In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I dive into an insightful conversation with Christina Edwards, a seasoned consultant specializing in nonprofit marketing and fundraising. Christina challenges nonprofits to embrace agility, risk-taking, and genuine connection to better reach and resonate with today's audiences.

Topics We Cover:

• Christina’s journey from creative entrepreneur to nonprofit consultant
• Why nonprofits often lag behind in digital marketing—and how to change that
• Integrating marketing and fundraising efforts to maximize impact
• Using storytelling as a tool for effective donor engagement
• Understanding modern audience behaviors and adapting to their expectations
• Overcoming organizational resistance to digital marketing innovation
• Practical tips for writing authentic, relatable nonprofit emails
• Finding a balance between professionalism and personality in communication

To Learn More and Connect with Christina:
Purpose & Profit Club Podcast
Splendid Consulting Website
Splendid Consulting on Instagram

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Sheri Chaney Jones, a leader in impact measurement for nonprofits, to discuss how data-driven strategies can strengthen nonprofit credibility, improve program effectiveness, and increase funding opportunities. Sheri shares her "renaissance of relevance" framework, highlighting why nonprofits must embrace data not only for accountability but also for continuous improvement in serving their communities.

Topics We Cover:

• Sheri's journey into data analytics and her passion for measuring nonprofit impact
• Why the "renaissance of relevance" is essential for nonprofit credibility
• How nonprofits can benefit from data-driven decision-making, especially during economic downturns
• Examples of how data exposed unexpected program outcomes, leading to crucial changes
• Techniques for measuring intangible outcomes like confidence and self-sufficiency
• Using dashboards and data visualizations to build a data-centric culture
• Communicating impact through a three-point story: activity, quality, and benefits
• The importance of leadership commitment to foster a culture of continuous improvement and transparency

To Learn More and Connect with Sheri:
SureImpact.com
Sheri Chaney Jones on LinkedIn

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In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, Alexander Lapa sits down with Aisha Addo, the visionary founder of Power to Girls, a nonprofit organization providing safe spaces and holistic support for Black and marginalized girls in Canada and Ghana. Aisha shares her personal journey, from overcoming societal expectations to establishing an organization that empowers young women through mentorship, skill-building, and mental health support.

Topics We Cover:

• Aisha's journey from foster care to founder of a groundbreaking nonprofit
• How a powerful moment in church sparked her mission to support marginalized girls
• Building Power to Girls from a small gathering into an international nonprofit
• The organization’s holistic approach: personal development, mental health, entrepreneurship, and leadership
• How mentorship plays a central role in the nonprofit’s impact
• Adapting programs to meet the specific needs and interests of participants
• Practical advice for nonprofit leaders: documenting processes, building accountability, and staying mission-focused
• Leveraging technology to connect girls with resources and mentors across borders

To Learn More and Connect with Aisha:
PowerToGirls.com
Power Talks Podcast
Power To Girls Instagram
Power To Girls LinkedIn

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Candice Elliott, an expert in nonprofit employee wellness, to explore how organizations can better support their teams’ mental well-being. Candice shares insights on how nonprofits can enhance social infrastructure, offer meaningful non-monetary compensation, and adapt to evolving workplace dynamics like remote work, all while ensuring their teams thrive long-term.

Topics We Cover:

• Candice’s journey from nonprofit board member to mental health advocate
• The critical role of social infrastructure in supporting employees' well-being
• How nonprofits can offer non-monetary compensation like training and development
• Balancing remote vs. in-person work for diverse team needs
• Strategies for conflict resolution in a remote work environment
• "Regenerative practices" for long-term employee growth and avoiding burnout
• The mental health crisis in the workplace: why nonprofits need to take action
• Using employee surveys to identify stress points and improve workplace sustainability

To Learn More and Connect with Candice:
FortressAndFlourish.com
@Back.Pocket.HR on Instagram
The Hearth Podcast

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we're with Sean Kosofsky, an activist and nonprofit expert, to discuss the vital role employment contracts play in protecting nonprofit executives, especially Executive Directors. With practical advice on navigating contract negotiations, Sean highlights the importance of ensuring job security, avoiding board conflicts, and ultimately strengthening organizational stability.

