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  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.
In this empowering space, we invite nonprofit professionals to amplify their voices and unveil the heart behind their missions. 
Our mission is clear: to empower, elevate, and engage nonprofit leaders, fostering the growth of healthy, thriving organizations.
Join me and a lineup of inspiring guests as we delve into real stories of Philanthropy, Leadership, Courage, and Empathy. Together, we explore the strategies and practices employed by these remarkable leaders to heal from burnout, propel their missions forward, raise crucial funds, and ultimately, make a lasting impact in the nonprofit world.
Discover the unwavering commitment to making a difference, the resilience required to navigate the challenges of philanthropy, and the innovative approaches to leadership that drive positive change. 
Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting your journey, the Lead with Heart Podcast is your go-to resource for insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies to enhance your leadership, elevate your organization, and amplify your impact on the world of philanthropy. Tune in and let the heartbeat of leadership guide your nonprofit journey.
Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising
E112: Building Brave Spaces for Leaders of Color with Frank Velásquez Jr.
I am so excited to introduce you to Frank Velásquez Jr., a storyteller, social justice leader, and founder of 4 Da Hood. Frank is passionate about equity, authenticity, and helping leaders of color rise into their power with unapologetic joy.
In this conversation, we explore how storytelling can double nonprofit funding, why creating restorative circles fosters trust and authentic connection, and how leaders can bridge divides in today’s divisive climate. Frank also shares the inspiration behind his Ascending Leaders in Color program, his vision for equity-driven leadership, and his belief in healing separately to lead collectively.
In this episode:
- [03:24] The birth of 4 Da Hood
- [05:36] The power of storytelling to increase nonprofit funding
- [07:20] Why the Ascending Leaders in Color program was created
- [11:17] Circle agreements and creating brave spaces
- [16:17] The restorative circle model and its role in leadership
- [20:18] Navigating tough conversations around race, gender, and opportunity
- [26:44] Carrying authenticity into the real world
- [30:30] Advocating for pay equity as nonprofit leaders of color
- [35:47] Regaining joy in your life as a leader
- [38:21] Frank’s vision for 4 Da Hood
CONNECT WITH FRANK
LinkedIn: Frank Velásquez Jr.
Instagram: @4dahoodllc
Website: https://4dahood.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.
Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org
Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off.
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