Leadership Learning Series

Held April 18, 2024

Caste: Exposing America’s Invisible Scaffolding with Isabel Wilkerson Featuring Isabel Wilkerson

Beyond race and class lies a powerful caste system that influences people’s lives, behavior, and the nation’s fate. In a powerful talk that forces audiences to reimagine America’s past and present, author and historian Isabel Wilkerson spotlights the insidious undertow of caste and the effects of this hierarchy on our culture, politics, and everyday lives. She explores the pillars that underlie caste systems across civilization, underscoring these shadow structures with immersive, deeply-researched narratives, before pointing to how America can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions and toward hope in our common humanity. Join us for this session with Pulitzer Prize winner and author of the critically acclaimed bestsellers The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste, Isabel Wilkerson. For more information on this Speaker, please visit prhspeakers.com.

Please note that we will not be able to share a recording of this Leadership Learning Series session. We hope you will be able to join us virtually on April 18th from 1-2pm ET for this conversation with Isabel Wilkerson.

Our sincere thanks to the Allstate Foundation for sponsoring this year’s Leadership Learning Series.

Held March 13, 2024

The State of Well-being in the Social Sector Featuring Leah Janey, Patrick Kirby & Darshan Mehta

Now more than ever, social sector leaders are struggling with extreme burnout and a mental health crisis – in need of connection, inspiration, and support. What are the largest contributing factors to burnout in the social sector? How can leaders mitigate employee burnout and nurture well-being in the workplace? What are promising and innovative practices to attract and retain staff at a time when it’s needed most?

Join Patrick Kirby, Chief Strategy & Administration Officer at the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, in conversation with special guests Leah Janey, Chief Human Resources Officer at HopeWell Inc., and Darshan Mehta, Director of the Office of Well-being at Massachusetts General Hospital, to learn about the latest burnout and well-being trends among nonprofit leaders, as well as research-backed tools for increasing well-being in the workplace.

Our sincere thanks to the Allstate Foundation for sponsoring this year’s Leadership Learning Series.

Held January 18, 2024

Navigating Economic Uncertainty in the Social Sector Featuring Hilda Polanco, Aisha Benson & Donna Murray-Brown

Over the past year, ongoing economic volatility, inflation-driven increases in operating costs, and intense competition for talent have challenged the functional and financial well-being of social sector organizations. As leaders plan for the future, it is imperative to reflect on the threats they face due to economic uncertainty and consider strategic pivots to remain resilient.

During this session, Hilda Polanco, Market Managing Principal of BDO Nonprofit & Grantmaker Advisory, will unpack the unique challenges that the social sector is facing amidst economic uncertainty and rising inflation, and introduce relevant strategies that leaders can leverage to help their organizations not just survive, but thrive in today’s landscape. BDO Nonprofit & Grantmaker Advisory is a nationally recognized capacity builder that philanthropic and social impact leaders nationwide turn to for guidance on nonprofit financial management. This timely conversation will include special guests Aisha Benson, INP alum and President and CEO of the Nonprofit Finance Fund, and Donna Murray-Brown, Vice President of Strategy and Development at the National Council of Nonprofits.

Our sincere thanks to the Allstate Foundation for sponsoring this year’s Leadership Learning Series.

Held November 6, 2023

The Science of Well-being: A Conversation with Dr. Laurie Santos Featuring Dr. Laurie Santos

What does the science of psychology say about how to live a happier life? How can we put these scientific findings into practice to increase our well-being – both individually and organizationally?

Join us for the first Leadership Learning Series session of the academic year featuring Dr. Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology and Former Head of Silliman Residential College at Yale University, and host of “The Happiness Lab” podcast, in conversation with Yolanda Coentro, President and CEO of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP). Dr. Santos will explore what new results in psychological science teach us about how to be happier, how to feel less stressed, how to flourish more, and how to put these scientific findings into practice by building the sorts of habits that will allow us to live a happier and more fulfilling life. This session is part of INP’s Well-being Summit being held in partnership with the New England Patriots Foundation and Kraft Family Philanthropies and will be livestreamed from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Our sincere thanks to the Allstate Foundation for sponsoring this year’s Leadership Learning Series.

