Taking it Off the Shelf: From Strategic Plan to Active Implementation
James Mejia, MPA and Dr. Meredith Jeffers, Metropolitan State University of Denver

In this session, the co-presenters will share lessons learned in galvanizing a large university community toward active implementation of its 2030 Strategic Plan (fondly referred to as “the brochure”). More specifically, we will begin by briefly explaining the timeline of the strategic plan and why it was stalled from 2020 to 2023. We will then unpack how we got the university back on track, utilizing a publicly-facing dashboard of board-approved metrics and an internal methodology (“OKRs: Objectives and Key Results”) for focusing, aligning, committing to, and tracking the same enterprise-wide initiatives that impact the metrics that matter most. To conclude, we will reflect on our first year of implementation, and how we reviewed and refreshed our implementation plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Following this presentation, we will save time for Q/A from attendees.

Elevating Your Nonprofit Brand: Strategies for Effective Brand Building and Personal Brand Ambassadorship
Kayla Garcia, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver

In today’s competitive landscape, a strong brand identity is essential for attracting donors, engaging stakeholders, and driving impact. This session will delve into practical strategies and actionable tips to help you elevate your nonprofit’s brand.

Conversation Skills For Relationships and Results
Bonnie Davis, HU Work

Most days we navigate challenging conversations in our professional and personal lives. You may be interacting with an employee performing below expectations, avoiding a tough talk with a peer, or dealing with external stakeholders. We often tolerate rather than tackle these situations, go in without getting a positive outcome, or don’t see any real change that comes out of it. This workshop will provide inspirational messages with a practical five-step model and time to apply it, so that you can raise your competence and confidence when engaging others in difficult conversations. 

From Here to Healthy,
Joshya Aranda, Mission Matters Group
This session navigates the critical path of bringing an organization’s vision to life through the strategic enablement of technology, framed within an organizational operating system. We’ll dissect how this ecosystem facilitates not just the alignment but the amplification of vision and operational goals. We will offer practical, approachable and actionable steps coupled with real-world examples where vision and technology converge to create a sustainable, impactful future. Participants will leave with actionable insights into molding their technology strategies to be true extensions of their organizational vision.

How to Drive Your Impact With Powerful Storytelling
Catherine Alonzo, Javelina

Effective changemakers understand their why, their goals, and who they’re trying to reach – and tell impactful stories driven by all three. In this session, we will cover why it’s so important to align all of your storytelling with these elements and explain three steps nonprofits can take to tell stories that drive impact for the people they serve.

Tone at the Top
Caitlyn Grimme and Manda Dinkel, CBIZ

Nonprofit boards provide a pivotal role in the operation of an organization ranging from essential industry professional knowledge to a key role in the internal control process.  Through this session, participants will learn ways to maximize board involvement in their organization  to achieve their mission. Participants will learn the importance of Board participation in organizational objectives and explore strategies to maximize this involvement.  Strategies range from empowering the Board through involvement in the internal control process to assisting with this involvement using clear financial reporting packages.  Other topics include the ideal frequency of board involvement, the importance of the role of board members on the financial reporting process, and t key elements of their focused review of financial reporting objectives.

The Art of Networking (Building Authentic Relationships)
Lorii Rabinowitz, Denver Scholarship Foundation

Our world is filled with quick connections and fleeting interactions, the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships is a skill that sets individuals apart. This session delves into the art of authentic relationship building, transcending the traditional networking approaches to foster genuine connections that withstand the test of time. Participants will explore strategies for navigating the complexities of human interaction with sincerity and purpose. Through interactive discussions and experiential exercises, attendees will learn how to authentically engage with others, build trust, and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships.

Building Proactive Bridges between DEI, HR, and Executive Teams for Conflict Resolution and Future Harm Prevention
Yeruwelle De Rouen, Intersectional Innovations

In an era where organizational success hinges on fostering inclusive environments, this groundbreaking workshop promises a transformative experience for nonprofit leaders and sector supporters alike, aiming to equip them with the pillars of restorative leadership that will revolutionize their organizational dynamics. Join us for an immersive exploration into the proactive processes that interweave Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEI) with Human Resources (HR) and Executive Teams. This session goes beyond reactive conflict resolution, delving into strategies that not only address conflicts as they arise but also lay the groundwork for preventing future harm.