High Impact Philanthropy: Shakira Releford Of Connecting Youth Achievement Center On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful & Effective Nonprofit Organization
An Interview with Karen Mangia
Build a team of rockstars
Whether it’s your staff, board members, or collaborative partners, surrounding yourself with mission-aligned people who bring passion and expertise is a game changer. In the beginning, I made the mistake of trying to do everything myself. I was the accountant, all the board members, volunteers, program coordinator, and everything in between. Once I started being intentional about who I brought on the team, things shifted. I had a board member who came in with a background in education and nonprofit management and her insight helped us redesign our programming to be both culturally responsive and evidence-based. Collaboration multiplies impact when done intentionally.
For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders and leaders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non-Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shakira Releford.
Shakira Releford is an executive director, professor, author, edupreneur, and nonprofit consultant, specializing in grant writing and fund development, who loves to educate aspiring Founders on how to start, grow, and build a sustainable nonprofit. She integrates her expertise in behavior analysis and philanthropy empowers mission-driven leaders, improve performance, and design funding models that make significant impact. Shakira is the host of the podcast, Nonprofit UNPLUGGED.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
One of the most defining experiences in my life was being a first-generation college student. I didn’t grow up thinking college was a realistic path for me because it was expensive. I didn’t qualify for a lot of scholarships out there because my grades were average (I believed I wasn’t smart enough to get accepted into college), so I made up in my mind that a big university wasn’t an option for me. My high school guidance counselor encouraged me to apply for the GROUPS Scholarship Program through Indiana University, a scholarship initiative designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds.
I’ll never forget the moment I got accepted. I mean, it felt like a divine setup. I truly praised Jesus for orchestrating every part of that journey. The GROUPS Program didn’t just fund my education, but they transformed the way I saw myself and what I was capable of. GROUPS was the catalyst that created a foundation of support, mentorship, and exposure I received during that time. Once the program ended, I started classes (in the Fall 2008) at Indiana University (IU) and it was there I learned a lot about myself. My college experience laid the foundation for everything I’ve done since, including starting my career in nonprofit work. This showed me the power of belief, community, and divine timing.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
If I had to narrow it down (which is impossible for me) to three character traits that have been most instrumental to my success, they would be resilience, wisdom, and humility.
Resilience has carried me through difficult seasons in my life when I considered quitting as a much easier choice than perseverance. As a first-generation college student, now entrepreneur, I struggle with imposter syndrome sometimes. I used to question whether I belonged or would even be accepted for who I am all the while figuring myself out. I kept showing up, leaning on my faith and celebrating every small win to keep going. Now that I’m a nonprofit leader, I face unexpected obstacles, limited resources, tough decisions, and even moments of burnout. Each time, I make the choice to get back up and keep building, knowing that the vision was worth it.
Wisdom has helped me make aligned decisions. Early in my leadership journey, I used to say yes to everything and everyone. I quickly realized that every opportunity isn’t a “yes” opportunity. Through prayer, wise counsel, and learning to trust myself, I’ve developed the ability to discern what’s truly aligned with my purpose. One example of this was when I decided to shift from grant writing to nonprofit consulting to content creation and now authorship. Those pivots didn’t make any sense to my friends, but it made purpose-driven sense to me. The confirmation is the ability for me to be a successful leader and mentor and my work feels like a calling rather than a hustle.
Lastly, humility has allowed me to remain teachable. I don’t have all the answers, nor do I claim to have all the answers. I’ve learned to surround myself with people who are smarter than me in certain areas because I’m always seeking to learn and grow. Whether it’s asking my community for feedback, being vulnerable about my mistakes, or simply being willing to start over when something doesn’t work, humility keeps me grounded. It reminds me that leadership is service, not status.
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?
