Nonprofit Business Leaders Giving Back and Making a Difference
Eight Years Hosting Our Nonprofit Leaders Series
Slater Success has always been deeply committed to giving back and supporting those in need—whether individuals, organizations, or the broader community—both for our organization and myself personally.
For this reason, we are continuing with our end-of-year series highlighting nonprofit organizations that make a difference. This year, we have increased the number of profiles to eight incredible business leaders dedicated to giving back and advocating for others. All but one of these superstars is a woman.
It's worth noting that all these nonprofit pioneers originally came from diverse backgrounds outside the nonprofit sector. Each individual in the series has found a new path, passionately working to make a positive impact and grow their organizations through altruistic nonprofit efforts.
Nonprofit Areas of Focus
Our eight interviewees represent a wide range of nonprofit specialties, so let’s first highlight who they are by their areas of expertise.
These eight nonprofit leaders can be grouped into four specific areas of shared focus:
Behavioral Health, Trauma & Recovery Care
Domestic Violence & Women's Safety Support
Women’s Financial Empowerment & Values-Based Decision-Making
Nonprofit Storytelling, Branding & Creative Impact
Let’s examine each of these areas more closely and identify which nonprofit business leaders cluster together by areas of specialty.
1. Trauma, Behavioral Health & Human Services
This segment is dedicated to helping people heal—emotionally, mentally, and physically. They focus on creating safe, supportive environments for individuals and families dealing with trauma, mental health challenges, or recovery journeys.
What Sets This Segment Apart
They prioritize healing the whole person, not just treating symptoms.
They emphasize trauma-informed care, meaning everyone—from clients to staff—is treated with empathy and understanding.
Their work blends clinical support with human connection, meeting people where they are.
This segment stands out because its mission is deeply rooted in restoring stability, dignity, and well-being.
These leaders work in mental health, trauma support, recovery, or human-services-based care.
Tara Chalakani – Preferred Behavioral Health Group
Specializes in behavioral health, trauma-informed leadership, and mental health services to support and uplift the community.Peg Wright – Center for Great Expectations (CGE)
Focuses on maternal health, supporting those in substance-use recovery, and providing family services that understand and respect trauma experiences.
They both share:
➡️ trauma-informed practices
➡️ direct service to vulnerable populations
➡️ organizational leadership in human-services nonprofits
2. Domestic Violence, Abuse Recovery & Support for Women
This segment centers on keeping women and children safe, especially those escaping domestic violence or abuse. Their work is hands-on, practical, and urgent—everything from basic needs to emotional support.
What Sets This Segment Apart
Their priority is immediate safety, shelter, and essentials.
They raise public awareness around issues people often don’t talk about.
They focus on empowerment, helping survivors rebuild confidence and independence.
What makes this segment different is the combination of crisis support, advocacy, and heart-centered outreach.
These leaders focus on assisting survivors of abuse or vulnerable women.
Michelle Jewsbury – Unsilenced Voices
Global domestic violence advocacy and survivor supportAisling Owens Nash & Cathleen – Hopefull Handbags
Support for women and children recovering from abuse, essential needs programs
They both share:
➡️ survivor advocacy
➡️ support programs for abused women
➡️ awareness and empowerment initiatives
3. Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice for Children and Families
This segment works to ensure kids and teens grow up feeling confident, supported, and valued. They focus on racial equity, positive identity, mentorship, and creating environments where youth and families truly thrive.
What Sets This Segment Apart
They blend education with empowerment, helping young people understand themselves and the world.
They focus on racial equity and representation, making sure every child sees themselves reflected.
They build strong family and community connections, not just youth programs.
This segment is unique because it’s all about raising a stronger next generation through equity, belonging, and mentorship.
These leaders address racial equity, representation, and empowerment for young people.
Melissa Giraud – EmbraceRace
Racial literacy for children, parent education, equity-focused programmingJenna Williams – WonderVillage
Child empowerment, community-building, global youth development
Brawley Chisolm III --Champs
Youth mentoring and community empowerment (based on context)
They all share:
➡️ child-centered empowerment
➡️ social justice and equity themes
➡️ family and community strengthening
4. Women’s Leadership, Financial Empowerment & Purpose-Driven Life Design
This segment helps women gain confidence with money, make informed financial decisions, and invest in ways that align with their personal values.
What Makes This Segment Different
They put community over competition, creating safe spaces for women to learn together.
They focus on values-driven investing, not just financial growth.
They help women rewrite the narrative around money, leadership, and independence.
This segment stands out for its blend of financial education, empowerment, and wealth-building.
This segment helps women by offering education on money, core values, and purpose-driven frameworks.
Janine Firpo – Invest for Better
Women’s financial empowerment, impact investing
Janine focuses on:
➡️ women’s leadership
➡️ values-aligned decision-making
➡️ financial literacy and empowerment
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Supporting women and families has always been a core part of my nonprofit work. When we empower women to care for their families and communities and offer education for the next generation, it creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
I plan to keep sharing interviews and insights from impactful nonprofit organizations I encounter. I encourage you to find a cause or nonprofit that resonates with you—something beyond your career and family life that gives your world more meaning.
If you’re involved with an organization you believe I should know about, please tell me—I love learning about new causes and broadening the conversation.