Inspirational Leadership: Stories of Strategy and Success with Nina Gorka
Through my work with Odgers Berndtson, I have the privilege of engaging with transformative leaders who are reshaping the fabric of their communities through their leadership. Among these influential leaders, Nina Gorka, the CEO of the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa, stands out. Nina’s career reflects a deep commitment to empathy, collaboration, and innovation within the non-profit sector, embodying a leadership style that blends strategic thinking with a robust understanding of social justice issues.
From Community Roots to Global Impact
Nina’s professional journey began in a setting that was deeply impactful – a community drop-in youth center. It was here that Nina first encountered the value of community-based organizations, an experience which launched her career and ignited her passion for social services.
Following her experience working in the youth center, and upon the completion of her university degree, Nina pursued a role on a remote, fly-in Oji-Cree reserve, where she witnessed the long-lasting effects of colonization firsthand. Nina’s journey continued in South Africa, where she expanded her expertise and supported initiatives to combat gender-based violence. “These back-to-back experiences taught me invaluable lessons about power, privilege, allyship, and the importance of knowing when to lean in and when to step back,” she reflected. The lessons she learned through these unique, international experiences became cornerstones of her leadership style, informing her approach to every role she undertook thereafter.
A Leadership Style Built on Collaboration
Central to Nina’s leadership philosophy is a steadfast commitment to creating empowering environments where her team members feel both included and inspired to excel. “My leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and humour. I strive to create environments where people feel empowered to contribute their best work, and where diversity and inclusion are not just goals but integral to everything we do – foundational, not aspirational,” Nina explained.
Her approach involves leading with a “trauma-informed lens and an anti-oppressive framework” as a means of fostering open communication. She prioritizes collective decision-making, ensuring that every team member’s voice is heard and valued. This philosophy not only strengthens internal team dynamics, but also enhances the organization's ability to serve its community effectively.
Innovative Solutions to Complex Challenges
The non-profit sector is rife with multifaceted challenges. Nina remarked that the needs of those accessing social services are vast and becoming more complex, acknowledging the need for comprehensive, wrap-around supports across social service areas, including shelter and housing, mental health and substance use support and other services to respond to the needs of our communities.
Nina has been a champion of innovation in tackling the challenge of combining these support systems. Whether it’s developing new programs, integrating technology, or fostering creative partnerships, she has consistently pushed for solutions that are both effective and sustainable. “I’ve learned the power of partnerships and innovation,” she added, underscoring the importance of creative problem solving and collective action in leading meaningful change.
Looking at the Future of Social Services
Looking ahead, Nina envisions an evolution in how social services are delivered. “The non-profit sector is at a critical juncture,” she explained. “With rising living costs and growing demand for services, we need sustainable, long-term solutions that go beyond emergency responses.”
Nina stressed the importance and value of the non-profit sector moving toward integrated care models that combine housing, healthcare, and community support. “Adapting to these changes will require staying ahead of policy shifts, embracing technology, and fostering innovative partnerships to enhance service delivery,” Nina noted, pointing out that these elements are critical for future success of the sector.
Championing Systemic Advocacy and Inclusive Care
At the heart of Nina’s leadership is a profound dedication to systemic advocacy and inclusive care. She is a vocal advocate for policies that support the non-profit sector and the communities it serves. “As a leader, my role is to champion these changes while ensuring we have the means to see them through – focusing on systemic advocacy and ensuring the voices of those we serve remain central to every decision,” she explained.
Through her work, Nina continues to inspire her team and her community, demonstrating that empathetic and collaborative leadership can drive significant social change. Her leadership approach serves as a model for how a leader’s commitment to values and innovation can transform organizations and, ultimately, the lives of the people they serve.