Honestly, there are a couple of interesting discoveries I’ve made since I started my organization. First, I realized how critical it is to build an engaging and mission-driven board of directors and advisors. It’s not just about filling seats but finding people who are genuinely invested in the vision and willing to roll up their sleeves to get the work done. I love my board members, but they don’t always have the capacity to fulfill their responsibilities. That’s ok! I don’t get mad or upset about it because I understand how busy their lives are. It’s also ok to keep building your board over the years. That discovery changed how I approached board development and leadership and even how I coach other organizations.
Secondly, I learned the power of connecting with future donors and sponsors based on their passions, not just our programs. At first, I made the mistake of assuming people would give to my organization just because the mission was “important.” The truth is, people care about what they care about, not necessarily what you think they should care about. That shift in mindset was challenging, but once I started listening more and aligning our messaging with what mattered to donors and sponsors, the relationships and the support grew stronger, and we generated more dollars. This is part of my secret sauce for sustainability.
Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?
Our goal as an organization, and through the work I lead, is to create lasting, transformative social impact by giving marginalized youth a voice and equitable access to education. I want to demolish systemic barriers that are the hive to oppression. I know I can’t do that by myself and there are more allies supporting this goal too, so it doesn’t feel taboo.
I am the founder and executive director of two nonprofit organizations. The first organization is Connecting Youth Achievement Center (CYAC). We’re on a mission to empower and support Black & Indigenous Youth of Color with neurodivergence (i.e. ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing challenges, etc.) through academic coaching and social-emotional learning. Our work exists at the core of education, equity, and healing. We want to ensure that Black and Indigenous youth not only access quality education but also thrive in environments where their identities and abilities are celebrated. Through collaborative partnerships, we’re able to develop culturally sensitive and trauma-informed programming that increases protective factors for youth and families who’ve historically been underserved or misrepresented.
On the other side of our impact is the launch of Imago Dei Arts Collective (IDAC). IDAC is a faith-based nonprofit rooted in glorifying God through the arts. We exist to support faith-inspired artists, provide community, and create spaces for artistic expression that reflect biblical principles. Our vision includes launching traveling “pop-up potpourris” and art galleries across the U.S. that showcase local artists, both emerging and seasoned, while helping them develop their gifts professionally and spiritually. This is about more than art; it’s about restoring identity, nurturing purpose, and cultivating creativity.
Through both organizations, my advisors and I are committed to not just making a difference but creating a generational legacy.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
I feel so passionate about these causes more than any other because it’s personal for me. I was once the youth I now serve. I know what it’s like to grow up feeling unseen, misunderstood, and unsure of how or where you fit in. I know what it’s like to have potential, but not always have the resources, or dealing with discrimination. My lived experience fuels everything I do, and I feel it’s time I step up and become the representation I didn’t have growing up from my leaders.
When I think about CYAC, I envision my younger self in every child who’s navigating neurodivergence while also carrying the weight of racial and systemic barriers. I want them to know they’re not broken, but they are brilliant. They just need support that affirms who they are and not trying to fix them. I believe faith and creativity go hand in hand. I have been in performing arts for over 21 years and the arts allowed me to stretch myself to limits I never thought were possible. I took a deep dive in character development thanks to dance. I work with a lot of aspiring artists who are on the verge of giving up on their dreams of the arts. There are so many artists who are followers of Christ but have never been given a space to express that through their gifts. I want to change that.
These organizations light a fire in me because it’s not just about programs or platforms. It’s about people. It’s about creating what I wish existed when I was growing up, and making sure the next generation doesn’t have to fight as hard to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?
One young girl came to us through our academic coaching program. She has high-functioning autism and was nearly three grade levels behind in reading and comprehension. Along with that, she was struggling with severe deficits in executive functioning (things like organizing her thoughts, managing tasks, staying focused, etc.). School had become a daily challenge, and her confidence was incredibly low.
After just six months of consistent support through our program, she made remarkable progress. Her grades improved across the board, and she advanced by an entire grade level in reading and comprehension. In addition to that, what touched me the most was watching her flourish in self-confidence. She started believing in herself. She gained the courage to try out for her school’s dance team, which is something she had wanted to do, but never felt capable of. We were so proud of her because not only did she try out, but she made the team.
