21st Annual Nonprofit Leadership and Governance Symposium
Bold Notes: Leadership and Legacy
Step into the future of nonprofit leadership at the Annual Nonprofit Leadership and Governance Symposium—Bold Notes: Leadership and Legacy—where we will envision the next chapter of our sector’s story.
This year, we’ll unveil our State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report, offering forward-looking insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the path ahead. Attendees will also witness the presentation of prestigious awards, including the Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance, TRUST Award of Excellence in Philanthropy, and Libby Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership.
Stay tuned for exciting updates on keynote speakers, award nominations, and event logistics. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at nonprofit@sandiego.edu.
Day One: Thursday - January 23rd (*Schedule Subject to Change)
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Doors Open
9:00 am - 10:30 am | Welcome and Plenary
Land Acknowledgement: Robert Aguilar
Data Presentation: Dr. Tessa Tinkler, Director of Research, The Nonprofit Institute, Cristina Sanchez Kerr, Associate Director of Research, The Nonprofit Institute
Keynotes: Geoff Green, CEO, CalNonprofits, Jasmine LeFlore, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Greater than Tech, Clare Golla, National Managing Director, Philanthropic Services, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
10:30 am - 10:45 am | Transitional Break
10:45 am - 12:00 pm | Breakout Sessions
Demystifying AI: Practical Applications for Nonprofit Leaders
Dr. Zachary Green, Co-Executive Director, The Nonprofit Institute
Dr. Ihan Anita Ip, Leadership Coach and Consultant, The Nonprofit Institute
This workshop is designed to help nonprofit leaders overcome fears and uncertainties about generative AI while exploring its practical applications in their work. Participants will start by addressing ethical and emotional concerns, then discover how AI already enhances daily life through familiar technologies. Through guided, hands-on activities, they’ll learn to use AI for research, content creation, and strategy development, culminating in advanced use cases like donor analysis and impact reporting. By the end, attendees will feel confident in leveraging AI as a supportive tool to amplify their impact and streamline operations in the nonprofit sector. Participants are advised to bring a laptop or tablet.
Financial Literacy 101 for Board Members
Matthew Dinsdale, Senior Manager, Moss Adams
This session will help familiarize board members with basic finance and accounting topics in order to increase effectiveness of discussion around financial matters and conditions within your organization. This will also include discussion around your financial statements as well as getting the most out of your audit.
Mastering Succession Planning: Strategies and Tactics at the Board Level
Trevor Blair, CEO, Blair Search Partners
Torrey Albertazzi, Managing Director, Blair Search Partners
Sarah Thompson, Senior Director, Executive Search & Recruiting, Blair Search Partners
As a board member, your leadership in the succession planning process can transform an organization’s trajectory. Get it right, and the organization can grow by leaps and bounds. Get it wrong, and it can spiral down towards irrelevance. This highly tactical session will explore succession planning from two critical perspectives: 1) recruiting, retaining, and developing CEOs and other key staff, and 2) attracting and retaining high performing board members. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to ensure robust leadership at all levels of their organization.
Effecting Change in Policy and Advocacy: Finding Abundance in Building Community
Moderated by: Bryan Cardenas (they/ them/ theirs), Research Assistant for the Nonprofit Institute
Phillip Musegaas, Executive Director and Coastkeeper, San Diego Coast Keeper
Maritza Garcia, Policy Advocate at Environmental Health Coalition
In this session, representatives from the Nonprofit Institute will facilitate group discussions regarding common questions and challenges related to policy and advocacy work, followed by a moderated Q&A style panel with experienced leaders. The goal of the session is to empower attendees to confidently engage in policy and advocacy work through shared learning and community building.
Navigating Board Governance- Developing a Team-Driven Approach to Strengthening Leadership
Sally Dadmun Bixby, Philanthropy Studio, LLC
Effective board governance is crucial for a nonprofit to stay mission-focused, financially stable, and positioned to create meaningful impact. Yet, confusion and blurred boundaries between board and staff responsibilities often hinder progress. These dynamics can shift with changes in leadership, leaving critical tasks unaddressed.
In this interactive session, Sally Dadmun Bixby of Philanthropy Studio will guide board and staff members through a practical exploration of board governance roles and responsibilities. Together, we will examine how these roles evolve as nonprofits grow and how staff can effectively support board members in fulfilling their governance duties.
By better defining roles and fostering collaboration, your organization can achieve greater clarity, efficiency, and impact. The outcome? Enhanced service delivery, stronger fundraising results, and a thriving, engaged board and staff working in collaboration.
