TEXT Jasmine Bible + PHOTOGRAPHY Susan Kalergis Photography
In our “Give BOLDLY” series, we highlight local residents who are dedicated to making a difference in our communities. From volunteering at a food bank to running a nonprofit, and everywhere in-between, these individuals are passionately giving back through their philanthropic efforts. In this installment, we speak with Cristine Nardi, the Executive Director of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
Ten years ago Cristine Nardi took a leap of faith, leaving her law practice to become the
Executive Director for the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE). “A community is driven
by nonprofits. They are vital to the health and vibrancy of our society,” explains Nardi.
But nonprofits often struggle with their own professional development, as their focus is on
a specific cause, leaving them with little or no resources to strengthen themselves internally as a business. This is where CNE steps in—through leadership training and development, guidance on governance, and financial and philanthropic advice—CNE is able to bolster nonprofits in Charlottesville, Warrenton, Staunton, and Petersburg, VA, so they can do their best work.
“With a local finger on the pulse of the greater Charlottesville area, CNE is able to tailor their offerings to exactly what the community needs, and leverage local resources to benefit each nonprofit,” explains Nardi. She became a member of CNE when it opened in October of 2006, then accepted the position as Executive Director. “I wanted to use my legal and professional skills to really focus on providing technical assistance, resources, and mentoring to the community.”
A Shenandoah Valley native, Nardi grew up with parents who possessed a community minded
ethos—understanding the importance of volunteering and giving back. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, she volunteered with the Peace Corps in Botswana, Africa. “The way in which families were committed to each other, and their complete and utter acceptance for other community members, it left me with a lasting impression,” shares Nardi. After earning a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she served as a clerk on the D.C. Court of Appeals, and worked for a national women’s reproductive health organization in D.C. When Nardi and her husband decided to start a family, they returned to the Charlottesville area. “We knew we wanted to be a part of a tight knit community, with a space for our children to live, and play, and grow up to be themselves,” she said. She returned to practicing law with a focus on public interest, performing general counsel work for small businesses and nonprofits.
Now, a decade later, Nardi knows her decision to give up practicing law was the right choice. “It has allowed me to continue to support the nonprofit sector, as I was doing in my law practice. It’s been a perfect fit—an amazing ride.” Nardi is currently concentrating on CNE’s Justice and Equity program, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, stating, “The nonprofit sector inhabits a unique position. We serve and are responsible for the well-being of the community. We aim to not only balance the diversity in leadership, but also to address the root causes because it makes us better community stewards.”
So, what can we do? Nardi offers, “If you’re interested in getting involved, don’t simply think about it—take action. You can give financially, consider joining a board of directors or volunteer at a nonprofit, and uphold your civic duties by voting. You can be one agent in strengthening your own community.”
Learn more about how you can give back on our continually updated Giving Boldly blog post.
We shared this story with you in our Fall/Winter 2018 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here.