Emily Buss, 35
Co-Founder & Executive Director | Birthday Box Foundation
What is the most rewarding thing about your job industry?
The most rewarding part is paying it forward by helping parents create moments of joy during hardship and giving kids the opportunity to just be a kid on their special day. I love hearing how we have given families hope and restored their sense of humanity by reminding them that they are loved and that their community truly cares about them. Working in Utah’s nonprofit industry is incredibly fulfilling because I am constantly surrounded by inspirational leaders and compassionate community members.
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
One of my greatest challenges has been navigating the logistical hurdles of a rapidly growing nonprofit with very lean resources. For a long time, I have managed our entire distribution network using my family’s only vehicle while balancing the immense demands of building an organization from the ground up. Overcoming the fear of making big asks and pushing through the exhaustion of bootstrapping this mission has taught me exactly what it takes to build something that lasts.
