Palante Nonprofits

Two Colombian women. Two different paths through violence, immigration, and reinvention. One conversation about what it really takes to lead in the U.S. nonprofit sector.Dr. Andrea Ortega sits down with Catalina Spinel, Director of Partnerships at Candid, tracing a journey that began in Bogotá — where growing up surrounded by conflict sparked an early hunger for justice — through a master's in public administration, stints at the UN and NYC Department of Education, and finally to Candid after its 2019 merger of GuideStar and Foundation Center.Resource: https://www.issuelab.org/resources/43685/43685.pdfResource: https://genderpoint.org/datawoven/ Resource: Building a tool for the sector together: Co-creating as power sharingSend us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega and Deisamar De Soto-Torres emphasize the significance of education and humility in business leadership. Deisamar discusses the need to treat everyone equally, regardless of their financial contributions, and emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in all business dealings.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega and Tayah Butler discuss the concept of impact within the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of defining impact, activities, outputs, and outcomes. They explore inclusive leadership interventions to improve retention and belonging among historically underrepresented groups. The discussion also addresses the distinction between attribution and contribution in measuring impact, underscoring the need for clarity and focus to achieve organizational goals.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega speaks with Rosa Malagón, a community navigator and advocate for mental health and outdoor activities. They discuss the importance of community connection, the role of outdoor experiences in mental health, and the creation of Nuestra Cultura Outdoors, an initiative designed to make outdoor spaces more inclusive for the Hispanic community. Rosa shares her journey from social work to community navigation, emphasizing the significance of community care and the need for accessible resources. The conversation also touches on journaling as a reflective practice in nature and strategies for preventing burnout among nonprofit leaders.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Andrea Ortega and Representative Dr. Anna Eskamani discuss the vital role of nonprofits in advocating for community needs, the importance of nonprofit professionals in public office, and strategies for staying grounded amidst political challenges. They explore how to build authentic connections in advocacy, the significance of crisis communication, and the power of effective community engagement. The discussion emphasizes the need for proactive communication and the importance of understanding the political landscape to better serve constituents.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega and Kate Sheahan McElroy delve into the critical role of prospect research in philanthropy. They discuss the importance of understanding donor relationships, the tools and techniques for effective research, and the significance of data-driven fundraising strategies. The conversation emphasizes building long-term relationships with donors through stewardship and ethical practices, and explores the role of research in grant applications and nonprofit leadership.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Ortega and Dr. Yanira Hernandez explore the themes of healing, identity, and resilience within immigrant families. They discuss the challenges faced by first-generation professionals, particularly in academia, and the feelings of imposter syndrome that often accompany their journeys. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and recognizing the systemic issues that contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Ultimately, they advocate a shift in mindset from viewing oneself as an imposter to recognizing the strength of being an infiltrator in spaces not designed for them.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega interviews Stephanie Luzoro, a dedicated member of the Junior League of Greater Orlando (JLGO). They discuss the mission of JLGO to empower women as civic leaders and create lasting community impact through volunteerism. Stephanie shares her experiences and insights on the importance of human capital in nonprofit work, JLGO's diverse initiatives, and the organization's commitment to addressing issues such as food insecurity. The conversation underscores the importance of partnerships, diversity, and JLGO's future goals in promoting community engagement and support.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

In this conversation, Dr. Ortega and Virginia Peña explore the multifaceted aspects of leadership, focusing on the importance of co-creating vision within organizations, the intersection of strategy and execution, the role of diversity in fostering innovation, and the principles of servant leadership. Virginia shares her experiences and insights on how to empower teams and create lasting impact in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega speaks with Willy Orozco, an advocate for education and technology, about the intersection of these fields and their impact on social equity. They discuss Willy's journey from teaching in underfunded schools to leading tech education initiatives, emphasizing the importance of diversity, support systems, and representation in tech. The conversation underscores the need for inclusive education and the role of community support in empowering the next generation of technology leaders.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

