24 C O O L S T U F F 2 0 2 2 • A Guide to Career Opportunities in Central Mass.
A
yman Abdelgadir wants to see
a change in the world.
A native of Sudan who
came to Worcester with his
family at age two, Abdelgadir
is driven by his passions for advancing
racial equality and education. His ultimate
goal is to build a metaphorical bridge
between Sudan and the U.S., and ultimately
between Africa and western countries, in a
way he said mirrors his own life.
Now in his job as volunteer and mentor-
ing coordinator at African Community
Education in Worcester, Abdelgadir said he's
moving toward advancing those causes.
The desire to do something meaningful
in life and work towards change is the driv-
ing force behind the decision to pursue a
career in the nonprofit field, Worcester non-
profit professionals said.
In a field that pays little but offers a lot in
terms of emotional payoff, a strong focus on
your why for doing the work in the first
place is key, they said.
"You really have to have a bit of that
spark for working in the field," said Meghan
Person, development and communications
BY LAURA FINALDI
Driven by
purpose
H U M A N
S E R V I C E S
In an industry not
known for his high
pay, workers at human
services nonprofits
find they are fulfilled
by knowing their work
is helping people and
affecting change
Workers at the nonprofit Abby's
House in Worcester help women
and children in need of shelter
and services.
PHOTO | COURTESY OF ABBY'S HOUSE
