Third Annual Nonprofit Innovators Forum:
Innovating for Sustainable Growth
Hosted by:
Westfield State University's Master of Public Administration, Policy and Civic Engagement Program
Embedded Files
Where?
Scanlon Hall Ballroom
577 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01085
If you work, volunteer, or serve on the board of a small nonprofit—or are interested in exploring a career in the nonprofit sector—this free, one-day conference will help you to gain practical tools for sustainable growth, connect with peers, and discover strategies to strengthen your organization’s long-term impact.
What to Expect:
What to Expect:
An opening plenary session addressing the Sustainable Growth theme.
Presentations and workshops.
Networking with like-minded individuals, seasoned nonprofit professionals, and potential collaborators to expand your network and exchange valuable insights.
An experience that will leave you inspired and empowered to face adversity and make a difference in your community!
FREE REGISTRATION!
Free event parking:
Stanley Park, Gate 1.
located across the street from campus
Shuttle Service:
9:00 - 10:30 AM
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Scanlon Hall
Schedule:
Schedule:
9:15am-3:45pm: Sponsors Showcase
Scanlon Banquet Hall
10:00am-10:45am: Opening Session
Welcome: WSU MPA Director Charles DiStefano, PhD, MPA
Keynote Address: Transformative Change - Sustainable Results
Shannon Mumblo, MSW, LICSW, BSN, RN, ORDM
President, Shannon Mumblo Consulting, Inc.
Scanlon Banquet Hall: Room A
11:00am-12:00pm: Morning Sessions
Stop losing your audience: Optimizing Websites and Social Media for Engagement
The Power of Networking
Board Management Starts with WHY: Recruiting and retaining the right board through mission alignment starts with leadership
Scanlon Banquet Hall: Rooms A, B & C
12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch Break
There are several dining options available on campus:
1:00pm-2:00pm: Afternoon Sessions
Revenue Diversification Through Grants and Alternative Funding Sources
Administering Meaningful Community Assessments
Volunteer Recruitment and Development
Scanlon Banquet Hall: Rooms A, B & C
2:15pm-2:45pm: Common Interest Group Roundtable Discussions
Discussions will focus on the following nonprofit sectors:
Children and Family Services
Health and Wellness Services
Veterans and Military Services
more will be added soon
Scanlon Banquet Hall: Rooms A, B & C
3:00pm-3:45pm: Networking Reception
Scanlon Banquet Hall
Appetizers and beverages will be served.
Session Descriptions
(check back soon for updates)
Morning
Stop losing your audience: Optimizing Websites and Social Media for Engagement
Presenter:
Louis Burgos, MS, Multimedia Specialist, Holyoke Community College
In today's world, our landscape is digital. Most audiences encounter people or organizations through social media feeds, especially through their phones. Even though phones seem to be how people connect with everything they do, many websites and strategies are not designed with mobile users in mind. This presentation explores simple yet practical ways to improve the mobile website experience and develop compelling social media content.
Scanlon Banquet Hall, Room A
The Power of Networking
Presenters:
Shannon Mumblo, MSW, LICSW, BSN, RN, ORDM, President, Shannon Mumblo Consulting, Inc.
Wilbert Weche, Founder & CEO of Willful Change LLC
Scanlon Banquet Hall, Room B
Board Management Starts with WHY: Recruiting and retaining the right board through mission alignment starts with leadership
Presenter:
Rebecca Coolong, Human Service Forum Executive Director
To inspire and lead others, you must first understand your own inspiration. This workshop will lead you to the intersection of your WHY and your agencies WHY to find what inspires you to keep doing the work and to inspire others to follow. Once there, you can use this technique to inspire your current board as well as recruit new members already aligned with your mission and vision.
Scanlon Banquet Hall, Room C
Afternoon
Administering Meaningful Community Assessments
Presenters:
Dristi Neog, Ph.D., Professor
Alina T. Gross, PhD, Associate Professor
Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability (GPS), Westfield State University
Scanlon Banquet Hall, Room A
Revenue Diversification Through Grants and Alternative Funding Sources
Presenters:
Debbie DiStefano, PhD, Chief People and Compliance Officer, Hilltown Community Health Center
Kimm Quinlan, MPA, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, Holyoke Community College
Other presenters TBA
After a general overview of different ways nonprofits can generate revenue, presenters will each share what their focus in this process is, from finding opportunities to appropriately managing funds. Attendees can then attend a breakout group led by one of the presenters.
Scanlon Banquet Hall, Room B
Volunteer Recruitment and Development
Presenter:
Alexandra Maggio, Chief of Community Engagement, United Way of Pioneer Valley
Scanlon Banquet Hall, Room C
Roundtables
What's up? Learning from your peers - informal sessions for people who work with similar populations to network and learn from each other by sharing information on their work, challenges and accomplishments.
Children and Family Services Sector
Table Leader: Kimm Quinlan, MPA, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, Holyoke Community College
Health and Wellness Services Sector
Table Leader: Debra DiStefano, PhD, Chief People and Compliance Officer, Hilltown Community Health Center
Veterans and Military Services Sector
Table Leader: Robert Vigneault, USAF Veteran, Assistant Director of Veteran and Military Services, Westfield State University
Other roundtable sessions will be added soon.
Sponsorships are available to keep this a free community event!
Champions
($600+)
Benefactors
($350-599)
Community Builders
($100-$349)
The Massachusetts 401(k) CORE Plan was built for and is tailored to the Massachusetts nonprofit community. To learn more about this program, reach out to the local representative, Lisa Cardinal, at Lisa.Cardinal@Empower.com or 617-510-4036.