Shared Leadership: Towards a Just, Joyful, and Effective Organization
Elly Brown (she/her/hers), Co-Executive Director, San Diego Food System Alliance
Roxanne Kymaani (she/her/hers) Board Co-Chair, San Diego Food System Alliance
Vanessa Ruiz (she/her/hers), Board Co-Chair, San Diego Food System Alliance
Lakisha McZeal (she/her/hers), Community Engagement Manager, San Diego Food System Alliance
Rachel Chapa Oporto (she/her/hers), Community Building & Partnerships Director,San Diego Food System Alliance
Through real stories and practical tips, the San Diego Food System Alliance team will share their work the last few years to create a shared leadership approach within our nonprofit organization through coaching and frameworks offered by Harmonize Consulting. We will lean into vulnerability and share our triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned in our journey to implement people and organizational policies and practices such as conflict resilience, participatory budgeting, peer feedback, and board governance reimagining.
Be a SMARTIE: New Year, New Goals for Nonprofit Impact
Dr. Tom Abruzzo, Director of Education & Engagement, CCAE Theatricals
This session invites nonprofit professionals and board members to embrace bold, strategic approaches to goal setting and project management in 2025. Using the SMARTIE framework—
Don't Solve the Wrong Puzzle: Using Theory of Change to Align Strategy and Impact
Dr. Laura Deitrick, Executive Director, The Nonprofit Institute
Bold strategies need a clear roadmap, and solving the wrong puzzle wastes time and resources. A Theory of Change (TOC) isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s the key piece that brings your nonprofit’s vision into focus and a critical first step in any strategy development. This workshop will show how TOC helps identify the right problems, set clear goals, and map actionable steps toward meaningful change.
You’ll discover how TOC connects strategy and measurement, ensuring your efforts are intentional, effective, and aligned with your mission.
The Importance of Sizing and Investing Nonprofit Reserves
Christopher J. Clarkson, National Director, Planning, Foundation & Institutional Advisory, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Shawn R. Wamstad, Principal and Wealth Advisor, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Ben Lucas, Advisor, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Clare G. Golla, National Managing Director, Philanthropic Services, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Most nonprofit organizations should have an “emergency fund” of operating reserves to cover a potential shortfall of revenues versus expenses. Some organizations may also need to reserve for specific capital projects, programs, or extraordinary spending needs. Maintaining a cushion is prudent, but it comes at a cost. Idle funds lose purchasing power and can drag on portfolio performance. Holding the right amount of cash is not as simple as you’d think.
In this workshop, we will provide a thoughtful framework to answering questions such as:
How much should we hold in operating reserves?
What risk factors should a nonprofit consider that impact its need for reserves?
Cash seems attractive today, but is it the right place for the next several years?
How should we invest our reserves?
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Lunch
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm | Breakout Sessions
Conspiring for Justice: Flexing Nonprofit Power Through Coalition-Building and Narrative Change
Samuel Tsoi, Director of Leadership & Professional Development, The Nonprofit Institute
Jessica Ripper, Founder of C3 Collaborative; Housing Justice Advocate; Nonprofit Volunteer
The public trusts the nonprofit sector over business and government, but the collective power of civil society in the U.S. is often silenced or stymied in the policy arena where ideas, laws and practices are crafted and contested.
This interactive workshop explores deeper ways of organizing, coalition-building and re-writing the public narrative on key issues that define our sector and impact the larger movement for justice.
Lead with Purpose: Build a High-Performing Board
Sharyn Goodson, Vice President of Philanthropy, Leichtag Foundation
All nonprofits need a board of directors. But how do you build a board that does more than satisfy your legal obligations? How do you build a board that supports, guides, and enhances your work? A good nonprofit board doesn’t just happen! Building a board takes care, thought, and planning.
Join us for this interactive workshop, where we will:
Explore tactics for effectively identifying the board talent your organization needs.
Share practical ways to find, recruit, and develop board candidates.
Discuss strategies to foster relationships and enhance participation.
Learn how to equip board members for high performance.
You’ll leave with practical resources that you can immediately use.
Mastering Succession Planning: Strategies and Tactics at the Board Level
Trevor Blair, CEO, Blair Search Partners
Torrey Albertazzi, Managing Director, Blair Search Partners
Sarah Thompson, Senior Director, Executive Search & Recruiting, Blair Search Partners
As a board member, your leadership in the succession planning process can transform an organization’s trajectory. Get it right, and the organization can grow by leaps and bounds. Get it wrong, and it can spiral down towards irrelevance. This highly tactical session will explore succession planning from two critical perspectives: 1) recruiting, retaining, and developing CEOs and other key staff, and 2) attracting and retaining high performing board members. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to ensure robust leadership at all levels of their organization.
From Silos to Solidarity: Community-Centric Fundraising in Action
Shantel Suárez Ávila (she/her/ella), Founder & Principal Strategist, Más Allá
Claire Groebner (she/her/hers/ella), Associate Director, Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center
Dan Mueller (They/them, She/her), Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager,
GRID Alternatives
Explore how the principles of Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) can transform nonprofit and philanthropic practices from a charity-based model to one rooted in justice. This session will dive into the history of nonprofits, identify barriers to solidarity, and offer actionable strategies to shift mindsets, relationships, and systems. Through storytelling, interactive exercises, and real-world examples, participants will develop a critical analysis of current resourcing practices and leave with tools to align their work with values of equity, abundance, and collaboration.
