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Do I Really Need a Fundraising Coach? (Spoiler: Yes, You Do. And Here’s Why..)

By Spark Point / November 19, 2025

Fundraising isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re balancing donor meetings, grant deadlines, event planning, and everything else that comes with running a nonprofit. Somewhere in the whirlwind, you’ve probably thought: “A fundraising coach sounds nice, but… isn’t this what I’m supposed to already know how to do?” That’s a common (and fair!) thought. But…

Monica Wiley Advocates for the Rights of All People with Disabilities

By Spark Point / February 5, 2025

Monica Wiley is a Voter Engagement Specialist at the National Disability Rights Network, a nonprofit that provides legal advocacy services to improve the lives and protect the rights of all people with disabilities. As a person with a physical disability, this cause is personal to Monica. She has dedicated her career to making sure people…

Malauna Steele Built a Career Out of Helping Nonprofits that Support Black and Brown Communities

By Spark Point / December 18, 2024

Malauna Steele is the Principal of Oversight Management, a company that helps nonprofits with financial management, accounting, and operations. This organization builds and sustains successful nonprofits that support Black and Brown communities. “I think all of this was really born out of a desire to help people. My parents were helpers in our community and…

Chelsea Brown Knows the Power of Diversifying Philanthropy 

By Spark Point / December 11, 2024

Chelsea Brown is the Founder and Principal Strategist at The Black Mill, a Black woman-owned firm that supports grassroots organizations and minority-led nonprofits, businesses, and individuals in need of strategic nonprofit management. “This is the brainchild of being a little frustrated with philanthropy and the ways that minority-led organizations and grassroots organizations were or were…

Celebrating 4 Years of the Black Women Spark Change Series: Amplifying Voices, Driving Impact

By Spark Point / December 4, 2024

As we celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Black Women Spark Change series, we reflect on an incredible journey that is shining a spotlight on the transformative work of dozens of Black women leaders from across the country. These remarkable women are making waves in multiple sectors, from education and health care to environmental justice…

Désirée Nzamba Stays True to Her Mission of Protecting Mother Nature

By Spark Point / November 6, 2024

Désirée Nzamba is a sustainable development advisor at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vallée-du-Richelieu – Rouville in Quebec, Canada. Désirée has always loved nature. Growing up in Gabon, she fondly remembers visiting natural sights and wildlife parks with her family. She would admire the breathtaking views as they took the train to places like…

Sierra Morris is a Passionate Educator Creating Learning Experiences for DC Students

By Spark Point / October 23, 2024

Sierra Morris is the Manager of Programming at Live It Learn It, a DC-based nonprofit dedicated to creating experiential learning opportunities for students. “We work with Title I schools, which means that about 90% of the students are having free or reduced lunch,” Sierra says. “We take them to different historical sites, museums, and nature…

Precious Freeman is Passionate About Making The World Better for the Next Generation

By Spark Point / October 9, 2024

Precious Freeman is the Vice President of National Engagement at Measures for Justice, a nonprofit organization leading the movement to reimagine the criminal justice system by developing data tools that help communities reform the system. “I am obsessed with making things better for the next generation,” Precious shares. Precious was always drawn to community engagement…

Jerilyn Johnson Promotes Environmental Justice for a Healthier Future 

By Spark Point / May 8, 2024

Jerilyn Johnson is the Chief of Staff of Greenpeace USA, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of global environmental problems and creating transformational change. Promoting social good was a core value for Jerilyn from a young age. Growing up in rural Texas, Jerilyn spent a lot of time playing outside.  “I was raised in nature,”…

Deidre Johnson Says You Are In The Driver’s Seat Of Your Life

By Spark Point / March 6, 2024

Deidre Johnson is the CEO and Executive Director of the Center for African American Health, a community-based nonprofit in Denver that empowers the Black community to make informed health decisions. “I have learned so much and I’ve really grown and enjoyed being in this role,” Deidre shares.  Since taking over the role 8 years ago,…