Held May 18, 2023

Building Resilient Organizations: A Conversation with Maurice Mitchell Featuring Maurice Mitchell

While organizational resilience has long been a focus of those in the nonprofit sector, this topic has gained new urgency as institutions and movements continue to navigate the repercussions of the pandemic, increasingly volatile economic and political circumstances, and growing demands to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Along with the many external challenges facing organizations, leaders are grappling with how to address structural and institutional inequities within their own workplaces while aspiring to truly live out their values.

Hosted in partnership with the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), our next Leadership Learning Series session features Maurice Mitchell — a nationally-recognized social movement strategist, visionary leader in the Movement for Black Lives, and National Director of the Working Families Party — who is courageously shedding light on some of the practices and behaviors we engage in across social movement spaces that might actually be hindering our progress and reinforcing inequities. In his provocative recent essay, “Building Resilient Organizations,” Mitchell deftly characterizes how these tensions are showing up in our sector while also sharing actionable ideas that activists and leaders can adopt to move toward sustained organizational resilience.

Join us for this timely conversation with Maurice Mitchell and moderator Yolanda Coentro, President and CEO of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP), during which we will delve deeply into these topics, discover how these trends are manifesting in our own organizations, and investigate how to effectively address them in innovative ways that advance our missions and sustain our teams, while supporting the communities we serve.

Held March 7, 2023

Beyond Equity: Unpacking Targeted Universalism with john a. powell Featuring john a. powell

Amidst the widespread and persistent disparities in income, health, education, and opportunity that exist today, there is an urgent demand for fresh approaches and novel strategies that address the social problems of our time, break through political gridlock, and create new avenues for individuals and communities to thrive. Join us for a rich discussion on “targeted universalism” with Professor john a. powell, Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. Targeted universalism, an original concept developed by Professor powell, provides a framework to drive systemic changes that move all social groups toward justice while centering the needs of the historically marginalized. It is an outcome-oriented approach to developing strategies that create belonging and promote bridging while mitigating forces of structural exclusion. During this session, we will learn more about the concept, explore how it can help governments reimagine key policy initiatives, and discover tangible ways to apply it in our own lives and workspaces.

Held January 26, 2023

Stronger Together: Shifting Power Dynamics in Philanthropy to Advance Equity Featuring Grace Nicolette, Gladys Vega, Rodney Foxworth & Shaady Salehi

How can philanthropic organizations and nonprofits partner to redistribute power and advance equity in our sector, organizations, and communities? How can funders and nonprofits build authentic and mutually accountable relationships that center trust to achieve greater success? Join us for a timely conversation about promising practices in the philanthropic world, moderated by Grace Nicolette, Vice President of Programming and External Relations at the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Panelists Gladys Vega, Executive Director of La Colaborativa, Rodney Foxworth, Chief Executive Officer of Common Future, and Shaady Salehi, Executive Director of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, will explore the role both funders and social impact leaders can play to address power and build equity in philanthropy in a time when it’s needed most.

Held October 26, 2022

The New Era of (Re)Gathering Featuring Priya Parker

Organizations are looking back at two years of canceled in-person retreats, holiday parties, and “Bring-Your-Kid-to-Work” days, among many others. As we enter the next normal, how do we re-gather? How do we ease the apprehension? How can organizations develop a hybrid meeting and event culture that equally engages employees who went back to the office, and those permanently working from home? How can we build connection among colleagues who have never met in real life? An expert facilitator of insightful conversations with companies and groups from across all industries, Priya Parker answers important questions on how to rethink and rebuild our approach to gathering. Join us for this session with strategic advisor and acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters, Priya Parker. For more information on this Speaker, please visit prhspeakers.com.

