Jamila Thompson’s Post

Inspiring to hear the pioneering voices of the next generation's nonprofit leaders discussing the importance addressing toxic work culture to make a lasting impact. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are exactly what we need to drive meaningful change in the sector. Check out this insightful roundtable discussion hosted by The Chronicle of Philanthropy to learn more about how these young leaders are shaping the future of nonprofits. #nonprofitleadership #nonprofitculture #cultureofphilanthropy

“Don't be afraid to invest in the right people, the right leadership. That's what we did with Miguel and we have just propelled to the next level.” - Christine Sakdalan 🎧This and other great tips in the latest episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership were I dive into the world of a startup nonprofit with Co-Founder Christine Sakdalan & Executive Director Miguel Valentin. Learn about their challenges, triumphs, and what it truly takes to build a mission-driven organization.

𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝐙 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 Recently I was commissioned by a charity to do a piece of research into young adult (Gen Z and Millennials) engagement - something which a lot of charities and brands are doing, which made my desk research much easier. This article from the Chronicle of Philanthropy covers a lot of what I found in my qualitative research; one of my key findings is charities (and brands) can't hope to effectively engage with young adult supporters if they don't adequately support, nurture and listen to their young adult staff. On the other side of the coin, I went to an excellent event with Ali Hendry and WE CREATE SPACE earlier this year on ageism and EDI, where I was forced to examine my own biases about older generations - and was introduced to the biopsychosocial model of wellbeing, which has been quite influential in my methodological approach to qualitative research, report writing, and my own self-care. As with many things, creating safe spaces for meaningful dialogue (sharing, listening, and...pondering?) are necessary for creating trust and change. Time, too. #NonProfitResearch #GenZ #Millennials #Zillennials #EDI #YoungAdultEngagement #Philanthropy

This past weekend we got to celebrate the life of Seth Hufford on what would have been his 50th birthday. While I understand that LinkedIn may not be the typical platform for such a post, I felt compelled to share these reflections on Seth's life in a professional context. These are not just professional reflections but personal ones as well. From an equity/DEI perspective, Seth was one of the few white guys I knew who really worked to understand how he showed up in the world and how to use his privilege to support others. Seth was always willing to have difficult conversations with anyone and everyone. When he shared stories from his work, I always thought, I am glad you are the one to facilitate these learnings because I, for one, would not have the patience. The learning that I took from Seth that I want to share is that this (equity) work is never done; you can't just get a certificate in anti-bias principles and call it a day. The work is ongoing, and we must constantly reflect and question who we are and how we show up. The second reflection is the importance of inter-generational friendships. While Seth was 12 years older than me (I always reminded him), we were close friends, and it was great. This friendship started when I was in my early 20s and Seth in his mid-30s. Yes, we connected on professional things, and I was a big proponent of Seth starting his own business, but it was just friends supporting each other and wasn't a mentor/mentee thing (though I did learn a lot from Seth, and I miss him all the time). If you are moved by this post and want to contribute to the Seth Hufford Memorial Fund, you will be supporting some great causes. - https://lnkd.in/ejepYkBU

Did you know we’re living in the Decade of Black Innovation? For the past few years, I’ve been a proud member of Black Innovation Alliance, an organization at the forefront of building the equitable economy we all deserve. As a member, I’ve had so many incredible opportunities to develop as a business leader, ecosystem builder, and innovator. Each year, BIA hosts an annual Sustainability Summit to engage and energize our members from around the world. This year, I had the privilege of vending during the opening reception and sharing more about my book, The Ghetto VC. I’m so proud to share this was the first time I was able to sell out of my inventory, and I’m so grateful to everyone who purchased a signed paperback. Before BIA, I felt very alone in doing the work that I’ve committed my life to. After joining, I’ve realized there are so many others like me doing the work, whether they get the recognition they deserve or not. If you’re an organization supporting Black innovators in your ecosystem, BIA is here to support you. If you’re a resource provider, funder, or government entity, please consider how you can become an accomplice in our mission. And of course, if you’re interested in leveraging startup investing as a means to combat gentrification and classism, check out my book here: https://theghetto.vc/ #startups #venturecapital #nonprofit

Please share with or tag your favorite Pittsburgh non profit! #NonprofitLeadership #BoardService #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitSupport #SocialImpact #PittsburghNonprofits #PittsburghCommunity #PGHLeadership #PGHNonprofitNetwork #LovePGH #TepperMBA #MBALeadership #BusinessForGood #FutureLeaders #CollaborativeLeadership #ServeTheCommunity #LeadershipInAction

Unification is the key to succeeding today & erasing the blurred lines of how some operations used to be, learning to pivot, be creative & work as a collective to push forward on all fronts while recognizing what’s been accomplished in the past. It’s great to hear the leadership at the top understands beneficial collaborations are part of the conversation. Focused Forward!

"Lantern was a chance to step back, reflect, and listen deeply to my own voice. It was a challenging, reflective and restorative experience and I am already looking forward Lantern II." ~ Sterrin Bird, CFRE Founder & Principal Wingspan Philanthropy https://hubs.ly/Q02WmySb0 Learn more about Lantern, our retreat for conscious leaders, at https://hubs.ly/Q02Wmv6g0

Empower Your Nonprofit Ambitions! Amid the constantly transforming scene of nonprofit administration, stagnation is a pitfall to avoid. It's essential to sync with pioneers, reformists, benefactors, and intellectuals committed to energizing the nonprofit sector through competitive market strategies. With NANOE, it's not merely about defying the conventional; it's about obliterating it with innovative insights and seasoned guidance amassed through centuries. Picture building robust alliances with frontrunners whose principles align with yours, supercharging your mission for metamorphosis. Engaging with our Member Relations Director translates to more than strategizing your next career steps; it's launching into an elite sphere of nonprofit leadership possibilities. Are you set to connect, absorb, and govern with newfound vigor? Partner with us. Embark on a path of radical reinvention and supreme development with NANOE. To commence your path towards leadership excellence, visit https://lnkd.in/eWSNbpUz. #PioneerNonprofit #MarketInnovation #NANOE #NonprofitRevolution #LeadershipElevation

Nonprofit and Association Leaders: how do you start a conversation with your board about a corporate sponsorship strategy when you're unsure how to begin or how the idea will be received? Start by identifying an advocate on your board to begin a one on one conversation. A good advocate can help champion your cause, leverage connections, and facilitate internal alignment. More on finding a board advocate in the clip below from my April 2024 LinkedIn Live session on engaging board members into a sponsorship strategy. Growth Owl, LLC Growth Owl Academy #NonprofitLeadership #SponsorshipStrategy #BoardAdvocate #PurposeDriven #FundraisingSuccess #AssociationLeadership #CorporateSponsorship