Get ready to be inspired! Our second Nonprofit and Philanthropy Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting, Leading Forward: Innovating for a Healthy Sector, is just around the corner. This event is designed to equip you with fresh insights, strengthen your network, and ignite new ideas to advance our sector offering the perfect opportunity to reflect on our progress and look ahead to what’s next.
Through engaging discussions and strategic takeaways, you’ll gain the tools and connections needed to drive meaningful impact in 2025 and beyond.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Keynote
Dr. Rhea Williams-Bishop
Director of Mississippi &
New Orleans Programs
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Dr. Rhea Williams-Bishop is the Director of Mississippi and New Orleans Programming at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. In this role, she leads the foundation’s strategy and grantmaking in the region, which is done in close partnership with her team, WKKF grantees, the community and other partners.
Prior to joining the foundation, Rhea served as the director of the Mississippi Center for Education Innovation, a nonprofit education intermediary focused on impacting and transforming education through engagement and innovation. Rhea previously held several positions with the Children’s Defense Fund Southern Regional Office, most recently serving as deputy director. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she worked to ensure that children and families were not further traumatized by reuniting families and securing resources during relief, recovery and restoration.
Rhea holds a Ph.D. in education leadership, a master’s degree in public policy and administration and a bachelor’s degree in urban affairs, each from Jackson State University. She has completed numerous leadership programs: Rockefeller Foundation Next Generation Leadership Program, Leadership Mississippi, Leadership Madison County, and most recently the Southeastern Council of Foundations - Hull Fellowship Program. She also received professional development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
She has received many honors and awards for her work and most recently was named the 2023 Woman of the Year by the Mule Train Society. She has been honored for her community service by the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi, which named her a Woman of Distinction in 2019.
Rhea serves as a member of the Mississippi Economic Council Board of Governors, the Jackson State University’s Women’s Council for Philanthropy and the JSU Development Board, Living Cities of New York, NY, as well as an officer of the Mississippi Chapter of the International Women’s Forum.
As a child and family advocate, Rhea has devoted her career to improving the lives of children by improving their opportunities in the areas of racial equity, healthcare and education, and has spent more than 20 years effectively managing people, programs and resources in the non-profit and philanthropic fields.
A 5th generation Mississippian, born in Greenville and reared in Carthage, Rhea and her husband Bev live in Madison County and are the parents of three adult children: Trey, Amirhea and Russell.
Opener
Dr. John D. Damon, MS, PhD
CEO
Canopy Children's Solutions
Innovate, Collaborate, Elevate: Empowering Leaders for a Healthier Future
Dr. John Damon, MS, PhD, is the CEO of Canopy Children’s Solutions, Mississippi’s largest and most comprehensive non-profit provider of children’s behavioral health, education, and family support solutions. John works with all three branches of government; business thought leaders and community stakeholders to develop public policy, clinical best practices, and catalytic partnerships aimed at helping every child and family reach their full potential. He has served as president of the National Association for Children’s Behavioral Health (NACBH), the Behavioral Health Society of the Mississippi Hospital Association, and the Mississippi Association of Child Caring Agencies. John continues to serve in Board leadership for NACBH and the Children’s Home Society of America. He is a member of the Mississippi Early Child Investment Council.
John is currently appointed by the Mississippi Legislature to serve on the Mississippi K-12 and Postsecondary Mental Health Task Force and by the Mississippi Supreme Court to serve on the Children’s Justice Commission.
He was formerly appointed by the Mississippi Legislature to the Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee and has served on other appointed task forces, including the Governor’s Healthcare Task Force (chair, Mental Health), the Mississippi Children’s Mental Health Task Force, and the Governor’s Human Trafficking Taskforce. He was selected to the Magnolia Tribune’s 2024 class of the Mississippi Top 50. John has served as adjunct faculty in undergraduate and graduate academic institutions, and he’s been the featured presenter at many state and national conferences and the US Senate Caucus Committee on Foster Care, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse. He has co-authored book chapters and Congressional white papers on best practices in children’s behavioral health and has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. John’s undergraduate degree is in psychology, he has a master’s in marriage and family therapy, and his PhD is in clinical psychology.