Financial Fitness: Building Your Nonprofit's Fiscal Dream Team
Lisa Chapman, Financial Coaching and Interim Executive, Lisa Chapman Consulting
This session will empower Board members to build and nurture a financial team that drives organizational growth and mission success through robust fiscal management.
You'll learn how to:
1. Define key financial roles and responsibilities, including: Board Financial Advisors and Finance Committee, Bookkeepers, Accountants, and Financial Consultants.
2. Understand the specific expectations, deliverables, and required capabilities for each role.
3. Develop effective interviewing techniques to discern excellence in financial candidates.
4. Interact with financial team members for meaningful financial assessment and management.
5. Integrate financial reporting with internal management discussion - for optimal planning, forecasting, and monitoring of financial health.
DEEP San Diego--A DEEP Dive into Data
Allison Ohle, Executive Director at DEEP San Diego
Amanda Bonds, Board Chair, Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP)
How we think about, collect, and use data to measure—and ensure—our success. Attendees will learn the difference between summative and formative data and how to use each to measure success as well as systems and structures for looking at data to identify how to make adjustments to increase the likelihood of success. We'll be concrete about what questions attendees organizations are trying to answer and what information sources are already available to them—and how to leverage them for maximum impact. Together, we'll look at models of formative data that DEEP collects and will describe the kick off, mid course and post-mortem processes that DEEP uses to make the best use of the information available to us.
Rest as Resistance
Loretta Turner, Leadership Coach & Wellbeing Consultant; Community Scholar for Equity at the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences
This transformative workshop invites participants to reclaim the power of rest, self-prioritization, and community care as acts of resilience and liberation. Grounded in ancestral wisdom and inclusive of diverse spiritual traditions, Rest as Resistance offers practical tools for combating burnout, affirming boundaries, and nurturing holistic well-being. Through storytelling, movement, reflection, and rituals, participants will explore culturally affirming practices that honor identity while fostering healing and renewal. Open to all seeking to balance the pressures of professional, familial, and societal demands, this training offers a sacred space for cultivating inner strength and collective empowerment.
The Many Layers of Moral Distress: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Board Governance
Angel Hu, M.A. (they/them), Leadership Coach and Consultant, Graduate Fellow at The Nonprofit Institute
Chris Onderdonk, LCSW, Affiliate Faculty for the Center for Compassionate Communication, UCSD's Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion
Nonprofit board members often face challenging ethical dilemmas that test their personal values, organizational priorities, and the constraints of limited resources. This session explores the concept of moral distress in the context of board governance, where decisions can deeply impact organizations, clients, and communities. Participants will gain insight into the nature of moral distress, how it arises in governance roles, and strategies for fostering moral resilience. Through a blend of conceptual insights and an interactive, guided exercise, participants will gain practical tools to lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
The Importance of Sizing and Investing Nonprofit Reserves
Christopher J. Clarkson, National Director, Planning, Foundation & Institutional Advisory, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Shawn R. Wamstad, Principal and Wealth Advisor, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Ben Lucas, Advisor, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Clare G. Golla, National Managing Director, Philanthropic Services, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Most nonprofit organizations should have an “emergency fund” of operating reserves to cover a potential shortfall of revenues versus expenses. Some organizations may also need to reserve for specific capital projects, programs, or extraordinary spending needs. Maintaining a cushion is prudent, but it comes at a cost. Idle funds lose purchasing power and can drag on portfolio performance. Holding the right amount of cash is not as simple as you’d think.
In this workshop, we will provide a thoughtful framework to answering questions such as:
How much should we hold in operating reserves?
What risk factors should a nonprofit consider that impact its need for reserves?
Cash seems attractive today, but is it the right place for the next several years?
How should we invest our reserves?
2:15 pm - 2:30 pm | Transitional Break
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm | Breakout Sessions
Fresh Eyes, Bold Moves: Managing Change as a Gen-Z Professional -
Kate Burnite, Development Operations & Stewardship Manager | The San Diego Museum of Art
Gen-Z professionals have entered the nonprofit sector in force, bringing fresh perspectives, an appetite for change, and a passion for social impact to their roles. With lofty ambitions and strong boundaries, how can Gen-Z staff use their unique vantage point to drive organizational change?
This session explores how early career professionals, especially entry and mid-level
contributors, can leverage their roles to initiate and implement cross-functional changes that align with their institution’s mission. Attendees will learn practical tools and strategies for building solutions, navigating change communication, and influencing leadership to embrace new ideas. The session highlights real-
world examples of how Gen-Z professionals have reinvigorated workflows, empowered teams, and strengthened mission alignment. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a senior professional
curious about empowering the next generation, this session equips you to navigate change effectively in any role.
Participants will leave with:
1. Actionable Strategies: Tools for identifying and addressing gaps in processes and programs as an early or mid-career professional.
2. Change Management Skills: Techniques for effectively managing up, crafting change communications, and navigating cross-functional collaboration.
