Connecting Passion With Mission

Erica Johnsrud ’10
Majors: Communication–Public Relations and Sociology

In a brief summary, what do you do?

I have the opportunity to connect with others in the community and align their passions with the mission of Fargo’s “home away from home” at RMHC. On a day-to-day basis, I meet with donors, plan fundraising events, and strategize and implement our marketing and communication #forRMHC.

What is the best part of your job?

I value being able to connect a person’s passion with our mission. While doing that, I get to see how impactful the RMHC is to families every day. When a person gives their time, talent or treasure, it’s a very personal thing. My job is to make sure that when they trust us with their resources, it is aligning with their goals and is something that is meaningful to both them and our organization. It is also really wonderful and humbling to watch how generous our community is.

What skills are necessary for success in your industry?

Communication and adaptability are huge factors in being able to succeed in development and in the nonprofit world. Not only being able to effectively communicate with verbal and written communication, but also being able to understand different communication styles. Along with those, the biggest factor is passion!

What do you wish you knew in college that you know now?

Life is not linear and that’s OK – it’s great, actually! Some of the best experiences and memories I have are because of things I never could have even imagined. There’s not one right plan that is the same for everyone’s life and, if you have good people alongside you, you’ll find joy in whatever path your life takes.

How did your communication studies major at Concordia prepare you for your current work?

I was able to create numerous relationships both in and out of the classroom that prepared me for my career. I feel so grateful that I had professors that saw skills in me I didn’t even know I had and challenged me to think bigger and have confidence.

I also feel that the sense of community I found at Concordia made me want to get involved and do good in whatever community I am in. Because of that, I dug right in to the Fargo-Moorhead community and have found an amazing place I get to call home.