He completed his residency in Child Psychology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He and his wife, Helaina, are the proud parents of five children and live in Madison, Mississippi. John is a Fellow of the fifth class of the Health Innovators Fellowship and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
Pricing
(per participant)
$60 | Alliance Members
$75 | Non-Alliance Members
In-Person Only w/ Limited Capacity!
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HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Discounts on hotel accommodations are available at The Westin Downtown and Homewood Suites - Fondren.
PLEASE NOTE: Reservations must be made through the link provided. Group rate and room availability at The Westin end April 10.
Morning BREAKOUTS
[ 10:30am to 11:45am ]
Nonprofit Track >>>>
Perry C. Perkins Jr.
Supervisory Organizer
Working Together Mississippi
An Argument for Organizing vs. Advocacy
(A Case for Participatory Democracy)
Session Description:
Designed to empower local leaders to advocate for themselves and their communities while building long-term influence. By equipping individuals and families—especially those often unheard in today’s highly partisan political climate—with the tools to engage effectively, we aim to amplify their voices in shaping policies that impact their lives.
With emphasis on nonpartisan political engagement as a crucial response to the growing threats to democracy in our local political landscape, gain practical strategies for civic engagement, coalition-building, and advocacy to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Target Audience:
Nonprofit leaders interested in concrete community change.
Learning Objective(s):
- Broad Based Power Institutions: How to build and their sustainability over time.
- Advocacy Skills: Equip local leaders with the tools to effectively advocate for themselves and their communities.
- Civic Engagement: Explore practical strategies for meaningful participation in the political process.
With 46 years of experience as a professional organizer, Perry C. Perkins, Jr. has been affiliated with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), the nation’s oldest organizing training network, for 40 years. Before joining IAF, he held various leadership roles, including Director of Student Ministries for the Chicago Metropolitan Baptist Association, Researcher for the Project on Budget Priorities and Resources, Director of Neighborhood Ministries for Sojourners Fellowship, Lead Organizer for the Southern Columbia Heights Tenants Union, and Lead Organizer for the United Woodcutters Association.
With IAF, Mr. Perkins has worked extensively with broad-based, nonpartisan organizations in Houston and Fort Worth, as well as in multiple communities across Louisiana and Mississippi. Over the past 30 years, he has helped launch and support organizing efforts in Monroe, Alexandria, Shreveport, the Louisiana Delta, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and surrounding rural parishes. He was also the founding organizer of Working Together Jackson and, for the past three years, has served as the Supervisory Organizer for an emerging network of statewide chapters of Working Together Mississippi. In addition, he has worked with institutional leaders in Rome, Georgia, to develop One Community United.
Mr. Perkins is deeply committed to strengthening institutions and developing leaders who can bridge divides—across race, religion, economic status, gender, and political ideology—to build local, nonpartisan responses to the hyper-partisan nature of today's politics. His work focuses on defending democracy through grassroots organizing and local civic engagement. The organizations he has supported have achieved numerous concrete victories, improving the quality of life for families and communities across the region.
A native Mississippian, Mr. Perkins is a graduate of Mississippi College, where he majored in History, Political Science, and Philosophy. He and his wife of 50 years, Patricia Millsaps Perkins, are proud parents of three daughters and grandparents to seven grandchildren.
Tiffiney Carter-Washington, M.S. MIS
Digital Navigator
MS Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Essential Cybersecurity Knowledge for Nonprofits
Session Description:
Empowering nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers with essential cybersecurity knowledge to safeguard sensitive data and maintain stakeholder trust in an increasingly digital world. The focus will be on common cyber threats, best practices for securing information, and strategies for fostering a culture of security within organizations. Through interactive exercises, real-world case studies, and expert insights, practical steps will be provided to strengthen digital defenses and ensure the continuity of vital missions.