That moment symbolized so much more than just improving her grades. It reflected her growth, self-worth, and the power of being in a supportive environment that sees her potential. This is what our programs are all about. We are in the business of restoring belief in what’s possible.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
For me, I believe living a life of purpose starts with intentional action, and everyone has a role to play in addressing the root causes of the challenges we’re all trying to face. Here are three meaningful actions anyone can take (starting today):
1. Educate yourself and others about neurodivergence and systemic barriers.
Many of the challenges our youth face, especially Black and Indigenous youth with neurodivergence, are misunderstood or minimized. Take the time to learn about how systemic racism, trauma, and lack of access to culturally responsive education impact students with ADHD, autism, and sensory needs. Once you learn that, share that knowledge with your network(s). Awareness is the first step to advocacy.
2. Support inclusive and creative programming even if you’re not “in the field.”
Your support doesn’t have to be big, nor solely monetary. It can be as simple as showing up to a local event in honor of someone you know or sharing a post on social media. Your presence can open doors for someone else’s opportunity.
3. Use your voice and platform to uplift diverse stories.
A lot of the healing starts with being seen. Advocate for representation regardless of if it’s in schools, churches, workplaces, or media. If you’re in a position of influence, invite people from all different backgrounds to take a seat at the table, and even go that extra step further to hand them the mic.
At the end of the day, purpose isn’t just what you do, but how you show up for others. When we commit to seeing people fully and supporting their growth holistically, that’s when real change can take place.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.
Over the past eight years of building and leading nonprofit work, I’ve learned that legacy isn’t just about longevity, but intentionality. Here are the 5 things I believe are essential to creating a successful and effective nonprofit that leaves a lasting impact:
1. Build a team of rockstars
Whether it’s your staff, board members, or collaborative partners, surrounding yourself with mission-aligned people who bring passion and expertise is a game changer. In the beginning, I made the mistake of trying to do everything myself. I was the accountant, all the board members, volunteers, program coordinator, and everything in between. Once I started being intentional about who I brought on the team, things shifted. I had a board member who came in with a background in education and nonprofit management and her insight helped us redesign our programming to be both culturally responsive and evidence-based. Collaboration multiplies impact when done intentionally.
2. Establish systems to help you automate and organize
Nonprofit leaders wear a lot of hats, so having the right systems in place is a non-negotiable. We use tools like Gusto for payroll and HR, Zeffy for donor management and fee-free fundraising, Google Workspace to collaborate in real time, and Givesuite for everything, including but not limited to, donor engagement, CRM, marketing, workflow automation, tracking & analytics, and much more. These tools allow us to operate like a well-oiled machine, even when the team go through transitions. Onboarding is so simple for us, but having these tools in place doesn’t take away from us fulfilling our mission. Systems don’t replace people. They support them.
3. Scale with a fail-proof sustainability model
Depending on grants alone is risky and is never recommended (funders even tell you that). We’ve built a model that includes paid services, government contracts, sub-awardee opportunities, and diversified grant funding. One year, when grant cycles shifted unexpectedly, we were able to stay afloat because we had a paid social-emotional learning program that schools were already buying into. Multiple streams create multiple safety nets and more room to grow.
4. Create a “20 is Plenty” partnership list
You need to know exactly who’s in alignment with your mission locally, statewide, and nationally. As a part-time real estate investor (yes, I do it all. ha) I learned about this concept from another investor/mentor named Phillip Vincent. I keep a running list of 20 businesses, funders, and community partners who align with our work, whether in education, youth mental health, or faith-based arts. This list guides our outreach, partnerships, and even our programming. One of those partners became a fiscal sponsor for a project that helped us reach over 150 youth in one summer. Life is much easier when you do it with a partner.
