Ep 250: The Power of Neighbors: A Leadership Story from Minneapolis with Emilia Gonzalez Avalos

Ep 250: The Power of Neighbors: A Leadership Story from Minneapolis with Emilia Gonzalez Avalos

Author: Joan Garry & Glennda Testone March 28, 2026 Duration: 58:50
When crisis hit Minneapolis, nonprofit leaders and neighbors didn’t wait for rescue. In this episode, Emilia Gonzalez Avalos of Unidos Minnesota shares what it took to build a rapid-response infrastructure, protect communities, and turn terror into collective action.

Stepping into a leadership role at a nonprofit often feels less like a tidy playbook and more like navigating a wonderfully complex, human ecosystem. That’s the territory explored in Nonprofits Are Messy, hosted by Joan Garry. Drawing on her deep experience as a nonprofit leader and former Executive Director of GLAAD, Joan gets into the real work behind the mission-the difficult conversations, the strategic pivots, and the daily decisions that define an organization's health. Each episode feels like a candid consultation, offering practical lessons for CEOs, board members, fundraisers, and communications professionals who are in the trenches. You’ll hear specific strategies for strengthening a wobbly board, framing a compelling fundraising story, and steering through internal conflicts that can sideline even the most passionate teams. This podcast recognizes that the path to impact is rarely linear, and it provides the grounded, empathetic advice needed to build resilience and clarity. Tune in for conversations that replace theoretical jargon with actionable insight, all centered on the belief that strong leadership is the cornerstone of any thriving mission.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications
Podcast Episodes
Ep 229: Imposter Syndrome Is Real—6 Ways To Overcome It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:30
Many nonprofit leaders feel like they’re just one mistake away from being “found out.” Even experienced executives, including myself, wrestle with that nagging voice of doubt, especially in moments of high visibility or…
Ep. 228: Nonprofits Are Under Attack (with Glennda Testone) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:43
Nonprofits are under attack in 2025—from hostile federal policies, harmful public misconceptions, and risk-averse boards. Glennda Testone and I urge nonprofit leaders to push back, speak up, and lead with boldness and cr…
Ep 224: Fighting Loneliness In Remote Work (with Dr. Tracy Brower) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:06
Work can be a source of joy and fulfillment—but only if we feel connected. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Brower unpacks why we’re feeling more isolated than ever—and what leaders can do to build workplaces where people actu…