In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with B Michelle Johnson about the art and strategy of advocacy. B Michelle Johnson offers practical insights on building momentum, educating policymakers, and using storytelling to make an impact—all while reframing advocacy as a collective journey rather than a zero-sum battle.

Topics We Cover:

• What advocacy truly means, and why the public—not politicians—is often the real audience
• The power of small but relentless groups versus large one-time mobilizations
• How nonprofits can prepare for and respond to opposition effectively
• Reframing “losing to win” as planting seeds for long-term change
• The role of education in bridging the knowledge gap between citizens and policymakers
• Overcoming scarcity mindset and embracing a bolder advocacy voice
• The importance of storytelling, showing up in person, and using AI tools for advocacy

To Learn More and Connect with B Michelle Johnson:

B Michelle Johnson, CFRE on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with guest Marika Luneau to explore how Generation Z is transforming the nonprofit landscape. The conversation dives into the ways nonprofits can adapt to attract and retain young talent, why giving Gen Z voices a seat in leadership matters, and how personal branding and authenticity will play a defining role in the age of AI.

Topics We Cover:

• Marika’s unconventional entry into nonprofit work through coworking spaces and mission-driven leaders
• How Gen Z defines itself and the values driving their career choices
• Why Gen Z rejects toxic work culture and demands balance, inclusivity, and fairness
• The risks of passion exploitation in entry-level nonprofit roles
• Freelancing and consulting: opportunities, pitfalls, and timing for young professionals
• How Gen Z’s digital fluency (social media, web, AI) modernizes nonprofit communication
• The case for inviting Gen Z voices into boardrooms and leadership spaces
• Personal branding, authenticity, and why it matters more than ever in an AI-driven world

To Learn More and Connect with Marika:

Marika Luneau on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Joanna Lund-Pops to explore her inspiring journey from volunteer educator to advocate and coach in the nonprofit sector. Together, they unpack how organizations can move beyond stereotypes, embrace inclusivity, and make neurodiversity a core part of their practices.

Topics We Cover:

• The joy of fostering “spark” moments in young learners
• Defining neurodiversity vs. neurodivergence and why the distinction matters
• Common strengths of neurodivergent individuals, from creativity to pattern recognition
• Why universal practices, not one-off fixes, help all staff thrive
• The hidden costs of “masking” in professional environments
• How AI tools like ChatGPT can support both neurodivergent professionals and managers

To Learn more and Connect with Joanna:

Email Joanna

Joanna Lund-Pops on LinkedIn

Sign-Up for a Free Neurodivergent Leadership Reset

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Courtney De Ronde, co-founder of Forge, to explore the critical role of financial clarity in nonprofit success. She breaks down the three key financial functions every nonprofit needs, explains how restricted funds can create confusion, and offers practical advice for organizations looking to strengthen their financial foundations.

Topics We Cover:

• Courtney’s journey into nonprofit auditing and why she built a specialized practice
• The unique challenges of nonprofit finances, including volunteer boards and diverse business models
• How Forge supports nonprofits through audits, virtual CFO/controller services, and management consulting
• The three critical financial functions: bookkeeping, controllers, and CFOs—plus why fractional access works
• Why audits are more than compliance—they’re tools for accountability and credibility
• The importance of reconciled records, proper documentation, and clear internal controls
• Understanding restricted gifts and their impact on organizational flexibility
• Practical steps smaller nonprofits can take to build strong financial foundations

To Learn More and Connect with Courtney:
ForgeAhead.com
Courtney De Ronde on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, host Alexander Lapa welcomes Jena Lynch from Donorbox to share her insights on how nonprofits can prepare for the busiest fundraising season of the year. From leveraging AI thoughtfully, to building month-by-month strategies, to communicating in ways that truly resonate, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help nonprofits thrive at year-end and beyond.

Topics We Cover:

• Jena’s “superhero origin story” and how she found her path into the nonprofit sector
• The “triple squeeze” challenge nonprofits face today: funding cuts, declining giving, and rising service demands
• Why donor retention matters more than acquisition—and how just a 10% boost can transform lifetime value
• The 3C formula for success: connection, retention, and clarity
• A month-by-month framework for year-end fundraising (September through December)
• How to use AI responsibly for donor communication and engagement
• The power of segmentation and tailoring messages for different donor groups
• Why slowing down, documenting strategies, and planning with intention lead to healthier organizations and sustainable results

To Learn More and Connect with Jena:
Donorbox.org
Jena Lynch on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with leadership and mental health advocate Dacia Moore about why mental wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership essential. From “push-ups for your brain” to the power of margin time, this conversation blends personal stories, practical frameworks, and a call for leaders to model healthy habits for their teams.

Topics We Cover:

• Why nonprofit leadership carries unique mental health challenges
• The zigzag career paths that often lead to executive roles
• Viewing mental wellness as a daily leadership discipline, not a soft skill
• How high-pressure roles mirror the demands placed on elite athletes
• “Push-ups for your brain” — Dacia’s daily mental health routine
• Delegating effectively and focusing on high-impact leadership tasks
• The “margin time” analogy and how white space boosts creativity and decision-making
• Gratitude as a practical tool for resilience and perspective

To Learn More and Connect with Dacia:

Dacia's SW Snippet Newsletter

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In this empowering episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I chat with Shannon Bowen, a former nonprofit executive turned career and leadership coach. From navigating career pivots to confidently negotiating job offers, Shannon reveals how nonprofit workers can build fulfilling, sustainable careers by embracing her bold mantra: Be picky, be expensive, be brilliant.

Topics We Cover:

• Why Shannon transitioned from nonprofit leadership to career coaching
• How nonprofit professionals can earn competitive (even six-figure) salaries
• The difference between soft pivots and hard pivots when changing sectors
• Questions that reveal an organization's true culture during interviews
• How to negotiate more than salary—think PTO, flexibility, and bonuses
• The risks of relying on verbal promises in job offers
• How systemic pay inequity affects women and people of color in nonprofits
• Shannon’s career mantra and how to apply it to your next job search

To Learn More and Connect with Shannon:

Shannon Bowen on LinkedIn

Dream Job Coaching with Monsoon Leadership

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Mariah Monique, founder of Sponsorship Catalyst, to discuss how nonprofits can elevate corporate sponsorships from transactional support to mission-aligned, long-term partnerships. From choosing the right sponsors to knowing when to walk away, this conversation is packed with practical advice on diversifying revenue streams, understanding audience psychographics, and building relationships rooted in mutual value and trust.

Topics We Cover:

• Why corporate sponsorships should be strategic partnerships, not one-time donations
• How the pandemic sparked a need for revenue diversification in nonprofits
• The “pie” metaphor for funding sources—and why over-reliance is risky
• What makes a sponsorship offer valuable to both nonprofits and sponsors
• The power of mission alignment and saying no to the wrong sponsorships
• How to identify and evaluate corporate partners based on brand values
• The shift in language from “please donate” to “partner with us”
• Why understanding your audience’s psychographics unlocks better partnerships

To Learn More and Connect with Mariah:

Mariah Monique on LinkedIn

The Sponsorship Catalyst Website

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