Held May 17, 2022

Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World: A Session on Meditation and Social Change Featuring Sharon Salzberg

During these challenging times as so many of us are facing exhaustion and burnout, it can be difficult to cultivate and practice rest and joy. In this session, Sharon Salzberg, a leading expert in meditation and New York Times bestselling author, will share indispensable and practical techniques to help us embody the fundamental principles of mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation to create a better world for ourselves and others. Drawing on her recent book, Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World, Sharon will discuss how meditation is not a replacement for taking action, but rather a way to practice generosity with ourselves, reconnect to a movement that’s bigger than ourselves, and have the energy to stay active in the paramount work of social change. Sharon will also lead a guided meditation and respond to questions from attendees. This session will be moderated by INP Faculty Director and Vice President, Aviva Luz Argote.

Held April 28, 2022

Holding Change: A Conversation with adrienne maree brown Featuring adrienne maree brown

In our complex world, facilitation and mediation skills are as important for individual leaders as they are for organizations. How do we practice them in ways that align with our tenets and values, and with what we imagine the future could hold? How do we practice the art of holding space for others without losing ourselves? Building upon the work of Black feminists, adrienne maree brown will discuss major themes from her recent book Holding Change, largely based on her years of work with movement groups. With a focus on social sector leadership, this approach and framework can serve anyone working to create change, great and small. Join us for a powerful conversation with writer, facilitator and activist, adrienne maree brown, moderated by INP’s President and CEO Yolanda Coentro.

Held April 6, 2022

The Need for Change: A Conversation with BoardSource CEO Anne Wallestad on Purpose-Driven Board Leadership Featuring Anne Wallestad

Boards are essential leadership bodies for all social impact organizations. Unfortunately, evidence shows that the ways boards are often populated and oriented impedes their ability to lead strategically and cultivate trust with the communities they seek to serve. Join us for a conversation featuring Anne Wallestad, President and CEO of BoardSource, and moderator Yolanda Coentro, President and CEO of INP, about what it will take to change these challenging dynamics across the sector and move toward the kind of values-driven, strategic leadership that organizations need. Featuring BoardSource’s new thinking around The Four Principles of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership, this is a session that you won’t want to miss.

Held February 10, 2022

The Art of Leading for Good: Shining a Light on Changemakers Featuring Meghna Chakrabarti

Over the past two years, when so many of us have been in survival mode on multiple fronts, we have witnessed people around us who have served as lifelines to their neighbors and communities. This session is an opportunity to pause and shine a light on some of these changemakers, with stories about resilient leadership, innovation in the face of challenges, and humanity. As we begin to define the path forward, we can look to these models of leadership and each other for inspiration. Join us to put these lessons into action in our communities and beyond.

The Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP) in partnership with the Pucker Gallery in Boston, MA, cordially invites you to “The Art of Leading for Good: Shining a Light on Changemakers” with Meghna Chakrabarti of WBUR. Meghna will highlight those who have been on the frontlines, supporting our hardest hit communities, and who have demonstrated remarkable service, courage, and generosity in the face of unprecedented adversity. This will be a special evening of reflection and inspiration as we deliver our 2021 Changemaker Awards. With deep gratitude to our generous sponsors, Sue and Bernie Pucker, for making this event possible.

Held December 8, 2021

From Othering to Belonging Featuring john a. powell

“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” – john a. powell  

Join the Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP) for an important and timely conversation with john a. powell – an internationally recognized expert in the areas of civil rights, civil liberties, structural racism, housing, poverty, and democracy – about the concept of belonging and how to move beyond othering to advance our collective progress. For those who were able to take part in powell’s previous discussion with INP, this session will expand on tactical strategies for putting these concepts into practice and how we can, individually and collectively, sustain and measure our efforts to build a more inclusive world where all belong. This session will be moderated by INP’s Chief of Staff and EVP, Erica Hamilton.

