SPARKING HOPE IN THE SECTOR
Please join us for the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy's 2023 Nonprofit & Philanthropy Leadership Conference "Sparking Hope in the Sector". This dynamic, inspiring and sure-to-be transformative event is aimed at igniting hope and fostering resilience within the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, designed for leaders, board members, and changemakers who are passionate about driving positive change and making a lasting impact in their communities.
Through thought-provoking keynotes, engaging breakout sessions, and interactive panel discussions, this conference provides you the optimal chance to come together with sector colleagues and delve deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing the nonprofit and philanthropic sector today, plus explore innovative strategies for overcoming adversity, embracing change, and cultivating hope - even in uncertain times.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded constituents to exchange ideas and build meaningful collaborations, alongside esteemed speakers and experts who will share insights, experiences, and practical solutions empowering you to lead with vision, purpose, and compassion.
Sorry, REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!
PLEASE NOTE: The conference replaces our regular October Quarterly Member Meeting.
Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
vendors
Keynote
Trista Harris
President
FutureGood Consulting
Trista Harris is a renowned philanthropic futurist who advocates for the use of futurism to address critical community challenges worldwide. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, The New York Times, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and many social sector blogs. Trista is the President of FutureGood, a consultancy that helps visionaries create a better future. She has authored two books - "How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar" and "Future Good".
Trista has dedicated her entire career to the social sector, starting at the age of 15 as a summer parks assistant. Prior to her work at FutureGood, she served as President of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, a thriving grant-making community that awards over $1.5 billion annually. She was also the Executive Director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice and a Program Officer at Minnesota Philanthropy Partners.
Lunch Sessions
Asia Hadley, MA/MPA
Director of Partnerships
Candid.
"Using Data For Good"
12:00 to 12:30pm
Session Description:
In this session Asia will show you how to claim your FREE Candid profile on GuideStar, update an existing profile, earn a Gold Seal of Transparency and how contributing demographic data and increasing your transparency online builds public trust, attracts potential donors and funders, and benefits both your organization and the sector!
Learning Objectives:
- What is a GuideStar profile? And how to claim yours
- How GuideStar profiles increase transparency and build public trust
- Using your profile to attract potential donors and funders
- Communicating your nonprofit’s impact using your GuideStar profile
- How to update your GuideStar profile to earn a Gold Seal of Transparency
- Benefits of Seals of Transparency
About the presenter: Dedicating the past fifteen years of her career to advance an informed and equitable social sector, Asia elevates Candid’s presence and impact throughout the South by cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, fundraising regionally, and providing perspectives on philanthropy. Previously, she worked in programs, volunteer recruitment and development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana where her fundraising efforts helped raise over $600,000 for the agency. She also spent two years in the private sector delivering diversity leadership training for high school and college students, recruiting people of color for positions in the social sector.
Plenary Session | Moderator
Tanya Gulliver-Garcia
Director, Learning and Partnerships
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
"The Role of Funders in Disaster Relief and Recovery"
12:30 to 1:30pm
Session Description: Funders play a pivotal role in times of disaster and crisis. Whether environmental or technological , disasters often leave communities devastated, vulnerable and in dire need of assistance. This panel discussion will shed light on the critical contributions that philanthropic organizations, foundations, and individuals can make in helping communities not only survive and rebuild but also thrive in the face of adversity.
About the moderator: Bringing practical, academic and philanthropic understandings of disasters to her work at the CDP, Tanya oversees the development of educational materials including the Disaster Philanthropy Playbook and the Measuring the State of Disaster Philanthropy report and webinar series. She also works to maintain relationships with disaster response and recovery organizations to help support the needs of CDP’s back-office clients. A self-described “disaster junkie” she is passionate about ensuring the most marginalized and oppressed in our communities are able to recover and build resilience.
Plenary Session | Panelists
Melanie Powell, MNO, LSW
Executive Director
Community Foundation of Washington County
With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, Melanie offers a unique blend of leadership, vision, and knowledge and in 2022 selected as the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Washington County. Prior to joining the Foundation, she served as Executive Director of the Tutwiler Community Education Center. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Families USA and Teen Health Mississippi, was awarded the Mandel School Alumni Association Louis Stokes Community Service Leadership Award in 2021 and in 2023 selected by the Delta Business Journal as a Top Minority Business Leader. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Mississippi Valley State University, Master’s in Nonprofit Organization from Case Western Reserve University, and Graduate Certification in Sociology from Baypath University.
