Women Who Make An Impact on Non-Profits
Slater Success has always fostered a culture of collaboration and giving back. Our last newsletter dealt with the impressive sense of purpose that music industry leaders and first responders brought to assistance relief efforts for victims of the California wildfires.
Slater Success, both as a company and for me personally, dedicates time and energy to supporting those in need—whether they are individuals, organizations, or entire industries. This commitment is one of the many reasons we host our non-profit series every year. In early January, we completed our seventh annual NFP (not-for-profit) series, and I am incredibly proud of this work.
Highlighting organizations that significantly impact the world is a valuable opportunity. Non-profits function like businesses; the main difference is that traditional businesses generate revenue through sales transactions. In the non-profit sector, revenue is obtained from fundraising and is used to create positive change.
This year, we featured five notable women business leaders who give back and advocate for others through their non-profit businesses. Interestingly, many NFP female leaders we interviewed for the series transitioned from a for-profit background to making contributions through their respective altruistic nonprofit platforms.
Here are five thumbnail sketches of the female leaders we interviewed for Her Success Story in this year’s NFP Series.
Nancy Economou, Founder/CEO Watts of Love
Nancy Economou founded Watts of Love, inspired by her belief that providing light also equates to offering self-worth, safety for families, the ability to earn an income, and financial freedom.
She and I talk about the power of local leadership, the importance of financial literacy in breaking the cycle of poverty, and the remarkable ripple effects of providing sustainable solar lighting solutions.
The podcast covers:
● Success stories showcase women who have applied the principles taught to uplift their families economically.
● Design solar light features like hands-free functionality and durability for harsh environments.
● A franchise model that emphasizes local leadership and the significance of community involvement.
● The importance of taking the first step without getting overwhelmed by the enormity of a vision.
Kris Hoellen, Executive Director at B&O Railroad Museum
Kris is a trusted executive and entrepreneur with over 25 years of management experience in non-profit and for-profit sectors. Kris is a collaborative, results-oriented leader with expertise in fundraising, new business development, strategic planning, advocacy, engagement, and staff mentoring.
We discussed the B&O Railroad Museum's historical significance, impact on Baltimore, innovative programs like workforce development, and Kris's career path to her current role.
Having spent a lot of time in Baltimore over the years with some dear friends in the area, I was overjoyed to meet Kris and learn about the impact of what the B & O Railroad is doing for the community.
The podcast covers:
What the B&O Railroad Museum represents
When the Museum's 200th Anniversary celebration will take place and the preparation leading up to it
The importance of staying open to new opportunities
The role and impact of the board in a nonprofit
How the museum is impacting the community, especially in the offering of sensory awareness programs for neurodivergent children
Surprises in the journey
Suzanne Stone, President and CEO of Livestrong
Suzanne joined Livestrong in 2019 to ensure cancer patients have essential resources for a high quality of life. She began her career in television in Dallas, winning a regional Emmy Award. In 1998, she transitioned to teaching in the non-profit sector, working in public access television in Naperville and upstate New York. She has led local non-profits in Texas, including CASA, Children’s Miracle Network, Lake Travis Education Foundation, and Susan G. Komen Greater Central and East Texas.
We talk about the critical role of physical activity in cancer recovery through the Livestrong at the Y program, the importance of scaling nonprofit efforts for more significant impact, and the challenges of maintaining an organization's mission amid public controversies.
On a side note, I have always believed that physical activity is vital for keeping our bodies healthy. However, I never considered its importance for people undergoing cancer treatment. Many of us know someone on a cancer journey, and when Suzanne suggested that, instead of or in addition to bringing someone food, we could invite them out for a walk, I was blown away. So easy, so simple, yet I had never thought of it.
The podcast covers:
How transferable skills from early career experiences can impact nonprofit leadership roles.
What the 12-week Livestrong at the Y program entails and its significance on focusing on long-term health for cancer survivors.
Why post-treatment movement is essential for both physical and mental health.
How Suzanne transitioned from volunteer roles in Texas to leading Livestrong.
Why collaboration, partnership, and building a network for scalable change
are key to making a significant impact.
Karen Shub Epstein, Executive Director of PennPAC
Karen Schub Epstein has 12 years of private sector experience, beginning in public accounting at Ernst and Young. She later joined Interpublic, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, financial analysis, human resources, systems implementations, and business development strategy.
In 2005, Karen joined the non-profit sector, spending ten years at the Growth Philanthropy Network, which creates a marketplace for organizations serving at-risk populations. In 2019, she became Executive Director of PennPAC, a nonprofit that mobilizes Penn alumni to support others. She is also Treasurer and Finance Chair on the Youth Action Board YouthBuild.
We discuss the shift to nonprofit work, PennPAC's volunteer model, scaling strategies, and the importance of networking for nonprofit leaders.
If you're wondering how I meet all these amazingly fantastic women who make a difference, I was introduced to Karen through a childhood friend last fall at a lunch. We were chatting when she asked how the podcast was going, and I mentioned that I was excited about the upcoming NFP series. She replied, "I know someone you'll love meeting!" Thank you, Harriet! I appreciate what PennPAC is doing by connecting brilliant people with full-time careers and encouraging them to donate a little time to make a difference in a nonprofit.
The podcast covers:
How PennPAC engages volunteers and nonprofits
What types of projects PennPAC volunteers are involved in
Why infrastructure development is crucial for PennPAC’s growth
What PennPAC is and how it operates
How networking plays a vital role in success
Nina Guralnick, Executive Director, New York International Children’s Film Festival
Nina Guralnick is the Executive Director of the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF), which promotes understanding and diverse voices through film. With expertise in arts events, she has transformed NYICFF's beloved annual event into year-round programming for children, families, classrooms, filmmakers, and cultural organizations nationwide. Her leadership emphasizes strategic oversight and community responsiveness, striving to use art for meaningful change among young audiences and society.
We discuss how NYICFF curates top children's films worldwide to promote empathy and understanding. The organization features impactful programs such as the annual New York festival, national tours, educational initiatives, and the unique challenges of managing a nonprofit. If you've ever watched a movie with a child, you understand the significance of introducing the art of film—and, by extension, literature—to our younger generation.
The podcast covers:
How Nina discovered the NYICFF opportunity and chose to pursue it, leading to her current role.
The mission of the NYICFF and its significance.
The influence of film on children.
An overview of the festival's main programs, including the annual New York festival, the national touring program, and educational field trips.
Nina’s vision and future aspirations for the festival.
Sharing the stories of nonprofit leaders can inspire listeners and encourage them to contribute in various ways. We are proud to run this series featuring women leaders in the nonprofit sector and look forward to our eighth annual installment in 4Q 2025.
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