Target Audience:
Nonprofit leaders, staff and volunteers; everyone.
Learning Objective(s):
- Nonprofit Cybersecurity Challenges: Highlight the unique cybersecurity risks nonprofits face and their potential impact.
- Data Protection Strategies: Provide practical approaches to safeguard sensitive data and digital assets.
- Security Awareness: Cultivate a culture of cybersecurity among staff and volunteers to mitigate risks.
- Actionable Solutions: Equip participants with tools and resources for immediate cybersecurity improvements.
Tiffiney Carter-Washington is the Digital Navigator for the Alliance, dedicated to equipping Mississippi nonprofits with greater digital literacy and supporting the adoption of transformative technologies. With over 25 years of experience in Information Technology and Computer Science, she brings a wealth of expertise to bridge the digital divide and help organizations thrive in today’s tech-driven landscape.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Jackson State University and a master’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Arkansas. Her professional journey began as an Engineer for Hughes Network Systems (Maryland), and throughout her career, she has taken on roles as a COO, IT Department Chair, Regional Manager, Software Developer, Technical Writer, Analyst, Trainer, and Collegiate Instructor.
Beyond her work with the Alliance, Tiffiney serves on the Board of the Mississippi AI Collaborative and has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the need for technology in high schools across Louisiana and Mississippi. Her passion for digital inclusion and education continues to drive meaningful change in communities across the region.
Jan Eastman
Owner
MindShare of NE Mississippi
How's Your Organization's Financial Health?
Session Description:
Building confidence in your organization’s financial management is crucial for establishing a strong financial foundation. Before effectively communicating your financial status and needs to funders, donors, your board, and the public, it’s essential to first develop a clear understanding of your financial data. Strengthening these skills will lay the groundwork for long-term stability and success for your organization.
Target Audience:
Nonprofits leaders, CFOs, accountants working with nonprofits under $1M budget.
Learning Objective(s):
- Financial Literacy: Read and interpret financial statements with confidence.
- Performance Analysis: Use key financial ratios to assess financial health, enhance fundraising, and market your nonprofit.
- Cash Flow Management: Implement strategies to ensure financial stability and sustainability.
Jan Eastman brings over 64 years of diverse experience across management, consulting, accounting, IT, education, marketing, and retail sales. She holds a B.S. in Accounting and an M.S. in Business and Education from Mississippi University for Women.
After spending 21 years with IBM, Jan established an organizational development consulting practice, working with 84 nonprofits over the past 30 years. From 2005 to 2012, she served as Director of Development for the CREATE Foundation and currently leads as the Executive Director of the Lowndes Community Foundation.
In addition to her leadership roles, Jan has been an Adjunct Professor at Tulane University and the University of New Orleans, where she developed and taught the graduate course "Financial Management and Development for Nonprofit Organizations."
Jan continues to share her expertise as a trainer and consultant for the United Way of Northeast Mississippi, the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, and the Rapides Foundation.
Brad Tisdale
Founder & CEO
BT Advisors
Financial Management for Large Nonprofits - Propel or Paralyze
Session Description:
For large nonprofits, financial management extends beyond budgeting—it demands strategic planning, risk mitigation, and strong financial oversight to ensure long-term sustainability. Effective financial leadership can determine whether an organization thrives or struggles.
This session will explore best practices in financial management, including revenue diversification, financial reporting, risk management, and leveraging reserves for stability. Participants will gain valuable insights on aligning financial strategy with organizational mission. Join us to learn how strong financial stewardship can drive a thriving nonprofit.
Target Audience:
Chief Financial Officers, Book Keepers, CPA’s, Nonprofit Leaders, & Financial Managers
Learning Objective(s):
- Understand Key Financial Principles: Gain a deeper understanding of financial management strategies critical for nonprofit sustainability.