In this powerful conversation, Marcos Vilar shares the story behind Alianza Center and the movement-building that drives its dual mission: community service and civic action. From confronting myths about immigration to leading with lived experience, Marcos reflects on what it means to build systems rooted in ethics, abundance, and cultural accountability.Together, they unpack tough questions about nonprofit governance, fundraising strategy, and political advocacy—offering an honest look at what it takes to lead grassroots organizations with scale and purpose.Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, policy advocate, or community builder, this episode is a call to act with clarity, intention, and power.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega sits down with Mama Yata, founder of Melanin Mothers Meet (M3), a grassroots nonprofit rooted in Tallahassee, Florida, that provides postpartum empowerment, wellness support, and a culturally grounded community for Black mothers. Mama Yada shares how her own joyful but rare postpartum experience inspired her to create a space where rest, care, and sisterhood could become the norm—not the exception. What began as intimate healing circles in a bookstore evolved into a robust organization offering virtual sessions, empowerment strategy coaching, and community-centered events.The conversation dives into the realities of building a nonprofit as a one-woman show, the learning curve of navigating funding, and the challenges of integrating data and evaluation in a space built on trust and lived experience. Mama Yada discusses the emotional labor of the work, the importance of meeting mothers where they are (literally, at parks or in their homes), and the deep personal rewards—like a mom telling her, "Because of you, I didn’t feel invisible." This episode celebrates grassroots leadership, healing justice, and the power of showing up, even without perfect resources or roadmaps.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

In this episode of the Palante Nonprofits Podcast, Dr. Andrea Ortega speaks with Eric Camarillo, founder and executive director of SALT Outreach, about his journey in building a nonprofit focused on serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The conversation explores Eric’s early challenges—from hesitating to file for 501(c)(3) status to navigating the complexities of nonprofit leadership and scaling services. Eric shares how staying focused on a core mission, turning down misaligned funding, and preparing organizational infrastructure before funding arrived were key to SALT's growth, especially during COVID-19 when new opportunities emerged rapidly.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Joining me in this episode is Daniel Ratchford, the President of Broreavement, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing loss. Daniel has been in the trenches of starting and growing a nonprofit, and today, he’s bringing his firsthand experience to the conversation. But in a fun twist, he’s also flipping the script and asking me some of the toughest questions every nonprofit founder should consider.If you’re in the early stages of building your nonprofit—or even just thinking about starting one—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. Let’s get into it!Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

I speak candidly from the heart about the current state of the nonprofit sector — a space I’ve dedicated my life to.I share why I’m proud of the work we do, why I’m frustrated with the systemic barriers we face, and why I still believe in the power and promise of nonprofit leadership.From filling critical gaps in public services to holding up communities that are too often overlooked, nonprofits are not just supporting — we’re leading.But as funding becomes more uncertain, expectations rise, and political pressure mounts, we need to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes.This is more than a sector. It’s a movement.Let’s talk about where we go from here.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

What should first-time nonprofit founders know before diving in? Samí Haiman-Marrero brings her wealth of experience to share the essential do’s and don’ts for launching a successful nonprofit. From avoiding common mistakes to cultivating a strong foundation, Samí provides actionable insights and advice for aspiring founders. Whether you’re just starting or looking to fine-tune your approach, this episode is packed with value.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega and Maria Revelles, Co-Director of La Mesa Boricua, will explore how grassroots movements drive change and create opportunities for underrepresented communities. Maria shares her experiences in fostering civic engagement, mobilizing diverse groups, and building inclusive spaces for leadership and advocacy. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of representation, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives in shaping a more equitable future.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega and Angelica Suarez discuss the vital role of generosity in the nonprofit sector. They explore the differences between charity and generosity, emphasizing the importance of shifting the mindset from scarcity to abundance. The conversation highlights the need for strategic planning in nonprofits, the significance of connection, and how these elements contribute to the success and sustainability of nonprofit organizations.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, and the nonprofit sector is no exception. Join us for a fascinating discussion with Maritza Concha on how nonprofits can leverage AI to improve efficiency, expand their reach, and measure impact. From ethical considerations to practical applications, this episode offers an in-depth look at the intersection of AI and social good. Get ready to explore the future of nonprofits with this insightful conversation.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Guest Speaker: Joe Mata IIITechnology plays a crucial role in advancing nonprofit missions. In this episode, we examine how Hispanic nonprofits can harness fundraising, outreach, and program delivery technology, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative in a digital age. Tecnología para el Bien: Aprovechando la Tecnología en las Organizaciones Sin Fines de Lucro Hispanas"La tecnología juega un papel crucial en el avance de las misiones sin fines de lucro. En este episodio, examinamos cómo las organizaciones sin fines de lucro hispanas pueden aprovechar la tecnología para la recaudación de fondos, el alcance y la entrega de programas, asegurando que permanezcan competitivas e innovadoras en la era digital.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Guest Speaker: Cathy GarciaLooking ahead, we discuss emerging trends and opportunities shaping the future of Hispanic nonprofits. From increasing diversity in philanthropy to evolving community needs, this episode explores how Hispanic nonprofits can adapt and thrive in a changing landscape."El Futuro de las Organizaciones Sin Fines de Lucro Hispanas: Tendencias y Oportunidades"Mirando hacia adelante, discutimos las tendencias emergentes y las oportunidades que están dando forma al futuro de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro hispanas. Desde el aumento de la diversidad en la filantropía hasta las cambiantes necesidades de la comunidad, este episodio explora cómo las organizaciones sin fines de lucro hispanas pueden adaptarse y prosperar en un panorama cambiante.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

