And so it begins! The 2011 Nonprofit Technology Conference kicks off today in Washington, D.C., and goes through Saturday.

As a first time attendee, as well as a “newbie” member to NTEN in general, I am beyond excited for this event. It was months ago, but it feels like just yesterday when my New Media Director, @silverbell, asked me if I wanted to join her and attend this year’s conference. And now all of a sudden, the day is here.

To be honest, the NTC could not have come at a better time. I recently reconnected with one of my close friends from elementary school and found out has a mission of her own: she’s the founder and President of Global Empathy Now– a nonprofit charitable organization giving aid with empowerment to various projects and communities in need all over the world. Her recent work? The children’s food program, a project in Tanzania that feeds and helps support the education needs of a village of children (CHETI), as well as working on HIV/AIDS preventative care and treatment in Nairobi, Kenya.

(Photos from Britni’s blog)

From the moment she began telling me her story and her mission, I was captivated. Her passion, her eagerness to make a difference and change the lives of those less fortunate is both beautiful and contagious. Within seconds of her telling her story, I wanted to shout, “I’M IN. I WANT TO HELP.” I was truly honored when she asked me to be a part of this beautiful project. I can’t wait. It will be magical.

Over the next few days, I will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with nonprofit professionals from all over the world. From social events to trainings and seminars, I will overindulge and attempt to learn it ALL. I want to take in as much knowledge from as many people as I can so that I can return to Chicago and put it towards the causes I am most passionate about.