- Explore Revenue Diversification: Learn how to develop diverse funding streams to reduce financial vulnerability.
- Enhance Financial Oversight: Discover best practices for financial reporting, compliance, and accountability.
- Leverage Reserves for Stability: Learn how to build and utilize financial reserves to support long-term growth.
Brad Tisdale started the Fractional CFO Consulting firm, BT Advisors, in 2022 after 14 years of service at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) as the Chief Operations and Financial Officer. This role at RTS managed a $20M annual budget, 125 employees, $120M in assets and nine campus locations spread throughout the Eastern U.S. Before that, he worked for 6 years with a “Big Four” public accounting firm in which he specialized in the non-profit industry. Brad has a heart for non-profit organizations because there is a real mission behind every action. Brad is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has both a Bachelor and Masters of Professional Accountancy from Mississippi State University. He serves as a Ruling Elder and Chairman of the World Missions Committee at Highlands Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland, MS. Brad and his wife, Sara, have been married for 9 years and have two beautiful daughters Millie Ruth and Ayres.
Philanthropy Track >>>>
Vondaris "Von" Gordon
Executive Director
Alluvial Collective
A native of Moorhead, MS, Vondaris "Von" Gordon is dedicated to fostering deep relationships and resilient connections to inspire cultural transformation and advance justice and belonging in communities.
Von serves as the Executive Director of the Alluvial Collective (formerly the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation). His passion for racial equity was ignited when he was a founding board member of the University of Mississippi Institute for Racial Reconciliation while he was a student there.
Von also serves on the board of directors of Operation Shoestring and the Community Advisory Councils of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the Junior League of Jackson, and the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi.
Von contributes nationally as a Harwood Institute for Public Innovation board member. He is also recognized as a Racial Healing Fellow with the National Compadres Network and a W. K. Kellogg Foundation Global Fellows and Community Leadership Networks member.
Von and his family reside in Jackson, MS, where they honor and steward Choctaw ancestral land.
Jennifer Heath
Community & Capacity Building
Alluvial Collective
Jennifer was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta. The time spent in this area deeply shaped who she is as a resident of the state of Mississippi, the United States, and the world.
Jennifer received her degree in social services from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, and had an extended career in the faith community. She has a background in early childhood education, spiritual development, and team building. Jennifer is passionate about allowing every person to have their worth and value appreciated and recognized.
Jennifer joined the Community & Capacity Building team in March 2020. As a mother and community member she strives to make the world a better place.
The Future of Philanthropy: Anchored Leadership and Innovative Strategies
Session Description:
In a rapidly evolving landscape, how can philanthropy remain grounded in its core values while adapting to shifting societal needs and challenges? This session invites philanthropic leaders to engage in a thought-provoking dialogue on staying mission-driven while leveraging innovative strategies to navigate shifting challenges and opportunities.
Target Audience:
Philanthropy Leaders Only!
Learning Objectives:
- Core Values: Explore how philanthropy leaders can remain grounded in their core values amidst a changing landscape.
- Strategic Adaptation: Reflect on how leaders adapt to shifting societal needs and challenges while staying mission-driven.
- Innovative Approaches: Expand our shared knowledge of innovative strategies for seizing emerging opportunities and navigating obstacles.
- Leadership Dialogue: Engage in thoughtful discussions on balancing tradition and innovation in philanthropic efforts.
Afternoon BREAKOUTS
[ 1:45pm to 3:00pm ]
Nonprofit Track >>>>
Maranda Joiner
Co-Founder and CEO
Succeed and Elevate
Bridging The Gap: Creating a Social Media Brand That Connects to All Ages
Session Description:
Master the art of using social media to reach, connect with, and inspire your audience. If social media feels overwhelming, this session will break it down into simple, manageable steps. Gain clarity and confidence in your approach, and see the impact reflected in how your community engages and responds.
Target Audience:
Nonprofit leaders and marketing professionals
Learning Objective(s):
- Audience Insights: Identify and understand key characteristics, behaviors, and preferences of diverse social media audiences.
