CFRE Continuing Education Points

Navigating the Effects of Natural Disasters on Nonprofits & Our Communities 

After the traumatic effects of a hurricane or other natural disasters, it’s natural to grapple with emotional and psychological challenges. Understanding the healing process is essential to move forward after such events. During this breakout session, you’ll explore coping strategies and support systems that can aid in recovery from hurricane-related trauma. You’ll also learn about the emotional, psychological and physical responses to trauma and what you can do to strengthen your resilience and well-being. 

DrStem (Sithembile Mahlatini) is a licensed psychotherapist, life, career and business coach who is a champion for empowering people to succeed and live their best lives. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Africa, DrStem is the president and founder of The Annual Bounce Back Empowerment Conference, The Bounce Back Boutiques, The Bounce Back Book Series, and founder of the DrStem Empowerment Academy and Global Training Coaching & Consulting Services, Inc. She is an author of more than 50 empowerment books and a motivational speaker, mental health expert and business skills trainer. Her motto: YOLO You only have one life, live it or lose it.  

Promising Trends and Workplace Design Methods for Hiring and Retaining Top Talent 

The competition for skilled employees is fierce for all organizations, but even more so in the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits are looking for creative ways to attract and retain top talent that meet the demands of the workforce without compromising the ability to deliver to their communities. Learn how to design a workplace built for the future, along with top trends and tips that give your organization an advantage. 

Keri Higgins-Bigelow is the founder & CEO of livingHR. She is a human who cares a lot about humans and the purpose that work serves in our lives and society. Keri and livingHR specialize in reimagining work to build inclusive cultures, talent optimized and capable of delivering on the business strategy, and humanized experiences for everyone at work. In 2018, Keri co-founded Fe League, a women’s leadership group to advance women in corporate and firm roles. She hosts a virtual monthly series, Work Now + In the Future, as well as runs DisruptHR, a talk-based event for the world of work. Keri is a member of the Forbes Human Resources Council. She is a frequent speaker at national and regional events with the Business Journal, ACG, IT Nation, ATD, DisruptHR, and PoweredUp. Keri has been featured as a leading voice for workplace culture in Forbes, Business Journal, Food + Wine, and Fast Company. Keri and livingHR have been recognized by Inc. Best Places to Work, 13 Female Leaders Southeast, HR Person of The Year, Business Journal Businesswoman of The Year, Business Journal Best Places to Work, and Florida Trend’s 2019 Best Companies to Work for in Florida. 

Implementing AI at Your Nonprofit

It’s no longer a decision about if Artificial Intelligence, but how. During this breakout session, learn how to harness the power of AI at your nonprofit. You’ll hear about several use cases in areas such as fundraising, marketing, and general operations. The session will also cover critical issues like data protection and ethical use that is necessary in our ever-evolving world. 

Michael Azar is a business consultant at Warren Averett Technology Group. Michael is responsible for business development and for providing technology, cybersecurity, business software and IT support to clients across the country. Prior to joining Warren Averett, Michael worked for a leading provider of products and services to the electric utility market, selling equipment to utility customers nationwide.

Emily Jones, PMP, CMMC-RP, is a principal and practice leader for Warren Averett Technology Group where she is responsible for the overall management of a diverse team of software, technical and security specialists. With more than 30 years of experience in the information technology field, Emily uses her experience in business and project management, compliance, security, application and personal skills education to provide consulting services and presentations to help others thrive. 

Connecting the Dots: Collaborate More Effectively Across Nonprofits & Sectors 

Great things happen when we all work together. While nonprofit organizations are essential to strengthening our communities, imagine how much more we could accomplish by working closer together. Brian Butler will challenge you to collaborate, innovate and cooperate with other nonprofits, businesses and government entities to achieve greater impact. 

Brian Butler is president and CEO of Vistra Communications, a Tampa-based communications and consulting agency. 

Brian is a combat decorated, retired career military officer. Prior to founding Vistra, he provided strategic communications counsel to senior leaders at U.S. Central Command and served as a policy director on the Homeland Security Council in the White House. He also served as a Spokesperson for an Army Secretary and on the Communications Team for a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon and worked in the Washington, DC office of FleishmanHillard. Brian is a frequent guest speaker and panel member/moderator on topics including leadership, entrepreneurship, diversity, and service. 

Recognized for his leadership, Brian was named on the inaugural list of Most Admired CEOs by the Tampa Bay Business Journal and has been one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Tampa Bay, Florida 500 Most Influential Business Leaders, Tampa Bay Chamber Outstanding Leader of the Year among other awards. He received the Service to America Award from Freedom Alliance, a national nonprofit focused on supporting injured service members and their families.  

Brian holds master’s degrees from the National War College and Central Michigan University, a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University and certificates from leading universities and programs including the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program with Babson College.  

An active and avid community supporter, Brian serves on local and national boards including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses, Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council, Tampa Bay Partnership and WEDU Public Broadcast Television. Brian is a past Chairman of the Board of the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Encore Bank, one of the fastest growing banks in the United States. Brian founded the CEOs in Schools initiative with Hillsborough County Public Schools and co-created the Advancing Racial Equity on Nonprofit Boards Fellowship program with the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay. 

Conquering Board Culture for Mission Impact

 The renowned Peter Drucker may have said it best: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”  Yet, culture is often overlooked when it comes to effective board governance. In our post-COVID world, many boards are struggling to create a new norm. Virtual board meetings, in many instances, lowered board member engagement expectations, notwithstanding increased community needs. 

This session will provide key questions and strategies every board should consider to ensure board members are empowered to participate fully and advance mission impact. 

Vernetta Walker, J.D., is CEO and Chief Governance Gladiator of Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting. Prior to starting Walker Consulting, Vernetta served as Chief Governance Officer for BoardSource, a global resource for nonprofit governance. She also taught Governance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Ethics at Columbia University; was associate general counsel and director of consulting for the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations —home of the “Standards for Excellence;” and director of Administration of Justice Grants for the Florida Bar Foundation.  

With more than two decades of experience as a nonprofit leader and consultant, Vernetta is passionate about helping organizations maximize their impact through exceptional leadership, intellectual engagement, and advancing DEI for mission impact. In addition to consulting, she is a frequent speaker on nonprofit leading practices, and sector trends.