WOMEN AT THE HELM Fay Morgan

Fay Morgan cherishes giving back to the community.

The Shaler resident is executive director of the North Hills Community Outreach, an agency that provides health and employment assistance and legal aid to families in 52 communities. It also operates food pantries.

"I just had a real desire to make a difference in the community and improve the lives of people in need," Ms. Morgan said. "I always felt it was really important to make a difference in your own community."

When the executive director's opening was announced, "several people who knew of my work and my interest encouraged me to apply for the position -- and that included my husband [The Rev. Blair Morgan of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Shaler]."

"I applied for the job and was very happy to get it because it allowed me to ensure that nobody is hungry and forgotten in my own neighborhood," she said.

Self-awareness proved to be her biggest career challenge, Ms. Morgan said.

"I think it was maybe not recognizing my own leadership talents and abilities until later. It wasn't something I realized in my '20s," she said. "When I had the opportunity to observe other people's leadership, I began to realize, 'Gee, I can do that."

Now, her biggest challenge is finding enough room for all of her agency's programs. Those who have worked with North Hills Community Outreach include the Suburban General campus of Allegheny General Hospital, St. Margaret's Foundation in Aspinwall, Emanuel Lutheran in Bellevue and St. Paul United Methodist Church. The agency now is working on a partnership with the borough of Millvale, Ms. Morgan said.

Ms. Morgan, who has a bachelor's degree in social work from Penn State University and a master's in education from the University of Toledo, said there were plenty of opportunities for women interested in running nonprofits.

"There's also great support available from organizations like the Forbes Funds and the Non-Profit Leadership Institute at Duquesne University. They can help you develop your skills," she said. "Also, don't be afraid to aspire to the executive director's position. Just be sure you look for an organization with a great board -- that's key."