Topics We Cover:

• Sean's journey into activism and nonprofit work
• The concept of "at-will" employment and its impact on the nonprofit sector
• Why employment contracts are less common in nonprofits
• The importance of contracts for nonprofit Executive Directors
• How contracts protect Executive Directors from sudden termination and board conflicts
• Misconceptions about negotiating contracts while already employed
• Strategies for nonprofit leaders to showcase their value to the board
• How contracts benefit both nonprofit executives and their organizations

To Learn More and Connect with Sean:
Sign-Up for the Become Fireproof Masterclass
The Nonprofit Fixer Website

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Camesha Cox, the founder of The Reading Partnership, a nonprofit transforming the literacy landscape for marginalized families in Canada. Camesha shares her journey from working in the UK to establishing The Reading Partnership in Toronto, emphasizing the power of community-driven solutions in tackling literacy challenges. Through inclusive, family-centered programs, Camesha discusses how her organization is disrupting systemic barriers to literacy and helping children thrive.

Topics We Cover:

• The origins of The Reading Partnership and its early success in Toronto
• How literacy disproportionately affects Black, racialized, and low-income children in Canada
• The impact of interactive, play-based learning in early childhood education
• Scaling "Kids Read" from a local to a national literacy initiative
• The development of a French version of the Reading Partnership for Parents program
• The vital role of community collaboration in overcoming literacy challenges
• Empowering parents and educators to build lasting literacy skills in children
• Heartwarming success stories from families transformed by the Kids Read program

To Learn More and Connect with Camesha:
The Reading Partnership Website
@TRPNow on X (Formerly Twitter)
@TRPNow on Instagram
Donate to The Reading Partnership

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Holly Rustick, an expert in grant writing, to uncover her incredible journey from accidental grant writer to industry leader. Holly shares her inspiring origin story, which began in the aftermath of the 2004 Asian tsunami, and reveals how she turned a career born from necessity into a thriving business that helps nonprofits secure the funding they need.

Topics We Cover:

• Holly's unexpected introduction to grant writing during the 2004 Asian tsunami recovery efforts
• The evolution of her career from community development in Indonesia to freelancing internationally
• The dual roles of a grant writer: strategist and fundraiser
• Why many nonprofits struggle with "50 hats" culture and how it affects grant success
• Strategies for involving volunteers, board members, or interns in the grant writing process
• Training as a key motivator for potential grant writers in nonprofits
• The pros and cons of hiring a full-time grant writer versus outsourcing to a freelancer
• How nonprofits can benefit from employees transitioning to freelance grant writers

To Learn More and Connect with Holly:
GrantWritingandFunding.com
Grant Writing and Funding Webinar
The Grant Writing and Funding Podcast

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Eric Osuorah to unravel the transformative impact of artisanal marketplaces and the role of Web3 technology in their evolution. Eric, with his rich background in engineering, digital transformation, and philanthropy, provides a deep dive into how decentralized platforms are reshaping the way artisans connect with consumers.

Topics We Cover:

• What are artisanal marketplaces
• Centralized vs. Decentralized Marketplaces
• Why decentralized marketplaces are gaining traction, and what it means for artisans and consumers
• Potential downsides of decentralized platforms, including regulation and content control
• How decentralized marketplaces approach rule-setting and community involvement
• The barriers to Web3 adoption and how to make it more accessible and user-friendly for everyday users
• Building and Scaling Decentralized Marketplaces
• How to create a unique value proposition and stand out in the decentralized marketplace space

To Learn More and Connect with Eric:
Eric Osuorah on LinkedIn
AFOMA Marketplace Website

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