- Content Strategy: Develop content strategies that effectively engage a multigenerational audience.
- Storytelling Impact: Leverage storytelling techniques to create an inclusive and inspiring social media brand.se storytelling techniques to build an inclusive and inspiring social media presence.
- Best Practices: Apply best practices for using storytelling to enhance engagement and connection on social media.
Maranda Joiner is a former radio personality turned brand consultant, author, and speaker who spent 14 years at WJMI before transitioning to a career dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and artists. As the CEO and co-founder of Succeed and Elevate, a nonprofit that supports small business owners and creatives, Maranda leads initiatives that provide financial literacy resources, business development strategies, and tools for managing stress, burnout, and anxiety. Her mission is to equip entrepreneurs with sustainable success strategies while prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being.
A sought-after branding expert, Maranda has consulted hundreds of business owners on marketing and brand development. She has also served as a brand manager, positioning talent to perform on platforms such as Essence, Comedy Central, and TruTV. Her expertise has been featured on numerous podcasts, and in 2019, she hosted TEDx Jackson. In addition to her work with Succeed and Elevate, she serves as the Ambassador Chairperson for the Greater Jackson Chamber and is an active member of the Mississippi Museum of Art’s Community Advisory Council.
Passionate about creating spaces for creatives to thrive, Maranda is the curator and host of Synergy Nights, a long-running open mic that has become a beloved community hub where artists feel safe, seen, and supported. She also founded Artist Edge Academy, an artist development program that connects performers with mentorship and provides the mindset and tools necessary to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Through her work as a consultant, speaker, and advocate, Maranda Joiner continues to uplift and empower entrepreneurs and creatives, helping them discover their unique voices, build their businesses, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Amanda Fontaine
Executive Director
MS Broadcasters Association
Nonprofit Consultant
MS Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Clocking in for a Cause: Time Management for Fundraising Success
Session Description:
Hands-on training designed specifically for nonprofit professionals to equip you with valuable strategies to streamline your processes, boost productivity, and achieve greater fundraising success.
Target Audience:
Nonprofit fundraising professionals
Learning Objective(s):
- Maximize Your Time and Efficiency: Discover tools and techniques to streamline your daily tasks and become more effective in your role.
- Strengthen Your Fundraising Efforts: Gain hands-on strategies and insights to enhance your fundraising initiatives and boost your organization's financial sustainability.
- Connect with Peers and Build Your Network: Engage with fellow nonprofit leaders from across the state, exchanging ideas, experiences, and best practices to build a strong, supportive community.
NOTE:
This training serves as a stepping stone to the Mississippi Fundraising Professionals (MFP) initiative, an Alliance program dedicated to equipping nonprofit leaders with the skills and resources to excel in fundraising and achieve the prestigious Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
Amanda Fontaine brings over 15 years of fundraising experience, having served as an executive director and provided expertise to numerous organizations. With a strong background in capacity-building, training, and coaching, she has worked with more than 100 organizations, offering guidance on fundraising, time management, and nonprofit development.
A dynamic and engaging speaker, Amanda facilitates workshops, certifications, and strategy sessions, helping organizations enhance their impact. Known for her energy and enthusiasm, she also has a passion for event planning, successfully organizing events of all sizes.
Jamie Rasberry
Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships
MS Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Bridging the Digital Divide: Updates and Future Plans for the Coalition for Digital Accessibility in Mississippi
Session Description:
An update on the outcomes and successes of the Coalition for Digital Accessibility in Mississippi, providing insight into past progress and future plans to ensure digital accessibility for all Mississippians. Explore the current state of broadband deployment across the state and discover what’s ahead, including potential federal and state funding opportunities.
Target Audience:
Nonprofit leaders, community organizers, policymakers, and anyone interested in digital accessibility and broadband deployment in Mississippi.
Learning Objective(s):
- Reviewing Achievements: Explore the key outcomes and successes of the Coalition for Digital Accessibility in Mississippi.
