As nonprofits, we rely on storytelling to share with our constituents and stakeholders how we achieve our mission. It’s a powerful tool for raising funds and inspiring champions to your cause.
With as much power as they hold, then, it is our responsibility to make sure the stories we tell represent the communities we serve and amplify their voices.
WSPN’s “Inclusive Storytelling: Incorporating Strengths-Based Strategies into Your Nonprofit’s Communications” program will explore the differences between needs-based and strengths-based communication, dispel the myths associated with a strengths-based approach, and share practical advice from peers about this lens and what it looks like within their organizations.
You will come away from panel with concrete examples of you can implement culturally-competent, strengths-focused messaging into your marketing, fundraising materials and general communications to promote an inclusive environment and inspire more people to join you in your mission.
This panel is great for all types of fundraising positions, communications and marketing professionals, senior leadership, program staff, and volunteer teams.
Moderator Bio:
Lindsay Mullen
Lindsay Mullen is co-founder and CEO of Prosper Strategies, the leading consultancy for nonprofits, where she brings strategic vision and a growth mindset to the firm, its clients and their missions.
For more than a decade, Lindsay has worked with nonprofits and foundations that are committed to solving some of our country’s and the world’s greatest challenges in the areas of education, environment, healthcare, homelessness, workforce development, social services and more. She is passionate about working with organizations to redefine and reimagine their brands, strategic plans, marketing, fundraising and people strategies so they can drive more mission impact. You can read more about Lindsay here.
Josephina “Joie” Frankovich, LCSW MPH
Josephina is the Coordinator of Partnerships for a collective impact initiative of over 60 partner organizations across DuPage County all seeking to support and enhance the health, safety, and well-being of children and families in West Chicago.
Additionally, Josephina oversees all community school supports within West Chicago Elementary School District 33. Currently, she manages a $2.4 million annual budget, oversees a team of 16 staff, and facilitates relationships with over 60 partner organizations ranging from sectors including healthcare, education, emergency preparedness, and social services.
Gloria McCants – Sherrod, LPC
Gloria is an experienced Mental Health Professional, Outreach Specialist at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, and author of Adulting with ADHD: Navigating Adult Life with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Driven by her passion to help others reach their fullest potential, she is committed to lifelong learning and providing transformative care to her clients.
In addition to her primary job functions, Gloria has been recognized for her extraordinary commitment to creating systems-level change through community organizing.
Brandon Pettigrew
Brandon is the Director of Development and Strategy for Hamdard Center for Health & Human Services. Mr. Pettigrew received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communication from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and has over 15 years of experience in community organizing and advocacy, first working in the community around environmental justice and LGBTQ equity during the 2004 elections.
Mr. Pettigrew had been at Hamdard since November 2016, using his expertise in advocacy, marketing, outreach, and fundraising. Prior to Hamdard, he worked at various social service nonprofits, such as Northern Illinois Food Bank and Elevate Energy, gaining skills around helping communities connect with vital resources such as food and shelter.
Nicholas Richard-Thompson
Nicholas is a Filmmaker, Spoken word poet, and screenwriter. He currently works for the City of Aurora as a Communications Coordinator. He is also a producer for the film production company 'Digital Alliance.' Nicholas is 1/3 of the experimental Hip-Hop trio 'Anumi.' He is a Columbia College graduate, and is currently pursuing his Masters in Public Administration from Aurora University. Nicholas is a community organizer and a part of the international human rights organization - Black Alliance for Peace. Above all, Nick strives to be a compassionate human being, self-described as a “Storyteller of infinite form.”
About Prosper Strategies: Prosper is a leading strategic advisory committed to helping nonprofits increase their impact. We work across areas including strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, organizational optimization and measurement, with an emphasis on engaging a nonprofit’s many diverse stakeholders and advancing equity. Through our Nonprofit Impact System, we help nonprofits focus their efforts to drive change, set goals and build strategies for achieving them, turn those strategies into consistent action, and measure what really matters so they can establish and continue to improve the effectiveness of their work.
