At Grow, we love spotlighting the people who strengthen our nonprofit community through service and leadership. This month, we’re featuring our interview with a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP).
Meet Justin Samson.
Justin LaFollette-Samson, Volunteer Coordinator at Vanderburgh CASA. Justin brings both professional expertise and volunteer leadership to our region alongside a deep commitment to advocacy and youth support.
In addition to his role at CASA, he has previously served on the board of Greater Evansville Youth and on a Grievance Panel Committee for the University of Southern Indiana, and he currently serves on the board for PFLAG Evansville. We’re excited to share more about his journey, his passion for community impact, and the insights he’s gained along the way.
What is a CNP? I’m glad you asked. Learn more from a previous Grow Spotlight here: What is the Certified Nonprofit Professional Program?
What motivated you to enroll in the CNP microcredential through USI, and how did you see it fitting into your nonprofit career goals?
I am dedicated to advancing equity in Evansville through collaborative, community-centered development that strengthens local leadership and supports marginalized voices in creating spaces where all people can belong, connect, be heard, and thrive. For a long time, I was in the “trenches” doing one-on-one work within organizations and volunteering. While the experience was rewarding, I made some amazing connections by helping others. Dissatisfied with not doing enough, a mentor of mine introduced me to the levels of social work: micro, mezzo, and macro. Micro is the boots-on-the-ground work in an organization; mezzo focuses on equipping organizations and volunteers to do the work; and macro focuses on policies to help local and national organizations and nonprofits. I immediately knew I wanted to be in the mezzo circle of social work and help lead organizations and nonprofits in my community. My mentor also told me about the MPA program at USI, and I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of. Within the MPA, the Director, Dr. Trent Engbers, heard about my passion for leadership in local nonprofits and recommended the CNP microcredential, which will position me to earn the CNP certificate through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.
How has earning the CNP credential influenced your confidence, perspective, or effectiveness in your nonprofit role?
Before earning the CNP credential, I struggled with imposter syndrome. Although I had enough life experience to serve on boards and in leadership roles, I doubted my knowledge and nonprofit experience to speak up within my organizations. After completing the class and obtaining my CNP, I now feel confident in voicing my opinions in organizations and on boards. Additionally, I am now comfortable taking on more responsibilities and leadership roles to help lead the organization. Before the CNP, I was not confident in creating and leading an organization. Now, while I might still have worries, I am also more confident in my abilities.
“Before the CNP, I was not confident in creating and leading an organization. Now, while I might still have worries, I am also more confident in my abilities.”
How did the online structure of the USI microcredential fit with your work and life commitments?
My life is very busy. I work an 8-4 job and sit on a couple of boards, which leaves me with limited time to spend with my spouse, my fur baby, and friends. With all of that combined, I don’t have much time for a traditional in-person class. An online class gave me the ability to find time in my schedule to dedicate to the microcredential.
Who would you recommend the CNP program to, and why?
Absolutely! I think anyone in any leadership capacity within the nonprofit community should take this microcredential. A recent study shows up to 30% of nonprofits close within 10 years. It is common knowledge that nonprofits play a crucial role in a community. This microcredential will ensure that nonprofits are sustainable and can significantly reduce their failure rate.
This microcredential will ensure that nonprofits are sustainable and can significantly reduce their failure rate.”
What advice would you give to someone considering the CNP microcredential through USI?
Firstly, this is an accelerated course, which means it’s a lot of reading and a lot of work, but it’s only 7 weeks. Make sure you either work ahead or stay current with the coursework. Secondly, if you have any doubts about your leadership or feel imposter syndrome in your organization, this class will help eliminate them!
If you are eager to learn more about the USI microcredential program for current students or for non-traditional students, learn more here. If you have specific questions regarding this opportunity, please reach out to Dr. Trent Engbers at [email protected].
Additionally, if you have already completed Next Generation Leadership Academy, you have the option to bypass the class and take the exam. Reach out to [email protected], for more information.
