Coaching Sessions

Advocacy 101: Getting Started When the Stakes Are High

Moderator

Laura Wolff | Laura Wolff Strategic Consulting | Consultant

Speakers

Drew Gabriel | VP Intergovernmental Affairs | CAMBA

Matthew Camp | Director of Government Relations and Community Engagement, Teachers College | Columbia University

McGregor Smyth | Executive Director | New York Lawyers for the Public Interest

What can your organization legally do? Where do you start? And how do you make time for advocacy when you’re already stretched thin? This session is a primer for nonprofits new to advocacy. Learn what’s allowed under the law, how to identify and engage your local, state, and federal representatives, and how to build an advocacy strategy that fits your size and capacity. Leave with tools to map influence, carve out time, and get started, whether you’re a solo executive director or part of a larger team.

Advocacy Connect & Reflect

Facilitators

Jacqueline M. Ebanks | President & CEO | Nonprofit New York

Lisa Rivera | CEO | NYLAG | NPNY Board Member

In this session, you’ll connect with peers and have time to explore some of the key issues and questions that have surfaced throughout the year for this track. Facilitated by professionals actively working in the key area, the session focuses on open, thoughtful conversation, peer learning, and reflection, creating space to build connections that last beyond the conference.

Under Pressure: Advocacy Strategies for a Shifting Policy Landscape

Moderator

Morgan Monaco | President & Park Administrator | Prospect Park Alliance | NPNY Board Member

Speakers

Annie Minguez Garcia | Vice President, Government and Community Relations | Good Shepherd Services

Audacia Ray | Executive Director | Anti-Violence Project

Laura Abel | Legal Director | Lawyers Alliance for New York

Karin Kunstler Goldman | NYS Attorney General's Office | Charities Bureau

In times of political and funding threats, advocacy is essential to protecting your mission and community. This session explores how to respond when your organization or the people you serve come under attack. You’ll learn how to assess risks, track policy shifts, and engage decision-makers from city hall to Capitol Hill. We’ll cover how to activate your board, staff, and allies; shape the public narrative; and lead with clarity under pressure. With a focus on communities most impacted by sudden changes, this session offers practical strategies for organizations serving them to stay agile, set priorities, and avoid burnout.

Advocacy Action Lab: Coalition Building for the Long Haul

Facilitators

Jason Wu | Deputy Director | HSC

Matthew Camp | Director of Government Relations and Community Engagement, Teachers College | Columbia University

No nonprofit should have to navigate this moment alone. This peer-driven action lab offers a space to connect with others doing advocacy work—and to begin forming the relationships that will carry your efforts forward. Together, we’ll explore how to build cross-sector coalitions, align around shared goals, and support each other when resources are limited. Whether you’re new to collective action or looking to deepen your alliances, you’ll leave with connections and inspiration to strengthen your work long after the conference ends.

Organizational Communications: Telling Your Story with Strategy and Purpose

Moderator

Jeff Simmons | Managing Director | Anat Gerstein, Inc.

Speakers

David Rhode | Deputy Director | PennPac

Dr. Lisa V. Gale | Principal & Founder | LVG Strategy Group, LLC | NPNY Board Member

Ronnie Tucker | Chief Marketing & Communications Officer | YMCA of Greater New York

Build a clear, values-driven communications strategy that helps your nonprofit connect with founders, participants, and staff. This session blends big-picture strategy with practical storytelling tools to help you cut through the noise, clarify your mission, and communicate with impact. (Learning Circle Session)

Communications Connect & Reflect

Facilitators

Ally Dommu | Director of Service Development | Big Duck

Farra Trompeter | Co-Director, Worker-Owner | Big Duck

Sarita Joseph | Director of Accounts | Big Duck

In this session, you’ll connect with peers and have time to explore some of the key issues and questions that have surfaced throughout the year for this track. Facilitated by professionals actively working in the key area, the session focuses on open, thoughtful conversation, peer learning, and reflection, creating space to build connections that last beyond the conference.

