Aimée Eubanks Davis reflects on the milestones that prepared her to found and lead, Braven, an organization that empowers promising, underrepresented young people—first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students of color—with the skills, confidence, experiences and networks necessary to transition from college to strong first jobs, which lead to meaningful careers and lives of impact.

No matter how much we want every board member to be all-in on fundraising, it may be that what you need to build to actually get money in the door is a fundraising Dream Team. And, you may need to look beyond your board to make it happen.

Akaya Windwood illuminates why planning is nonsense, the role UC Berkeley played in her radicalization, and how she maneuvers in a world not set up for Black women’s authenticity.

When it comes to involvement in fundraising there are a number of near constants: Nearly all board members want to be helpful, most staff members think their board members aren’t doing enough, and there is a general air of dissatisfaction surrounding the whole fundraising enterprise. What’s a leader to do?

Miecha Forbes reflects on why her guiding light leads her to take a chance on potential, how she challenges bias in the world of recruiting, and why she considers herself a perpetual builder.

It may be that your current culture is well aligned with your organizational strategy. If so, fantastic! But if, like many organizations, you find a disconnect that’s keeping you from being more effective, it might be time for some culture work....

Crystal German explores whether we are tilting at windmills, why data is far from objective, and what it looks like to own her space.

Michell Speight offers insights about why you need to be a whole person to bring the best to every situation, the impact of mentorship, and how her pursuit of happiness as a Black woman is a radical act.

Idrissa Simmonds-Nastili, an extremist for love creating equity for true transformation, shares how faith in action exemplifies her life, why cultural humility is so important, and why community building fortifies us all.

Andy Kopplin reflects on the power of partnership between philanthropy and the public sector; the work required to create a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all; and GNOF’s markers of success.