Nonprofits accelerate their organizations at Shine the Light

DNA Creative Communications (DNA), in partnership with Community Foundation of Greenville, United Way of Greenville County and Hollingsworth Funds, hosted “Accelerating Organizational Effectiveness with an Increasingly Diverse Team” on September 27 at The Warehouse Theatre.

“Understanding the different types of diversity and how they impact an organization’s effectiveness is crucial,” shared Debbie Nelson, founder and organizer of Shine the Light. “With this knowledge, leaders can minimize the roadblocks and setbacks that can often derail teams and team work. It is inspiring to see these nonprofit leaders come together with a common desire to accelerate their teams and organizations further.”
More than 90 nonprofit leaders gathered at Shine the Light to learn, collaborate and plan strategies for moving forward with their team members. Josh Bell, CEO of Teach for America South Carolina, and Beverly Ward, Talent Management, kicked the day off with a “Behind the Curtain Conversation” about the importance of diversity and inclusion in nonprofit organizational culture.

Nelson and Shine the Light collaborator, Tan Kirby Davis then continued the workshop by presenting key aspects of diversity and inclusion that are essential to accelerating an organization forward. They introduced The Team Dynamics Continuum, a leadership tool developed by Shine the Light to assess, monitor and implement new strategies to achieve solid team dynamics.

Participants joined local business and community leaders in forward-thinking conversations in Shine the Light’s Innovation Labs. Together, they shared their experiences and insights on how they can move their organizations towards greater vibrancy. Innovation Lab facilitators included Michael Allen – McMillan Pazdan Smith, Josh Bell – Teach For America, Steve Hall – Find Great People International, Whitney Hanna – Greenville County Schools, Guy Hempel – The Hayes Group International, Julio Hernandez – Greenville Technical College, Tish McCutchen – United Way, Jennifer Oladipo – X Editorial, Tiffany Santagati – Southern First Bank, Tamela Spann – Hollingsworth Funds, Beverly Ward – Talent Management, and Rochelle Williams – Gather Consulting.

For more information on Shine the Light, visit www.NonprofitForums.org or call Debbie Nelson at 864-420-0195.

Shine the Light Nonprofit Forums

Shine the Light Nonprofit Forums is an annual series of educational workshops presented by DNA Creative Communications in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greenville, United Way of Greenville County and the Hollingsworth Funds. National, regional and local nonprofit experts present compelling workshops on topics inxcluding leadership development, strategic planning, financial stewardship, fund development and communications. Programs are designed for nonprofit professionals and their board members to gain insight and skills in order to effectively manage sustainable organizations. Since its launch in 2010, more than 1,500 participants have participated in the Shine the Light Nonprofit Forums. To learn more, visit www.nonprofitforums.org.