3. Framework for Innovation: A step-by-step approach to building and implementing innovative solutions while staying mission aligned.
4. Empowerment Tips: Insights into how Gen-Z professionals can transform their
organizations through fresh perspectives and bold leadership.
Understanding Key Board Tools
Matthew Dinsdale, Senior Manager, Moss Adams
Maria Stroth, Senior Manager, Moss Adams
This session will familiarize board members with different tools at your disposal as well as other options available to you as you plan for your 2025 board meetings, policies and processes. We will also review best practices for common board tools and workshops around what is working for others in the audience. Topics include but are not limited to enterprise resource management, key performance indicators, dashboards, and strategic planning.
Value-Driven Governance of Network Organizations
Jaehyun Lee, Professional Consultant, Doing Good
A volunteer organization, Ieum, is not a normal organization. It is a kind of network organization, and based on the spontaneity of the participants. Participants' spontaneity is not formed naturally but is due to the ability of leadership. We could define the sum of leadership capabilities as governance.
The questions for this case study are as follows.
① What Is the dynamic and successful principle of a network organization?
② What is the relationship between the voluntary nature of participants and the leadership competency of governance?
③ Whether these competencies are based on the learned job skills of the volunteer group or the uniqueness of the organization.
④ Does this organization's case fit into best practices for other organizations to refer to.
Crisis Management & Nonprofit Governance: Lessons from Nonprofit General Counsel
Casey Williams, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
In the nonprofit sector, crises take all shapes and sizes – from external threats to IT systems to sudden changes in service needs and funding streams to unexpected leadership transitions – but they all require leaders to respond with agility and strategic foresight. This session draws on the extensive experience of general counsel to provide nonprofit leaders with essential tools for effective crisis management, particularly concerning legal claims and liabilities. From conducting internal investigations to handling public relations challenges, we will cover strategies that help maintain organizational integrity and protect your nonprofit. A key focus will be on when and how the Board of Directors plays a role during crisis moments. Topics will include board policies for crisis preparedness, conducting executive sessions during crises, and the role of committees in navigating challenging situations. Attendees will learn about critical legal pitfalls and considerations relating to stakeholder engagement and communications, leaving more prepared to lead in moments of crisis.
Governance Reimagined: Anchor, Align, Advance – A Strategic Framework for Board Leadership
Dr. Lyn Corbett, Founder and President, The Pivotal Group
In a world defined by complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change, nonprofit boards must evolve from being overseers to becoming strategic architects of impact. This presentation introduces the Anchor, Align, Advance framework—a modern governance model designed to guide boards in grounding their organizations in stability, aligning strategy with mission, and advancing bold, measurable outcomes.
Attendees will gain actionable insights and tools to:
Anchor their organizations in trust, transparency, and accountability.
Align vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations for maximum mission impact.
Advance forward with innovation, measurable progress, and strategic courage.
Whether you’re a seasoned board chair or a new board member, this session will provide a clear roadmap for transforming governance practices into meaningful results.
Let’s move governance beyond oversight—toward strategy, bold action, and measurable impact.
Ethical Leadership: The Importance of Conduct and Character in Nonprofit Leaders
Kenneth Anderson Taylor, Associate Professor of the Practice, Director of Outreach and Professional Development, Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy, Texas A&M University
Interest in the nature of ethical leadership continues to grow due to corporate scandals
in America and the political realm. With consideration to the theoretical study of
leadership, ethics is a newer area of inquiry so understanding ethical issues that arise in
workplace situations, and how to respond is vital. For nonprofit leaders and volunteers,
session will focus on the importance of conduct and character and its relationship to
organizational success.
Flipping the Script: Redefining Evaluation as Learning
Laura Deitrick, PhD, Executive Director, The Nonprofit Institute
Novien Yarber, PhD, Senior Learning Officer, Prebys Foundation
Emily Young, PhD, Vice President of Programs, Prebys Foundation
In this workshop, we’ll challenge the traditional approach to organizational learning by shifting the focus from compliance to fostering a culture of curiosity. Participants will explore how to leverage data not just for accountability, but as a powerful tool for learning and innovation. By encouraging questions, promoting open dialogue, and using data to inform decisions, organizations can unlock new insights and creative solutions.
We’ll also explore different learning styles and ways of knowing—recognizing that knowledge is not one-size-fits-all. From analytical thinking to experiential learning and intuitive insight, we’ll discuss how diverse ways of learning and expressing knowledge can enrich organizational growth. By embracing various perspectives, organizations can create more inclusive, dynamic learning environments.
Research Roundtable: Exploring the latest Nonprofit Insights
Join us for an interactive discussion on nonprofit research, where we’ll explore key questions, share insights, and delve into the implications of current findings from the State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy report and other exciting research from Texas A&M Univeristy. This roundtable is designed for open dialogue, encouraging participants to think critically about research trends, ask questions, and consider how research can inform and shape nonprofit practices. Bring your ideas, questions, and experiences to contribute to a dynamic exchange!