Rapid Response Fundraising: Communicating Urgency and Inspiring Action

Moderator

Lisa Pilar Cowan | Vice President | Robert Sterling Clark Foundation | NPNY Board Chair

Speakers

Anat Gerstein | Founder and President | Anat Gerstein

Robin Chappelle-Golston | President & CEO | Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts

In moments of crisis, clear and timely communication is crucial to rally donor support quickly and effectively. This session will guide you in crafting authentic, urgent messages that convey the immediate needs while maintaining trust and transparency. Learn strategies for mobilizing donors through compelling storytelling, real-time updates, and meaningful expressions of gratitude.

Communications Action Lab: Crafting Clear, Compassionate Messages

Facilitators

Ally Dommu | Big Duck | Director of Service Development

Farra Trompeter | Big Duck | Co-Director, Worker-Owner

Jheramis Collado | Student Leadership Network | Director, Marketing & Communications

Stephanie Geiers | Associate Director of Communications and Digital Advocacy | Human Services Council

This hands-on session helps you turn storytelling and purposeful messaging into clear, values-driven communication strategies that cut through the noise. Work in small groups to craft and refine key messages for funders, community, and staff—balancing authenticity with strategic care. Walk away ready to communicate with confidence and compassion, even in challenging moments.

Managing Cash Flow and Financial Reporting Without Losing Momentum

Moderator

Richard Souto | Executive Director | LEAP | NPNY Board Member

Speakers

Carlos Velazquez | Chief Executive Officer | PAL

Clovis Thorn | Commercial Banker, Nonprofits | Amalgamated Bank

Faizan Younus | Managing Principal | NCheng LLP

Michelle Blankenship | Chief Financial Officer/Senior Director | Outright International

Even the most mission-driven work can grind to a halt when the money doesn’t come in on time. This session tackles the real-world challenge of managing cash flow when grants are delayed, reimbursements are slow, and expenses don’t wait. We’ll break down how to forecast cash needs, build reserves, and make smart decisions in tight moments. Designed for nonprofit leaders, finance staff, and program managers, this session offers practical tools and smarter tech strategies to keep things moving, even when the money isn’t.

Finance Connect & Reflect

Facilitators

Jennise Hall | Director | BDO Nonprofit and Grantmaker Advisory

Jina Paik | Vice President, Learning & Impact | Nonprofit Finance Fund

Kristine Stallone | Director | BDO Nonprofit and Grantmaker Advisory

Sammi Schaefer | Senior Associate | BDO Nonprofit and Grantmaker Advisory

In this session, you’ll connect with peers and have time to explore some of the key issues and questions that have surfaced throughout the year for this track. Facilitated by professionals actively working in the key area, the session focuses on open, thoughtful conversation, peer learning, and reflection, creating space to build connections that last beyond the conference.

Talking About Tough Stuff: Financial Transparency Across Your Organization

Moderator

Nina Bahazhevska, CPA | Partner, Audit | NCheng LLP

Speakers

David Ashenfarb | Partner | SAX, LLP

Dominique Jones | Executive Director | Global Kids

Xi Wang, CPA | Director, Financial Management Services | NCheng LLP

When budgets are tight and funding is uncertain, honest communication is more important than ever. This session will offer practical strategies for talking about financial challenges with staff, board members, and community stakeholders in ways that build trust rather than fear. We’ll also explore how different teams can work together to make thoughtful, values-aligned decisions when resources are limited. Walk away with tools for transparent budgeting, collaborative planning, and leading through uncertainty.

Finance Action Lab: Budget Scenario Planning

Facilitators

Hilda Polanco | Practice Leader | BDO Nonprofit and Grantmaker Advisory

Rebecca Kellogg | Director | BDO Nonprofit and Grantmaker Advisory

Sammi Schaefer | Senior Associate | BDO Nonprofit and Grantmaker Advisory

Nonprofit leaders need flexible financial tools to adapt to shifting realities. This session will introduce the basics of budget scenario planning — a strategic approach to modeling multiple financial futures so you can prepare, not just react. Participants will explore how to build “what if” scenarios that account for best-case, worst-case, and most likely outcomes, and discuss how to engage staff, boards, and funders in honest conversations about risk, priorities, and tradeoffs.

