Getting to Know Dorian Hines, Our New Partner Services Manager
We are excited to welcome Dorian Hines to Momentum Nonprofit Partners! Dorian serves as the Partner Services Manager and is a native of North Carolina. He relocated to Memphis from Auburn, Alabama, where he attended graduate school. He received his Master of Public Administration from Auburn University and his Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. His previous positions include Community Engagement Manager at Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South and Recruitment and Marketing at The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Greensboro, NC. Dorian is also a part of a number of organizations including, Embark at the New Memphis Institute and the International City and County Management Association.
Dorian has a never-ending passion for public service and giving back to the community. He has volunteered with a great number of nonprofit organizations throughout his career. He prides himself in being his authentic self, while being eager in discovering new and effective ways in servicing the community. When not at work, Dorian loves to be outdoors, eating, exercising and spending time with family and friends.
Learn more about Dorian below. You can contact Dorian here.
Why are you excited to work for Momentum Nonprofit Partners?
Momentum Nonprofit Partners (MNP) wants to see nonprofit organizations win. There are a great number of nonprofit organizations who pour back into the communities they serve. MNP partners with those organizations to ensure they are able to do just that, serve.
The nonprofit sector is a community. We all exist for one reason; to live by our mission and serve our communities. Also, MNP has a set of guiding principles that provide meaning to what the organization does. Those principles resonate with what and why I chose to enter the nonprofit sector.
What is one of your favorite moments in your nonprofit career?
I worked with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Greensboro in Greensboro, NC. Besides volunteer/community service, this was my first interaction as an employee within the sector. Being able to contribute to the core beliefs of the organization allowed me to create a bond with the students, as well as assist contribute to their overall growth and development as citizens.
Why did you choose a career in the nonprofit sector?
I chose a career in nonprofit simply because I like to help people. I like to see others win. Within the nonprofit sector, I’m able to give back. The opportunity to gain knowledge is inevitable. I am contributing to providing resources to individuals and communities I serve and learning along the way.
What are some of the biggest challenges you think the nonprofit sector is facing right now?
There are a lot of challenges that the nonprofit sector is facing, but I feel that the major challenges relate to the finances of the organization. Nonprofits depend heavily on fundraising and government and foundation funds. You have organizations receiving these funds but don’t understand the legalities behind them. You also have nonprofits who do not have the chance to advocate for their organization, thus missing the opportunity to fulfill their mission and provide resources to the community.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
Music has always been a part of my life. My favorite genres are old school hip-hop and R&B, jazz, and anything that is relaxing and can ease my mind. I play four instruments. I haven't picked up an instrument in four years, so you’re going to have to give me some time to warm up.
What’s one thing you’ve learned that will help you in your current role?
“Things don't always go as planned, but it's when you make a plan out of the unplanned and make the best of the unlikely things In life.” - Oscar Auliq-Ice
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new employee in the nonprofit sector?
Always expect the unexpected; when unexpected, pivot. Each day in the nonprofit sector is different; some days may be terribly slow, others you may have a thousand and one things to do at one time. Things are not always going to happen they way you want them to. Things are not always going to flow as smoothly as they may seem. Always be on your toes and do not be afraid to fail. It’s a part of growth.
Who is your hero and why?
My hero is my mom. My mom is a nurse, so she is forever helping someone. She instilled in me to always put others needs before your own and to always help someone in need, because you never know when you are going to need help. That really fueled my passion to be a public servant and is the reason I wake up.
If a movie studio was going to feature your story as a nonprofit employee in a movie, what would the movie be called and why?
My movie would be called “Two Days.” This movie would simply be about self-discovery. Mark Twain says that the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. I simply enjoy helping others and that is my reason. However, my movie is unreleased because it is still being written. Stay tuned!
Since you’re joining Momentum at the tail end of the pandemic, what wou you say the pandemic taught you about yourself?
I would say how quick I can think on my feet. The pandemic forced us all to adjust and adapt quickly. Sometimes you had a period of time until you had to have come up with a decision, others not so much. You had to react quickly. The pandemic also taught me how to ask for assistance when needed. It is okay to ask for help, especially when you simply do not know the answer. I used to have this thing where I wanted to figure things out on my own, even when help was right in front of me. Collaboration is an important factor, and the pandemic definitely forced me to do that.
Where is your favorite restaurant spot in Memphis?
Sage! Great food and the vibes are always there.
What are some of your favorite movies?
If I had to randomly choose, I would say Johnson Family Vacation, Harlem Nights, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Comedy, action, and dramas are my a few of my favorite genres. Yes, I understand Home Alone is a Christmas movie, but I watch it year round.