Kaleidoscope Award Winner Panel
This session highlights leading examples of good governance from our 2025 Kaleidoscope Award winner. The award recognizes, promotes and inspires leadership in nonprofit governance across the San Diego region. Like a kaleidoscope, nonprofit governance is intricate, varied, and constantly evolving. This year’s Kaleidoscope Awardee will participate in a facilitated generative conversation of how they approached the best governing practices for their organizations to extend their missions for greater impact and transformational change.
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm | Transitional Break
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm | Award Ceremonies
4:45 pm - 6:00 pm | Award Reception
Day Two: Friday - January 24th (*Schedule Subject to Change)
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Doors Open
9:00 am - 9:45 am | Welcome and Plenary
Keynote: David Carter
9:45 am - 10:00 am | Transitional Break
10:00 am - 11:15 am | Breakout Session
Conspiring for Justice: Flexing Nonprofit Power through Coalition-Building and Narrative Change
Samuel Tsoi, Director of Leadership & Professional Development, The Nonprofit Institute
Jessica Ripper, Founder of C3 Collaborative; Housing Justice Advocate; Nonprofit Volunteer
The public trusts the nonprofit sector over business and government, but the collective power of civil society in the U.S. is often silenced or stymied in the policy arena where ideas, laws and practices are crafted and contested.
This interactive workshop explores deeper ways of organizing, coalition-building and re-writing the public narrative on key issues that define our sector and impact the larger movement for justice.
Unlocking Leadership Greatness: The Power & Practice of Mastermind Groups
Mike Gellman, CEO & Founder, High Five Career Coaching
It can be lonely at the top. If you’re a CEO/ED or senior-level nonprofit executive, you’re in a position that few others seem to “get.” Obtaining consistent, trustworthy, and candid feedback is often elusive from those who report up to you.
In this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a dynamic “live” Mastermind group discussion where we will spotlight and problem-solve at least two real-world challenges nonprofit executives are currently facing (it could be yours!). You will benefit from the coaching, perspectives, and wisdom of your peers.
Whether you have pressing issues to address or are simply curious how Mastermind groups work, join us as Mike Gellman facilitates this dynamic, structured process.
In this session, participants will:
Understand the benefits of Mastermind groups
Experience a three-part Mastermind process
Feel the support and camaraderie of nonprofit peers
Fundraising Uncomplicated: Dispelling Myths, and adopting Strategies for a strong 2025
Sally Dadmun Bixby, Philanthropy Studio, LLC
Fundraising can feel like one of the toughest aspects of nonprofit work, often because organizations focus on the wrong strategies or tactics. But it doesn’t have to be so hard.
Join Sally Dadmun Bixby of Philanthropy Studio in this interactive workshop where she’ll debunk common fundraising myths and share practical, proven strategies to help you streamline your fundraising approach, engage your board effectively, and raise more money. You'll also dive into best practices for planning for a strong fundraising year in 2025!
Crisis Management & Nonprofit Governance: Lessons from Nonprofit General Counsel
Casey Williams, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
In the nonprofit sector, crises take all shapes and sizes – from external threats to IT systems to sudden changes in service needs and funding streams to unexpected leadership transitions – but they all require leaders to respond with agility and strategic foresight. This session draws on the extensive experience of general counsel to provide nonprofit leaders with essential tools for effective crisis management, particularly concerning legal claims and liabilities. From conducting internal investigations to handling public relations challenges, we will cover strategies that help maintain organizational integrity and protect your nonprofit. A key focus will be on when and how the Board of Directors plays a role during crisis moments. Topics will include board policies for crisis preparedness, conducting executive sessions during crises, and the role of committees in navigating challenging situations. Attendees will learn about critical legal pitfalls and considerations relating to stakeholder engagement and communications, leaving more prepared to lead in moments of crisis.
Financial Reporting and Tax Compliance for Advocacy and Impact
Melissa Roshnaye, Principal, Evergreen Alliance
Stacey Bergman, Partner, Evergreen Alliance
Rebecca Christiansen, Director of Tax Compliance, Evergreen Alliance
Discover the key principles of financial reporting and tax compliance for nonprofit organizations. The discussion will provide practical insights to ensure transparency, uphold compliance, and align financial reporting strategies with organizational goals for maximum impact and effective advocacy.
Chair Yoga
Sofia Puerta Weber, Wellness Consultant, Sivananda Yoga Teacher, Writer and Creator, Shiwido
This gentle form of yoga is practiced sitting on a chair and is especially suitable for all ages, people who want to improve balance or coordination, and those with disabilities. Chair yoga helps increase flexibility, lung capacity, circulation and strength, improves balance, and relieves stress. This class incorporates breathing exercises, stretching and final relaxation along with Meditation techniques.
