Center for Nonprofit Leadership
Helping nonprofit leaders do better at doing good

Board Service Bootcamp Graduate: DeAnna Steiger

DeAnna Steiger

Board Chair, Women's Economic Ventures

Director, Business Performance, Amgen

1. How does board leadership fit into your overall leadership development and personal values? How did the Board Service Bootcamp prepare you?

I believe community and culture are a shared responsibility—we all have a role in creating the community we want to live in. I want to live in a place where everyone can thrive on their own terms, so I’m proud to support Women’s Economic Ventures in their work equipping people with financial skills to pursue their dreams and define success for themselves.

The Board Service Bootcamp gave me critical insight into how nonprofits operate, the unique responsibilities of board members, and how to best support high-impact organizations like WEV. It helped me step into board service and leadership with clearer expectations, a strong toolkit, readiness to learn, and a deep sense of accountability to the mission.

2. Which of your skills, professional expertise, or lived experiences have been most valuable to the nonprofit’s board, and in what way?

In my professional role, I lead diverse global teams through complex, ambiguous, and entrepreneurial strategic initiatives. I bring that combination of strategic thinking and operational discipline to my board service—helping connect long-term vision with practical execution.

I also bring a deep sense of optimism and admiration for WEV’s clients. I’ve always been inspired by people who break through barriers, build something new, or blaze a new trail—exactly what WEV clients do every day. That perspective keeps me focused on decisions that honor their courage and expand their opportunities.

3. What advice do you have for new nonprofit board members?

I encourage new board members to choose an organization working on a problem you genuinely care about. When you’re personally invested in the mission, you’re more committed to doing the hard, thoughtful work required for the nonprofit to succeed.

I also recommend taking advantage of the many great board service resources—programs like the Board Service Bootcamp, books, and webinars—to understand your role and responsibilities. And if possible, find a mentor or experienced board member who can help you navigate the learning curve, ask good questions, and grow into a strong, confident board leader.

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