A Year of Gratitude: The Essential Ingredient to Finding More Joy

A photo of all members of the Nonprofit Leadership Center Staff Team, looking at the camera and making a heart with their hands. This includes six individuals that are diverse in age, gender, race and ethnicity.
Nonprofit Leadership Center

Countless research studies have revealed that showing gratitude can improve almost any aspect of our lives. According to expert Shabnam Mogharabi, keynote speaker at our recent Nonprofit Leadership Conference, gratitude is the most important element when it comes to creating more joy in our lives and at work. 

In the spirit of gratitude, our team at the Nonprofit Leadership Center is immensely grateful for our nonprofit community and all you do to strengthen organizations and our communities. See what each member of our team is personally most grateful for this year as we reflect and share gratitude together.

“I’m grateful for renewing my former hobby of growing orchids. Having the time to enjoy the beauty of nature, relax and decompress, and share the joy of learning has been grounding and reawakening.”
Photo of Charlie Imbergamo from the waist up, a white male wearing a navy blue suit jacket and green tie with grey hair and a beard
Charlie D. Imbergamo, MA, CFRE
CEO, Nonprofit Leadership Center
Three orchid plans in different colored pots: maroon, yellow and green
"I’ve made it my mission to express gratitude every morning for the countless blessings that are in my life: love, an awesome family, genuine friendships, a supportive community, traveling the world, sunsets, coffee, delicious food, and much more. This year, I had the honor of joining the Nonprofit Leadership Center, a wonderful organization that not only values growth and learning but also fosters an environment where people genuinely care about each other. From day one, I’ve felt supported, welcomed, and encouraged to bring my best self to work. I’m excited for all the opportunities ahead and thankful for the amazing team I get to collaborate with every day. Here’s to new beginnings, growth, and empowering our communities!"
Isabella Perello Khalili
Program Operations Manager
"In 2024, I officially became an empty nester. With each daughter away at school, I found myself both celebrating how far they’ve come and struggling to adjust to their absence. Thankfully, 10,000 texts and FaceTime calls later, we’re making our way just fine."
Meriel Martínez
Director of Programs & Inclusion
Meriel's daughters
"I am thankful for memories of great times with loved ones. Looking back at times full of joy reminds me of the possibility for even more joy in the future. Pictured is my late grandmother and I when I was in high school having a blast at Grandparent's Day."
Jamiel Maze, MA
Resource Development Manager
Jamiel, a Black woman, with her grandmother smiling into the camera
"This year, Rose joined our family. As a first-time pet owner, this came with its own set of surprises. Despite the challenges, she has brought so much love and joy into our lives and taught us to be more patient. As we embark on new beginnings, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and fresh starts that lie ahead. Embracing change can be daunting, but it also brings with it the promise of growth, learning and new experiences. I am grateful for how we at Team NLC navigate change and create even more moments of connection and progress."
Image of Amarela Peqini, an Albanian woman with brown hair wearing a navy blue jacket and light blue shirt
Amarela Peqini, EMBA
Director of Finance & Operations
Rose, a yellow lab laying in the grass looking up at the sky
"This year has had a common theme for me: Growth. As a professional, I have grown tremendously. From a college graduate to a working professional, I have had the pleasure of growing my skillset and providing wonderful service to others. Personally, I have grown family bonds and can't be grateful enough for the growth that has happened throughout 2024."
Headshot of Albert Rejouis, a young Black man with glasses wearing a black suit jacket, white shirt and silver tie.
Albert Rejouis
Administrative Assistant

Share Your Gratitude

We’d love to hear what you’re most grateful for this year. Share your gratitude with us on social media. ⬇️

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