- Broadband Deployment Status: Gain insights into the current broadband infrastructure and its deployment across the state.
- Future Funding & Expansion Plans: Learn about upcoming federal and state funding opportunities and initiatives to enhance digital accessibility.
Jamie serves as Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships, where she manages affinity and policy groups focused on fostering increased learning, collaboration, and funding around critical policy issues. These groups bring together nonprofit and philanthropic partners to develop and implement strategies and public policies that create positive, lasting impacts for children, families, and communities across Mississippi.
Over the past 20 years, Jamie has invested in numerous organizations across the metro area, focusing on health and wellness, social justice, community development, and youth leadership. She currently serves on the boards of CASA of Hinds County, Jackson Association of Neighborhoods, Mississippi Afterschool Network, and Hinds Community College, with previous board leadership roles at Midtown Public Charter School and the Metro YMCA.
Jamie is an alumni of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network and a graduate of both Leadership Greater Jackson and Leadership Mississippi. She was recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of the Top 50 Distinguished Leading Women in Business and honored as a Goodwill Industries of Mississippi Salute honoree.
Michele Baker
Grant Writing Consultant
MS Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Preparing Your Nonprofit for the Journey to Federal Money
Session Description:
As with everything in life, preparation is key. The most time-consuming activity in proposal writing isn’t writing; it is finding the required information and documentation and gathering data.
Are you ready to begin your journey?
Target Audience(s):
Nonprofit organizations
Learning Objective(s):
- Grant Readiness: Position your nonprofit to be fully prepared to write a federal grant application.
- Information Gathering: Understand the importance of gathering the required documentation and data for a successful application.
- Preparation Strategies: Learn strategies to streamline the preparation process and ensure a smooth grant-writing journey.
Michele D. Baker, CVA has been a dedicated leader in the nonprofit and volunteer sector in Mississippi for 25 years. With extensive experience in grant writing, volunteer management, and nonprofit capacity-building, she helps organizations amplify their impact through strategic storytelling and persuasive marketing.
Previously, Michele worked with the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits and Volunteer Mississippi before launching her own consulting business, where she supports nonprofits in securing funding, improving operations, and engaging communities effectively. An accomplished public speaker, facilitator, and curriculum developer, she is passionate about creating top-tier training programs to empower nonprofit professionals.
Beyond her nonprofit work, Michele is the editor of eat. drink. MISSISSIPPI magazine and a published author, specializing in travel and food writing for national publications. She also co-owns Treasures of Egypt Tours, a boutique travel company she runs with her mother.
Learn more at www.MicheleDBaker.com.
Philanthropy Track >>>>
Innovation in Action: Reimagining Collaboration for Greater Impact
Panelists:
Abe Hudson
Program Officer
Walton Family Foundation, Home Region Program
Abe is a Program Officer for the Home Region program. Prior to joining the foundation, he was a Mississippi State Representative and worked with Delta State University as a Visiting Professor in the College of Business and as a Program Director at the DEBTS Program.
Abe has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned Master's degrees in Business Administration and Finance, from Mississippi State University. Abe defended his doctoral dissertation in Urban and Regional Planning from Jackson State University in April of 2021.
Cynthia Hines
Chief Program Officer
MS Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Cynthia Hines serves as Chief Program Officer for the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, whose primary responsibilities include designing and implementing Alliance programs and services, expanding outreach, building strategic partnerships and developing special projects and initiatives with external partners while fostering trust and collaboration among Alliance staff, community partners, members, the public, and stakeholders.
She is an accomplished operations leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth, enhancing efficiency, and optimizing results. She specializes in education, volunteer management, training, strategic planning, and organizational development, with strong skills in marketing and communications and holds a B.S. in Finance from Jackson State University, along with executive education from Penn State and the Industrial Area Foundation. She is also a certified Project Master.
