In this powerful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Frank Velásquez Jr., founder of 4 Da Hood and the Ascending Leaders in Color program. Together, we discuss the need for identity-affirming spaces, how to involve white allies in meaningful ways, and why perfectionism and professionalism can be tools of exclusion. With vulnerability and insight, Frank walks us through his leadership journey—and how he's using it to create lasting impact.

Topics We Cover:

• How Frank's journey from Disney to nonprofits led to the founding of 4 Da Hood
• Why the Ascending Leaders in Color program was created and what “in color” truly means
• The importance of healing in racially specific spaces and how white allies can participate effectively
• How race, gender, sexuality, and ability intersect in leadership spaces
• Why code switching, colorism, and “professionalism” can harm authenticity in the workplace
• The three core questions Frank uses to spark deep, reflective group conversations
• How AI tools like Claude support program design—without replacing human-centered facilitation
• Frank’s vision of a future where programs like his are no longer needed because equity has been achieved

To Learn More and Connect with Frank:

4 Da Hood

E-mail Info@4DaHood.com

Frank Velásquez Jr. on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I interview experienced grant writer DeaRonda Harrison about the evolving landscape of grant writing. From her early volunteer days to running a professional grant writing practice, DeaRonda shares insights on how nonprofits can stand out in an increasingly competitive funding world. She breaks down the key elements of being "grant ready," the importance of strategic storytelling, the ethical use of compensation models, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the field. This episode is packed with actionable advice and forward-looking wisdom.

Topics We Cover:

• The story behind DeaRonda Harrison’s journey into grant writing
• What it means to be “grant ready” — the documents and systems nonprofits need in place
• Why storytelling and personalization make or break modern grant proposals
• Common mistakes nonprofits make when writing or outsourcing grant applications
• The rise of fractional grant writers and how retainer models work
• Ethical considerations: Why percentage-based grant fees are problematic
• How AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming — not replacing — grant writing
• A vision for the future: faster, more accessible, and fairer grantmaking systems

To Learn More and Connect with DeaRonda:

June First Firm Website & Grant Checklist

Email DeaRonda

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Brynne Krispin, social media strategist and founder of Cause Fokus, to explore how nonprofits can strategically harness the power of social media. Whether you're managing a large team or running solo, this episode offers practical tools to help your organization build a thriving, mission-aligned digital community.

Topics We Cover:

• Brynne’s journey from aspiring journalist to nonprofit social media strategist
• How social media can support the full donor journey—from discovery to advocacy
• The importance of audience-first strategy when choosing platforms (e.g., LinkedIn vs. Instagram)
• Why casual, authentic content outperforms polished messaging on social media
• Tips for nonprofits on handling engagement without overwhelming their teams
• How humor, honesty, and experimentation build emotional resonance
• The debate around outsourcing vs. hiring a dedicated social media manager
• Using AI to translate complex ideas into engaging digital content

To Learn More and Connect with Brynne:

Brynne on LinkedIn

Cause Fokus Website

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Diana Farias Heinrich to explore her inspiring transition from corporate project management to ethical storytelling in the nonprofit world. We discuss how nonprofits can elevate their storytelling by prioritizing consent, collaboration, and care to protect the dignity and safety of those whose stories they tell.

Topics We Cover:

• Diana’s “superhero origin story” and how a Ghana water project changed her career path
• The risks and ethical pitfalls in traditional nonprofit storytelling
• The critical importance of consent and protecting vulnerable populations in storytelling
• How frontline staff and communications teams can collaborate effectively
• An introduction to the EquaStory framework: Explore, Question, Understand, Approve
• Real-world examples where rushed storytelling caused harm and how to avoid it
• The value of investing time and building trust before publishing stories
• The responsibility nonprofits have when sharing others’ lived experiences

To Learn More and Connect with Diana:

Equa Story Framework

Ethical Nonprofit Summit

Habra Marketing Website

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In this heartfelt episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome David Corke, a seasoned nonprofit leader whose career journey began in hospitality and evolved into a decades-long commitment to community service. From structuring meaningful relationships to navigating sector-wide funding challenges, David offers a deeply personal and practical look at how nonprofits can thrive by staying human-centered and mission-aligned.

