes and potential roles, from environmental conservation to education and social services.

Nermin Ahmad, the event coordinator, expressed enthusiasm about the gathering’s potential impact: “Our past events have resulted in numerous successful matches, connecting Harvard alumni with organizations looking to expand their boards, volunteer base, and donor networks. The intellectual capital and diverse expertise our alumni bring to these roles are invaluable to the nonprofit sector.“

Among the attendees was Jim Luce, representing Luce Family Charities. Luce showcased several organizations under his umbrella, including Orphans International, the J. Luce Foundation, and The Stewardship Report, all focused on nurturing and supporting young global leaders.

Harvard Alumni Network for Nonprofit Leadership

The event also featured representatives from various Harvard alumni groups, including the Harvard Black Alumni Society, Harvard Latino Alumni Alliance, and Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds and interests of the attendees.

As the evening progressed, many alumni expressed excitement about the potential to make a difference in their communities through board service. The Harvard Club plans to follow up with participants to track the connections made and board positions filled as a result of this networking initiative.

This event underscores the ongoing commitment of Harvard alumni to leverage their education and experience for the greater good, fostering a culture of philanthropy and civic engagement among graduates. As the nonprofit sector continues to play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges, the involvement of skilled and dedicated board members becomes increasingly vital.

The success of this gathering has prompted discussions about making it an annual event, with potential expansions to other cities with significant Harvard alumni populations. By facilitating these connections, the Harvard Alumni Association aims to create a ripple effect of positive change, empowering nonprofits and enriching communities across the nation and beyond.

300+ Harvard Grads Explore Charity Leadership Opportunities (March 5, 2025)

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