CSM Hosts 16th Annual Nonprofit Institute Conference with Record Attendance

More than 200 nonprofit leaders attended the College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) 16^th annual Nonprofit Institute Conference to explore strategies for resilience, finding hope, and strengthening service to Southern Maryland communities.

The annual conference invites nonprofit leaders from across Southern Maryland to join in networking and professional development opportunities designed to strengthen their programs and community impact.

Nonprofit Institute Director Stephanie Rolle opened the event by acknowledging the meaningful contributions attendees make in their communities, and why they are so important to continue supporting.

“You have a profound impact, and the wellbeing of people in our community is ensured because you have made the commitment to do so,” Rolle said. “Thank you for staying the course and being committed to your calling,”

CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson welcomed the record-breaking crowd of “leaders and changemakers,” thanking them for their continued dedication to serve.

“You are the people who step forth when challenges arise, who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and help make it possible for individuals and families to move forward with dignity and opportunity,” Dr. Wilson said.

This year’s theme, Always a Way: Strong Hope, Determined Action, Strategic Solutions, reflects the commitment to service required to work in this sector, despite facing challenges. Dr. Wilson shared how this theme can resonate with each leader as they move forward even through difficult times.

“Nonprofit leaders find a way forward, guided by a persistent hope that tomorrow can be better than today,” Dr. Wilson said. “But hope alone is not enough. The nonprofit sector teaches us that hope must be paired with action, resilience, the willingness to adapt and stay the course, even through change.”

The conference included a panel discussion on managing stress, keeping a positive mindset, and prioritizing self-care while working in this demanding field. The panel included Jessica DiVito, Co-Founder of Nonprofit People, James Vasquez, Director of the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Southern Region, and Caprice Brown, Executive Director of UM Charles Regional Medical Center Foundation.

Brown spoke about staying motivated to serve in this profession by remembering why he chose to work in the nonprofit sector.

“I recognized from my background growing up in poverty, how my family pushed and used resources in the community to help build better lives for me and my brother,” Brown said. “I recognized the potential to change someone’s life, change their trajectory.”

In taking steps towards reaching bigger goals, Vasquez encouraged attendees to look ahead, be prepared, and to focus on a positive, constructive mindset

“Understand the place you’re in and build a plan to get where you want to go,” Vasquez said. “Where there’s a will there’s a way, and having an open mindset can create actions and opportunities.”

Following the panel, attendees participated in breakout sessions focused on Determined Action and Strategic Solutions. Speakers led discussions on staying resilient through challenging times, building partnerships, nonprofit sector trends, and setting goals.

After the breakout sessions, the group came back together for a presentation by JC Martin, co-founder of Peak Performance, a business and nonprofit consulting firm. He spoke about engaging the next generation and creating meaningful opportunities for participation as volunteers have more options than ever competing for attention. Martin urged attendees to support and guide future nonprofit leaders.

“I see a generation that cares deeply and wants change, but their time is limited,” Martin said. “If the first interaction or volunteer experience is meaningful, they are going to come back.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Jacquelyne Bailey, Senior Director of Community Health, shared insights into navigating challenges, the power of reimagining yourself, and reaching your potential during times of change and chaos.

“Crisis has a way of stripping everything down to bare bones and getting back to your DNA,” Bailey said. “Nonprofits don’t need superheroes, they need leaders who are real, transparent, rooted in values, and deeply aligned with its mission.”

The Nonprofit Institute provides professional development and resources to support nonprofit organizations throughout the region. More information about engagement opportunities is available online.