Meet Erika Plunkett | Co-Founder & Innovative Leader in Social Impact and Philanthropy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika Plunkett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
In the nonprofit and start-up world, the energy is very similar. It’s a gritty hustle of fundraising, passion, and constantly communicating the vision. Neither are for the faint of heart. When you decide to take on this journey, you must understand that giving up isn’t an option. Rest is always an option. Flexibility, always. Taking time off to sit with mentors and advisors, absolutely acceptable. But giving up cannot be in your vocabulary.

To be honest, I think people give up too easily these days. You have to ground yourself in the hope and belief that the next wave of growth is right around the corner. That’s what keeps you going, that and looking back to see how far you’ve come. In fact, just this morning, a previous social enterprise client reached out to me and said, “We had this major moment of growth this week that was unbelievable. Thank you for playing such a big part in helping us get to this point and challenging us to never give up!”

As a founder, if you truly believe in what you are doing and know that you are solving a problem with your work, you can’t quit. I read recently that Coke sold only 25 cans in their first year. I think back to our first year at Ama International and some of my clients in their first year—it’s like the first year of marriage; a roller coaster ride of emotions. All of this tough, gritty stuff is a part of growth.

I’ve told so many clients, “Stay the course, don’t quit,” and it hasn’t come back to bite me yet. I will certainly say I am glad I never have. The journey is challenging, but if you believe in your mission and the impact you’re making, perseverance is key. So take breaks, be flexible, seek advice, but never give up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
With a background in Education and Human Trafficking, and having spent close to 10 years supporting international nonprofit and economic development projects, my journey has been both challenging and rewarding. As the co-founder and Executive Director of Ama International, our mission is to empower communities through education, job training, and access to essential resources. We are currently working on a local-to-global project focusing on philanthropreneurship. This innovative approach combines social good with economic principles, making nonprofit organizations sustainable and strong by integrating them with the economy. As we think about economic development and expansion, it’s vital to critically consider the social services that stabilize communities. Marrying profit-driven business with social impact builds additional revenue streams to support good.

Why is this important?

Single source funding is not sustainable.

Nonprofits are unique organisms and should have multiple revenue streams to stay mission-driven and agile.

Corporate entities are overextended and are looking for partnerships in systemic work, not just one-off donations.

The future demands us to think and act differently to create lasting change.

I am so proud of the incredible impact we’ve had and the community we’ve built. Last year we provided over $3 million in resources, distributed 44,300 school supplies last year, awarded $5,000 in college scholarships, and received a $1,000,000 donation to enhance our curriculum and supplies. But, for me, it’s not about the numbers—it’s about the lives touched and the hearts inspired.

Getting to where I am today professionally was far from easy. The nonprofit and start-up worlds are incredibly challenging, filled with gritty hustle and relentless passion. Overcoming these challenges required perseverance, flexibility, and a strong support system. One major lesson I’ve learned is that giving up isn’t an option. Rest, yes. Flexibility, absolutely. But quitting? Never.

I’ve also learned the importance of community and mentorship. Having a solid support system of peers and advisors who understand the nuances of the nonprofit sector and the challenges of being a female founder has been invaluable.

One big takeaway from my philanthropic journey is that we need to move beyond knowing our “WHY” in the nonprofit sector; it’s time we dissect the “HOW.” How do we create sustainable, impactful organizations that can weather any storm? By thinking and acting differently, by integrating economic principles with social impact, and by building robust, adaptable structures.

I want the world to know that Ama International is not just a nonprofit—we’re a movement. A movement dedicated to creating lasting change, fostering generosity, and empowering communities. We’re here to inspire love, kindness, and compassion, to make generosity so attractive that it becomes a cultural shift. This is our story, and we’re just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Michigan is stunning, and there is so much to see and do. If my best friend were visiting for a week during the warmer months, here’s how we’d make the most of our time in this top-tier state:

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

Morning: Arrive in Michigan and settle in.

Afternoon: Kick off with a visit to the Lake Michigan beach. Relax on the sandy shores, swim, and soak up the sun. No salt or sharks, I might add.

Evening: Dinner at The Deck and then enjoy the world’s best turtle sundaes at Muskegon’s Frosty Oasis.
Day 2: Sports and Scenic Views

Morning: Visit the West Michigan Whitecaps game. The energy and excitement of minor league baseball are a must-see.

Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious lunch at MeXo with award-winning Chef Oscar, savoring the innovative pre-Hispanic Mexican cuisine.

Evening: Dinner at Butcher’s Union in Grand Rapids. The food and atmosphere are exceptional. Must order the bacon appetizer.

Day 3: Detroit Adventure

Morning: Drive to Detroit and start the day with a tour of the Detroit Institute of Arts or peruse through Tech Town.

Afternoon: Enjoy amazing Middle Eastern food in Dearborn. The flavors and authenticity are unparalleled.

Evening: Depending on the season, catch a Lions, Tigers, or Red Wings game, or enjoy live music at the historic Fox Theatre.

Day 4: Ann Arbor Excitement

Morning: If it’s football season, we head to Ann Arbor for a University of Michigan football game at the Big House. Go Blue!

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Ama Cafe—love the name. 😉

Evening: Dinner at The Chop House in Ann Arbor, followed by a stroll through the charming streets and a visit to the Michigan Theater for a film or show.

Day 5: Mackinac Island Adventure

Morning: Drive up to Mackinaw City and take the ferry to Mackinac Island.

Afternoon: Explore the island by bike or horse-drawn carriage. Visit the historic Grand Hotel and enjoy high tea with breathtaking views.

Evening: Dinner at the Woods Restaurant on Mackinac Island, experiencing the local cuisine and relaxing ambiance.

Day 6: Back to Nature

Morning: Head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hike the dunes, including the 450 ft dune drop and climb back up, enjoying the spectacular vistas.

Afternoon: Picnic at the park and explore the charming nearby towns.

Evening: Convince one of our fun friends with a boat to take us tubing, and grill some locally made brats from Ken’s Fresh Fruit Market. Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening on the water.

Day 7: Tech and Fun in West Michigan

Morning: Visit the tech ecosystem bubbling in Grand Rapids. Check out local startups and innovation hubs.

Afternoon: Lunch at Cafe de Miro in Grand Rapids for a great Mediterranean-inspired meal and relaxing ambiance. The absolute best Turkish coffee.

Evening: Wind down with a hike around Reeds Lake and enjoy ice cream at Jersey Junction, ending the trip on a sweet note.

Throughout the week, we’d also take time to enjoy the beautiful parks, meet interesting locals, and soak in the vibrant culture of Michigan. Hey, y’all, feel free to use this itinerary—it’s pretty good! #pureMichigan

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could write a book on the people who’ve enhanced and influenced my journey. I have a few rocks that I lean on regularly, and someday I’ll share the story of each one. My parents are my champions—they’re entrepreneurs and pastors, a perfect blend of creativity and compassion. They modeled for me the values of business and community, shaping who I am today. But today, I want to highlight a dear friend and mentor who has truly changed my life.

Jennifer Wrangler came into my life a few years ago at the exact moment I needed her. I was at a phase of growth that I couldn’t have reached without her wisdom. Jen has an incredible amount of practical experience leading in the corporate, business, and tech worlds. But most importantly, she’s a woman! It’s hard for women to find good mentors, as they are often men and it gets… complicated. I’ll leave it at that.

Jen’s experiences navigating leadership in the corporate world have helped me time and again. Her closeness to the startup space and tech world gives her an even broader scope of expertise. She is kind, supportive, and someone I can talk to about the nuances of being a female founder and the unique challenges it brings.

This is the best part: because of her passion for supporting women in leadership, she started a whole network of powerful women, Go Beyond and The Coffee Circle. I’ve never been in a group like this—these are bosses. High-level women, with no ulterior motives, no jealousy, no petty drama. It’s legit, secure, strong leaders coming together to build and support each other.

All of this to say, without Jen and this group of women behind me, I would never have made the decision to launch the biggest domestic project Ama has ever undertaken. It will bring together hundreds of organizations and thousands of people, all because these incredible women are partnering with me. They gave me the courage to do it.

Website: https://www.amawithoutborders.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikadawnie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikadawnkellerplunkett/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amawithoutborders

Other: Support our incredible organization here: https://give.amawithoutborders.org/give/462992/#!/donation/checkout