Nonprofits Are Messy Podcast

Ep 222: The Joys and Challenges of Leading A Small Nonprofit (with members of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab)

by Joan Garry

Three fearless nonprofit leaders share what drives them, how they navigate burnout, and the vision that keeps them going. Tomik Dash, Laura Carmichael, and Adrienne McCue are breaking barriers and sharing their stories that prove that small but mighty nonprofits are changing lives every day.

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They have passion, tenacity, missions with meaning, a vision to make an impact, and the drive to make it happen. Some are working without pay, working part-time, working with the odds stacked against them, working out of home offices. Still, they keep working. 

Little by little, those they serve share their personal stories of why the work matters and how each nonprofit organization helped them keep going. That is how these leaders know that the work is winning.

Even so, what keeps them up at night? How do they deal with burnout? What drives them to continue?

Meet three impactful nonprofit leaders in the trenches of nonprofit work, fighting for equality, supporting those underserved, and helping people live better lives.

These powerhouse leaders inspire me. That’s why I bring them to you. 

Whether you work for a small nonprofit or a large one, know this: the struggles are universal. 

In this episode, they share their insights from the inside of nonprofit work—the strengths, struggles, the pay problem, and most of all, the joy of staying in the game.

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

  • The “Why” That Drives Nonprofit Leaders – Each guest shares the deeply personal motivations that fuel their work. Laura’s journey is rooted in advocating for her son with autism, while Adrienne’s mission stems from her mother’s struggles with mental health. Tomic’s work is about creating a more inclusive and equitable Fire Island for LGBT people of color.
  • The Struggles of Small Nonprofits – The leaders discuss challenges like funding instability, board dynamics, and the fine line between visibility and vulnerability in today’s political climate.
  • The Reality of Burnout – Passion is powerful, but it can also be exhausting. The guests open up about their experiences with burnout, the importance of self-care, and the strategies they use to maintain their energy for the long haul.
  • Building for the Future – Sustainability isn’t just about money—it’s about vision, partnerships, and strategic planning. Laura shares her organization’s steps toward long-term success, Tomic discusses securing a permanent space, and Adrienne highlights the power of collaboration.

KEY QUOTES:

  • “We all have expertise. Lived experience counts as much, if not more, than research and formal training.” – Joan Garry
  • “You can make a difference where you are.” – Tomik Dash
  • “We always think we’re not doing enough, but even small acts of support can mean everything to the people we serve.” – Laura Carmichael
  • “Nonprofits are messy. That doesn’t mean they aren’t mighty.” – Glennda Testone

ABOUT LAURA CARMICHAEL:

Laura Carmichael is a founding board member and the current Executive Director of the Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY. With resources from the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, she’s worked with the board to help double the organization’s revenue and expand its programs. Next up is strategic planning!

ABOUT TOMIK DASH:

Tomik Dash is a dynamic force, channeling his activism and creativity into building a more equitable and beautiful world. As the President of the Black and Brown Equity Coalition (BaBEC), he’s fearlessly advocating for queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) on Fire Island, dismantling barriers to access and fostering a sense of belonging in historically white and cisgender-dominant spaces, proving that paradise doesn’t have to be a members-only club.

ABOUT ADRIENNE MCCUE:

Adrienne McCue is the President and Executive Director of Step Up For Mental Health®. Adrienne has been passionate about mental health since, as a young girl, she helped her mother cope with a serious mental health disorder. A proven leader for over 13 years in advocacy work, developing strategy partners, community engagement, and planning. Adrienne is driven by educating the public about the important work of peer support and mentorship, serving under-resourced communities, families dealing with mental health-related issues, youth mental health, and stigmas.

Adrienne has been a speaker for Sage Health Strategy, The New York Times, The Association of LGBTQ Journalists (NLGJA,) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s LGBT Suicide Prevention Symposium at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She was invited to the GLAAD National Media Institute for People of Color to promote diversity in the media. Keynote Speaker and performed workshops at UC Davis University and St. Cloud State University on topics on mental health, poverty, human rights advocacy, education, visibility, and using social media for diversity platforms. 

Adrienne’s been a guest at the White House for the 44th and 46th Presidents of the United States to celebrate her advocacy for mental health, poverty, and human rights. 

Adrienne has been interviewed by Chicago Tribute, Lumpen Radio, Chicago Progressive Talk Radio hosted by Stephanie Miller, featured in the Chicago Tribune (RedEye), Associated Press, Windy City Times, The Bilerico Project, GLAAD Blog, and The Advocate.

Adrienne lived in Japan for two years, loves sci-fi, and is on a mission to publish her first children’s book. Adrienne’s happy spending time with her husband and their dog, Larrabee. She now works as a leader in the strategic goals and programs for Step Up For Mental Health®, supporting families dealing with mental health-related issues on stigmas, poverty, and marginalized communities.

RESOURCES:

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