Dear Friends and Colleagues,
For many of us, especially those leading in the nonprofit sector, leadership has always been more than just decision-making; it’s about setting direction, holding space, and carrying vision through uncertainty.
And often, it’s our gifts—not our titles—that lead the way.
If you’ve ever led in the nonprofit sector, especially as a woman of color, you know that our intuition, creativity, cultural competency, and emotional labor are not just additions. They are essential. These quiet gifts shape vision, build trust, and carry teams through seasons of uncertainty.
While many evaluate leadership through numbers, KPIs, and board reports, we know that much of the real work—the emotional labor and intentional goal setting—happens behind the scenes when no one is watching.
As a longtime nonprofit fundraiser, strategist, and community advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how much goes into strengthening systems designed to serve with both efficiency and compassion.
This labor—relational, emotional, and strategic—is what keeps many organizations grounded.
A Look Back
Using my own experiences as a guide, I can attest that every successful fundraising event, whether an intimate roundtable or a black-tie gala, begins with thoughtful decisions and strategic planning long before the public hears a word.
This principle is the foundation of my work through Event Strategies For Success, where I partner with nonprofit leaders to design signature events that do more than raise funds—they inspire action, deepen relationships, and position organizations for lasting impact. More importantly, we always leave room to fine-tune and course-correct as needed. Like the women who’ve come before me, we don’t simply make decisions—we set direction.
My Forward Vision
I’m also proud to continue building The Gathering Table™, a new initiative under The Social Impact Strategist™ (SIS) platform. I created this space for nonprofit leaders, social impact visionaries, and women who lead from the margins, the middle, and those who propel movements forward. It holds space for the quiet, often unseen labor that fuels meaningful change.
With the fall fundraising season on the horizon, I invite you to pause and reflect:
- What part of your leadership has remained invisible, but essential?
- What would it look like to name it, honor it, and share it?
As we enter this new season, may we remember: our gifts will make room for us, even when others don’t see them right away.
Whether you’re mentoring a colleague, shaping a campaign, or holding space for your team, your leadership matters. Your presence, your insight, your labor—they are not invisible to those of us who know the heart work it takes.
Fondly,
Monique
