Leading with Purpose: A Q&A with MNA Alum Charlotte Harris

When Charlotte Harris chose to pursue a Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA) at the University of Notre Dame, she was seeking more than a credential—she was looking for a program and faculty who would empower her to lead with intention, ethics, and impact. A 2021 graduate of the MNA program at Notre Dame, Harris now works as a Senior Associate at WittKieffer, an executive search and leadership advisory firm that partners with organizations to build impactful leadership teams particularly in the healthcare, life sciences, and education sectors.

Why Notre Dame? A Commitment to Justice and Excellence

For Harris, pursuing a Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA) at the University of Notre Dame was a deliberate step toward becoming a more effective and values-driven leader.

“I chose the MNA program to gain the skills, tools, and business foundations that complement my liberal arts background,” Harris explains. “I was drawn to Notre Dame because of the University’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence and rigor, as well as its commitment to serving others.”

Notre Dame’s commitment to social justice and academic excellence deeply resonated with Harris. A simple yet profound message on the Mendoza website—“It is not merely enough to want to do the right thing”—struck a chord and reaffirmed her decision.

Harris says, “The institution and MNA program’s dedication to social justice and building leaders to move communities forward was something I wanted to be a part of.” So, in the midst of a global pandemic in 2020, Harris moved from Boston to South Bend to start the 10-month program.

Putting Theory into Practice

The program’s mix of practical coursework and real-world experience helped Harris build confidence in her ability to lead in complex nonprofit environments. Classes in nonprofit accounting, law, and fundraising were paired with innovation frameworks like lean startup methodology and human-centered design—equipping her to understand and address the unique challenges faced by mission-driven organizations while measuring social impact.

One standout experience was participating in the McCloskey New Venture Competition alongside classmate Melissa Welsch. The two launched Seelo LLC, a social enterprise co-created with Peace Corps alumni to support sustainable supply chains and youth employment in Senegal.

“This project integrated everything we were learning including legal structure, budgeting, marketing, strategy. It was also a powerful exercise in ethical reflection, as we had to consider how to show up as American partners working with a Senegalese community,” Harris says.

Leadership in Action

The graduate business programs at Mendoza offer students the opportunity to take on leadership roles during their one-year residency. As President of the MNA Cohort and a member of the Specialized Master’s Council, Harris honed a leadership style grounded in inclusion and empowerment saying, “These experiences helped me develop a collaborative leadership style, enabling me to create synergies and empower others to be involved in action and decision-making.”

These formative roles strengthened her advocacy skills and fostered a collaborative approach to problem-solving—skills she carries into her professional life. As she partners with clients at WittKieffer, she actively engages a variety of stakeholders to develop a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of their needs.

Advice for Future Leaders: Lean Into the Journey

Harris encourages prospective and incoming students to embrace the MNA program as both a professional investment and a personal journey, saying, “If you feel the urge to be part of a mission-driven organization, make an impact in your organization or community, or want to acquire a deeper understanding of the nonprofit sector, this program is for you.”

She emphasizes the value of the program’s structure, which offers both a broad understanding of nonprofit management and the flexibility to specialize. Most importantly, it gives students space to reflect on their values, goals, and leadership style as they prepare for meaningful careers in the nonprofit sector.

Living the Mission

In her role at WittKieffer, Harris sees how her Notre Dame education aligns with her day-to-day work. She finds herself surrounded by individuals and organizations committed to making a difference—mirroring the values she experienced in the Mendoza community.

“Every day, I’m surrounded by colleagues, clients, and candidates who are dedicated to growing the good in business,” Harris says. “It’s a powerful intersection of my academic work, professional skills, and personal mission to drive impact.”