Season 1 of Nonprofits Today has been a journey of purpose, resilience, and transformation. In this finale episode, host Sarah Boxx reflects on the biggest lessons from our first 17 episodes and highlights the powerful stories nonprofit leaders shared from across the country and around the world.

This episode, “Leading with Purpose, Transforming Through Service,” explores the key themes that emerged throughout the season:

• Purpose-Driven Leadership – Why “the why” matters more than ever, with insights from Paula Schneider of Susan G. Komen.
• Transformation Through Challenge – How obstacles become opportunities, featuring Tim Curington of Prison Alliance.
• Community and Collaboration – Building lasting change through partnerships, with wisdom from Bill Flanagan.
• Innovation and Courage to Change – Redefining impact in tough times, as Thana Hickman-Simmons of Viola’s House demonstrated.
• Faith, Values, and Inner Compass – Leadership rooted in deeper alignment, shared by Yolanda Nollie and Natasha Davis of Pure Cinema USA.
• Lifting Others – Mentorship, equity, and showing up for the next generation, with Alexis Koukous of Danbury Student and Business Connection.

Season 1 Takeaway: Purpose grounds us, service transforms us, and courageous leadership ripples across communities and generations.

As we close out this season, we thank YOU—our listeners—for your support and commitment to leading and serving with impact. Season 2 will bring even more insight into innovation, equity, and resilience in the nonprofit world.

If this season has inspired you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review so more nonprofit leaders can be encouraged and equipped.

Cross-Promo: Also, check out our flagship podcast, No Labels No Limits, where we dig even deeper into purpose-driven leadership and personal transformation.

Listen here: http://www.nolabelsnolimitspodcast.com/

Watch on YouTube: @NoLabelsNoLimitspodcast

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐇:

Website: https://sarahboxx.com/

Nonprofits Today: https://shows.acast.com/nonprofits-today

No Labels No Limits: http://www.nolabelsnolimitspodcast.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicvisioncoach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahboxxllc/

X: @SarahBoxx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa/

𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:

#NonprofitsToday #podcastinterview #leadershippodcast #womenwholead #grieftogrowth #purposedriven #legacybuilding #ImpactStory #changemakers #missiondriven #NonprofitVoices #nonprofitimpact #LeadingNonprofits #SustainableNonprofits #nonprofitleadership #GivingBetter #nonprofitsuccess #NonprofitsToday #communitymatters #podcastlaunch #nonprofitsupport #StorytellingForImpact #NonProfitHeroes #PodcastForGood #realtalk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Nonprofits Today, we sit down with Alexis Koukos, Executive Director of the Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC), to explore the timeless power of mentorship and human connection.

At a time when technology and AI dominate how we communicate, Alexis champions something different: the simple yet transformative impact of showing up, listening, and offering authentic support. Under her leadership, DSABC connects students in grades K–12 with caring adult mentors to build confidence, character, and college/career readiness—relationships that ripple across generations and entire communities.

Alexis shares her personal journey, lessons learned from her mentors, and why she believes everyone has the power to be a changemaker. From the lunchroom to the boardroom, she shows us how mentorship not only shapes students’ futures but also strengthens communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Why authentic human connection matters more than ever
• How consistent mentorship builds confidence and long-term impact
• Simple ways anyone can get involved and make a difference

Learn more or become a mentor at https://dsabcmentors.org/

Connect with DSABC:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSABCMentor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsabcmentors/#

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/danbury-schools-and-business-collaborative-dsabc/

Cross-Promo: Also, check out our flagship podcast, No Labels No Limits, where we dig even deeper into purpose-driven leadership and personal transformation.

Listen here: http://www.nolabelsnolimitspodcast.com/

Watch on YouTube: ⁨@NoLabelsNoLimitspodcast⁩

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐇:

Website: https://sarahboxx.com/

Nonprofits Today: https://shows.acast.com/nonprofits-today

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicvisioncoach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahboxxllc/

X: @SarahBoxx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa/

𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:

#NonprofitsToday #podcastinterview #leadershippodcast #womenwholead #grieftogrowth #purposedriven #legacybuilding #impactstory #changemakers #missiondriven #nonprofitvoices #nonprofitimpact #LeadingNonprofits #sustainablenonprofits #nonprofitleadership #givingbetter #nonprofitsuccess #nonprofitstoday #communitymatters #podcastlaunch #nonprofitsupport #storytellingforimpact #nonprofitheroes #podcastforgood #realtalk #humanconnection #makeadifference #ShowUpForOthers #inspiringleadership

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Nonprofits Today, we sit down with Robin Berlinsky—educator turned entrepreneur and the visionary founder of The Abundant Nonprofit. With over 30 years of experience and two multi–7-figure nonprofits under her belt, Robin brings a fresh, unapologetically bold take on what it means to lead in today’s nonprofit space.

Robin shares how the belief that “nonprofit is an IRS term, not a business model” has fueled her approach to building organizations that prioritize cash flow, customer service, and employee satisfaction—while still staying deeply mission-driven.

