This episode is sponsored by:
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
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES
“There’s things that are absolutely wonderful about ourselves that we are expected to shed the higher up we rise into leadership.” – Frank Velásquez Jr.
“It just boils down to having a supportive network that then helps you become more of an advocate for yourself. I don’t feel like we can do anything alone.” – Frank Velásquez Jr.
“Yes, I’ve got to grow my business, but I don’t want it to be at the expense of building relationships.” – Frank Velásquez Jr.
RESOURCES
The EmC Masterclass developed by Dr. Lola Gershfeld is for everyone looking to enhance their communication and collaboration skills to raise more revenue for their mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations like ICF HRCI, and SHRM. Use the code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a generous 10% discount.
Imagine a fundraising partner that not only helps you raise more money but also supports you in retaining your donors. A partner that helps you raise funds both online AND on-location. Donorbox is a comprehensive suite of tools, services, and resources that gives fundraisers, just like you, a custom solution to tackle your unique challenges. Helping you…help others. Visit donorbox.org to learn more.
CONNECT WITH FRANK
LinkedIn: Frank Velásquez Jr.
Instagram: @4dahoodllc
Website: https://4dahood.com/
CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
This episode is sponsored by Donorbox
As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more.
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