LBW Insurance and Financial Services invites nonprofit leaders to lunch and an educational seminar presented by Envision Consulting.
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Funders and communities across the country are now taking a hard look at how nonprofits are really addressing these issues. Recent data gives nonprofits a “fail” as diversity rates in top positions still have not improved. As organizations whose missions are to build inclusive communities and support underserved populations, how can we “walk the talk?”
An executive leadership development firm in the nonprofit sector, Envision Consulting will walk through tough questions to ask your organization when analyzing its level of inclusivity-it goes beyond “how can we build a pipeline of diverse employees?” Join us to learn how to build a more equitable company culture, attract top talent, better meet your mission, and bring in new funding.
Lunch and seminar are free for nonprofit leaders and board members.
Date: November 15, 2017
Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Location: Valencia Country Club | 27330 Tourney Road, Valencia, CA 91355
To register: email April Price at
Alliance for Children’s Rights, a Los-Angeles based nonprofit organization that protects the rights of abused and neglected children and youth, appointed its new Chief Development Officer Elizabeth Curtis.
“I’m so impressed by what Janis Spire, the Board of Directors and staff have accomplished and am looking forward to working closely with new CEO Laurie Rubiner,” said Ms. Curtis.
With more than 25 years’ experience, Ms. Curtis is a professional fundraiser. Previously, she was the Director of Development with Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), where she devised and executed development strategies to cultivate and solicit support from a diverse portfolio of potential donors, as well as planned and implemented events such as annual gala dinner, golf tournaments, art exhibits and music concerts.
“Elizabeth not only knows how to fundraise, but she has made strong connections in the community and with funders that is a major plus,” said Janis Spire, President and CEO. “Her track record speaks for itself and we’re happy to have her on the team.”
Alliance for Children’s Rights retained Envision Consulting to conduct the search. The consulting firm sourced candidates from around the nation yielding more than 100 applicants. Applicants emerged from large and small organizations with outstanding major gifts accomplishments, contracts background and grant writing skills.
Partner Allison Fuller said, “The search process was tougher than expected; however, when we interviewed Elizabeth, we found she had an unparalleled fundraising record and everything Alliance was looking for.”
Ms. Curtis obtained her Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Riverside. She is also a member is Southern California Grantmakers, Junior League of Los Angeles and Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Girls Inc. Los Angeles, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that supports and empowers “at risk” young girls, announced the placement of Vicki Connely as their new Executive Director.
“To be part of Girls Inc. LA is an amazing opportunity,” said Ms. Connely. “The impact they’re making in young girls’ lives in the Los Angeles area is phenomenal and I’m grateful to add my vision and contribute to their mission.”
Ms. Connely has more than 35 years of progressive and diverse experience in nonprofit administration, contract and grant management, case management, quality assurance, fundraising and program development. Previously, she owned a consulting firm providing a variety of service to nonprofits. Ms. Connely obtained her Bachelor’s degree in human services/sociology from California State University Fullerton. Additionally, she is a member of Third Sector, Southern California Grantmakers, Foundation Source and has served on the Board of a few organizations.
“With Vicki’s experience and passion for helping the young girls in our programs, she will be a tremendous asset to the team,” said Board Chair Renee Fraser. “We look forward to the work we can accomplish as a team, with her leadership, guidance from the Board and input from staff.”
Girls Inc. LA retained Envision Consulting to conduct the search. The national search yielded more than 100 candidates with various backgrounds in development, arts and culture, school programs, health organizations and more.
Partner Matt Kamin commented, “Girls Inc. LA has been a great organization to work with. Vicki’s extensive background in the nonprofit sector and the effective work she has already accomplished having served as interim, is a great advantage to the organization.”
Additionally, Vicki served as the interim Executive Director for Girls Inc. LA.
Principal Julie Ha Truong presented at the 826 National Staff Development Conference in Los Angeles, CA on June 28, 2017. Mrs. Truong took conference attendees on a journey through Strengthsfinder and how to utilize strengths to improve teams, employment satisfaction and what it means for the organization overall. Participants were able to discuss their strengths in pairs and open discussion on concerns of what strengths mean for their futures and careers.
Looking for your next career move? Let’s talk about it.
Are you having team or staffing issues? We can help you.
On June 27, California Lutheran University's Center for Nonprofit Leadership highlighted our Principal Suzanne Elliott as a "Featured Faculty Member." Read the interview below.
Suzanne Elliott, Principal, Envision Consulting
I’ve served on the faculty since September 2016. I love meeting nonprofit professionals and board members from our community and learning about their accomplishments and challenges. It’s fulfilling to establish a connection through a workshop and then stay in touch and build relationships through the Nonprofit Leadership Council and other activities. This network of colleagues and friends also helps me stay on top of the trends affecting nonprofit organizations in the field.
My next workshop is Establishing Your Board Development Plan on July 11 from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Board development is absolutely critical for a healthy, high-performing board of directors, but it’s too often the piece of the puzzle that falls through the cracks because it’s misunderstood or not prioritized. Through my work, I’ve seen that nonprofit board members truly want to be contribute and serve in meaningful ways, but they don’t always have the tools and support they need to be effective. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to assess your board’s performance and identify development needs – and then create and implement a board development plan that will work for your organization.
I’ve been told by groups recently that I ask great questions to prompt discussion, and I connect on a personal level with people in my workshops. That feedback made me smile because I’ve worked hard over the past few years to create workshops that are interactive, memorable and valuable experiences for adult learners… which are much more fun than boring PowerPoint lectures!
I encourage everyone involved with nonprofit organizations in Ventura County – staff, board, volunteers – to join the Center for Nonprofit Leadership and take advantage of the incredible resources and network. Your organizations will grow stronger and your personal and professional experience will be richer by participating in this community of do gooders!
*This article was originally posted on Center for Nonprofit Leadership's website.