You’ll hear how culture and energy are the cornerstones of her leadership philosophy, why mindset matters more than scarcity, and how nonprofits can operate with the precision of Fortune 500 companies without losing their heart.

• Robin’s journey from the classroom to the boardroom
• Fundraising strategies that actually work
• What authentic donor engagement looks like
• How mentors like Cathy Heller, Jen Gottlieb, and Amy Porterfield have influenced her path
• The bold vision behind The Abundant Nonprofit

Whether you’re just starting your nonprofit journey or looking to breathe new life into your organization, this episode will leave you energized and ready to lead with clarity and purpose.

Connect with Robin:

Website: https://www.theabundantnonprofit.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robin_berlinsky/#

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engagingcreativeminds/#

Key Quote: "Nonprofit is an IRS term, not a business model."

Connect with Sarah Boxx:

Website: https://sarahboxx.com/

Nonprofits Today: https://shows.acast.com/nonprofits-today

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicvisioncoach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahboxxllc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa/

Cross-Promo: Also, check out our flagship podcast, No Labels No Limits, where we dig even deeper into purpose-driven leadership and personal transformation.

Listen here: http://www.nolabelsnolimitspodcast.com/

Watch on YouTube: ⁨@NoLabelsNoLimitspodcast⁩

𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒: #nonprofitgrowth #nonprofitleadership #nonprofitfundraising #abundancemindset #donorengagement #nonprofitstrategy #howtogrowanonprofit #nonprofitstoday #podcastinterview #leadershippodcast #womenwholead #purposedriven #legacybuilding #impactstory #changemakers #missiondriven #nonprofitvoices #nonprofitimpact #LeadingNonprofits #sustainablenonprofits #givingbetter #nonprofitsuccess #nonprofitstoday #communitymatters #podcastlaunch #nonprofitsupport #storytellingforimpact #nonprofitheroes #podcastforgood #realtalk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode of Nonprofits Today, we’re joined by Deb Porter, founder of HOLD Business Solutions (Hearing Out Life’s Drama. No's on Life) and a champion of active listening as the foundation of all strong relationships—personal or professional.

Deb’s journey started with a Master’s degree in Care & Counseling and personal experiences as a caregiver and divorcee, ultimately leading her to create a practice that helps people be heard in a world that rarely listens. Her approach transforms workplace culture, leadership, and family dynamics alike.

We discuss:

• The CORE Framework for listening (Calm, Outcome, Relate, Empathy)
• Why only 2% of people are ever formally trained in listening
• The biggest communication pitfalls (like jumping in to “fix” things)
• How listening skills can build trust and reduce stress in nonprofits
• Her special “party trick” of guessing Myers-Briggs profiles in minutes!

"We're taught in the American education system how to speak, but we are not taught how to listen until master's level."

Connect with Deb Porter & HOLD:

Website: www.hearingoutlifedrama.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deblhporter

Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/hearingoutlifedrama

Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/HOLDBusinessSolutions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearingoutlifedrama

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hearingoutlifedrama

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HOLDListens

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.kr/holdlistener

Free Resource: “Freight Train Brain” guide to calm & clarity → Get it here: https://www.hearingoutlifedrama.com/FreightTrainBrain

Connect with Sarah Boxx:

Website: https://sarahboxx.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicvisioncoach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahboxxllc/

X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FSarahBoxx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa/

Enjoyed this episode? Show your support:

LIKE this video to help others discover the power of listening

SUBSCRIBE for more actionable insights for nonprofit leaders

#leadershippodcast #NonprofitVoices #nonprofitimpact #LeadingNonprofits #SustainableNonprofits #nonprofitleadership

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder what it takes to spark real innovation, navigate billion-dollar ideas, and keep your sanity in the process? Join us for this episode of No Labels, No Limits with Terry Rich—entrepreneur, former CEO of the Iowa Lottery, and global keynote speaker.

Terry has done it all: turned a struggling nonprofit zoo into the 2nd largest state attraction, gave away over $1 billion, and even sat on the panel of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson! In this episode, Terry shares how to balance the drive for success (which he says can feel like “cocaine”) with the importance of enjoying the journey and staying true to your values.

We dive into topics like how to brainstorm without judgment, why failure is the first step to success, and how to lead with integrity and humor in uncertain times.

• The “COT” (Consider or Throw Away) method for driving innovation
• How to find the balance between ambition and well-being
• Real-world lessons from turning around nonprofits & growing revenue
• Fraud prevention tips for leaders and nonprofit teams
• Why happiness happens on the way to success

Connect with Terry Rich:

Website: https://terryspeaks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terich/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpeaksKeynote

Twitter: https://x.com/terryspeaksus

Connect with Sarah Boxx:

Website: https://sarahboxx.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicvisioncoach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahboxxllc/

X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FSarahBoxx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa/

Love this episode? Show your support:

LIKE this video to help more leaders discover it

SUBSCRIBE for more insights on innovation and growth

COMMENT below: What’s one innovative idea you’re working on right now?

