What does it take to lead nonprofits in today’s ever-changing world? A nonprofit heart, business mind and leader’s spirit — the three ingredients for success gained from the Certificate in Nonprofit Management at The University of Tampa.
This graduate-level program, conducted in partnership with the Conn Memorial Foundation and Nonprofit Leadership Center, consists of a 15-month educational experience that explores every aspect of nonprofit leadership while working collaboratively to solve current challenges.
Eleven nonprofit professionals gradated from the 2025 program this week after working and networking alongside peers, graduate business faculty, and leading nonprofit practitioners on real-world strategies. Their graduation culminated with presenting comprehensive nonprofit plans to a panel of senior leaders, including Ernest Coney from the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc. (CDC of Tampa), Maria Negron from Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, and Bill Merchant from Evara Health Foundation.
Meet the Certificate in Nonprofit Management Class of 2025
- Juanita Buitrago, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
- Lauren Davis, Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas
- Laura DeLise, ForHearts Worldwide
- Allison Dolan, Clearwater Historical Society
- Lindsay Everest, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
- Charlotte Hatoum, Pasco County
- Rose Lillpopp, Feeding Tampa Bay
- Frances Miyares, Pace Center for Girls
- Yvonne Montell, Premier Community HealthCare Group, Inc.
- Xavier Oliver, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside
- Rebecca Parker, Supporting Strategies
Proven Impact
The Certificate in Nonprofit Management at The University of Tampa increases participant knowledge, confidence, professional relationships and career advancement. It also contributes to nonprofit organizational effectiveness.
- 96% of graduates say participating in the program has helped them be more effective in their jobs.
- 94% of graduates have applied concepts learned to achieve fundraising goals, while 70% have applied learnings to achieve mission goals.
- 94% of graduates feel more confident in their leadership skills after graduating from the program, and 76% agree their supervisors trust their expertise more.
- 92% of graduates agree their careers have benefited from the program, with 68% reporting increased job responsibilities, 60% a pay increase, and 55% a job promotion since graduating.
- 88% of graduates believe the program has helped them collaborate more effectively with others.
