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Forbes Nonprofit Council members come from a wide range of backgrounds. And with their wide range of experiences, they have a lot to share with fellow members of the community. To help them share with an even greater audience, we’re profiling Forbes Nonprofit Council members here on the blog. This week: Nelson F. Hincapie.
Nelson F. Hincapie is the president and CEO of Voices For Children Foundation. He is originally from Bogota, Colombia and began working with Mayor Alex Penelas in 2002 to help establish “Universal Pre-Kindergarten.” He now mentors several young men and women who are transitioning from foster care to independent living.
How did your career as a nonprofit executive take off, and what do you attribute your success to most?
My success is directly tied to my faith. I had my odds stacked against me, coming from a home where there were rampant alcoholism and verbal and physical abuse. As a child, I use to fear that my parents were going to die, and it was very scary. As time passed, I became angry. I hated myself and the world around me. I started drinking and using drugs at age 13, and I didn’t stop until I was 24. My parents didn’t know what to do with me so I was sent to a boarding school. There, I felt the love and compassion of the owners of the school, who were patient and understanding. Now at 42, as I look back and connect the dots, I understand that everything I went through had a much bigger purpose.
How do you keep yourself passionate and driven regardless of how busy you are day to day?
Aside from everything I have to do as President and CEO, I make sure I work directly with kids and families who have as much pain, anger and resentment as I had. It is amazing to see the transformations that occur when relationships are built on trust. For trust to exist, I have to make an effort and learn to listen, instead of always being the voice.
What do you see as the future of nonprofits?
Nonprofits run by people who continue to work directly with the people they serve, even sporadically, are the lifeline of our country.
What is your best nonprofit leadership or strategy tip for businesses?
Always know your customer.