Diversifying Funding Streams: Strategies for Sustainable Growth

Moderator

Pinky Vincent Shubert, CFRE | Founder & Principal | Clarezza Insights, LLC

Speakers

Susan Sharer | Independent Consultant

Will Schrepferman | CEO | DonorAtlas

Traditional funding sources like government grants and corporate philanthropy have become increasingly unreliable or limited. Relying on a single source of funding can put your organization at risk. In this session, you’ll learn how to approach individual major gifts, demystify donor-advised funds (DAFs), and expand your prospect pool with intentional outreach. We’ll also cover how family foundations often function like major gifts and why leaning into individual giving is more critical than ever. This session will help you navigate tough funding decisions and create a more resilient, diversified funding base beyond traditional corporate and foundation support.

Fundraising Connect & Reflect

Facilitators

Lauren Hansen-Flaschen | Vice President, Strategic & Business Planning | Schultz & Williams, Fundraising by Carey & Co

Rebecca Emami | Vice President, Fundraising & Strategy | Schultz & Williams, Fundraising by Carey & Co

In this session, you’ll connect with peers and have time to explore some of the key issues and questions that have surfaced throughout the year for this track. Facilitated by professionals actively working in the key area, the session focuses on open, thoughtful conversation, peer learning, and reflection, creating space to build connections that last beyond the conference.

Public Funding Access: NYC Council Discretionary Funds

Moderator

Helen Rosenthal | Procurement Advisor | Former NYC council member, Self-employed

Speakers

Natasha Amendolara | Associate Executive Director | The Animation Project

Donna Daley | Board Chair | Reaching for the Arts, Inc.

Karl Hart | Senior Manager, Student Services | The English-Speaking Union of the United States

Michael Sedillo | Executive Director | Mayor's Office of Nonprofit Services

Rona Weitz | Immigrant Programs Director | The English-Speaking Union of the United States

Get a clear overview of the city’s public funding system and learn the essentials of applying for and managing government grants. This session will demystify the process, helping you understand key requirements and build a foundation for successfully securing this vital funding stream. (Learning Circle Session)

Fundraising Action Lab: Building a Customized Fundraising Plan

Facilitators

Lauren Hansen-Flaschen | Vice President, Strategic & Business Planning | Schultz & Williams, Fundraising by Carey & Co

Rebecca Emami | Vice President, Fundraising & Strategy | Schultz & Williams, Fundraising by Carey & Co

This interactive session will guide you through the key components of a strong annual fundraising plan—then give you the space to start building one. Learn how to set clear goals, align strategies with your calendar, and create actionable plans for donor outreach, grant applications, and inclusive campaigns. You'll leave with a customized roadmap tailored to your organization and practical next steps to strengthen your fundraising year-round.

Boards 101: Governing and Fundraising Fundamentals for Today’s Nonprofits

Moderator

Sharmila Rao Thakkar | SRT Advising & Consulting, LLC | Independent Consultant

Speakers

Amy Smitherman | CFO Consultant | Kiwi Partners

Jodi Warren | Partner | CBMS Law

Sharon Sewell-Fairman | President & CEO | Women Creating Change

Steven Shiffman | Deputy Chief | Charities Bureau, Enforcement

This session covers the core roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards—including governance basics like oversight, staffing, financial stewardship, and risk management—with a focus on what’s evolving in today’s landscape. You’ll also dive deep into engaging your board as active fundraising partners, learning practical strategies to motivate and equip members to make their own gifts, leverage networks, and advocate effectively. Walk away with clear approaches to build board commitment, navigate legal compliance, and strengthen your nonprofit’s sustainability through shared responsibility. (Learning Circle Session)

Governance Connect & Reflect

Facilitators

Keith Timko | Executive Director | Support Center

Lauren Frary | Director of Strategic Business Transformation & Nonprofit Consulting Lead | SAX Advisory Group

In this session, you’ll connect with peers and have time to explore some of the key issues and questions that have surfaced throughout the year for this track. Facilitated by professionals actively working in the key area, the session focuses on open, thoughtful conversation, peer learning, and reflection, creating space to build connections that last beyond the conference.