Brenda Smith
Director of the Maddox Nonprofit & Volunteer Resource HUB
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Since 2013, Brenda has been the boots on the ground through her work as Director of the Maddox Nonprofit & Volunteer Resource HUB, a program of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor at Southwest Tennessee Community College with the Department of Business Technology. In addition to teaching, she was involved with special grant programs for Displaced Homemakers and inmates and a member of the DeSoto County Long-Term Recovery Committee.
Brenda was in Rolling Fork, Mississippi on the Monday following the Friday night tornado delivering food, tools, water and other essentials. Her work extended to the counties of Sharkey, Carroll, DeSoto, Humphreys, and Montogomery primarily in contact with the EMA directors. She helped set up a direct line of communication with the EMA directors in each county allowing the Foundation to deploy its donated funds to the specific needs identified by the EMA director and Brenda remained faithful to meeting the funding goal after long-term recovery funds were depleted.
She earned an undergraduate degree in retail merchandising from Mississippi University for Women, a Masters of Arts degree in Teaching from the University of Memphis, and additional studies in computer applications and business. She and her husband A. J. are proud that their family includes daughter, Joanne, son-in-law, Jake plus two terrific granddaughters – Adell and Arista.
Juanita Gambrell-Floyd
Senior Vice President of Finance/Administration
CREATE Foundation
Employed with CREATE for the past 38 years, Juanita manages all financial aspects of operations and oversight of assets. On her 20th anniversary, the Foundation established the Bernice Gambrell Endowment Fund in the amount of $10,000 in honor of her mother and her 20 years of employment. Active in community affairs, serving on several boards, Juanita has been recognized by the Mississippi Senate for her career, inspiration, community involvement and life’s work with other notable selections and highlights including one of Mississippi’s Most Influential African Americans, local hero during Black History Month, and Tupelo Trailblazer of the Year. A passionate, inspirational and motivational speaker for the past several years, a monthly community columnist for the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal for the last 15 years, she also co-authored the children’s book Summer of 1969. She is a graduate of NE Mississippi Community College and The University of Mississippi with a Bachelors of Accounting.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS | Presenters
Tiffany Bell
Nonprofit Consultant
AI Empowerment for Nonprofits: Unleashing Bard, Jasper & ChatGPT
1:45 to 3:00pm OR 3:15 to 4:30pm
Session Description:
Explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the nonprofit sector. This session will provide a deep dive into three prominent AI systems - Bard, Jasper, and ChatGPT, identifying their unique strengths and weaknesses. Special focus on ChatGPT and the art of prompt engineering to maximize impact and effectiveness.
Target Audience:
Executive directors, CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, marketing directors, development directors, board members, chief financial officers, program directors, managers, and volunteers.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the functionalities of Bard, Jasper, and ChatGPT in the context of nonprofit organizations.
- Use ChatGPT to automatically generate engaging content for social media, newsletters, or blogs.
- Customize prompts to reflect specific campaign messages, themes, and target audiences, ensuring cohesive and compelling storytelling.
About the presenter:
A multidimensional leader, influencer, nonprofit consultant and community advocate, Tiffany also currently serves as the Director of Donor Relations at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and previously as Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center. In addition, she serves on a number of local, state, and international boards, such as EDO Women Founders, ProLife MS, iBud Foundation, and Leadership Gulf Coast. She has been recognized for a number of awards and honors including the Tony Santucci Lifetime Achievement Award by The Coast Observer for her community contributions as Co-Director of Success Women’s Conference, the largest professional women’s conference in the state of Mississippi.
She is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast; for three consecutive years recognized as “Top 100 Women to Know” by Gulf Coast Woman magazine and has served an honorary commander for the 81st Training Wing of the Keesler Air Force. As a veteran, she understands that military service members thrive when well connected to the local community; and as a mom, believes firmly in creating a legacy for her children and grandchildren for years to come.
Christie Lawrence, MS, MRHF
President and Chief Consultant
Surge Advisors
Grant Writing & the Art of the Ask
1:45 to 3:00pm OR 3:15 to 4:30pm
Session Description:
Does your organization need grant money, but you are not sure how to prepare a winning proposal? This session is for anyone involved in grant writing or project proposals because it will help you understand the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) or Request for Proposal (RFP) process, how to determine if you should apply, provide tips for developing a winning proposal, and identify common proposal writing mistakes. You will also learn some strategies for making your case for funding.
Target Audience:
Executive directors, CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, development directors, board members, chief financial officers, program directors, managers, and volunteers.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Outline three key steps to analyzing a grant opportunity.