Her previous leadership roles include CEO of WesGroup LLC, Vice President of Foundation Programs at Mississippi Economic Council, and Executive Director of Delta 360 Inc. Throughout her career, Cynthia has excelled in improving operational processes, exceeding performance targets, managing program funding, and leading cross-functional teams to success.
Hope Crenshaw
Executive Director
Teen Health Mississippi
Hope Crenshaw, PhD, was born and raised in Quitman County, MS, in the small town of Crenshaw. She is the Executive Director of Teen Health Mississippi, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing equitable health outcomes for youth and communities, with offices in Jackson, MS, and Clarksdale, MS. With a background in educational policy, program evaluation, and nonprofit leadership, she has worked extensively in youth advocacy, health equity, and systems change. She also served as a public school teacher at M.S. Palmer High School in Marks, MS (the same high school from which she graduated).
Crenshaw holds a PhD in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi, an M.A. in Sociology from Minnesota State University, and a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology from Gustavus Adolphus College. She is a passionate leader committed to empowering young people through education, advocacy, and innovative programming.
Adrienne W. Hudson
Executive Director
RISE, Inc.
Adrienne White Hudson is a distinguished educator and proud native of Clarksdale, MS. After graduating from Coahoma County High School, Adrienne pursued higher education at Alcorn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Master's degrees in Guidance Education and Reading. In 2013, she furthered her expertise by obtaining an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Delta State University.
With over a decade of experience, Adrienne has dedicated her career to transforming education in the Mississippi Delta region. Her journey began as an administrator at her alma mater, Coahoma County High School, where she made significant strides in enhancing educational outcomes. Adrienne's commitment to education culminated in earning a doctoral degree from Delta State University.
Today, Adrienne serves as an Educational School Leader in Clarksdale and an Educational Coach with Real Delta Education. Her leadership at RISE underscores her unwavering dedication to supporting teachers and students in low-wealth areas, ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve. Beyond her professional achievements, Adrienne cherishes her roles as a devoted wife and mother, grounding her life's work in the values of family and community.
Shelley Ritter
Executive Director
Delta Blues Foundation
Shelley Ritter is the Executive Director of the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi. She is a graduate of Millsaps College and completed graduate coursework at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture. Ritter is a graduate of the Delta Regional Authority’s Delta Leadership institute and the Mississippi Economic Council’s Leadership Mississippi Program and the Alliance’s Civic Engagement Collective. She is currently participating the Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program through Mississippi State University. She serves as a Commissioner on the Mississippi River Parkway Commission and is a member of the Marketing Committee. Locally she serves as secretary of the Friends of the Library Board and is a past president and active member of the Clarksdale Rotary Club, The Clarksdale Woman’s Club and the Clarksdale Garden Club. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, listening to music, gardening, cooking, kayaking and spending time with her pets
Discussion Topic:
In 2022, the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy (the Alliance) partnered with the Walton Family Foundation to identify, catalog, engage, and strengthen local nonprofit organizations in Coahoma County and surrounding communities. The Mississippi Delta is home to hundreds of nonprofits dedicated to uplifting communities. However, many organizations face challenges in securing funding, expanding capacity, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
To address these challenges, the Alliance identified and engaged more than forty organizations in the region, providing core capacity-building services such as training, technical assistance, nonprofit management certification, peer-to-peer learning, and storytelling workshops. Grounded in our Principles and Standards for Nonprofit and Philanthropy Excellence, this innovative capacity-building model is designed to strengthen nonprofits and amplify their impact.
This panel will explore how strategic capacity-building initiatives can transform nonprofit effectiveness and how nonprofits and philanthropic organizations can collaborate to leverage their collective resources and expertise. Panelists will share insights on the critical roles funders, nonprofit leaders, and capacity-building organizations play in driving sustainable and meaningful change at both the organizational and community levels.
Target Audience:
Philanthropic organizations, funders, grantmakers, nonprofit executives, board members, and staff, community leaders, businesses and policymakers
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