Katie Paauwe, a student in the M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise program at Michigan State University, worked in various office management, human resources, and sales coordination positions before deciding to go back to school to earn a master’s degree.
She currently works as an Executive Assistant, Ally Development, for the Fetzer Institute and has also held roles in other organizations including Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, and Kalamazoo Community Foundation.
She recently shared her experience with the M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise program offered by MSU’s Department of Religious Studies in the following Q&A:
Why did you decide to pursue an M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise?
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree quite a while ago, and I always knew I wanted to go back for a master’s degree — but only if it felt right. My undergrad experience wasn’t super inspiring — it ended up being more about checking boxes than following curiosity. So, when it came to grad school, I promised myself I’d wait until I found something I was genuinely excited about.
I’ve built my career in nonprofits and philanthropy, and my work with the Fetzer Institute has really expanded my view, especially around approaching this work through a spiritual lens. Not just what we do, but how and why we do it. Asking deeper questions. Looking at the problems behind the problems. This field feels like home to me and going back to school is my way of doubling down on what I love.
Tell us about a course you have taken in the program — what has stood out so far in terms of your learning or engagement?
One class that has really resonated with me was Cross-Cultural Dialogue and Collaboration. I happened to be taking it during the same semester I was working on a big convening with our Faith & Philanthropy group that brought together folks from different cultural, spiritual, and organizational backgrounds — so it felt wildly relevant in real time.
The class gave me language and tools for navigating complexity in a way that felt both grounded and human. It made me think more deeply about how we create spaces where people don’t just show up but actually feel safe to bring their full selves. It also reminded me that true collaboration across difference takes time, trust, and a willingness to sit in the messiness a bit. The lessons were real, applicable, and immediately useful — my favorite kind of learning.
What have you enjoyed the most so far about the M.A. program?
Selfishly? One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is just feeling proud of myself. I wasn’t totally sure I could do this…juggling a full-time-plus job (with a healthy dose of work travel!), staying present in my personal life, and going back to school after being out for a while. That felt like a lot.
But I’ve worked hard over the years to build a life that feels full and meaningful — and not just in the “get things done” sense. I mean actually enjoying my time. Nonprofit work can so easily consume you if you’re not careful, and I’ve definitely been there before. But this experience has reminded me that I can do big things and still stay grounded in what matters most to me. I’ve found a rhythm that lets me show up fully — in my work, in school, and in my life. And that feels like a big win.
What do you plan to do your thesis on?
I don’t have a thesis topic or project idea yet…but I’m holding that lightly and with a lot of curiosity. I’m especially drawn to love-rooted movements and the kind of philanthropy that doesn’t just throw money at problems but actually shows up with presence, relationship, and deep spiritual grounding. So maybe something in that realm? Think bell hooks meets grantmaking. We’ll see where it lands.
More Information
For information on the M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise program, visit the Department of Religious Studies website.