Demystifying AI: Practical Applications for Nonprofit Leaders
Dr. Zachary Green, Co-Executive Director, The Nonprofit Institute
Dr. Ihan Anita Ip, Leadership Coach and Consultant, The Nonprofit Institute
This workshop is designed to help nonprofit leaders overcome fears and uncertainties about generative AI while exploring its practical applications in their work. Participants will start by addressing ethical and emotional concerns, then discover how AI already enhances daily life through familiar technologies. Through guided, hands-on activities, they’ll learn to use AI for research, content creation, and strategy development, culminating in advanced use cases like donor analysis and impact reporting. By the end, attendees will feel confident in leveraging AI as a supportive tool to amplify their impact and streamline operations in the nonprofit sector.
Participants are advised to bring a laptop or tablet.
Rest as Resistance
Loretta Turner, Leadership Coach & Wellbeing Consultant; Community Scholar for Equity at the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences
This transformative workshop invites participants to reclaim the power of rest, self-prioritization, and community care as acts of resilience and liberation. Grounded in ancestral wisdom and inclusive of diverse spiritual traditions, Rest as Resistance offers practical tools for combating burnout, affirming boundaries, and nurturing holistic well-being. Through storytelling, movement, reflection, and rituals, participants will explore culturally affirming practices that honor identity while fostering healing and renewal. Open to all seeking to balance the pressures of professional, familial, and societal demands, this training offers a sacred space for cultivating inner strength and collective empowerment.
The Importance of Sizing and Investing Nonprofit Reserves
Christopher J. Clarkson, National Director, Planning, Foundation & Institutional Advisory, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Shawn R. Wamstad, Principal and Wealth Advisor, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Ben Lucas, Advisor, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Clare G. Golla, National Managing Director, Philanthropic Services, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Most nonprofit organizations should have an “emergency fund” of operating reserves to cover a potential shortfall of revenues versus expenses. Some organizations may also need to reserve for specific capital projects, programs, or extraordinary spending needs. Maintaining a cushion is prudent, but it comes at a cost. Idle funds lose purchasing power and can drag on portfolio performance. Holding the right amount of cash is not as simple as you’d think.
In this workshop, we will provide a thoughtful framework to answering questions such as:
How much should we hold in operating reserves?
What risk factors should a nonprofit consider that impact its need for reserves?
Cash seems attractive today, but is it the right place for the next several years?
How should we invest our reserves?
11:15 am - 12:15 pm | Flash Talks
Community Centered Leadership: Stories & Learnings from the Field
Cristina Sanchez-Kerr, Assistant Director of Research, The Nonprofit Institute
Measuring the Unmeasurable: Exploring San Diego's Quality of Life through Data
Eo Hanabusa, Equinox Research and Engagement Coordinator, The Nonprofit Institute
Leadership for Social Change
Dr. Antonio Jimenez-Luque, Associate Professor, School of Leadership and Education Sciences
Building Leaders from Within: Lessons from Nonprofit Interim Leadership Experiences
Dr. Michelle Schneider, Center for Creative Leadership, Societal Impact Director, Insights and Impact
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm | Lunch
1:15 pm - 2:30 pm | Breakout Sessions
Unlocking Leadership Greatness: The Power & Practice of Mastermind Groups
Mike Gellman, CEO & Founder High Five Career Coaching
It can be lonely at the top. If you’re a CEO/ED or senior-level nonprofit executive, you’re in a position that few others seem to “get.” Obtaining consistent, trustworthy, and candid feedback is often elusive from those who report up to you.
In this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a dynamic “live” Mastermind group discussion where we will spotlight and problem-solve at least two real-world challenges nonprofit executives are currently facing (it could be yours!). You will benefit from the coaching, perspectives, and wisdom of your peers.
Whether you have pressing issues to address or are simply curious how Mastermind groups work, join us as Mike Gellman facilitates this dynamic, structured process.
In this session, participants will:
Understand the benefits of Mastermind groups
Experience a three-part Mastermind process
Feel the support and camaraderie of nonprofit peers
Lead with Purpose: Build a High-Performing Board
Sharyn Goodson, Vice President of Philanthropy, Leichtag Foundation
All nonprofits need a board of directors. But how do you build a board that does more than satisfy your legal obligations? How do you build a board that supports, guides, and enhances your work? A good nonprofit board doesn’t just happen! Building a board takes care, thought, and planning.
Join us for this interactive workshop, where we will:
Explore tactics for effectively identifying the board talent your organization needs.
Share practical ways to find, recruit, and develop board candidates.
Discuss strategies to foster relationships and enhance participation.
Learn how to equip board members for high performance.
You’ll leave with practical resources that you can immediately use.
Effecting Change in Policy and Advocacy: Finding Abundance in Building Community Moderated by Bryan Cardenas (they/ them/ theirs), Research Assistant for the Nonprofit Institute
Phillip Musegaas, Executive Director and Coastkeeper, San Diego Coast Keeper
Nicolas Paul, Air Quality Advocate at Environmental Health Coalition
In this session, representatives from the Nonprofit Institute will facilitate group discussions regarding common questions and challenges related to policy and advocacy work, followed by a moderated Q&A style panel with experienced leaders. The goal of the session is to empower attendees to confidently engage in policy and advocacy work through shared learning and community building.