- List three decision criteria for pursuing a grant opportunity.
- State the four most important segments of a proposal.
- List two important strategies for making your case for funding.
About the presenter:
Christie Jones Lawrence, MS, MRHF is president and chief consultant for Surge Advisors, an award-winning consulting and training firm as well as a lecturer teaching public speaking at Mississippi State University. She has extensive marketing, business development, proposal writing, training, fundraising, and public relations experience in both the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. Having run a $1.2 million nonprofit, self-help seminar for 10 years that was founded by Dr. Phil McGraw, Christie knows the challenges of day-to-day sales and marketing, recruiting and managing volunteers, finding donors, working with board members, and promotion needed to raise awareness of a nonprofit’s programs and services.
She is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast; for three consecutive years recognized as “Top 100 Women to Know” by Gulf Coast Woman magazine and has served an honorary commander for the 81st Training Wing of the Keesler Air Force. As a veteran, she understands that military service members thrive when well connected to the local community; and as a mom, believes firmly in creating a legacy for her children and grandchildren for years to come.
Presenter
Suzanne Rutherford
Executive Director
Volunteer Mississippi
Presenter
Corie Jones
Deputy Director, Pubic Relations
Volunteer Mississippi
Co-Presenter
Jin Joo Crosby
Director, National Service Programs
Volunteer Mississippi
Co-Presenter
Zoie Henson
Public Relations Specialist
Volunteer Mississippi
Connect with the Volunteers and Funding YOU Need!
1:45 to 3:00pm OR 3:15 to 4:30pm
Session Description:
Join us in this session to learn how YOUR organization can connect volunteers with opportunities in YOUR community. Also, learn more about funding opportunities for your organization.
Join us in this session to learn how YOUR organization can connect volunteers with opportunities in YOUR community. Also, learn more about funding opportunities for your organization.
Target Audience:
This session is for volunteers or changemakers looking to make a BIG difference in their community! Specifically, those looking to promote, increase, and recognize volunteers OR increase the National Service Network footprint throughout the state of Mississippi.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Learn how your organization can connect volunteers with opportunities in your community.
- Discover new and interesting funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations and public entities.
- Explore the AmeriCorps and National Service Network in Mississippi
About the presenters:
About Suzanne: A Millsaps College and Louisiana State University graduate, Suzanne has served Volunteer Mississippi in various roles since 2007, as AmeriCorps grants officer and interim co-executive director and recently promoted to executive director. She has extensive history with the agency and her knowledge of AmeriCorps programs greatly benefit volunteerism, national service, and Mississippi as a whole. As executive director she is responsible for providing the vision and direction for Volunteer Mississippi staff while overseeing day-to-day operations. She is also the liaison between Volunteer Mississippi and its partners, including AmeriCorps, community partners, and elected officials.
Suzanne is active in her community and a supporter of Saint Richard Catholic School and the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle, both of Jackson. She serves as a board member for Una Voce of Mississippi and loves all things classic, including Masterpiece Theatre and Tolkien.
About Corie: Corie is an award-winning communicator and public relations professional with over 23 years of successful experience in communication, public relations, and marketing. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a B.A. in communication with an emphasis in public relations, Corie began her career at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, leading statewide communication campaigns such as Buckle for Life, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and Click It or Ticket. In recent years, Corie worked as Marketing Director at the Mississippi Department of Education, leading statewide communication campaigns including TEACH MS, Strong Readers Strong Leaders, and Mississippi Connects.
Corie has extensive volunteer and work experience with non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and faith-based organizations. Ultimately, Corie believes that all her experience has prepared her for her current role as Deputy Director, Public Relations at Volunteer Mississippi.
About Jin Joo: Jin Joo is a dynamic national service director and dedicated volunteer, driven by a passion for empowering organizations to meet the evolving needs of their communities. With an impressive 17-year track record, she stands as a recognized leader in the realm of AmeriCorps state programs. Armed with a Master of Business Administration in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix, Jin Joo has crafted a career marked by a seamless integration of academic ability, technological innovation, and practical insights. Her dedication to fostering excellence in management practices has made her a key influencer in the AmeriCorps landscape. Not only a seasoned professional, she is also a sought-after speaker, invited to share her insights at various industry conferences and events, captivating audiences with her engaging and interactive presentations. She also actively contributes to the well-being of her community with volunteer work spanning various organizations.
