Student sitting outside on campus on a sunny day
Aug 23, 2021

Why I Became a Fellow with the Nonprofit Board Program

By Lia Parker-Belfer

Lia Parker-Belfer

By Lia Parker-Belfer T'22

Led by the Center for Business, Government & Society, the Nonprofit Board Fellows program at the Tuck School of Business is an experiential learning program for second-year students who join a local Upper Valley nonprofit as a non-voting board member. Learn more and contact Hannah Payson at Hannah.K.Payson@tuck.dartmouth.edu for additional information.

What made you want to become involved with centers at Tuck?
I am involved with the Center for Business, Government, and Society and the Center for Digital Strategies. The Centers were a major factor in my decision to apply to Tuck. I view involvement with the Centers as a unique opportunity to engage in industries of interest, explore diverse topics, and apply the Tuck curriculum to real-word challenges. I also appreciate that the Centers provide students with a community of individuals to learn from and with.

What made you want to become a Nonprofit Board fellow?
I applied to be a Nonprofit Board Fellow to give back to the Upper Valley community. I am passionate about using my professional skills to positively contribute to and invest in the communities I am a part of.

Has there been a center speaker/event that was particularly memorable?
I enjoyed the Nonprofit Board Program kickoff. Leaders from the participating nonprofits attended and Jeff Graham (The Hanover Improvement Society) shared how previous fellows have meaningfully contributed to his organization. I left feeling inspired and excited to work with my nonprofit, West Central Behavioral Health (WCBH).

What has been the biggest growth moment or moment where you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you learn from that experience?
In addition to attending board meetings, another key aspect of the Nonprofit Board Program is supporting a board committee through specific project work. While my involvement with WCBH officially begins in September 2021, I've been working with the Governance Committee to scope my project. Developing a project proposal from scratch has been a challenging and rewarding experience; I am learning how to design impactful projects that align with my interests and skillsets.

What other activities are you involved in at Tuck?
I am an MBA fellow with the Center for Digital Strategies, a Peer Support Counselor with the Tuck Mental Health and Wellness Initiative, and the former DEI co-chair for the Tuck Student Board. Additionally, I am the founder and host of If You Knew Me, a podcast dedicated to deepening student connections and fostering a culture of belonging at Tuck. I am also involved with the Technology Club, the Design and Innovation Club, Women in Business, and Tripod Hockey.

What general advice do you have for prospective students considering applying to and attending Tuck?
Take plenty of time for reflection to understand why you want to get an MBA and what kind of experience you are looking for. If you are interested in a comprehensive business education, hands-on recruiting support, and meaningful friendships and relationships with peers, professors, and staff, Tuck may be the right program for you!

Read more on the Nonprofit Board Fellows program at Tuck.