Martha Sharkey of Today is a Good Day on helping families of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Describe your business in a few words:

I am the Founder & CEO of Today is a Good Day, a non-profit providing personal and financial support for families who experience the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). My husband and I founded Today is a Good Day after welcoming our identical twin girls at 23 weeks and 5 days in 2010. Our daughter, Mary, was with us only 14 days before passing away. Our daughter, Claire, beat the odds and came home after 103 days in the NICU. Following our extended stay, we recognized a gap in care for parents and families navigating the NICU journey. We founded Today is a Good Day to help others navigating the NICU to know they are not alone.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Prior to focusing fully on advancing the mission of Today is a Good Day, I served in several non-profit leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Business District and Assistant Director of Corporate Sponsorship for The Franklin Institute. I have over 19 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including event management and fundraising. I also host corporate social responsibility projects with local and national companies. 

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I have always worked in the non-profit sector. It was my family’s personal journey through the NICU that inspired me to launch a non-profit organization to support others. I am grateful every day for the opportunity to serve others through Today is a Good Day.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

In 2014, we were supporting NICU families at one Philadelphia-area hospital. Today, we serve families at 16 hospitals in 6 states.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

Our work with Today is a Good Day is integrated into many aspects of our life since the mission is so personal. We do focus on family time as much as possible after work and on the weekends. Of course, our daughters are active volunteers with Today is a Good Day as well!

What have you achieved recently that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

Today is a Good Day recently received the Outstanding Foundation of the Year award through the Philadelphia chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

We are excited to continue expanding our reach to serve more NICU families through new hospital partners.

What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

The opportunity to connect with women across the country who also took a leap of faith to start their own businesses and non-profit organizations is inspiring. Networking and supporting one another can help to take all of us to the next level.

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!