Financial Fitness: Building Your Nonprofit's Fiscal Dream Team
Lisa Chapman, Financial Coaching and Interim Executive, Lisa Chapman Consulting
This session will empower Board members to build and nurture a financial team that drives organizational growth and mission success through robust fiscal management.
You'll learn how to:
1. Define key financial roles and responsibilities, including: Board Financial Advisors and Finance Committee, Bookkeepers, Accountants, and Financial Consultants.
2. Understand the specific expectations, deliverables, and required capabilities for each role.
3. Develop effective interviewing techniques to discern excellence in financial candidates.
4. Interact with financial team members for meaningful financial assessment and management.
5. Integrate financial reporting with internal management discussion - for optimal planning, forecasting, and monitoring of financial health.
Cybersecurity Briefing & Resources for Nonprofits Presented by the FBI San Diego and Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE)
Brett Lally, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI San Diego Field Office
David Tomasz, Intelligence Analyst, FBI San Diego Field Office
The FBI, in partnership with the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), invites you to participate in an executive-level briefing on cybersecurity, specifically tailored to San Diego’s nonprofit community.
Please join the FBI’s special agent and intelligence analyst for an exclusive briefing on:
Domain threats that might impact your organizations and resources available to help protect against those threats.
Counterintelligence threats including specific areas currently targeted by nation states and details regarding their resources, methods and tactics.
The average cost of a data breach is now $4.88 million according to IBM and half of these cyberattacks are aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. To combat these threats, federal agencies work together with industry to mitigate the risks and protect our community.
Mindfulness for Stress Relief and Compassion for Building a Healthy Community
Sofia Puerta Weber, Wellness Consultant, Sivananda Yoga Teacher, Writer and Creator, Shiwido
This exploration class invites participants to relate to their mind and thoughts in a curious and kind way. It is proven by science that attention determines the way we interact with each other, with our own selves and with the planet, therefore we will practice together ways to relieve stress, anxiety and depression and to connect with our nature of compassion to build healthy communities in body, mind and action.
Flipping the Script: Redefining Evaluation as Learning
Laura Deitrick, PhD, Executive Director, The Nonprofit Institute
Novien Yarber, PhD, Senior Learning Officer, Prebys Foundation
Emily Young, PhD, Vice President of Programs, Prebys Foundation
In this workshop, we’ll challenge the traditional approach to organizational learning by shifting the focus from compliance to fostering a culture of curiosity. Participants will explore how to leverage data not just for accountability, but as a powerful tool for learning and innovation. By encouraging questions, promoting open dialogue, and using data to inform decisions, organizations can unlock new insights and creative solutions.
We’ll also explore different learning styles and ways of knowing—recognizing that knowledge is not one-size-fits-all. From analytical thinking to experiential learning and intuitive insight, we’ll discuss how diverse ways of learning and expressing knowledge can enrich organizational growth. By embracing various perspectives, organizations can create more inclusive, dynamic learning environments.
Sound Healing with Soul Divine
Misty Jackson, Sound Healer and Herbalist, Soul Divine
Soul Divine Sound Healing aims to bring the new year intention of Relax, Reset, & Renew to the Nonprofit Leadership and Governance Symposium. During this experience, guests can expect to participate in a tea ceremony, meditation, breathwork, a sound bath done with an array of healing instruments including but not limited to crystal and alchemy bowls, followed by a time of reflection to process any emotions or feelings that may arise.
Trust Award Panel
The 2025 TRUST Award of Excellence in Philanthropy for Governance Practices, Social Equity and Community Impact spotlights the work of foundation boards that align their mission with community needs, responsibly manage resources, upholds transparency, and contributes to long-term positive impacts in the areas they aim to address. This year’s Awardee will participate in a facilitated generative conversation about how they approached the best governing practices for their organizations to extend their missions for greater impact and transformational change. While the structure and mission may differ from that of a public charity, the practice of governance in public and private foundations is important to the health and well-being of the nonprofit sector and the communities served.
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm | Transitional Break
2:45 pm - 4:00 pm | Final Breakout Sessions
Research Roundtable: Exploring the latest Nonprofit Insights
Join us for an interactive discussion on nonprofit research, where we’ll explore key questions, share insights, and delve into the implications of current findings from the State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy report and other exciting USD faculty research. This roundtable is designed for open dialogue, encouraging participants to think critically about research trends, ask questions, and consider how research can inform and shape nonprofit practices. Bring your ideas, questions, and experiences to contribute to a dynamic exchange!
Financial Literacy 101 for Board Members
Matthew Dinsdale, Senior Manager, Moss Adams
This session will help familiarize board members with basic finance and accounting topics in order to increase effectiveness of discussion around financial matters and conditions within your organization. This will also include discussion around your financial statements as well as getting the most out of your audit.
