This week at Zora’s House gave me valuable insight into the inner workings of nonprofit development, programming, and team collaboration. One of the most impactful experiences was attending a meeting focused on impact evaluation and assessment. I’m learning how essential data is not just for internal understanding, but also for external needs like grant applications and donor reporting. What stood out most was the opportunity to give input on revising the participant survey. I offered suggestions to make it more inclusive of the diverse identities of the people who will be taking it. We also discussed formatting decisions to ensure the survey is user-friendly and accessible. It was exciting to be part of a conversation where inclusivity, clarity, and impact all intersected.

I also spent time learning more about the Wealth Builders program. This initiative supports women of color in gaining financial knowledge and building long-term stability. I observed how intentional the program is not only in content but in the community it fosters. Zora’s House provides a space where participants can feel safe talking about money, asking questions, and setting financial goals without judgment. It’s a powerful reminder that financial empowerment is deeply connected to emotional support and belonging.

In preparation for the Columbus Book Festival, I helped the team get materials ready for our tabling event this coming weekend. From organizing printed materials to checking off logistics, it was a hands-on experience that reminded me how much thought goes into public outreach. I’ll report back next week on how the event went!

Lastly, I attended part of an all-staff meeting focused on how Zora’s House uses Asana as a communication and task management platform. I learned how each program and event is broken down into action steps that keep the whole team aligned. It helps everyone know what needs to happen, who’s responsible, and how to keep things moving even when schedules change.

This week gave me a fuller picture of what it takes to run an organization with care, strategy, and community at the center.

Until next time,

Asia