During a visit to NASA in 1962, President Kennedy noticed a janitor carrying a broom. He walked over and said, “Hi, I’m Jack Kennedy. What are you doing?”
The janitor replied, “I’m helping put a man on the moon.”
Alixandra do Norte shares that mindset.
“Everyone has a role to play. Not everyone can be an advocate on Capitol Hill or work directly with clients. But we need every part of the organization to succeed, and that’s something I really appreciate about the work I get to do every day.”
She’s an operations associate for the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP), and her job is to help coordinate a multitude of projects that support the organizations who deliver community services across the state.
The work may not always be glamorous, but without talented support staff like herself? Organizations across the nonprofit world would struggle to function.
How does Alixandra stay passionate about her work?
In part, because it’s deeply personal.
From Safety Net Beneficiary, to Keeper of Its Threads
Like many nonprofit professionals, Alixandra’s path didn’t follow a straight line to the sector. English teacher in China. Teach for America in LA. Insurance. And now, Operations Associate.
But unlike many, her journey began with receiving many of the community services she now helps deliver.
“My childhood was only possible through things like WIC, Head Start, and Education Resource Centers. Now that I’m on this side of the table, I know just how needed these services are.”
Many organizations focus on a specific service, addressing a specific problem.
However, the reality for families navigating difficult circumstances is that their needs rarely fit neatly into a single category. They may need help finding stable housing. Access to food programs. Assistance navigating childcare. Transportation.
And when organizations delivering that help aren’t talking to one another? Getting support can be a challenge.
Which is where CAAP plays a critical role.
CAAP’s Impact on Pennsylvania
At first glance, their mission statement might sound a bit nebulous:
“The CAAP strengthens, advocates for, and empowers the state network of Community Action Agencies to effectively address issues of poverty.”
But how, exactly?
“Last year, we piloted a program to help with disaster case management,” Alixandra begins. “Tropical Storm Debbie came through in 2024, and we helped coordinate care for survivors of that disaster: FEMA, local resources, and 2-3 Community Action agencies in the region.”
When disaster strikes, help rarely comes from a single source. But rather than taking action themselves, CAAP works as a hub, helping agencies communicate, align resources, and build systems that empower communities to respond more rapidly in moments of crisis.
Disaster response is just one example.
Throughout Pennsylvania, many disconnected local, state, and federal agencies operate to address poverty: housing stability, food, workforce development, and more.
CAAP helps tie that work together.
Alixandra shares another example: “Diapers are outrageously expensive, right? So, there’s this federal initiative for that, and we helped plug six Community Action Agencies into an already existing network. Not only are people getting more diapers for free, they’re also getting other services they may need to help raise their children.”
Meaningful Work
For Alixandra, purpose comes less from titles and more from impact.
“I don’t want to be a CEO anytime soon,” she says. “Because I think groundwork is just as important. We need all of it. We need leaders, and we need rank and file, to do the work we do.”
In her case, that might look like spreadsheets, coordination calls, and all of the invisible logistics that make visible successes possible.
Like many nonprofit professionals, Alixandra is also aware of the challenges of mission-driven work.
“I think a lot of people are past burnout. And I don’t want to undermine what we do, but we’re kind of a band-aid on the larger problems of inequality. Sometimes we address the causes, but more often, we’re addressing the symptoms of poverty.”
It’s a sobering reality. And one nonprofit leaders understand well. But that doesn’t mean the work isn’t important, or lacks meaning.
“In many ways, it’s the best we can do right now. And I get very passionate about it.”
If you’re still early in your career, her perspective is an important reminder. You don’t have to be the executive director or lead advocate to make a difference. Our efforts matter.
You may not be launching rockets, but you still help make the mission possible.
