For Nancy Hollingshead, leadership has always meant service.
“No matter where I’ve worked or what role I’ve held, I’ve always been motivated by a desire to support others,” she says.
This commitment led Nancy to the Pinellas Education Foundation, where she currently serves as development manager to raise funds to increase academic achievement for every student. But stepping into her first development role came with a learning curve.
Rather than figuring it out alone, Nancy turned to the Nonprofit Leadership Center (NLC) to sharpen her skills, build confidence, and grow as a nonprofit leader.
A Year of Learning
At the 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Conference, Nancy won a year of professional development at the Nonprofit Leadership Center, earning access to one nonprofit training class each month for 12 months. She has since become a familiar face at NLC’s training center, completing courses in:
- Meeting and exceeding donor needs
- Better meeting management
- Personal branding
- Courageous leadership
“The development classes have given me a strong foundation for fundraising. But honestly, every session leaves me with tools I can immediately use. There are little insights from each one that stick with me and increase both my knowledge and confidence.”
Nancy has turned her knowledge and skills into action, applying what she learns directly to her work supporting classroom grants, literacy programs, and math initiatives across Pinellas County.
Turning Training into Real-World Results
For Nancy, the biggest shift she has experienced by attending classes at the Nonprofit Leadership Center is how intentionally she approaches her work.
“After each class, my thought process changes,” she explains. “Even if you’ve been in a role for a while, sometimes you have to rethink strategy, look at the data, and understand what gives you the best return on your time.”
She encourages nonprofit professionals, especially those new to leadership roles, to prioritize professional development early.
What’s Next: Strengthening Skills to Serve
Nancy started 2026 by earning her Certificate in Fund Development Fundamentals.
Her goal is not just to strengthen her own leadership, but to ensure the Pinellas Education Foundation has the strategic capacity and sustainability to serve students and educators for years to come.
“You don’t have to wait until you feel ready. Learning helps you get ready.”
Learning Together Strengthens Leadership
While NLC’s classes have sharpened Nancy’s technical skills, it is the community she values most.
“While I’ve learned a lot from NLC trainings, I’ve learned just as much from my classmates,” Nancy shares.
“Being at NLC reminds me that we are so much stronger when nonprofits work together.”
One of the hallmarks of every learning experience at the Nonprofit Leadership Center is the opportunity to connect with nonprofit leaders across the region to share experiences, insights, and ideas. Each session is interactive, conversational, and leaves attendees with new relationships to build upon.
That sense of connection and shared purpose continues to fuel Nancy’s leadership journey.
“Over time, I’ve learned that my greatest strength as a leader is listening to people, understanding their goals, and helping them succeed.”
Your Leadership Journey Starts Here
At the Nonprofit Leadership Center, stories like Nancy’s happen every day. Nonprofit professionals who attend our classes and programs report:
- Increases in knowledge and confidence
- Ability to apply learnings to achieve a desired objective
- Positive career advancement
- More effective nonprofits
Whether you’re new to your role or a seasoned executive, our training programs help nonprofit leaders grow so their missions can thrive.
Explore upcoming classes and discover how NLC can support your leadership journey.
