7. Allison H. Jones, 29
Nonprofit-board matchmaker

"We're trying to diversify nonprofit boards and bring young voices to the table," says Allison Jones, director of the Boards-by-Design program at Duquesne University. As a matchmaker, Jones helps boards communicate their mission and recognize the expertise they need, such as legal or accounting knowledge. Then, she finds candidates who have a passion to serve and possess the skills required. She started a "speed dating" program that brings boards and potential board members together for brief face-to-face interviews. If there's mutual interest, Jones connects the parties to discuss board membership in more detail. The program has been wildly successful, resulting in more than 60 matches to date. Now, other cities want to set up similar events. "Boards- by-Design reaches so many nonprofits that, in turn, serve so many people," Jones says. "If we can help to strengthen a board and bring in new people, then our reach is exponential in terms of how many people are affected by what we do."

8. Adrienne Walnoha, 35
Community-service provider

At the Community Human Services Corp. (CHS), executive director Adrienne Walnoha oversees a range of programs, mostly focused on residents of South Oakland as well as on the homeless. "CHS programs provide health care and other necessary services to local residents, especially kids," says Walnoha. "We have a very organic way of being in the community. The programs that develop come from community members and neighbors expressing needs." Walnoha is hands-on with many of CHS's programs. One day might find her working with other community groups to solve a problem. The next day she'll be relocating homeless people from a soon-to-be-demolished abandoned building. One thing that's constant: her desire to work with people on an individual level. "What is it that each of us needs...to help us reach our full potential as human beings?" she asks. "If we can find that one person at a time, and help incubate those seeds, we make a phenomenal place to live, work and play."

<< Back                 More >>