Nonprofit leaders are continually faced with uncertainty, which can lead to missed opportunities for innovation in pursuit of the organization’s mission. This conference will help nonprofit leaders and others interested in a nonprofit career learn to navigate common causes of uncertainty - such as self-doubt, financial instability, resource scarcity and a political climate in flux - so that they can develop and apply innovative solutions that will benefit their organizations and the people they serve.

About Our Presenters

Tanisha Arena, Arise for Social Justice Executive Director https://www.arisespringfield.org/ 

Tanisha is a Black woman in community leadership as the executive director of ARISE for Social Justice, occupying the world’s messiest intersection, the space where race, gender, culture, identity, politics, history, and the law all collide. She is a commissioner on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, advocating for the needs of women and girls across the Commonwealth. She has a passion for social justice, authentic leadership, and speaking truth to power. She is the host of the award-winning podcast, Unapologetic, bringing the hard truths of our social issues to the forefront, connecting past to the present as well as a consultant/trainer for Growing A New Heart and The Sojourner Truth School, all focused on teaching new ways to build connection, facilitate learning, and drive social change. She is a published author, public speaker, and freelance writer, but her best role is being Gram to Penelope, Jaalan, Jr., and Kyle, Jr.

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.  

Vickie Dempesy, Chief Operating Officer for Hilltown Community Health Center https://www.hchcweb.org/ 

Vickie joined HCHC as the Chief Operating Officer in 2020. She brings over 30 years of experience with increasing responsibility in healthcare organizations, strategic planning, operational efficiencies, with a goal of high quality clinic care while promoting patient, staff & provider satisfaction. Prior to joining Hilltown Community Health Centers, she directed outpatient services at Shriners Hospital for Children where she was responsible for performance improvement and implementation of change working with inter-departmental teams, resulting in dynamic performance and improvement projects. Vickie is honored and proud to be with the Hilltown Community Health Center team where she finds that staff embody courage, dedication, passion, integrity, kindness, and selflessness.

Debra 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. 

Corinne Ebbs, M.L.S., M.Ed., Head, Education Resources Center, Westfield State University https://lib.westfield.ma.edu/home

During her 28 years supporting faculty and students at Westfield State University, Corinne established the library’s Information Instruction program as the first coordinator, served as Interim Library Director for 2+ years, and has revisited her K-12 education background by taking over direction of the Education Resources Center. She has also become a liaison to the burgeoning Health Sciences programs. These roles and collaborative work with colleagues emphasize teaching critical and reflective information literacy practices through active learning and student engagement. Corinne has a B.A. in Anthropology from Vassar College, an M.Ed. from Lesley University, and an M.L.S. from the University at Albany, SUNY.

Cody Fongemie, MPA

Growing up, community involvement was strongly emphasized for Cody. He participated in numerous nonprofit efforts throughout his youth and education, from food drives to financial fundraisers. After earning a degree in political science from Coastal Carolina University, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he currently serves.

Driven by his passion for making a positive impact, he pursued a Master of Public Administration from Westfield State University. He now serves on the national board of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ Armed Forces Initiative, which helps connect veterans with the outdoors, and has spent the past decade on the board of a youth leadership development organization and advising others in the public/political space.

Giselle Frechette, M.Ed. Associate Director of Experiential Education, Westfield State University Career Center https://careers.westfield.ma.edu/

Giselle has worked in the Westfield State University Career Center since 2007 and brings over twenty years of experience to her role.  She has worked on federal grant reviews with the U.S. Department of Education, served as an adjunct instructor for the English and Psychology Departments, acts as the Disney College Program Coordinator, holds the position of Regional Coordinator with the American Association for Employment in Education as well as having received several certifications in her field including Career Development Facilitator and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

Prof. Tom Gardner, MPA, PhD, Department of Communication, Westfield State University

Former activist and journalist. PR Director for Alabama State Employees Association, Harvard Divinity School, Union of Concerned Scientists, and Media Education Foundation. Senior editor - Harvard Institute for International Development. Teaches Communication Law, Political Communication, Persuasive Communication and other courses in the WSU Communication Dept., and, formerly, PR for Non-Profits and Govt Agencies in the WSU MPA program.

Lamis Jarvinen, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Research, Innovation, Design, & Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center, Westfield State University. 

Dr. Lamis Jarvinen designed and established the RIDE Center in October 2023 with ’24-’25 being the first full academic year in operation for the Center. The diversity in her background as a Molecular & Cellular Immunologist developing therapeutic modalities to promote solid-organ transplantation tolerance and as an entrepreneur impacts the mission and vision of RIDE, supporting non-traditional innovators and entrepreneurs while creating a seat at the “design table” for those traditionally left out.

Dr. Michael Purdy, OD, MSPH, Chief Executive Officer for Hilltown Community Health Center https://www.hchcweb.org/ 

Dr. Purdy received his BS in Biology in 1999, a Doctor of Optometry from The New England College of Optometry in 2003, and a Master’s in Public Health in 2019.  He joined HCHC in 2010 and has worked for over 19 years in Community Health, including his role as Chief Clinical and Community Service Officer. In 2023, he was appointed CEO for HCHC.

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. 

Oliver Zeff M.L.S, Information Instruction Coordinator, Ely Library, Westfield State University https://lib.westfield.ma.edu/home

Oliver Zeff has taught and coordinated Information Literacy instruction at the Ely Library of Westfield State University for 20 years.  Oliver also serves as the liaison to the Social Work, Criminal Justice, Marketing and Management, Economics, and Accounting departments of the university.  The Instruction Program of the Ely Library specializes in teaching source evaluation concepts and practices in research to first-year students, including students of the Westfield Promise early college program and the LEAD scholars program for first-generation college students.  Oliver is a strong proponent of active learning and a constructivist teaching approach.  He earned an M.L.S from Simmons College, and a B.A. in English from Tufts University.