Meeting a Texan with a heart for non-profits - A Q&A with Marissa Litowkin - September 22, 2022
Another Cool Conversation with someone within our industry
We are happy to bring back another edition of "Cool Conversations" where we meet someone in the nonprofit world that is making a difference in the world and has ideas worth sharing. Today, we meet Marissa Litowkin. Marissa is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University (go Red Raiders!) and is part of the amazing team at Dynata! Let's get to know Marissa a little more.
Hey Marissa, tell us about your passion for the nonprofit sector? Where did that come from?
I’ve always felt like my purpose in life is to help others. I think it’s in my blood and was instilled in me at a young age. That’s why I really enjoying working on our program, Collective Cause. I’m happy to be able to facilitate fundraising for important causes and non-profits. The program allows individuals to support organizations they’re passionate about, by giving a few minutes of their time in taking an online survey, then Collective Cause will donate the funds on their behalf. I feel that it’s my small way of giving back and creating an extra avenue to help boost donations for those doing great things in the world.
Are you currently volunteering or giving to a favorite charity? Tell us why you are involved and what they do!
I try to volunteer, make donations and give back as often as possible. While I was growing up, my family would frequently participate in serving food on Thanksgiving Day, with the North Texas Food Bank. I’ve done team fundraising for the American Diabetes Association, a cause dear to my heart, which allowed me to attend the London Marathon as part of the fundraising event. I interned with Susan G. Komen during college. I served as the volunteer coordinator for the 26th annual Children’s Medical Center Holiday Parade. I’m very thankful that Dynata is supportive of employees spending time giving back in their communities. I’ve worked with Habitat for Humanity, and as it turns out I’m pretty handy. I’ve also supported organizations helping women and children, as well as, several local animal shelters, to name a few. One of the organizations I have been following more recently and am so inspired by is The Asher House. If you’re an animal lover, start following their journey!
Tell us about your career....what have you done? Where did you go to school?
I am a proud graduate of Texas Tech University and am super excited for football season to be starting. Wreck ‘Em Tech! More recently, I have been enjoying a career in partnerships. I have been with Dynata for nearly 8 years, primarily working on our loyalty partnerships, until receiving the opportunity to focus on our cause-based partnerships channel.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to nonprofit leaders?
I think it’s vital that leaders in this space make time to take care of themselves. These folks have huge hearts and are doing such important work, but may not always prioritize their own needs. I hope everyone takes time to rest and recharge; I believe it’s necessary to be able to successfully serve others.
You just came back from vacation! Where did you go? First time there? What did you do?
I wish I could say I was somewhere exotic, but the truth is I was in Pennsylvania. Maybe not the destination of a dream vacation, but it’s always a much needed trip spending time resetting and visiting with extended family. And it doesn’t hurt to escape the triple digit Texas heat for a week. I’m thankful for the opportunity to at least make the trip once a year.
Marissa also mentioned that she would be thrilled to speak with any interested non-profit organizations and partner together to help boost donations. The Collective Cause team can be reached at: https://www.collectivecause.com/contact-us
Thanks for your time Marissa!
Do you know someone that we should have a cool conversation with? Drop us a line at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and we will check it out!