SHARE this with someone who needs inspiration today

𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒: #ConsiderOrThrowAway #leadershipinsights #CreativeBrainstorming #MissionDrivenInnovation #authenticleadership #FraudPreventionTips #nonprofitgrowth #disruptivethinking #TerryRich #innovationleadership #NonprofitInnovation #entrepreneurmindset #BillionDollarIdeas #COTMethod #SuccessBalance #nonprofitimpact #podcast #personalgrowth #nonprofitleadership #personaldevelopment #successmindset #changemakers #nonprofitleadership #CorporateCreativity #NonprofitLeadershipandGrowth #nonprofitstoday

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Nonprofits Today, we welcome Tom Ulbrich, CEO of Goodwill of Western New York, entrepreneur, educator, and member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council. With a background rooted in both business and nonprofit leadership, Tom brings a unique lens to innovation and sustainability in the social sector.

Tom takes us behind the scenes of a powerful post-COVID organizational turnaround—where Goodwill WNY rebounded stronger than ever by merging for-profit best practices with a nonprofit mission. From strategic planning and change management to leadership lessons and entrepreneurial culture, this conversation is packed with practical insights for any leader navigating uncertainty.

• How Tom guided a values-driven transformation at Goodwill WNY
• The frameworks used to lead change and build resilience
• The value of mentorship and his work with Colonel Sudip Mukerjee
• What he’s currently reading—and why learning never stops

Whether you're scaling a nonprofit or reimagining leadership in a time of change, Tom’s wisdom will both challenge and inspire.

Quote from Tom:

"Never stop learning."

Connect with Tom:

Website: https://www.goodwillwny.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasulbrich/

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐇:

Website: https://sarahboxx.com/

Podcast Nonprofits Today: https://shows.acast.com/nonprofits-today

Podcast No Labels No Limits: http://www.nolabelsnolimitspodcast.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicvisioncoach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahboxxllc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa/

𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:

#TomUlbrich #goodwillthriftstore #nonprofitleadership #socialenterprise #nonprofitstrategy #entrepreneurship #COVIDnonprofitrecovery #leadershippodcast #nonprofitstoday #ForbesNonprofitCouncil #turnaroundstory #changemanagement #podcastinterview #leadershippodcast #womenwholead #purposedriven #legacybuilding #impactstory #changemakers #missiondriven #nonprofitvoices #nonprofitimpact #leadingnonprofits #sustainablenonprofits #nonprofitleadership #givingbetter #nonprofitsuccess #NonprofitsToday #communitymatters #podcastlaunch #nonprofitsupport #StorytellingForImpact #NonProfitHeroes #PodcastForGood #realtalk #socialinnovation #GoodwillWNY #entrepreneurialleadership #strategicplanning #MissionDriven #TomUlbrich #NonprofitsToday #LeadershipMatters #PostCovidRecovery #ForbesNonprofitCouncil #PodcastInterview #NonprofitPodcast #LeadWithPurpose

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Nonprofits Today, we’re joined by Paula Schneider, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest breast cancer organization. From once working alongside Kanye West in the fashion world to now leading a mission to end breast cancer forever, Paula’s story is a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose and heart.

A breast cancer survivor who also lost her mother to the disease, Paula brings unmatched clarity, compassion, and corporate strategy to the nonprofit sector. In this episode, she opens up about:

• Her unexpected leap from fashion CEO to nonprofit changemaker
• How surviving cancer reshaped her leadership
• The bold transformation she’s led at Komen—structurally, culturally, and technologically
• Why imposter syndrome is a myth, and what really drives confident leadership
• Her upcoming children’s book, Love Stays Strong, and how personal healing fuels public mission

Paula’s mantra is simple: “Life is not only about what you accomplish, but what you help others achieve along the way.” This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and legacy leadership.

Listen in to hear:

✔ Jetsons-level innovation in a Flintstones healthcare system

✔ What it means to “shut it down”—not in failure, but in victory

✔ Her advice for nonprofit leaders scaling mission-driven impact

✔ And why you only need to be smart enough to lead the band

Connect with Paula & Susan G. Komen:

Website: https://www.komen.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGKomen

X: https://x.com/SusanGKomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susangkomen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/susangkomen/mycompany/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/komenforthecure

Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770842/love-stays-strong-by-paula-schneider-illustrated-by-nicole-wong/

Cross-Promo: Also, check out our flagship podcast, No Labels No Limits, where we dig even deeper into purpose-driven leadership and personal transformation.

Listen here: http://www.nolabelsnolimitspodcast.com/

Watch on YouTube: @NoLabelsNoLimitspodcast

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐇:

Website: https://sarahboxx.com/

Nonprofits Today: https://shows.acast.com/nonprofits-today

No Labels No Limits: http://www.nolabelsnolimitspodcast.com/

X: @SarahBoxx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.