CWGAH Live Series: Empowering Nonprofits for the Future with Blake Zickafoose

In this episode, they chat about: the realities of nonprofit leadership and problem-solving misconceptions about nonprofit work and staffing how the YMCA supports communities beyond fitness programs balancing leadership, boundaries, and community care supporting nonprofits through time, talent, and treasure values-based leadership and learning when to say 'no'   Resources + Links: Learn more about Lighthouse for Hope at www.lighthouseforhope.org Follow them on Instagram: Learn more about the Valley of the Sun YMCA at www.valleyymca.org Follow them on social media:LinkedIn Blake ZickafooseValley of the Sun YMCAInstagram | @vosymca   Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative @ellyandnoracreative For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit   Show Notes: This episode features Blake Zickafoose, recorded live at the 2026 Chicks Who Give a Hoot Live Event as part of a three-episode panel series. Blake is a nonprofit executive who has served communities through the YMCA since 2013 across three different states. Known for her values-first leadership style and commitment to community impact, she shares the realities of leading mission-driven organizations while balancing constant problem-solving, team leadership, and community care. The conversation explores the misconceptions people often have about nonprofit work, the importance of boundaries in leadership, and what it really means to "wear all the hats" inside a nonprofit organization. Blake also shares how the YMCA goes far beyond being just a gym, offering programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living, childcare, aquatics, and community support. Blake discusses the importance of supporting nonprofits through time, talent, and treasure, as well as the value of community involvement through advisory boards and volunteering. She also reflects on values-based leadership and why saying "no" is sometimes necessary to protect both staff and the communities nonprofits serve. The Valley of the Sun YMCA is a nonprofit organization rooted in Christian principles that has served communities across Arizona since 1892. Its mission is to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA provides a wide range of services including childcare, health and fitness programs, youth sports, camps, and community engagement initiatives designed to strengthen individuals and families.    00:00 About Blake Zickafoose 00:34 Welcome to the Show 01:51 Nonprofit Reality Check 02:50 Wearing 100 Hats at the Y 04:11 TTT: Treasure, Time, and Talent 06:10 Values Based Leadership 06:36 When 'No' Is Best 07:43 Serving Community Not Ego 08:18 Support and Closing