Don't Solve the Wrong Puzzle: Using Theory of Change to Align Strategy and Impact
Laura Deitrick, PhD, Executive Director, The Nonprofit Institute
Bold strategies need a clear roadmap, and solving the wrong puzzle wastes time and resources. A Theory of Change (TOC) isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s the key piece that brings your nonprofit’s vision into focus and a critical first step in any strategy development. This workshop will show how TOC helps identify the right problems, set clear goals, and map actionable steps toward meaningful change.
You’ll discover how TOC connects strategy and measurement, ensuring your efforts are intentional, effective, and aligned with your mission.
From Silos to Solidarity: Community-Centric Fundraising in Action
Shantel Suárez Ávila (she/her/ella), Founder & Principal Strategist, Más Allá
Claire Groebner (she/her/hers/ella), Associate Director, Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center
Dan Mueller (They/them, She/her), Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager, GRID Alternatives
Explore how the principles of Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) can transform nonprofit and philanthropic practices from a charity-based model to one rooted in justice. This session will dive into the history of nonprofits, identify barriers to solidarity, and offer actionable strategies to shift mindsets, relationships, and systems. Through storytelling, interactive exercises, and real-world examples, participants will develop a critical analysis of current resourcing practices and leave with tools to align their work with values of equity, abundance, and collaboration.
Governance Reimagined: Anchor, Align, Advance A Strategic Framework for Board Leadership
Dr. Lyn Corbett, Founder and President, The Pivotal Group
In a world defined by complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change, nonprofit boards must evolve from being overseers to becoming strategic architects of impact. This presentation introduces the Anchor, Align, Advance framework—a modern governance model designed to guide boards in grounding their organizations in stability, aligning strategy with mission, and advancing bold, measurable outcomes.
Attendees will gain actionable insights and tools to:
Anchor their organizations in trust, transparency, and accountability.
Align vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations for maximum mission impact.
Advance forward with innovation, measurable progress, and strategic courage.
Whether you’re a seasoned board chair or a new board member, this session will provide a clear roadmap for transforming governance practices into meaningful results.
Let’s move governance beyond oversight—toward strategy, bold action, and measurable impact.
Ethical Leadership: The Importance of Conduct and Character in Nonprofit Leaders
Kenneth Anderson Taylor, Associate Professor of the Practice, Director of Outreach and Professional Development, Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy, Texas A&M University
Interest in the nature of ethical leadership continues to grow due to corporate scandals
in America and the political realm. With consideration to the theoretical study of
leadership, ethics is a newer area of inquiry so understanding ethical issues that arise in
workplace situations, and how to respond is vital. For nonprofit leaders and volunteers,
session will focus on the importance of conduct and character and its relationship to
organizational success.
Value-Driven Governance of Network Organizations
Jaehyun Lee, Professional Consultant, Doing Good
A volunteer organization, Ieum, is not a normal organization. It is a kind of network organization, and based on the spontaneity of the participants. Participants' spontaneity is not formed naturally but is due to the ability of leadership. We could define the sum of leadership capabilities as governance.
The questions for this case study are as follows.
① What Is the dynamic and successful principle of a network organization?
② What is the relationship between the voluntary nature of participants and the leadership competency of governance?
③ Whether these competencies are based on the learned job skills of the volunteer group or the uniqueness of the organization.
④ Does this organization's case fit into best practices for other organizations to refer to.
Sound Healing with Soul Divine
Misty Jackson, Sound Healer and Herbalist, Soul Divine
Soul Divine Sound Healing aims to bring the new year intention of Relax, Reset, & Renew to the Nonprofit Leadership and Governance Symposium. During this experience, guests can expect to participate in a tea ceremony, meditation, breathwork, a sound bath done with an array of healing instruments including but not limited to crystal and alchemy bowls, followed by a time of reflection to process any emotions or feelings that may arise.
Shared Leadership: Towards a Just, Joyful, and Effective Organization
Elly Brown (she/her/hers), Co-Executive Director, San Diego Food System Alliance
Roxanne Kymaani (she/her/hers) Board Co-Chair, San Diego Food System Alliance
Vanessa Ruiz (she/her/hers), Board Co-Chair, San Diego Food System Alliance
Lakisha McZeal (she/her/hers), Community Engagement Manager, San Diego Food System Alliance
Rachel Chapa Oporto (she/her/hers), Community Building & Partnerships Director,San Diego Food System Alliance
Through real stories and practical tips, the San Diego Food System Alliance team will share their work the last few years to create a shared leadership approach within our nonprofit organization through coaching and frameworks offered by Harmonize Consulting. We will lean into vulnerability and share our triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned in our journey to implement people and organizational policies and practices such as conflict resilience, participatory budgeting, peer feedback, and board governance reimagining.
4:00 pm | Conference Concludes
FAQs
Refund Policy
Refund Request Deadline is Thursday, January 16th. If requesting a refund past the deadline, we would be happy to transfer your registration to another attendee, or if you would like to donate your registration, we can offer it as a scholarship to an attendee. If you have any questions please email nonprofit@sandiego.edu.
A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors!
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