Meet Denice!

Denice Gravenstijn
Consultant Support Specialist


“Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history.
Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill.” 

   – Chadwick Boseman 

This quote from Chadwick Boseman has been one of my inspirations.  I believe that everyone has a purpose in life. Finding your purpose may or may not come easy. The idea of being and making a difference is one of the fundamentals of fulfilling one's aspirations in life. 

I have been with Nonprofit Network since February 2022. I accepted the position of Consultant Support Specialist, and it has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to a variety of different communities and at the same time explore and use some of the skills gained from my background in Sociology.  

With a background in Sociology, understanding social institutions, structures and relationships within communities helps to provide great tools to support an active consulting staff. I supply support to the consultants and the organization through communication, organization, and research. This helps Nonprofit Network serve its diverse clients efficiently, effectively, and holistically. 

Continuous exposure to a variety of cultures and perspectives has given me the opportunity to better understand and appreciate the value and importance of differences in communities.  It has given me a voice to help those who have none and provided me with resources to help me reflect on the change I want to see in the world.    

My first exposure to the nonprofit world was via Girl Scouts in Suriname, South America. This organization guides and supports girls and women from diverse backgrounds in becoming advocates for themselves and people in their communities.  

I started as an active member within Girls Scout at the age of 11. The opportunity to be a part of Girls Scouts broadened my way of thinking; it provided me with social life skills, and a better appreciation and acceptance of myself. Being part of this community has helped shape a variety of different skill sets that I still use in the present day. I have been fortunate to be part of Girls Scouts in both Suriname, South America and in Michigan, North America, both as a scout and as a leader.  This exposure helped me gain a better understanding of the value of diversity, equity and inclusion that is beneficial in all communities. I know my purpose is to share my ability to listen deeply and help our members solve complex problems.  

Nonprofit Network is my new community, a community built on promoting values of respect, exploring diversity, valuing equity and inclusion, showing commitment and engagement to nonprofit organizations. I look forward to continuing my journey as a member at Nonprofit Network! 

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Comments on "Meet Denice!"

Comments 0-5 of 2

Kimberly Renwick - Friday, November 18, 2022
2010975212

Welcome Denice and thank you for those inspiring words of wisdom!

AdminAlyssa Turcsak - Thursday, November 10, 2022
2010439259

You're so appreciated, Denice!

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