Name: Torrie A. Taj

Profession: Nonprofit leadership

Age: 54

 

What do you do for a living? 

I am the chief executive officer of an organization called Child Crisis Arizona, which provides emergency shelter and residential housing for youth from birth to 21, as well as foster care and adoption services, early education, communitywide parenting classes, workshops, support groups, and more. This year we are moving into new Center for Child & Family Wellness, a sustainable campus that will bring the organization’s foster care, adoption, counseling, and family education into one space, and enable us to invite six fellow nonprofits onsite to collaborate, providing enhanced vital support services to children/families. We also work with First Things First to provide resources for every baby born in Arizona via free Parent Kits at hospitals and birthing centers and run Whispering Hope Ranch, a respected provider of therapeutic and recreational programs for youth.

What type of training do you need to do your job? 

I had an advisor that said something that changed my life in college. He told me that jobs and money would come and go, so the most important decision is to choose a profession I can be proud of and that will give my life meaning and purpose. So, more than anything, to work in a nonprofit, you need it to be your purpose. Beyond that, to work in nonprofit leadership, you need management experience, usually a higher degree or certifications within the field, and fundraising experience.

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

I am really passionate about ensuring we grow so we can continue to help more kids and families. Over the past seven years, we’ve doubled the individuals we can help and once our new campus opens, the sky is the limit for what we can do. To help paint the picture, we project that, with the new space, we will be able to serve 3,000 additional individuals in the first year of operation!

What did you want to be when you were growing up? 

I started wanting to be a flight attendant but by fifth grade it evolved into a fighter pilot.

What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career? 

Be bold. Be brave. Be fearless. Also, it is never too early to start exploring the nonprofit world. You can do it right now by working with your parents, caregivers, or school through programs like Key Club to find organizations where you can volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to see firsthand if nonprofit work is for you.

One fun fact NOT about your job? 

I love gardening!