MORGAN Webster
35 | Common Good Vermont | Director
Residence: Essex Junction
Career highlight(s): The career highlight I'm most proud of is successfully navigating Common Good VT's transition and merger search during the height of the pandemic. Now, as a statewide 
program of the United Way NWVT, we are scaling up our services to meet the growing needs of nonprofit professionals and out sector.
Community Involvement: My community involvement started at 16 when I wrote a grant with United Way of Windham County's Youth Initiated Grants Program after identifying a gap in after school service in my community. After college, I completed a year of VISTA service with AmeriCorps and now sit on two advisory committees; as well as, offer guidance to nonprofits and emerging leaders.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? I was motivated to live and work in Vermont because I felt a commitment to give back to my community and the organizations that had inspired and mentored me at a younger age.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is helping empower others to seek positive change in themselves, their work, or their community! I get frequent calls from passionate people wanting to make a difference who may not have the skills, resources, or confidence to take the next step. My favorite days are ones where I can connect people with what they need to achieve that positive change.
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have ever received is the lead from a place of empathy. As our work and livelihoods increasingly shift, it’s essential that we support and lift each other up as much as possible.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is a museum, antique store, or a flea market.
Favorite Super Hero and why: I once read a humorous post by Vu Le featuring a fictional Marvel movie script for nonprofits featuring a superhero called the "Capacity Crusader" that really resonated with me and my work. In reality, Marvel did publish a comic featuring medical professionals as superheroes responding to the pandemic and I have to agree that they are my favorite heroes!
How has your job changed since this pandemic? During the pandemic, my job has changed as we restructure to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the sector. I am hopeful as we discuss how to best serve our communities and inspire and lift up the next generation of nonprofit professionals.