Connecting Communities Consulting

I’m grateful to Natasha Paradeshi for inviting me to present at her masterclass, "Build a Nonprofit that Outlives You." We engaged in an important discussion about the vital role succession planning plays in ensuring the sustainability of a nonprofit. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #braveheartconsulting #nonprofitsuccession Eric Cowpersmith Dr. Amy Fuller, LMFT-S, LPC-S, CST-S. Bridgett Edgar James Lee Melinda Stephenson Michael Obringer David Ten Have

What I enjoyed about the GROW2025 conference... ? Enhancing my marketing and IT skills with insights from Katie Lantukh, Erika Bryant, John Way, and Blessing Richardson. ? Networking and building resources for the nonprofits I support, including Sasha Crabtrey, Kim Oliver, CV Rao, Sunny Paradeshi, Dana Casto, Gabrielle Vasquez Baumeyer, ACC, Megan Lencoski, Bill Baumeyer, Christopher Nichley, Robin Sturgis, and Alyssa McGinn. ? Witnessing nonprofit and business leaders commit to their professional growth, featuring Kendra Atkins and Melissa Maier, AAMS? ? Being inspired by speakers from The Good Humans Growth Network, Catherine Brown and Ryan Brown, PhD ? I'm realizing more and more that I have a sister my parents never told me about Ginger Harris ? Introducing my number one supporter to my world Robert Nichols ? Enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean every day! #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #Grow2025 #professionaldevelopment

Our city would look much different without the impact of networking groups like The Get Together and Fellowship of Barnabas Partners. These groups connect business leaders with nonprofits and highlight their mission impact. I felt truly blessed yesterday to witness organizations like The Sanctuary Foster Care Services and their dedication to supporting children in foster care and their families. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #barnabaspartners #thegettogether #communityimpact Robin Sturgis Jamilah Robinson Jamie Garcia Hilda Marcel Ginger Harris Nancy Penney Natasha Paradeshi Bill Baumeyer Gabrielle Vasquez Baumeyer, ACC

Fear can be the greatest hindrance to progress. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #changemakers #nonprofitprogress

Board Source, a leader in nonprofit board development, emphasizes that the primary role of a nonprofit board is to establish direction and strategy. I am truly honored to collaborate with the executive leaders at Attack Poverty, working purposefully to foster a strong and healthy board dynamic. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #attackpoverty #boarddirectionandstrategy Von Celestine Jacey Jetton Verlincia Prince Isaac Tapia Nicolas Vann Dan Wallin Marguerite Williams Jenny Jones

Introducing Lightbulb Moments: Insights from Over 30+ Years in Nonprofit Work ? A prevalent misconception among nonprofit executive leaders is that establishing an Advisory Council merely adds another task to their already busy schedule. “That’s a lot to manage, in addition to the board itself.” ?? However, the reality is: Creating an Advisory Council (note that I refer to an Advisory Council, not an Advisory Board, which often implies voting rights) is a powerful strategy to elevate your organization. These members act as valuable human capital and collaborate closely with the executive director and the board of directors. Advisory Council members can support the board and executive director in various ways: ? Time – Participate in occasional calls and meetings to provide targeted advice for the organization. ?? Expertise – Connect the organization with professional and technical resources. ?? Networking – Facilitate introductions to potential board members or volunteers. ?? Ambassadors – Represent the organization’s vision and mission within the community. ?? Council – Help identify and address any fiduciary, liability, or ethical issues faced by the Board. Keep in mind that Advisory Council members can be: ? Individuals who may not have the time to serve on the board currently (but could transition to a board role in the future if available). ???? ???? A current board member who is concluding their terms and whose organizational knowledge and expertise you want to retain. ?? Compensated for their professional services on occasion. If a task extends beyond their advisory responsibilities, the board can formally solicit proposals for the services required. It's surprising how underdeveloped and underutilized the potential of Advisory Councils is within the nonprofit sector. Connecting Communities Consulting's Challenge to You... If you are in executive leadership at a nonprofit, consider the power of recruiting and nominating advisory council members to amplify your mission. If you are a professional, think about serving on an advisory council and lending your skills to communities that need you. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #advisorycouncildevelopment

Onboarding new board members is crucial for the success of nonprofits. C3 is dedicated to ensuring that every board member has a voice and collaborates effectively to transform your nonprofit's current reality into its preferred future. Take, for example, the board members of LueWish, who started the new year with a tailored board workshop, positioning themselves for a year filled with clarity and purpose. 100% of participants found the workshop inspiring, engaging, actionable, and interactive! "Dr. Nichols did an amazing job teaching and breaking down complex, detailed concepts in a format that was digestible, interactive, and enjoyable to experience together with her and our Board of Directors! I look forward to working with her in the future and highly recommend her expertise to others!" Maemar Correa "Extremely educational and valuable information on effective nonprofit boards." Jamie Garcia "Educational Interactive Very well facilitated." Jessica Calhoun "I’m looking to recommend these services to a newer nonprofit after they bring in their new board members. I would recommend these services for formal board development. I’ve been in another board for four years and I learned several things that I never learned during that entire time." Felicia Young C3 celebrates LueWish for dedicating time and effort to invest in their organization, clients, and executive team! #Connectingcommunitiesconsulting #LueWish #boardengagement #professionaldevelopment #communityimpact Jessica Calhoun Maemar Correa Leah Faul Jamie Garcia Hilda Marcel Sonya Troullier Felicia Young

Being among businesses and organizations working collaboratively to help nonprofits maximize their impact is always inspiring. The bonus of being a part of The Get Together is hearing speakers like Cameron “Cam” Ayala share his story of faith and hope. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #thegettogether #faithoverfear #impactinghouston Ginger Harris Robin Sturgis Natasha Paradeshi Kendra Atkins Thomas Suffield Jim Spence

It was incredible to see another group of courageous women reach their goals at Bel-Inizio! I felt honored to be invited to speak at their graduation. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #belinizio #dressforsuccess #courageouswomen #transformationalspeaker Caroline V. Rachel Sanrelus Kendra Atkins

This is my business philosophy and guiding principles for 2025. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #nonprofitconsulting #welcoming2025