Danielle Tipton, a graduate of Upward Class Two, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at The Literacy Council of Central Alabama (TLC) after serving as Interim CEO. In these roles she’s gained valuable nonprofit leadership experience, enhancing TLC’s adult literacy, ESOL, and workforce development programs. Danielle recently reflected on how Upward has positively influenced her growth as a mom, leader, and emerging nonprofit executive.
Q: Can you share what initially led you to participate in Upward? What were your goals?
A: After a year in my position as Finance and Operations Manager, I was looking to advance my career and my network. My Executive Director, now mentor, and Birmingham Executive Class 20 alumna, Katrina Watson, encouraged me to apply to Upward. I was hesitant at first, as I was nearing the end of my first pregnancy, but I thought to myself, “This is a women’s leadership development organization. If anyone is going to understand that I’m about to have a baby, these women will.”
Q: In your experience, why is leadership development significant for nonprofit leaders?
A: Momentum teaches valuable lessons on empathy, strengths identification, and authenticity, all crucial to a social services or nonprofit career. Upward sessions emphasize concepts like work-life blend, which can be transformative, especially during personal changes like becoming a parent. Overall, I believe these experiences help nonprofit leaders advance their teams and the services they provide.
Q: How did Upward support you as you transitioned into a new role within The Literacy Council?
A: Momentum’s Upward program has assisted in changing the trajectory of my career. Since participating in the program, I have served in 3 positions with The Literacy Council, including 2 in executive leadership. As interim CEO, I worked extremely long hours while managing family responsibilities. I was able to reference notes from Upward sessions and realized that I needed a healthier balance, especially as a mom of young children. In addition, I adopted the “own it” mindset from Momentum, which gave me the confidence to embrace my new role as COO.”
Q: As a woman in the C-Suite, what unique challenges have you faced, and how has Upward equipped you to navigate them?
A: As a woman in the C- Suite who also looks much younger, I often feel that I am not taken as seriously as a man would be. Situations like this drive me to focus on the energy and innovation that I bring to the organization, rather than other people’s perception. I believe that displaying a high level of confidence in oneself allows others to share in that beauty. Upward sessions with focus on topics such as “developing a leadership philosophy” have helped tremendously in overcoming this challenge.
Q: What was your biggest takeaway from the program, and how has it influenced your leadership style?
A: If I had to describe my Momentum experience in one word, it would be transformative. I learned how to embrace my achievements and feel more secure about my capabilities as a female leader. I was also able to transfer what I learned during Upward to my work at The Literacy Council, becoming an even stronger advocate for literacy education in Central Alabama.
The Momentum Team is incredibly proud of Danielle and her commitment to her community, career, and family. With all she has already achieved, the future looks bright for this exceptional leader!
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