A Full-Circle Calling: KK’s Path to the MNA

Finding Direction Through Experience

KK’s path to the Master of Nonprofit Administration program at Notre Dame began with a foundation shaped by service.

Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, her church and community played a central role in how she understood purpose. As a first-generation American and first-generation college student, navigating college and career decisions came with uncertainty, particularly without clear exposure to higher education pathways.

“There were moments where I felt a step behind, not in ability, but in access to information,”  she said. “But instead of seeing that as a limitation, it became a catalyst.”

Influenced by both her church community and her involvement in the Miss America system, she chose to attend Bethel University. Studying psychology, she initially planned to pursue a clinical path, drawn to working directly with individuals. Her experience at the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission deepened that interest, but it also exposed broader gaps in access to care that began to shift her career aspirations.

Expanding the Definition of Impact

While her academic focus centered on individuals, her leadership and service experiences began to shift how she thought about impact. Through roles in service, philanthropy, and the Miss America Organization, she gained exposure to the work behind nonprofit missions. Over time, her focus evolved from one-on-one service to something broader.

“I started to realize that I wanted to be part of the spaces where decisions are made,”  she said. “Where opportunities are created for more than just one person at a time.”

That shift in perspective led her to explore how organizations operate and how impact can be built and sustained at scale, which inspired her to explore graduate programs that could help her get there.

A Program That Felt Like Alignment 

KK discovered the MNA program while searching for graduate options that aligned with her interest in social impact, particularly without a traditional business background. What stood out was the intentional balance of mission-driven work and practical skill-building.

“The program just appeared in my search, but it felt like everything I had been doing was finally coming together,”  she said.

Deeply resonating with Mendoza’s mission to Grow the Good in Business, she said it pushed her to think beyond traditional metrics and instead consider impact, responsibility, and purpose in a more meaningful way.

That sense of alignment deepened during her visit to campus, where Mendoza’s values reflected what had already shaped her upbringing.

“My mom always taught me to learn so you can earn, and earn so you can return,”  she said.

Learning in Community

Once in the program, the people became the most impactful part of her experience. Rather than the large and impersonal environment, she found a close-knit cohort that challenged and supported her.

“My cohort has truly been everything,”  she said. The program’s fast-paced, discussion-based structure also reshaped how she approached learning, shifting the focus from outcomes to engagement.

At the same time, the culture challenged her expectations.

“Notre Dame can seem intimidating from the outside, but the reality has been the opposite,”  she said. “You are encouraged to take risks and learn from the process.”

A Full-Circle Moment

That learning came to life during Grow Irish Week, where KK worked with Catholic Charities of Orange County. The experience carried personal significance. Her mother and grandparents came to the United States from Myanmar as refugees through the support of Catholic Charities. Being placed with a similar organization created a direct connection between her family’s story and her work.

“It made the work feel personal in a completely different way,”  she said.

It also reshaped how she thought about professionalism.

“It’s not just about completing the task,”  she said. “It’s about how you show up and the impact you have on people while you are there.”

Turning Experience into Action

In January of last year, KK’s father suffered a severe stroke and was given a 1% chance of survival. The experience forced her to navigate uncertainty and process the complex emotions that came with that. During that time, she turned to art and writing. What began as a personal outlet became My Whole Heart, a children’s book she wrote and illustrated and now shares in schools.

“I realized not everyone has the support system I had when going through something difficult,”  she said.

Building the Whole Heart Initiative

Through her classroom visits, KK noticed a consistent gap. Students could describe difficult experiences, but often struggled to express their emotions or even feel comfortable acknowledging them.

“There was a gap between what kids feel and what they are able to say,”  she said.

That realization led to The Whole Heart Initiative, a social-emotional learning effort designed to help children better understand and communicate their emotions so that they can be more resilient. Through her role as Miss Elkhart County and her continued involvement in the Miss America Organization, she has been able to expand that work.

“When kids are given the tools to understand what they feel, they become unstoppable,”  she said.

Looking Ahead

After completing the MNA program, KK plans to continue building her impact through both nonprofit work and her own initiatives. She is exploring opportunities within the nonprofit sector, including work connected to the American Heart Association, while continuing to grow The Whole Heart Initiative.

“I want to build something that brings together service, strategy, and community,” she said. “I’m deeply grateful to God for guiding me through every step of that journey and opening doors I never could have planned on my own.”

Advice for Future Students

Reflecting on her experience, KK encourages prospective students to approach the program with both openness and intention.

“Be willing to learn from the people around you and not just the curriculum,”  she said.

Looking back, her perspective has shifted. She learned that some of the most valuable moments come from asking questions, trying new approaches, and being comfortable not having all the answers.

“I would have focused less on finding one path and more on stewarding what I was passionate about and trusting the process more fully,”  she said.

KK’s journey at Notre Dame highlights the breadth of perspective and experiences possible on the MNA path.