Held October 13, 2021

Moving Beyond Allyship to Advocacy: Responding to Voter Suppression Featuring Basil Smikle, Tory Gavito, Samantha Kelty & Brian Miller

With voting rights in jeopardy nationwide, combatting the history and current sophistication of widespread voter suppression tactics requires action from us all. As we approach Election Day in November, join the Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP) for a panel discussion to explore the role the social sector can play in continuing to educate and organize its communities and colleagues around these issues. Learn about policies at play given both recent and long-standing disenfranchisement, organizations that are leading the way in this work, and ways to engage as citizens and social impact leaders.

This session will be moderated by Brian Miller, Executive Director of Nonprofit Vote, and feature panelists Tory Gavito, President & CEO of Way to Win, Samantha Kelty, Staff Attorney at the Native American Rights Fund, and Basil Smikle, political strategist, professor and contributor to MSNBC and CNN.

Held June 30, 2021

Nonprofit Relief: Opportunities in the American Rescue Plan Featuring Chitra Aiyar

Over the past year, many nonprofits suffered financially and had to make significant operational changes due to COVID-19. With complex and frequently changing regulations, social sector leadership may not be aware of the assistance available to their organizations through the American Rescue Plan. Join the Institute for Nonprofit Practice and our co-sponsor, TSNE MissionWorks, for this timely workshop where we will take an in-depth look at three less-publicized and substantive funding opportunities. The Employee Retention Tax Credit can be an additional source of revenue, while the Shared Work Program and the Paid Leave Tax Credits provide opportunities to reduce expenses and raise revenue while reducing burnout. The session will cover eligibility, how to calculate revenue and savings, the process of applying for these opportunities, and how to be strategic in maximizing the revenue you can earn while also achieving full forgiveness for your PPP loan and navigating around restricted funding.

This workshop will be led by Chitra Aiyar, long-time nonprofit leader, organizer, attorney and educator. As Senior Advisor at FMA (now BDO FMA), Chitra helped develop the PPP Toolbox and designed and led the  PPP Forgiveness Racial Equity Initiative, supporting nonprofit leaders of color. The session will be moderated by INP’s Chief Strategy Officer and EVP, Patrick Kirby.

Chitra is committed to making this workshop as responsive as possible to participants’ needs so all are invited to share questions you may have in advance when registering.

Held April 8, 2021

Revolutionary Love Valarie Kaur

“Revolutions do not happen only in grand moments in public view but also in small pockets of people coming together to inhabit a new way of being.” –Valarie Kaur

On April 8, 2021 we held a powerful and inspiring discussion with renowned author, TED presenter, civil rights activist, filmmaker, lawyer and Sikh American voice, Valarie Kaur. Valarie shared from new book, See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love which she describes as “a radical and joyful practice to heal ourselves and transform the world around us.”

Attendees learned about the Revolutionary Love Project, a movement and practice to help transform American culture and politics that centers on love for others, our opponents, and ourselves. The Revolutionary Love Project offers calls to action, tools, inspiration, and support to fight for social justice through the ethic of love.

As Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow, wrote, “See No Stranger is rooted in radical honesty, vulnerability, and fierce commitment to building a world in which we all belong. Her powerful memoir offers a moral compass for our time.”

This session was moderated by INP’s President and CEO, Yolanda Coentro.

Held March 3, 2021

Belonging and Beyond: A Dialogue on Bringing Our Whole Selves to Work Featuring Mohamad Chakaki

We held a dialogue on the journey of bringing your whole self to work. What does it look like to “show up” unapologetically as yourself in the workplace? What must you juggle, release, or create to feel a deep sense of belonging? When might you choose not to belong? Following a dynamic dialogue among the speakers, attendees had an interactive, expanded reflection. Featuring Mohamad Chakaki, Senior Fellow at Center for Whole Communities, with special guests Hauwa Abubakar, Senior Capacity Building Coordinator, Office of the NYC Mayor and Kapi’olani A. Laronal, Coach & Consultant. The session was moderated by INP Faculty Director, Aviva Luz Argote.

