1. What is your role at The Magdalen House, and what does a “typical” day look like for you?
I’m the Director of Communications so a typical day can have me wearing many different hats. From meetings with staff and partners and creative planning with the comms team, to filming testimonial videos, creating graphics and copy content. What I love about the comms team is we really all pitch in to make things happen. If someone is bogged down with deadlines, we all help to make sure you still get the great content you know and expect.
2. What is your favorite line in the Big Book and why?
How do you choose just ONE?? I’d have to say a favorite of mine for sure is on page 300:
“Easy does it, first things first, one day at a time. It was at that point that I reached surrender.”
I’m not an alcoholic, but I know what it means to have to take things one step at a time to better myself. There was a time when the only way I was a functioning human was if I listed my day out in 15 minute increments, one hour at a time so I didn’t get overwhelmed or lost. There are so many things that require our attention, but I’ve found that when I put the most important things at the forefront (taking care of myself), I am able to show up and be better for everyone else that needs me.
3. What’s something you’ve witnessed at The Magdalen House that inspires or moves you?
The meetings. As I came on board here, I started attending meetings to get a feel for how they go and to learn exactly what our curriculum looks like. I ended up learning so much and being so inspired by what I heard, that I make a point to still attend meetings and encourage the rest of the comms team to do so- that way we always keep what we do and who we do it for at the forefront of minds as we then work to educate the broader community on alcoholism.
4. How has working at The Magdalen House impacted your life?
The Magdalen House came into my life at a time that I really needed it (just like all of us, right?), but I didn’t even realize it. I knew I needed a shift in career, something I was actually passionate about, and not just doing to pay some bills. Being here gives me an excitement for the things I’ve always loved- good storytelling, content strategy, and learning something new- all while getting to help the inspiring women we’re here to serve.
5. What are some of your hobbies, or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Hiking, reading, and journaling are staples in my favorite things to do. Now give me a day to go intermix all of those with my family and I am the happiest girl in the world.
6. What’s something that we may not know about you?
I’m a twin! And Hanna, along with our other two sisters, are definitely 10 times cooler than I’ll ever be.
About Alice Nalepka
Alice grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and currently lives in Fort Worth with her beautiful son and husband. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2014 with a Bachelor’s in Journalism. During her last year there, she discovered a strong desire to use her love and skills in storytelling to help propel the mission and vision of non-profits. Since then, Alice has worked with multiple churches and non-profits to tell some really cool stories.
A desire to find a non-profit that fit her desire to communicate the ideals she is passionate about (chat her up about mental health and education equity any time) led her to The Magdalen House. In her free time, Alice loves spending time with her family, hiking, cycling, reading (send her your book recs!), and is a Reading Partners volunteer.