About Zoie: Zoie is a recent graduate of Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degrees in communication and philosophy with concentrations in public relations and religion. At Mississippi State, she was an ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences, an account executive for MSU’s student-led public relations agency, held five internships around the nonprofit, hospitality, and religious sectors, and held numerous other leadership positions on and off campus. She was named a Stephen D. Lee scholar and was the recipient of many other honors and awards.
Zoie is a member of Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) and Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM). Zoie has received local, statewide, and regional awards for her work on public relations and marketing campaigns and materials. She was also awarded the honor of Public Relations Student of the Year of 2023 by PRAM.
As a passionate communicator, Zoie seeks to tell stories through graphic design and writing. She seeks to bring light to every corner of the world, and she cares deeply for those she loves. Zoie looks to act out of love, compassion, curiosity, and joy in all areas of life.
Maranda Joiner
Co-Founder and CEO
Succeed and Elevate
Branding and Storytelling for Nonprofits and Philanthropies
1:45 to 3:00pm ONLY
Session Description:
In the realm of nonprofits and philanthropies, effective branding and storytelling are essential tools for creating a powerful impact, building a loyal community of supporters, and driving positive change. This session is designed to empower organizations and individuals within the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors with the skills and strategies to develop compelling brands and share impactful stories that resonate with their audiences.
Target Audience:
Professionals, leaders, and individuals working within nonprofit organizations, philanthropies, foundations, social enterprises, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful impact through effective branding and storytelling.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explore strategies of branding tailored to nonprofit and philanthropic context to define a clear mission, vision, and values statement that tells your organization’s identity.
- Discover techniques for crafting narratives that engage, inspire, and drive action, while staying true to your organization's mission.
- Learn how to convey your organization's impact in a way that fosters trust and encourages sustained engagement.
- Explore key performance indicators and methods for evaluating the success of your branding and storytelling efforts.
About the presenter:
Maranda is a Jackson, MS native, brand consultant, author, and speaker who quit her job to help as many entrepreneurs as possible feel connected, seen, and heard. She is the CEO and co-founder of Succeed and Elevate, a nonprofit dedicated to helping small entrepreneurs overcome burnout. With a background of 14 years in radio at WJMI, she has consulted hundreds of business owners on branding and conducts workshops, seminars, and project management for clients. She has been a guest on numerous podcasts and written articles supporting entrepreneurs so they can feel safe, seen, and supported on their way to success. She has also consulted and served as the brand manager for talent, placing them in a position to perform at Essence, on Comedy Central, and TruTV.
She is the author of A Lot A Like, What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Branding and Purpose. She was the host of TEDx Jackson in 2019 and currently serves on the MS Museum of Art's Community Advisory Council and the American Advertising Federation of Jackson board. She aims to help as many entrepreneurs, business owners, and creatives realize their unique brand voice and change the world through their work.
Nancy Perrett
Owner & Principal Consultant/Trainer
Burris and Associates, Inc.
Effective Board Development and Governance
3:15 to 4:30pm ONLY
Session Description:
The strength of a nonprofit’s Board of Directors is a key determinant of the organization’s long-term success. Yet, the lack of clarity in the Board’s role and the rotation of Board member terms makes this topic one of the most frequently requested presentations.
Target Audience:
Executive directors, CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, development directors, board members, chief financial officers, program directors, managers, and volunteers.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- List board member responsibilities & legal obligations including leadership, policymaking, budget approval, and fundraising.
- Discuss the importance of including diverse board members that represent the community served.
- Describe board member recruitment including how to engage board members and capitalize on their skill sets and resources to advance the organization.
- Identify how the board should adhere to the following best practices/legal requirements of board size, officers, term limits, orientation, attendance, meetings & minutes, code of ethics, review of board performance, and compensation.
About the presenter:
Nancy is the owner and principal consultant/trainer of Burris and Associates, Inc., a small business established in 1994 to aid nonprofits, small businesses, and departments of larger organizations in planning for and intentionally shaping their future and developing their people (both board and staff). Empowering people and organizations with the tools they need to be successful drives her work.
Prior to establishing her own business, she worked for the IBM Corporation for 17 years, including nine years in management, with both business and personnel management responsibilities. Nancy has extensive experience with facilitating groups, strategic planning, team building, and improving management systems, as well as in building and managing start-up organizations.
She's had the distinct pleasure of being a part of the creation of the MS Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy and seeks to create and encourage impactful decision-making as she approaches the work she does through the Alliance to lift up the nonprofit and philanthropic sector.
Check back for more details as information is confirmed and added!