Mark Van Lue
Executive Director
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I came from humble beginnings, and was raised to be average.
A term in the US Navy taught me that I was capable of nearly anything
I spent many years bouncing between jobs and self employment, and endured many financially difficult years
I began working for Habitat for Humanity, and found my calling, though initially I resisted a career in nonprofit
I got an opportunity to relocate to Georgia, which was scary, but put me on a path of incredible fulfillment
My job advancement included many opportunities to work internationally, which has been transformational for me
My path has culminated in deep satisfaction and success by most any measure
Education
High School
John Adams HS
John Adams HS
Career
Executive Director
I lead a team who create affordable housing opportunities in one of the highest housing cost areas of the country.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Business
Helping People
Day to Day
There really is no “typical” day in my work, which is a great thing! As is often the case in nonprofit work, I wear many hats, and lead a diverse team. We develop land, build homes, operate a large retail operation, lend mortgages, and provide social services. Each day is a unique mix of some or all of these things.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Start at the bottom, and work your way up. The things you will learn will be invaluable as you climb the ladder. No matter what, just start! Inaction or paralysis by analysis are killers.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"You can’t make a career of nonprofit work"
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