Board Dynamics in Motion: From Recruiting to Risk-Ready Leadership

Moderator

David C. Harris | Managing Partner | Interim Executive Solutions

Speakers

Diana Breen | Founder/President | Diana Breen Consulting, LLC

Lisa M. Brauner, Esq. | Partner | Whiteford, Taylor, and Preston, LLP

Traci Lester | President | The Opportunity Agenda

Dr. Danielle Moss Cox | CEO | Oliver Scholars

Building an effective board goes beyond filling seats—it requires shifting culture, clarifying roles, and creating pathways for meaningful, inclusive leadership that reflects your mission and values. This session explores how to recruit and retain engaged board members while addressing the evolving role of fundraising, including the risks and opportunities fundraising brings. You’ll also gain practical tools to help your board lead with agility—assessing risk, developing responsive strategies, and turning meetings into action-oriented moments.

Governance Action Lab: Designing Boards for Impact and Agility

Facilitators

BJ Sung | Principal | Pinnacle Social Impact Consultancy | NPNY Board Member

Tony Pillari | Founder | Excelis Consulting

This hands-on session gives you space to apply what you've learned. With peer feedback and guided tools, you’ll leave with a practical plan to strengthen governance in your organization, whether that means developing a more intentional recruitment strategy, refining board roles and structures, or redesigning meetings for greater engagement and decision-making agility.

Start with Listening: Designing Programs Around Real Needs

Moderator

Laurel Molloy | Founder and Lead Consultant | Innovations Quantified

Speakers

Sharon Levy | SVP of Public Affairs | YMCA of Greater New York

Davina Angus | Executive Director | Hunts Point Alliance for Children

Max Steinman | Vice President | DoSomething Strategic

Christopher D. Turner | Principal, Managing Director of Transaction Services | Denham Wolf Real Estate Services

Effective programs begin with listening—deeply and continuously. This session will explore how to root your program design in the evolving priorities of the people you serve, not just in funder mandates or past models. Learn how to conduct meaningful needs assessments, define your target audience, and co-create a clear theory of change that reflects community-defined impact. We’ll also discuss how to integrate cultural competency, sustainability, and equity into your program’s foundation from day one.

Programs Connect & Reflect

Facilitators

Dr. Alethea Taylor | Executive Director | Hour Children, Inc.

Jared Carroll | Senior Consultant | CRE

In this session, you’ll connect with peers and have time to explore some of the key issues and questions that have surfaced throughout the year for this track. Facilitated by professionals actively working in the key area, the session focuses on open, thoughtful conversation, peer learning, and reflection, creating space to build connections that last beyond the conference.

Working Smarter: Using Data and Prioritization to Drive Impact

Moderator

Keith Timko | Executive Director | Support Center

Speakers

Jodi Warren | Partner | CBMS Law

Dr. Darlene Williams | Founder & Chief Consultant | Darlene Williams Consulting, LLC

Gary P. Jenkins | Chief Administrative Officer | Urban Pathways

This session shows how to turn meaningful data into actionable insights that guide your program strategy across all roles—from frontline staff to leadership. Learn how to collect and use evaluation data effectively, then build routines that help your team prioritize what to start, stop, or continue based on real impact. You’ll gain tools to align priorities with community needs, make strategic decisions that prevent burnout, and focus your energy on the work that matters most.

Programs Action Lab: Adaptation into Action

Facilitators

Elise Bernhardt | Executive Director | Executive Search and Rescue

Jennifer Benstraum | Consultant | CRE

Lakimja Mattocks | Chief People & Culture Officer | LEAP

This interactive session gives you the space to reflect on what you’ve learned across the track and begin shaping a plan to apply it. Take time to revisit your program goals, assess where change is needed, and begin outlining concrete next steps. Walk away with a clearer sense of direction and the beginnings of a strategy that reflects your community’s evolving needs.

Leading Forward: Equity, Access, and the Future of Nonprofit Leadership

Moderator

Aisha Benson | President and CEO | Nonprofit Finance Fund

Speakers

David Adams | Chief Executive Officer | Urban Assembly | NPNY Board Member

Marissa Martin | Independent Consultant | The Advocacy institute

Salome Jean | Chief Human Resources & Operations Officer | Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC

In an era of political pushback and sector-wide change, nonprofit leaders are being called to lead with greater integrity, adaptability, and equity. This session explores how executive leadership can uphold DEIA values amid shifting external pressures, while rethinking internal structures to better support long-term sustainability and retention. We’ll examine evolving leadership models—including lateral advancement, co-leadership, and nonprofit co-op structures—that expand access and break down barriers to advancement. Participants will walk away with strategies to invest in people, lead adaptively, and build more inclusive, resilient organizations.

