Leading With Courage Through Uncertainty With Sarah Tuakli Cooper
Release Date: 10/07/2025
Beyond the Rugby Pitch: Stewardship, Community, and Nonprofit Leadership with Danny Barrett
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Nonprofit leadership transition can be challenging, especially for professional athletes. On The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris welcomes Danny Barrett, former Olympic USA Rugby player and current executive director of the Golden Eagles Foundation. Danny shares his journey from representing Team USA at two Olympics and two Rugby World Cups to leading the Golden Eagles Foundation. Discover how he leveraged donor relationships and community building to overcome the unique challenges of promoting a niche sport. Learn practical strategies for building strong donor relationships in...
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Donor-Advised Funds: Flexibility, Impact, and the Future with Ted Hart
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Donor-advised funds are revolutionizing philanthropic giving, and in this episode of The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris sits down with author Ted Hart to explore why. Ted's latest book, The DAF Revolution, unpacks how donor-advised funds have become the fastest-growing form of philanthropy ever, with over $250 billion in assets. They discuss the advantages DAFs offer over private foundations, including simplified charitable tax deductions and flexible grant making. Ted shares how to set up a donor-advised fund for tax benefits, addresses common criticisms, and reveals powerful...
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From Survival to Service: Resilience in Nonprofit Fundraising with Ken Miller
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Nonprofit fundraising expert Ken Miller joins May Harris on The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast to share transformative insights on building sustainable development programs and organizational resilience. Ken, founder and CEO of Denali FSP, brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey from homelessness to becoming a Certified Fund-Raising Executive. He reveals how to start a nonprofit fundraising program by understanding your "why" and reframing donor asks as invitations rather than requests. Ken emphasizes that effective fundraising professionals give donors opportunities to feel good about...
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How to Effectively Mobilize Your Nonprofit Volunteers with Rachael Orose
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Nonprofit volunteer management transforms how organizations create community impact. In this episode of The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris interviews Rachael Orose, Executive Director of Words Alive, about mobilizing 800+ volunteers annually for her San Diego literacy program. Rachael reveals strategies for meaningful volunteer recruitment, integrating volunteerism with philanthropy, and building a strong nonprofit board of directors from your existing volunteer base. Discover proven approaches to community engagement, creating clearly defined volunteer roles, and building...
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From Running to Building: A Nonprofit Mindset Shift with JP Berrizbeitia
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
In this episode, May Harris welcomes Juan Pablo Berrizbeitia to discuss nonprofit capacity building. JP shares his unique journey from grassroots lawyering in Venezuela to becoming an interim executive director and nonprofit consultant. He introduces the "nonprofit building mindset," a transformative approach that goes beyond day-to-day operations to create lasting organizational systems. Through practical examples, JP demonstrates how nonprofit leadership can reduce burnout and strengthen organizations by focusing on continuous improvement rather than just survival. He offers invaluable...
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Nonprofit Advocacy & Psychological Safety In Crisis with John Van Cleef
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Nonprofit advocacy takes center stage as May Harris welcomes John Van Cleef, CEO of Community Resource Center. In this episode, John shares how community-based organizations can amplify voices for vulnerable populations during unprecedented federal funding challenges. He introduces the concept of polycrisis and emphasizes creating psychological safety in nonprofits to support staff navigating trauma alongside clients. Learn how nonprofit leaders can advocate for federal funding through coalition building, policy engagement, and strategic communication. John's insights on revenue...
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Why Specialist Expertise for Nonprofits Matters with Mike Payne
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Nonprofit accounting and legal services require specialized expertise that most professionals lack. On this episode of Nonprofit Counsel, host May Harris speaks with Mike Payne, founder and CEO of Boss Advisors, about why combining these disciplines creates better outcomes for charitable organizations. Mike shares his journey from Ernst & Young's tax-exempt organization practice to building an innovative firm that integrates nonprofit CPA services with legal counsel. They discuss critical topics, including Form 990 preparation, board governance, conflict of interest policies, and why...
