Let’s be real: the nonprofit world isn’t about handouts or quiet gestures anymore. It’s a battleground for bold leaders driving change, making waves, and proving that strategy and grit can reshape entire communities.

My journey is no different. From building digital strategies at Duke Energy to stepping up as CEO of Optimedia, and now spearheading global impact with The Chosen TV, I’ve been fueled by a relentless drive to create transformation. Whether tackling challenges head-on, rallying teams to push boundaries, or crafting strategies that connect people to purpose, I’ve never settled for the status quo. Like the powerhouse leaders in this post, I believe in breaking barriers, forging new paths, and turning big visions into reality.

These 10 nonprofit leaders are rewriting the playbook—and if you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind.

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1. Shannon Farley

🚀 The Nonprofit Accelerator
Shannon’s got a knack for finding tech startups with heart and giving them the tools to scale. She’s like Shark Tank, but for do-gooders.
🗨️ “Innovation and impact are two sides of the same coin.”
Twitter: @Shannon_Farley

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2. Susan McPherson

🌍 The Social Impact Matchmaker
Susan’s all about merging purpose with profit. She’s helping companies weave social good into their DNA, proving that doing good is good for business.
🗨️ “Impact is a currency. Use it wisely.”
Twitter: @SusanMcP1

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3. Dan Pallotta

🔥 The Nonprofit Disruptor
Dan’s the guy who said, “Hey, maybe we should invest in nonprofits like we do in businesses?” His TED Talk blew minds and busted myths about charity overhead.
🗨️ “Stop starving charities of what they need to grow.”
Twitter: @danpallotta

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4. Gail Perry

💡 The Fundraising Powerhouse
Gail has raised more money for nonprofits than most people will see in a lifetime. Her secret? Making fundraising exciting (yes, really).
🗨️ “Don’t ask for money. Invite people to make a difference.”
Twitter: @GailPerrync

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5. Joe Waters

📣 The Cause Marketing Maestro
Joe’s your guy if you want to know how to make corporate partnerships work for nonprofits. He’s like the bridge between social good and big business.
🗨️ “Businesses want to do good. Show them how you can help.”
Twitter: @joewaters

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6. Lori L. Jacobwith

🌟 The Generosity Guru
Lori’s mission is simple: teach nonprofits how to tell stories that open wallets (and hearts). Spoiler: She’s amazing at it.
🗨️ “Stories don’t just raise money—they raise movements.”
Twitter: @LJacobwith

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7. Vanessa Chase

🎥 The Storytelling Whisperer
Vanessa knows the secret sauce to engaging donors: great stories. She’s like the Spielberg of nonprofit storytelling, but with a way smaller budget.
🗨️ “If they feel it, they’ll fund it.”
Twitter: @vanessaechase

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8. Ty Walrod

💻 The Philanthropy Techie
Ty is all about making giving easy, efficient, and impactful. His platform, Bright Funds, is basically the Venmo of nonprofit giving.
🗨️ “Philanthropy should be frictionless.”
Twitter: @tywalrod

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9. Beth Kanter

🧠 The Brain Behind Nonprofit Tech
Beth doesn’t just help nonprofits “get on social media.” She’s the wizard teaching them how to use tech to connect, engage, and grow communities. She’s proof that digital tools aren’t just cool—they’re powerful.
🗨️ “Tech doesn’t replace human connection—it amplifies it.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethkanter/

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10. Leila Janah

💼 The Legacy Builder
Leila built Samasource to connect people in need with digital work. Her impact continues to ripple through lives and communities worldwide.
🗨️ “Dignity is the real currency of change.”
Twitter: @leila_c

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Why They Matter

These leaders aren’t just changing lives—they’re redefining how nonprofits think, act, and grow. They’re shaking up systems, breaking down barriers, and proving that passion backed by strategy is unstoppable.

💡 Ready to level up your impact? Follow these trailblazers and take notes. They’re writing the playbook for the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

Got a favorite nonprofit leader you admire? Drop their name in the comments—we’re always looking for more inspiration!

LeadChange #NonprofitHeroes #CLLCTV