Talent Connect & Reflect

Facilitators

Anne Sherman | Independent Consultant

Barbara Prevatt | Independent Consultant

Marti Fischer | Principal | Marti Fischer Group

In this session, you’ll connect with peers and have time to explore some of the key issues and questions that have surfaced throughout the year for this track. Facilitated by professionals actively working in the key area, the session focuses on open, thoughtful conversation, peer learning, and reflection, creating space to build connections that last beyond the conference.

Data-Driven Insights on Leadership Diversity: Strategies for Inclusive Change

Moderator

Deborah Martin Owens | Chief Executive Officer | DMO Strategies, LLC | NPNY Board Member

Speakers

Edward Ubiera | Senior Director of Community Engagement | Nonprofit Finance Fund

Michelle Lewis | Deputy Chief of Staff | Urban Assembly

Dr. Gisele Castro | Chief Executive Officer | exalt Youth

What does the data tell us about who leads—and how can we use it to build a more equitable workplace? This session goes beyond the numbers to explore how workforce and leadership data can inform real change. We’ll look at how to use data to identify gaps, improve hiring and retention practices, and shape a work culture that supports inclusion, transparency, and shared accountability. Whether you're a manager or part of a team, you'll gain tools to use data for better decisions and stronger, more equitable organizations.

Talent Action Lab: Leading Forward - Insight to Action

Facilitators

Coniqua Johnson-Reed | Founder & Principal Consultant | Fearless Spaces Consulting

Lan To | Senior Consultant | Community Resource Exchange

In this interactive session, you’ll explore equity, adaptive leadership, and sustainability by examining your organization’s recruitment, retention, and leadership development. Through guided tools and peer discussions, you’ll co-create actionable commitments that center well-being, equity, and inclusion—especially for underrepresented communities. Leave with a concrete plan and next steps to strengthen your leadership pipeline and culture for the future.

Strengthen, Secure, Sustain - Building a Cybersecurity Plan That Works

Moderator

Andres Pazmino | CEO & Founder | The Affila Group

Speakers

Peter Fidler | President & Founder | WCA Technologies, Inc

Danacea Vo | CEO | Cyberlixir

Giuseppe Morgana | Founder | New Harbor

In this session, we’ll cover the fundamentals of a cybersecurity plan: protecting sensitive data, training your team to spot threats, and setting up simple, sustainable practices that keep your organization safe over the long haul. You don’t need to be a tech expert to get started, just a commitment to protecting your community and your work. Walk away with clear steps to build a plan that’s practical, effective, and designed to last.

Technology Connect & Reflect

Facilitators

Mark O'Brien | Co-Founder and Executive Director | Pro Bono Net

Monica Chaves | Principal | Clave Consulting

Technology Connect & Reflect: In this session, you’ll connect with peers and have time to explore some of the key issues and questions that have surfaced throughout the year for this track. Facilitated by professionals actively working in the key area, the session focuses on open, thoughtful conversation, peer learning, and reflection, creating space to build connections that last beyond the conference.

AI with Empathy: Human-Centered Design in the Age of Automation

Moderator

Brenda Kahler | Nonprofit Technology Practice Leader | Armanino

Speakers

Donald Stephens | Head of AI and Advanced Analytics | JPMorganChase

Andrew Baker | Vice President of Digital Products |Jed Foundation

Rich Leimsider | Director, AI for Nonprofits Sprint | Fund for the City of New York | NPNY Board Member

As artificial intelligence transforms how nonprofits operate, it’s essential to keep people at the center. Discover how next-gen AI tools can automate routine work, uncover insights, and deepen community connections. Learn how to balance automation with care, use AI responsibly, and keep your community at the heart of innovation.

Technology Action Lab: Smarter Workflows, Safer Systems

Facilitators

Danacea Vo | CEO | Cyberlixir

Matt Mitchell | CEO | Safety Sync Group

In this hands-on session, participants will apply key concepts from cybersecurity, technology integration, and AI to develop a customized tech strategy tailored to their organization’s needs and values. You’ll map your current tech ecosystem, identify security gaps, and design workflows that enhance data flow and staff efficiency. You’ll leave with a clear, actionable tech roadmap that balances innovation with security and empathy, ready to implement with your team.