From Employment Consultant to CEO: Najla Wortham's Unlikely Path at Rock Creek

Najla Wortham started at Rock Creek Foundation in 2007 as an employment consultant — boots on the ground, carving out jobs for individuals with disabilities. Eighteen years later, she's the President and CEO, making her the first African American woman to lead the organization in its 52-year history.In this conversation, Najla breaks down exactly how Rock Creek builds leaders from within, how she navigated imposter syndrome at the executive level, and what her sustainability strategy looks like as federal Medicaid funding comes under pressure in 2026.✅ Why "growing your own leaders" is Rock Creek's #1 cultural differentiator✅ How to overcome imposter syndrome as a leader of color in nonprofit spaces✅ Najla's 2026 strategy for reducing reliance on federal and state funding✅ What it means to lead with vulnerability, transparency, and "fail forward" thinking✅ Why the smartest person at the table is a warning sign, not an assetThis episode is essential for nonprofit Executive Directors and HR leaders building succession plans, navigating funding uncertainty, or leading organizations through culture change.