Topics We Cover:

• David’s “superhero origin story” from hospitality to nonprofit leadership
• Why relationship-building is the most undervalued asset in the nonprofit world
• The concept of proximity and capacity in strategic relationship management
• How to create sustainable nonprofit models through fee-for-service offerings
• Why owning your revenue stream creates stability and mission clarity
• Barriers to human connection in an overwhelmed, fast-paced sector
• The emotional and strategic value of loving the work you do
• Using technology to free up time for people-centered leadership

To Learn More and Connect with David:
London Training Centre Website
David Corke on LinkedIn

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In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Francesca Frederick to explore her unique path from aspiring dancer to nonprofit fundraiser—and now, tech startup CEO. Francesca opens up about how her early arts background led her to fall in love with the purpose-driven world of fundraising. From exploring different sectors to co-founding Grantyd, a platform that automates grant writing, she shares how curiosity and adaptability fueled her journey. The conversation dives into how AI and automation can support, not replace, the human side of fundraising, offering insights for professionals navigating this evolving space.

Topics We Cover:

• Francesca’s unexpected transition from professional dance to nonprofit fundraising
• The benefits of being a “hopper” across different fundraising roles and sectors
• Why exploring niche areas can unlock new professional opportunities in nonprofits
• The founding story behind Grantyd and how tech emerged from a personal need
• Strategies for blending empathy with automation in the grant writing process
• How to assess personal and organizational workflows for greater efficiency
• The importance of self-assessment in tech adoption—without falling into decision paralysis
• Balancing the promise of AI with the irreplaceable human elements of fundraising

To Learn More and Connect with Francesca:
Grantyd Website
Francesca on LinkedIn

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In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Amina Mohamed, founder of Cameras For Girls, about her transformative work empowering women in East Africa through photography and ethical storytelling. Drawing from her personal journey as a Ugandan refugee turned filmmaker, Amina shares how a single trip back to Uganda led to a grassroots movement that equips women with the skills, tools, and confidence to become storytellers, journalists, and agents of change. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in gender equity, storytelling ethics, and sustainable nonprofit impact.

Topics We Cover:

• How Amina’s background in storytelling and refugee experience led to founding Cameras For Girls
• The ripple effect of teaching photography as a path to employment and self-expression
• Partnering with journalism schools in Africa to close the practical training gap for women
• Why ethical storytelling is a radical act in nonprofit and development sectors
• The harm of traditional NGO language and why terms like “empower” can be problematic
• Real-world examples of participatory photography that honour consent and agency
• How equipment—from point-and-shoot to mirrorless cameras—can transform access
• Why changing the lens means changing the power dynamic in storytelling

To Learn More and Connect with Amina:
Cameras For Girls Website
Cameras For Girls LinkedIn
Cameras For Girls on Instagram

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In this insightful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Rohit Mehta, founder of Do Good Funding, to discuss the challenges nonprofits face in today’s funding landscape. Rohit exposes the flaws of commission-based grant writing, explains how his team brings transparency and long-term strategy to the process, and offers expert advice on navigating the current economic and political hurdles. The conversation also dives into the role of AI—both its pitfalls and potential—in the future of grant applications.

Topics We Cover:

• Rohit's "superhero origin story" and early introduction to fundraising
• The ethical problem with commission-based grant writing
• How Do Good Funding offers a transparent, hourly-rate model
• The current challenges in nonprofit funding (2025 economic & political climate)
• The growing wealth gap and its impact on charitable donations
• Why applying to ineligible grants wastes time and damages credibility
• How AI is both a risk and a resource in grant writing and prospecting
• Predictions for the future: AI-driven grant matchmaking and reduced need for traditional applications

To Learn More and Connect with Rohit:
Do Good Funding

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