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Fixing Fires: How Nonprofits Can Turn Crisis Into Stability with T. Hampton Dohrman
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Explore nonprofit accounting and financial leadership on Nonprofit Counsel, hosted by May Harris. T. Hampton Dohrman of Hampton Nonprofit Management breaks down the operational challenges of interim executive director roles. Learn about insurance compliance, workers' compensation, payroll systems, and cash flow planning to stabilize your organization. Navigate board financials, manage restricted funds, gifts, grants, and program service revenue while staying mission-focused. Debunk the overhead myth, balance new programs with fee-for-service models, and use Form 990 reporting for transparency...
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Leading With Courage Through Uncertainty With Sarah Tuakli Cooper
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Nonprofit leadership takes center stage in this robust conversation with Sarah Tuakli Cooper. Host May Harris brings this discussion to life on the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, highlighting Sarah’s dual roles as executive director and board chair. With decades of experience, Sarah explores how conflict resolution, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as authentic nonprofit governance, create stronger organizations. She also shares how women of color can embrace courage, self-care, and voice in leadership. This episode offers practical strategies for building strong board and executive...
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Redefining Philanthropy & Board Service | Ryan Ponsford on Nonprofit Strategy and Giving with Purpose
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Nonprofit boards, board governance, philanthropy, donor engagement, and nonprofit strategy are front and center in this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast. Host May Harris sits down with Ryan Ponsford, co-founder of Gateway for Good and founder of Main Street Philanthropy, to talk about how giving and board service can create deeper connections, stronger organizations, and even help reunite a divided world. Ryan shares his journey from private banking into the nonprofit sector, starting with his first uncomfortable board experience where asking tough questions revealed major financial...
info_outlineNonprofit leadership takes center stage in this robust conversation with Sarah Tuakli Cooper. Host May Harris brings this discussion to life on the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, highlighting Sarah’s dual roles as executive director and board chair. With decades of experience, Sarah explores how conflict resolution, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as authentic nonprofit governance, create stronger organizations. She also shares how women of color can embrace courage, self-care, and voice in leadership. This episode offers practical strategies for building strong board and executive partnerships, reminding us that effective nonprofit leadership requires advocacy, collaboration, and a clear vision.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How strong nonprofit leadership helps align the roles of board chair and executive director for greater impact
Why conflict resolution and grace are essential tools for advancing nonprofit governance
The importance of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into nonprofit strategy and culture
Ways leadership for women of color strengthens voices, builds courage, and drives mission-focused change
Practical steps to enhance nonprofit collaboration and sustain community engagement
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Sarah Tuakli Cooper: a woman of color, from teaching in England to volunteering with CASA, her path to nonprofit governance and executive director roles
04:00 Balancing passion and conflict resolution within the nonprofit sector, managing differences while staying mission-driven
08:00 The critical partnership between the board chair and the executive director: the linchpin of effective nonprofit leadership
14:03 Superficial approaches can weaken nonprofit governance; nonprofits should stand firm on their missions and practice courageous leadership
17:12 Advice for young women of color entering the nonprofit sector, focusing on self-care, courage, and embracing authentic leadership for women of color
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how strong nonprofit leadership, effective conflict resolution, and authentic nonprofit governance can transform organizations and drive long-term success.
Learn why diversity, equity, and inclusion, courageous leadership for women of color, and meaningful nonprofit collaboration are essential for thriving communities.
Gain insights on building trust between the board chair and the executive director, enhancing nonprofit leadership, and sustaining impact in the nonprofit sector.
Explore strategies that align nonprofit governance, strengthen nonprofit collaboration, and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the heart of mission-driven work.
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Sarah Tuakli Cooper is the Executive Director at the Elementary Institute of Science, established in Southeastern San Diego in 1964 to ensure Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in STEM. She spent 20 years teaching computer composition and studio production in London, before moving to San Diego in 2008. She currently co-chairs the Jobs and Education Working Group for the San Diego Promise Zone and has served as Treasurer and Chair of the Board for the United Women of East Africa Support Team. Sarah’s global perspective, extensive background in tech education, and commitment to serving diverse San Diego communities inform a leadership approach that is focused on Inclusion and Belonging in fields that are traditionally exclusive. In 2022, she was recognized as a Woman of Influence in Technology in the San Diego Business Journal and is increasingly sought after as a thought leader on issues of diversity in tech.
Sarah Tuakli Cooper - LinkedIn
Elementary Institute of Science
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