 | Members Only |
2024 CONFERENCE SPEAKERS |
| Dr. Holly Hull Miori
Topic: Millennials & Philanthropy: More than Avocado Toast & LattesDr. Holly Hull Miori has a nearly twenty-year career in fundraising and foundation work, where she has raised funds both locally and nationally in higher education, healthcare, arts and human rights and Holocaust education. She serves as the Senior Director of Development at The University of Texas at Dallas for the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies and the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology. In her talk, Dr. Holly Hull Miori will explain how nearly 75 million people make up the Millennial generation worldwide, and yet, for many nonprofits, this generation remains an untapped resource for nonprofits. However, because of the Great Transfer of Wealth from Baby Boomers to Gen Xers and Millennials, millennials need a second look. Dr. Holly Hull Miori, an academic teacher, researcher and fundraising professional, she examines the roles that Millennials can and should play in your nonprofits as donors, board members, and volunteers.
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 | DR. ANDREW KUOTopic: Fundraising Fundamentals: Strategies for Nonprofit SuccessDr. Andrew Kuo, Co-Founder and CEO of the Amped Institute, is a strategic leader dedicated to advancing nonprofit innovation and sustainability. As a professor of marketing at LSU, Andrew integrates his academic research with a decade of hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in organizations committed to social justice. His expertise in market research and strategic communication directly supports the development of evidence-based strategies that empower nonprofits to achieve long-term impact. In his workshop on nonprofit fundraising fundamentals, participants will gain actionable insights on building a diversified funding base, crafting compelling donor communications, and leveraging data to enhance fundraising strategies. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools to strengthen their organization’s financial sustainability and drive meaningful impact.
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| Lori Pilley, CFRETopic: Training & Utilizing Volunteers for Increased ImpactLori Pilley, Director of Volunteer and Disaster Services at Volunteer Louisiana, brings years of experience in strategic planning and disaster response. With a career built on maximizing organizational effectiveness—most notably during Louisiana’s disaster recovery efforts—Lori's expertise lies in harnessing the power of volunteers. Her session, "Training & Utilizing Volunteers for Increased Impact," will provide practical strategies to help nonprofits enhance their volunteer engagement, translating to greater organizational impact. Attendees will learn how to build and manage a skilled volunteer network, crucial for amplifying mission-driven outcomes, particularly in times of crisis.
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| Verni Howard
Topic: Building Better Boards for Better TeamsWith over 18 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit banking, Verni Howard now leads Providence House, where she champions the fight against homelessness in Northwest Louisiana. Her session, "Building Better Boards for Better Teams," will focus on how strong governance structures can drive organizational success. Drawing from her extensive leadership background, Verni will share actionable insights on fostering cohesive, effective boards that support sustainable growth and improved team performance. This session is invaluable for nonprofits looking to refine their leadership and boost operational success.
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| Cathyana Marcel
Topic: 'Everyone is Going Through Something' - Evidence-based Practices to Support Mental Health Through Storytelling and the Creative ArtsCathyana Marcel, a dedicated teaching artist with the Kevin Love Fund, blends her social work and psychology background to create transformative experiences for youth. Her session, "Everyone is Going Through Something," will explore the power of storytelling and creative arts as tools for mental health support. By introducing evidence-based practices, Cathyana will demonstrate how organizations can foster emotional well-being, especially in under-resourced communities. Attendees will walk away with creative strategies to create safe, healing spaces for those they serve, helping them navigate inner struggles more effectively.
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| Gloria McConnell
Topic: HOW TO HEAR THE DIFFICULT THINGS AND SAY THE DIFFICULT THINGS
Gloria McConnell brings over 15+ years of experience in people management, human resources, and supply chain operations to her role as Senior Consultant and Executive Coach at Success Labs. Having worked with global companies like Intel Corporation, Tony’s Seafood, and Louisiana Fish Fry Products, Gloria has built a reputation for driving organizational success through effective communication and leadership strategies. In her session, "Effective Communication: How to Hear the Difficult Things and Say the Difficult Things," Gloria will equip nonprofit leaders, executive directors, and board members with the tools to handle challenging conversations in leadership and team dynamics. For nonprofits, where resources are stretched and relationships are key, mastering these skills is crucial to keeping teams aligned and motivated. This session will help attendees turn challenging conversations into opportunities for growth, improve team dynamics, and ultimately enhance the overall effectiveness of their organizations. If you’re looking to build stronger, more resilient communication within your organization, this is a session you won’t want to miss.
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| Dr. Heather Carpenter
Topic: State of Nonprofits - Best Practices
Dr. Heather Carpenter, a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit leadership and education, serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Nonprofit Administration & Research at LSU Shreveport. In her session, "State of Nonprofits - Best Practices," Dr. Carpenter will deliver crucial insights on current nonprofit trends and how organizations can adopt best practices to improve their operational effectiveness. Attendees will gain access to the latest research and strategies designed to enhance nonprofit performance, leadership, and sustainability, making this session vital for organizations aiming to thrive in today’s complex nonprofit landscape.
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Funder's Panel
Topic: Providing Services & Information for Funders’ Support
In this engaging panel, representatives from major funding organizations will share their insights on what funders are looking for in nonprofit partnerships. From grant applications to relationship-building strategies, attendees will learn how to better align their organizations with funder priorities. This session is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from funders about their expectations, providing attendees with the knowledge needed to secure and maintain essential financial support for their missions.”
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