5. Ensure programs are strategic and delivered with fidelity
It’s not just about doing “good work”. It’s about doing effective work that’s tied to a clear strategy. Every program we launch (or helped others launch) is connected to a measurable outcome, part of a larger logic model, and reviewed regularly for fidelity. During one of our audits, we were actually praised for how aligned our programming was with both our mission and community need that we highlighted in our logic model. That alignment builds trust and trust builds legacy.
How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?
The pandemic completely shifted my definition of success. Before 2020, I was an Education Director for a nonprofit in Iowa and had just started CYAC. I measured success by outcomes like how many people we served, how many programs we launched, how much funding we secured, etc. I was trained to think that way because I’ve learned that’s what the funders cared about. But when everything shut down, I had to redefine success through the lens of connection, creativity, and collaboration.
It pushed me to become a better grant writer and marketer, and I’m not talking in the technical sense, but in how I communicated value and built trust with our audience online. I had to learn how to tell our story in a way that resonated across digital platforms, adapted to social media trends, and connected with people who had never met us in person. In doing so, I became more intentional, more strategic, and more confident in the way I showed up as a leader and brand.
The pandemic also deepened my appreciation for collaborative partnerships. No one organization could do it all, and I witnessed the power of coming together with like-minded partners to serve our communities in innovative ways. Whether it was offering classes on Zoom, shared funding opportunities, or co-hosted events, collaboration became not just a strategy, but a lifeline honestly.
Now, I see success not just as reaching goals, but as building resilient systems and relationships that can weather any storm in the nonprofit industry. That shift changed everything for me and how I accomplished my work.
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
Setbacks are inevitable, but how we respond to them makes all the difference. For me, I’m a verbal processor, so the first thing I have to do is talk things out. Whether it’s with a trusted friend, mentor, my husband, or even to myself, I need space to express what I’m feeling, reflect on what happened, and start piecing together my next move.
I also give myself permission to pause. It took me a long time to get to this point. I’ll binge a few episodes of my favorite shows like Abbott Elementary or Baylen Out Loud or throw on a good movie and watch it with my hubby. Sometimes I just need that reset to remind myself that the world isn’t ending, and neither is my purpose. I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and ADHD, so my intrusive thoughts can get whacky, and I have to redirect and pray before making the next move.
What I’ve learned over time is that setbacks are often beyond our control, yet they can also be a divine invitation to pivot. They force us to tap into our creative toolbox and uncover solutions we might not have seen otherwise. I truly believe in the power of problem-solving because it’s not just about fixing the things that are wrong but transforming them with effective solutions. Setbacks don’t define me, or any of us! They unlock a new level of strength. Every time I bounce back, I come back clearer, stronger, and more grounded in the mission.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
If I could share the heart behind my nonprofit work with anyone, it would be Viola Davis. Not only is she an award-winning actress and producer, but she’s also a fierce advocate for equity, education, and storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices. Her own journey as a Black woman who overcame barriers now uses her platform to speak truth to empower resonates with me. Through the work of my organizations, Connecting Youth Achievement Center (CYAC) and the Imago Dei Arts Collective (IDAC), we are working to do something very similar as far as empower youth, uplift creative expression, and break generational cycles of trauma. I believe Viola Davis would truly understand the importance of nurturing identity, faith, and creativity in young people, especially those who have been overlooked or misunderstood. I would be honored to connect with her, even for a brief conversation, to share how her influence and authenticity inspire the work I do every day.
You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?
Readers can follow our work and stay connected in a few ways:
- Visit Connecting Youth Achievement Center (CYAC) at www.cyacciowa.org
- Learn more about Imago Dei Arts Collective (IDAC) at www.imagodeicollective.org/home
- Connect with me on LinkedIn for updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and resources: www.linkedin.com/in/shakira-releford
- And tune into my podcast, Nonprofit UNPLUGGED, available on all major podcast platforms. We talk all things leadership, funding, faith, and the real behind-the-scenes of nonprofit life.
Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.
About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
High Impact Philanthropy: Shakira Releford Of Connecting Youth Achievement Center On How To Leave A… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.