Emily Struss

Owner and Operator at North Woods Inspirations and NWI Nonprofit Services

I grew up in metro Detroit and moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana in the early 2000s. After leaving undergrad, I moved to Seattle, where I continued my employment at REI and worked for a tradeshow management company called MRA Services.

Following a bit of wanderlust in South America, I moved back to Missoula and began my family. I found a job that would lead me to my passion for working with collaboratives and nonprofits. Serving six years with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) was an inspiring opportunity that taught me a lot. At NFF, I worked closely with collaborative groups, managed several fundraising and volunteer events, and oversaw administrative duties supporting our National Forests.

After moving to the Flathead from Missoula in 2019, I served the community as Director of Operations at Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC). Fundraising and managing programs in support of Avalanche Safety programs and services in the Flathead Valley.

I love working for FOFAC but with a young family running a nonprofit was a balance I wasn't able to maintain. I took the challenging step to renegotiate my role with the organization. I now serve as the Development Director, part-time, so I can focus on my family and launching NWI.

Through these experiences (and many others), I've learned there's a better model than the nonprofit burnout cycle. There are simple tools, staffing structure changes, and more that nonprofits can utilize to amplify their mission and make it easier for donors and Board Members to engage. Even if it’s adding capacity to a team or project, I look forward to working with your organization and help you rethink how you engage with your mission and grow your business.

What do I do for fun?

Anything outdoors but especially skiing (in any form), playing in lakes and rivers, playing on my bike, or hiking to pretty places. I also love to cook gluten free treats and tend to my garden.