By Kelly Morse, President of PWCC

Many professional women seek meaningful ways to give back, grow their skills, and broaden their networks, yet are sometimes unsure where to begin. Serving on a nonprofit board is one of the most powerful (and underrated) ways to do all three.

When I became a member of the Professional Women’s Club of Chicago (PWCC) in 2019, my initial goal was simple: expand my local network. What I discovered, however, was a far richer opportunity, largely due to getting involved with a committee and later the board.

Beyond surface-level connections, PWCC gave me access to essential business contacts, led to genuine friendships, and even became a source for new hires. I honed valuable skills, such as public speaking and event planning, all while contributing to a mission I believe in.

I started by volunteering on the Programs Committee and eventually became Co-Chair. That experience paved the way for my role as VP and, today, the honor of serving as PWCC President. And yes, some people questioned my sanity: Why take on what sounds like a second unpaid job?! Fair question!

But the return on that investment can be huge (Time, 2016). Nonprofit board service gives women access to leadership opportunities, critical business skills, and visibility that supports long-term career growth. It can even serve as a stepping stone to paid corporate board roles. Studies show that women on boards bring diverse perspectives, enhance innovation, and contribute to stronger financial performance (Catalyst, 2023).

While getting involved at the board level is a way to contribute to organizations you care about, it also brings personal and professional rewards. Here are a few reasons I am so glad I said yes to nonprofit board leadership - and why you might want to as well.

1. Make an Impact Through Nonprofit Board Service

There is something incredibly fulfilling in contributing to a mission you care about. PWCC has been around for 26 years, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to continue that legacy of advancing professional women in Chicago.

Of course, PWCC is just one example. Our city is home to numerous incredible nonprofit organizations that are making a significant impact in education, sustainability, the arts, healthcare, and more. Along with supporting a specific cause, board service is also a powerful way to advance overall gender equality.

Did you know that while women make up the majority of the nonprofit workforce, men are still more likely to rise to top leadership positions, especially in larger organizations? (Harvard Business Review, 2024). When women claim board seats and leadership roles, we begin to shift that balance of power. Greater representation means greater influence over decisions, priorities, and budgets.

Whatever your passion, find a cause that speaks to your values. When you do, contributing your time will not feel like an obligation. It will be a privilege. Look for what lights you up. What conversations do you gravitate toward? What issues make you think “someone should do something”? That someone might be you.

2. Gain Leadership Skills and Career Experience

Serving on a nonprofit board exposes you to experiences you might not get in your day job - things like strategic planning, budgeting, governance, and high-level decision-making. Before joining PWCC’s board, I had never managed a budget or coordinated a team of volunteers. Now, I regularly do both.

As President, I need to consider how to strategically grow our organization while using the resources we have as efficiently and impactfully as possible. While I have experience managing teams of six to eight people at work, I had not led anything the size of the PWCC board before. Our board currently includes sixteen people, with five committees that have five to ten members each. Aligning committee efforts with our organizational goals and maintaining momentum across the group has been a new level of responsibility that I have gained a great deal from.

These are skills I have been able to apply directly to my day-to-day job, especially as I take on more leadership opportunities at work. For you, this could potentially lead to not only more opportunities in your career but also to paid board positions, if that is a path you are exploring.

3. Build Your Network with Purpose

Volunteering on a board or committee lets people see you in action. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards. It is about showing up, collaborating, and following through. Those are the moments when trust is built. Trust is what leads to referrals, mentorship, collaborations, and career opportunities.

Let’s be honest: How many times have you referred someone after just meeting them during one brief interaction, versus someone you have worked alongside and seen deliver results? Genuine connections take time, and one of the best ways to build them is by getting involved in meaningful activities.

If I have worked with someone through PWCC and they showed up and did what they said they would do – even if not directly tied to their professional career – I will gladly recommend them as a business partner, lawyer, real estate agent, financial advisor, or whatever the case may be. But if someone is not responsive or does not follow through, I assume that is how they operate professionally, too, and will not recommend them. So, how you show up matters a lot for your professional brand.

How to Join a Nonprofit Board

Consider what causes and organizations you might like to get involved with. Your first step in exploring opportunities could be joining us at PWCC’s upcoming Spring into Action: Non-Profit Fair on Thursday, May 8, at the offices of RSM in downtown Chicago. Over twenty organizations will be sharing board and volunteer opportunities. It is a great way to see what is available and find a mission that matters to you.

Once you have identified a few organizations you would like to get more involved with, reach out to board members for coffee chats to learn more about the opportunity, time-commitment and what the dynamic is really like within the organization. The PWCC board is listed on the bottom of our About page and we’d love to hear from you!

If board service feels like too big of a leap, start by joining a committee. It is a great way to understand how an organization works, meet new people, and get involved at a level that fits with your schedule. At PWCC, we have five committees:

Communications: Manages outreach and engagement through our social media, newsletters, and more
Community Outreach: Builds partnerships with local nonprofits and creates opportunities to engage our Chicago community
Membership Engagement: Welcomes new members, engages existing members and leads our mentorship program
Programs: Plans our luncheon speaker series and fireside chats
Sponsorship: Develops partnerships with corporations and individuals to financially support our programming

We accept volunteers year-round. No minimum time commitment required, just your energy, ideas, and a willingness to lend us some elbow grease. Sometimes it is as easy as asking, “Where can I help?” to start getting involved. You can also visit our website for more information on joining a committee.

Final Thoughts

Being a part of a nonprofit board is a deeply rewarding experience. Yes, it requires time and effort, but it is worth it to grow into the kind of professional you want to be. Creating community, making an impact, and showing up for something that matters is reason enough, but you will be surprised by how much you grow and gain in the process.

About the Author

Kelly Morse leads a team at Euromonitor International’s Chicago office, partnering with consumer goods companies to uncover data-driven global growth opportunities. She spent seven years in Asia, beginning her career as a travel writer at a local publishing company before transitioning into business development, where she supported Euromonitor’s expansion across the region, including launching its Seoul office. Kelly currently serves as President of the Professional Women’s Club of Chicago.