In this episode, Dr. Andrea Ortega, sits down with Ashley, a passionate community advocate and the founder of Mujeres in Marketing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Latinas in the marketing and communications industry. Ashley shares her inspiring journey, from her extensive experience in content creation and campaign strategy to building a supportive community for Latinas navigating the marketing world. Tune in to hear how Mujeres in Marketing is creating opportunities, offering resources, and fostering professional growth for women of color in the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in digital strategy, community building, and elevating underrepresented voices.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Dr. Andrea Ortega and Angelica Diaz-Rivera discuss the importance of cultural identity in nonprofit leadership, focusing on representation and inclusion. Angelica shares her experiences working with grassroots organizations, particularly how her Puerto Rican heritage and upbringing influence her leadership style. They explore how diversity in leadership roles improves decision-making, program outcomes, and the ability to serve diverse communities. Both speakers emphasize the importance of asking questions, understanding diverse cultural backgrounds, and creating inclusive spaces for everyone.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Host: Dr. Andrea OrtegaFundraising is essential for sustaining nonprofit operations, but it can be challenging in a sector often led by white institutions. This episode explores effective fundraising strategies tailored for Hispanic nonprofits, leveraging cultural insights and community engagement.Episodio 2: "Estrategias de Recaudación de Fondos para Organizaciones Sin Fines de Lucro Hispanas"La recaudación de fondos es esencial para sostener las operaciones sin fines de lucro, pero puede ser desafiante en un sector liderado principalmente por instituciones blancas. En este episodio, exploramos estrategias efectivas de recaudación de fondos adaptadas para organizaciones sin fines de lucro hispanas, aprovechando conocimientos culturales y el compromiso comunitario.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Host: Dr. Andrea OrtegaDelving into starting a nonprofit, we discuss the steps involved in establishing a Hispanic-led organization. From defining your mission to navigating legal requirements, this episode provides practical advice for aspiring nonprofit founders.Episodio 1: "Comenzar una Organización Sin Fines de Lucro: ¿Por dónde Empezar?"El proceso de comenzar una organización sin fines de lucro puede ser aterrador, discutimos los pasos involucrados en el establecimiento de una organización. Desde definir tu misión hasta navegar por los requisitos legales, este episodio da consejos prácticos para los aspirantes a fundadores de organizaciones sin fines de lucro.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!

Guest Speaker: Dr. Sonia DanielsCollaboration is key to maximizing impact in the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we explore the benefits and challenges of building strategic partnerships with other organizations, businesses, and stakeholders to amplify the reach of BIPOC-Led nonprofits.Episodio 3: "Construyendo Alianzas Estratégicas: Colaborando para Impactar"La colaboración es clave para maximizar el impacto en el sector sin fines de lucro. En este episodio, exploramos los beneficios y desafíos de construir alianzas estratégicas con otras organizaciones, empresas y partes interesadas para amplificar el alcance de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro.Send us Fan MailSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe to future episodes. Palante Nonprofits!