Supporters
($25-$99)
Michael and Catherine Roeder
About Our Presenters
About Our Presenters
(check back soon for updates)
(check back soon for updates)
Keynote Speaker
Shannon Mumblo, MSW, LICSW, BSN, RN, ORDM, President, Shannon Mumblo Consulting, Inc. https://www.shannonmumbloconsulting.com/
Shannon Mumblo believes that the strongest organizational strategies are built on a foundation of human empathy. As the founder of Shannon Mumblo Consulting, she brings over 23 years of experience on the front lines and in executive leadership to help organizations thrive.
With a unique professional background as a Registered Nurse, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and Ordained Minister, Shannon possesses a rare perspective on the "human element" of business. She doesn’t just advise; she acts as a trusted partner to help non-profits and mission-driven companies attract sustainable resources through data-driven storytelling, bridge the gap between strategic vision and operational reality, and lead with unwavering integrity. Shannon finds her greatest joy in solving complex challenges and inspiring leaders to build loyal, high-performing teams that stay mission-aligned in an ever-changing world.
Beyond strategic consulting, Shannon serves as a coach who empowers leaders to unlock their full potential. She blends clinical insight with executive experience to help leaders navigate the isolation that often comes with increased responsibility and high-level decision making, refine their emotional intelligence, and move from reactive management to proactive, visionary leadership. Her approach is rooted in the belief that true success requires more than just a quick fix; it demands transformative change that yields sustainable results.
Louis Burgos, MS, Multimedia Specialist, Holyoke Community College
Louis Burgos is a communications professional who specializes in social media, social media marketing/strategy, digital engagement, audience-focused content, video, and video editing. Since 2021, he has worked as a social media manager for a non-profit organization and two higher education institutions. He currently films and edits videos while managing Holyoke Community College's social media accounts. Louis holds a Master's degree in Applied Communication from Fitchburg State University and a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Westfield State University.
Rebecca Coolong, Human Service Forum Executive Director https://www.humanserviceforum.org/
Rebecca has served as the Human Service Forum Executive Director since 2017, bringing a wealth of experience in both the entertainment and nonprofit sectors. In 2006, after working in live theater, film, and television, Becca transitioned her management expertise to the human service sector, assuming the role of Director of Youth and Family Services at the Springfield Jewish Community Center. Through her work in this field, Becca emerged as a staunch advocate for continuous learning and growth, with a steadfast commitment to social justice principles. Since 2016, she has sat on the advisory board for Duggan Academy as well as serving on support committees for several different organizations including CHD, the Hebrew Free Loan Society, and the Unity House Players.
Debbie DiStefano, PhD, Chief People and Compliance Officer for Hilltown Community Health Center https://www.hchcweb.org/
Dr. Debbie DiStefano serves as the Chief People and Compliance Officer for Hilltown Community Health Center. In her current role, she collaborates with staff to create an inclusive space for both staff and patients. She oversees HR and works with the HR Director to create policies and procedures that speak to the mission and vision of HCHC. She oversees career development and recruiting, building connections with local institutions to build a strong, consistent, culturally competent, primary care workforce. Dr. DiStefano served as a professor of Spanish at Southeast Missouri State University for 18 years. She is a Latin Americanist whose area of expertise is the history and cultural production of the many populations of Asian descent in Latin America.
Robert Vigneault, Assistant Director of Veteran and Military Services and School Certifying Official, Westfield State University
Robert Vigneault is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and dedicated advocate for military‑connected students. Born in Okinawa and raised at Fort Bliss, he later served as an Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician and as a chef in the Air Force Reserve. After active duty, Robert supported his family through 24 years and nine cross‑country moves, contributing to a combined 47 years of Air Force service in his household. These experiences shaped his commitment to helping veterans succeed in civilian and academic life. Robert began his higher‑education career as a Veterans Counselor and School Certifying Official at Holyoke Community College and Greenfield Community College. In 2023, he became Assistant Director of Veteran and Military Services at Westfield State University, where he strengthens support systems, expands resources, and fosters community for veterans, service members, and military families. He is a Veterans Mediator certified through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and remains active in the veteran community through the Marine Corps League, the American Legion and the Sarah Gillett Foundation.
Wilbert Weche, Founder & CEO of Willful Change LLC https://www.willfulchange.com/
Wilbert, a distinguished professional who holds a prestigious Master's degree in Business Administration, specializing in Management & Leadership. But his pursuit of excellence didn't stop there; in 2020, Wilbert embarked on a remarkable journey with the renowned John Maxwell Team, obtaining certifications as a captivating keynote speaker, inspiring trainer, and empowering coach. With an innate gift for communication and an uncanny ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, Wilbert has astounded countless professionals through his dynamic and engaging training sessions. Notably, Wilbert's expertise has transcended expectations, leaving a lasting impression on clients spanning the spectrum from entry-level managers to esteemed C-Level executives across diverse professional industries. As a result, his reputation for delivering unparalleled results continues to soar.
Since 2004, the Master of Public Administration, Policy and Civic Engagement (MPA) program has proudly produced more than 250 graduates - many who now serve as esteemed state and municipal elected leaders, executive directors of nonprofit agencies, dedicated city and town managers, and municipal department heads. Additionally, our alumni include leaders in both state and federal agencies, along with professionals in private sector agencies that collaborate extensively with government clients. Concentrations are offered in Nonprofit Management, Criminal Justice Administration and Public Management.
Dr. Charles I. DiStefano joined the Political Science faculty at WSU in 2017 and was appointed MPA director in 2019. During this time he has engaged with nonprofit and government organizations in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut on many collaborative projects, including course connected civically engaged research projects providing students practical experience by applying the material they are learning in the classroom. He holds a PhD in Political Science with concentrations in Public Administration and American Government & Politics from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale and an MPA from Southeast Missouri State University.
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