E97: How Internal Communication Fuels Strong Nonprofit Culture with Alejandra Ramirez Wells Artwork

Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising

Welcome to the Lead with Heart Podcast, where the heartbeat of philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and fundraising resonates in every episode. I'm Haley, your host—a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, Certified EmC trainer, and, most importantly, a recovering nonprofit burnout survivor.

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Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising

E97: How Internal Communication Fuels Strong Nonprofit Culture with Alejandra Ramirez Wells

June 17, 2025 • Haley Cooper | Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, Certified EmC Trainer • Episode 97

I am so excited to welcome Alejandra Ramirez Wells to the Lead With Heart Podcast. Alejandra is an internal communication strategist and culture-building expert with nearly two decades of experience helping mission-driven organizations transform from the inside out.

In this episode, we dive deep into how internal communication is the key to creating sustainable nonprofit culture, retaining talent, and reducing burnout. Alejandra shares actionable insights for developing values-based communication systems that align your team, build trust, and strengthen your impact, especially in times of change or crisis.

If you're navigating team disengagement or organizational transitions, or just want to build a more connected and resilient staff culture, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

[02:45] The hidden cost of poor internal communication
[04:06] Signs your nonprofit culture is misaligned
[06:02] Why values should shape internal systems
[08:19] Conditions for a thriving nonprofit workplace
[10:24] Creating feedback loops that lead to action
[13:14] Internal comms in hybrid work environments
[16:33] Crisis communication for nonprofits
[19:24] Helping staff connect to the organizational vision
[23:13] How internal communication affects external communication
[26:40] Measuring the effectiveness of internal comms
[31:08] Where to start when building a communication plan

CONNECT WITH ALEJANDRA

LinkedIn: Alejandra Ramirez Wells

Instagram: @readycultures

Website: https://www.readycultures.com/

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

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CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms