2024 EXCEL Honorable Mention – Julie Fabsik-Swarts

Tell us about your leadership style and how this contributes to your organization’s success.

My leadership style is rooted in a combination of empathy, collaboration, and strategic vision. In the context of the Employee Assistance Professional Association, this approach is critical to fostering an environment where employee assistance professionals feel valued, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to work.

1. Empathy: As an organization focused on supporting individuals in the workplace, empathy is at the core of what we do. My leadership emphasizes understanding the needs and concerns of both our members and the employees they serve. This means listening actively and creating initiatives that directly address the challenges our members face.

2. Collaboration: I believe in the power of teamwork. EAPA is a global network of professionals, and by working together, we can amplify our impact. I encourage collaboration both within our team and across our membership, fostering a culture where ideas are shared, and solutions are co-created. This collaborative approach ensures that our initiatives are more inclusive and relevant to the diverse needs of our members.

3. Strategic Vision: Leading an organization like EAPA requires a clear vision of where we want to go and how we plan to get there. I prioritize setting specific goals, aligning our resources effectively, and ensuring that we are continuously innovating. My strategic focus allows us to stay ahead of industry trends, to provide quality resources, and ultimately contribute to the success of our members in their roles.

What advice would you offer for other nonprofit leaders?

I would emphasize the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and community engagement. I would also encourage leaders to build strong teams, highlighting that the success of a nonprofit organization relies on its people. Leaders should be open to innovation and willing to pivot strategies as the landscape evolves.

I would stress the significance of advocacy and professional development, especially in fields like fundraising, organizational management and building relationships with employees, volunteers and community.

Additionally, I would advise nonprofit leaders to continuously assess and enhance their services to ensure they meet the needs of their members and stakeholders. I have utilized this effort by focusing on increasing membership, developing innovative programs, and expanding resources for members, volunteers and staff.

What does this award mean for you and your organization?

This award is a profound recognition of the collective effort and resilience of our team. It signifies more than just an achievement; it validates the hard work and dedication that has transformed our organization from a crisis into a success. For our staff, particularly those who don’t have access to outside support due to budget constraints, this recognition serves as both encouragement and a reminder that their contributions are critical to the organization’s success. It also reinforces the value of internal initiatives, creative problem-solving, and the ability to develop opportunities through hard work.

It will allow for professional support for staff who have worked very hard with limited funds and financial support. This award opens new doors for the development of our staff, who have tirelessly contributed to our organization’s turnaround, often with minimal resources. For a long time, financial constraints meant that opportunities for outside training, workshops, or certifications were limited, leaving many staff members to rely on their own creativity and internal resources to grow their skills. Now, with this recognition, we can provide more structured support and development opportunities.

This investment will not only enrich our staff’s capabilities but also enhance our organization’s overall impact. By providing professional support, we ensure that our team can continue to innovate and lead, further reinforcing the belief that with dedication, creativity, and the right support, significant transformations are possible even in the face of financial adversity.