Held February 25, 2021

Scenario Building and Contingency Planning Featuring Hilda Polanco

While nonprofits cannot predict the future, they can begin to anticipate how they would adjust to shifts in their original strategic and operating plans and budgets so they are equipped to make timely and complex decisions in the months ahead. Developing scenarios and back up plans can give leaders, their staff, and boards the confidence to press on and continue to deliver on mission.

The Founder and Managing Partner of BDO FMA, Hilda Polanco, illustrated the concepts of scenario planning and introduced tools to help nonprofit leaders develop detailed financial scenarios. BDO FMA is a nationally recognized capacity builder that philanthropic and nonprofit leaders nationwide turn to for guidance in nonprofit financial management issues. This session included special guest, Dominique Jones, Executive Director of the Harlem Boys & Girls Club, and was moderated by INP’s Chief Strategy Officer and EVP, Patrick Kirby.

Held February 3, 2021

Bridging or Breaking: Building a World Where We All Belong Featuring john a. powell

“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.”

As the pace of change in our world intensifies, the need to belong and be in community is increasingly paramount. There are many paths we can take to respond to this moment: some encourage greater cooperation, collaboration, and solidarity, while others incite fear, polarization, and competition. This important and timely conversation with Dr. john a. powell, an internationally recognized expert in the areas of civil rights, civil liberties, structural racism, housing, poverty, and democracy explored the concept of belonging and how to move beyond othering to advance our collective progress.

Listen to understand what is required, from an individual to an institutional level, to strengthen practices and principles that offer a path forward toward a world where all belong. This session was be moderated by INP’s Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President, Erica Hamilton.

Held January 27, 2021

How To Be An Antiracist Featuring Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

“The only way to undo racism is to consistently identify and describe it—and then dismantle it.”

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s concept of antiracism reenergizes and reshapes the conversation about racial justice in America-but even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. Instead of working with the policies and system we have in place, Dr. Kendi asks us to think about what an antiracist society might look like, and how we can play an active role in building it*.
*from www.ibramxkendi.com 

For more information on Ibram X. Kendi, please visit www.prhspeakers.com

Held January 14, 2021

Lean Impact: How Innovation and Agility Can Accelerate Your Social Mission Featuring Ann Mei Chang

Do you want to tackle one or more problems facing people and the planet, but aren’t sure how to make a meaningful dent? Transformative change will not be achieved through business as usual. By building on best practices for innovation that have emerged from Silicon Valley, we can deliver greater bang for the buck by running lightweight experiments, driving fast feedback loops, and accelerating learning. The result will better address real needs, improve cost-effectiveness, and unleash the possibility of true scale. Through inspiring stories drawn from her interviews with over 200 organizations across sectors and geographies, Ann Mei shared both the theory and the practice behind successful social innovation. This session was moderated by INP’s Chief Strategy Officer and EVP, Pat Kirby.

Held December 17, 2020

Progress Powered By People: Investing in BIPOC Leaders and Their Organizations Featuring Vu Le

As our sector confronts the impacts of COVID-19, systemic racism, and economic devastation, the risk of burnout for social sector leaders is increasing exponentially. This is especially true for BIPOC leaders.

We held an important discussion with accomplished social justice leader, author, and creator of the popular blog, Nonprofit AF, Vu Le, about how we can collectively support BIPOC leaders to remain in the sector and ensure their organizations continue to thrive.

Vu spoke with candor, urgency, and humor, drawing from personal experience as a former Executive Director leading an organization working to build the capacity and leadership of organizations led by communities of color.

This session was moderated by INP President and CEO, Yolanda Coentro, and featured special guests Lisa Fortenberry, Executive Director of Camp Harbor View; Jesús Gerena, CEO of Family Independence Initiative (and INP alum); and Tanya Ramos, CEO of Pencils of Promise.

