Nonprofit Champions are founders, dreamers, & leaders. They work in small and large organizations, serving diverse populations in a wide variety of roles. Each quarter we feature three Champions.
“As I prepared to write Sparkle! I interviewed many nonprofit leaders, including rising leaders like Jasmine.
She talked about her enthusiasm for sharing goals, working towards a vision, finding a common voice, and celebrating victories.
I have a special passion for Sparklers, like Jasmine, the inspired, motivated leaders we need for the future.”
Jasmine is a specialist in environmental studies, economics, and public administration. A former Peace Corps volunteer in Panama, she is passionate about fostering people, process, and culture to drive impactful change. She led initiatives supporting fair labor practices, workforce development, climate change mitigation, and international nonprofit networks as Director at Centreville Labor Resource Center and Senior Director of International Network at United Way Worldwide. Currently, she serves as Director of Operations at Forest Trends.
“I remember sitting at Mary’s table as she sketched out her plans to start a nonprofit for grieving families. I had the honor of working with her over the years.
Mary is a CNN Hero and my hero. As I watched her on national television telling Anderson Cooper how her father’s death motivated her, I felt the same emotions I felt when I first heard her say those words 15 years earlier.”
Mary taught me the importance of a clear vision and a strong voice.”
Mary is a therapist providing support, hope, and transformation for those coping with grief and loss and other life transitions. Inspired by her own loss, Mary created two nonprofit organizations for grieving children. Good Grief and Imagine continue to grow and serve families in New Jersey.
“When I was new to St Petersburg, Florida, a community leader told me you have to meet Matt Spence. I’m glad I did.
Matt and I quickly discovered we had a similar view on nonprofits, collaboration, and synergy. It was a memorable conversation.
Recently I toured LiFT where Matt is the ED. I am awestruck at the work they are doing and their plans for the future. Matt is an inspired, visionary leader.”
Matt Spence is the Executive Director of Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT). Previously he served as the Chief Strategy Officer for Feeding Tampa Bay.
“The email I look forward to reading”
Merle delivers inspiration to your in-box every Tuesday morning. Each issue packs practical tips, an action item, and a bit of fun! You’ll meet a Sparkler (a nonprofit hero like you!) making a difference in this world. One weekly email packed with the tools and inspiration you need to create a bigger, better organization..