Purpose-driven nonprofit leader Alison Nakamura takes us on her journey of transformation, sharing the pivotal moment at age 30 when she abandoned her successful Manhattan PR career to pursue social work—a decision that seemed financially risky but spiritually essential. With remarkable candor, she reveals how growing up between two parental influences, her nurse mother's service-oriented values and her father's traditional success metrics created an internal tug-of-war that eventually led to her breaking point.
"I remember going to Ann Taylor and putting on this weird gray suit and going to interviews in the city when I was like 19. And I was like, this could not be farther from who I am," Alison confesses. That disconnect eventually became too powerful to ignore, leading to a career pivot that would completely reshape her life's trajectory.
For anyone standing at the crossroads of comfort and calling, security and purpose, or expectation and authenticity, this conversation offers both permission and practical wisdom. Listen in and discover how stepping into your pivot, however frightening, might be the most expansive move you'll ever make.

Guest Bio:

Alison Nakamura Netter is a purpose-driven nonprofit leader with a proven track record in advancing gender equity and reproductive health and rights. She currently serves as Executive Director of ZanaAfrica Foundation, an organization that supports girls in Kenya from adolescence to adulthood—ensuring they have the knowledge, resources, and agency to shape their own futures.

With 18 years of experience across domestic and international causes, Alison has led initiatives to combat sex trafficking in Cambodia, address food insecurity, and promote diversity and inclusion in the arts in New York City. Her multifaceted background in fundraising, nonprofit management, strategic communications, and social work equips her with a unique skill set to lead sustainable, community-driven change.

Alison’s commitment to service started early, teaching English to Haitian immigrants preparing for their U.S. citizenship exams and volunteering at a hospital providing companionship to marginalized patients. Those experiences shaped her values and continue to guide her leadership today.

She holds a BA in Sociology from Northeastern University and a Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work. Alison is deeply committed to supporting organizations and solutions that create lasting, sustainable impact.

She lives in New York with her husband, son, and their goldendoodle, Molly. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with friends and family, exercising, and spending time in nature.

Connect with Alison:

LinkedIn

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:
Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants
Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing
SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot