Lead for Good: A Conversation with Autumn Strier - Episode 7

Lead for Good – Episode 7 Autumn Strier | Building What the Community Needs Most In Episode 7 of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Autumn Strier, Co Founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about what it really takes to build a nonprofit from the ground up and sustain it for more than two decades. Autumn’s leadership journey begins long before she launched her organization. As a child, she experienced firsthand the life changing impact of people who stepped in to help during times of hardship. That early imprint of generosity shaped a life devoted to service. From UC Santa Barbara to NYU, from New York City government under Mayor Giuliani to Wall Street structuring nonprofit debt, Autumn built an unusually strong foundation in finance, public policy, and strategy before returning to the nonprofit sector. Then came a defining moment. After the birth of her daughter and a frightening hospital experience, Autumn overheard another family’s struggle with a critically ill child and the financial devastation that followed. That moment sparked the mission of Miracles for Kids: to support families with critically ill children so they can fight for their child’s life without losing their home, job, or stability in the process. More than 20 years later, Miracles for Kids serves hundreds of families daily through housing, financial assistance, wellness programs, advocacy, and holistic family support. What began as one woman writing 31 checks from her couch has grown into a multi program organization with staff, volunteers, housing complexes, and thousands of lives impacted each year. In this episode, Autumn shares practical and candid insights on: • How to craft a mission statement that fills a true gap in the community • Why charities are built to contribute, not compete • How to recruit and retain a high impact board • The importance of financial fluency for nonprofit leaders • Building strong corporate partnerships through value and alignment • Creating programs directly from the voices of those you serve • Developing a trusted brand rooted in transparency • Leading through recessions, crisis, and constant change • Why strategy must match passion and purpose Her leadership philosophy is both grounded and inspiring. There is never just a problem, only an opportunity for a new solution. Health is the great equalizer. Take the high road. Work harder than anyone else. And always remember that a small group of committed people can change the world. If you are launching a nonprofit, leading an established organization, or navigating growth in uncertain times, this conversation offers real world wisdom from someone who has done it. Listen to Episode 7 of Lead for Good and discover how to build something that lasts by leading with strategy, resilience, and heart.