Held December 3, 2020

Creating Calm in Chaos: An Introduction To Mindful Social Impact Leadership Featuring Adam Sutton

On December 3, 2020, we held an engaging and energizing mind-body, virtual gathering created exclusively for social impact leaders to help you stay centered, clear, and connected, to yourself and those you lead.

This intro to mindfulness practice included breathwork, meditation, and other simple techniques for you and your team. It was also a chance to just come together with one another to give and get some support during this intense and challenging time. Featuring inspirational speaker, executive leadership coach, and longtime mindfulness practitioner and teacher, Adam Sutton, and facilitated by INP Faculty Director, Aviva Luz Argote.

Held November 10, 2020

The Art of Leading For Good: A Conversation With Michael J. Sandel Featuring Michael J. Sandel

World-renowned philosophy professor Michael Sandel has written, spoken, and taught extensively on the subjects of opportunity and justice. He joined us to discuss the election outcomes and discuss his latest book The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good?  With immense gratitude to our generous supporters Sue and Bernard Pucker, this event was free to the public.

Held October 29, 2020

A Path To Organizational Recovery Featuring Angela Blanchard

The pandemic is challenging nonprofit leaders and their teams to design and implement plans to recover from its devastating impact. Success at this task will require the best wisdom and advice. Lessons learned from the response to disasters is the foundation for COVID-19 recovery and for sustaining a vibrant nonprofit sector.

Angela Blanchard joined us to share her wisdom and deep experience as a distinguished domestic and global leader in community development and in times of crisis.

Held September 29, 2020

Beyond Collaboration: Strategic Alliances, Mergers & Other Reimagined Organizational Structures Featuring Scott Cotenoff and Mya Varno

COVID-19 has forced so many leaders to re-evaluate capacity. From furloughs to layoffs, many organizations are finding themselves in positions that require additional operational and financial capacity. Some leaders are now turning to developing a shared services strategy through outsourcing needs and program/service collaboration.

This webinar was presented by La Piana Consulting, a leading national consulting firm with over two decades of experience working with nonprofits and foundations on strategic planning, mergers and alliances, and organizational development.

Held September 24, 2020

Our Election, Our Role: How an Organization’s Proximity to Community Can Catalyze Civic Engagement Featuring Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg

As we face a pandemic and grapple with a racial reckoning in our country, the 2020 presidential election is possibly the most important election in our lifetimes. Many are looking for ways to leverage their influence and power to ensure access to voting is widespread and unhindered.

Research shows that nonprofits can play an important role in getting out the vote and ensuring that communities, especially those who are historically marginalized, can fully engage in the democratic process.

In this session, participants heard about the research and learned from leaders in the field who are effectively empowering community members to leverage place, power and proximity to promote civic engagement.

Held September 9, 2020

Flexible Working: The New Landscape to Sustain Connection And Progress Featuring State Street Corporation

The way we work has changed. Whether you call it “telecommuting,” “working from home,” “job sharing,” “compressed schedule,” or something else, now more than ever flexibility has become a critical business strategy – not only to increase employee engagement and retention, but also as a key component of business continuity, resiliency, and real estate optimization. The pandemic forced all of us to grow our “flexibility” muscles.

This session was presented by leaders from State Street Corporation with practitioner voices from HopeWell Inc. and uAspire.

Held June 3, 2020

How to Build Your Generosity Network in a Time of Uncertainty Featuring Jennifer McCrea

We partnered with Jennifer McCrea, Senior Research Fellow at the Hauser Institute for Civil Society at Harvard University and nationally recognized speaker and writer on the topic of fundraising.

In this session, participants learned how to: 1) reframe the practice of fundraising away from a difficult, often tiresome practice, to an energizing process of partnership-building to foster dynamic results; 2) source and engage new philanthropic partners; 3) make an effective ask; 4) reflect on the “art” of gatherings, including virtual gatherings; and 5) reflect on obstacles that are blocking the flow of resources to your work.