Laura Hennighausen contributed an article to Grant Professional Association's GrantNews
In the article The Power of Connection: Transforming Philanthropy Through Relationships Laura writes, “There are a lot of disconnects in modern philanthropy, but one of the most obvious and perhaps easiest to address is the lack of connection between grants professionals and funders.” Read on to learn more.
Mindy Schweitzer-Rawls Featured On Canvas Rebel
Mindy, Director of Fundraising Services at Purpose Possible, was interviewed for Canvas Rebel, where she talks about the work she does at Purpose Possible through the story of the firm’s involvement with Atlanta Land Trust.
Mindy, Director of Fundraising Services at Purpose Possible, was interviewed for Canvas Rebel, where she talks about the work she does at Purpose Possible through the story of the firm’s involvement with Atlanta Land Trust.
Laura Moody has been appointed to the CVC Board of Directors
The Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) of Atlanta is pleased to announce its 2023 board of directors, which will be led by President W. Imara Canady, National Director for Communications and Community Engagement, AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The 2023 board, comprised of 18 members, is responsible for advancing the CVC’s mission of supporting member companies to deliver business results through their strategic commitment to civic engagement and social impact.
Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta Announces 2023 Board of Directors
Eighteen Business Leaders to Guide the Organization Forward for its 31st Year
Atlanta GA – January 9, 2023– The Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) of Atlanta is pleased to announce its 2023 board of directors, which will be led by President W. Imara Canady, National Director for Communications and Community Engagement, AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The 2023 board, comprised of 18 members, is responsible for advancing the CVC’s mission of supporting member companies to deliver business results through their strategic commitment to civic engagement and social impact.
“After a successful 30th Anniversary year in 2022, I’m excited for all that lies ahead as we continue to serve the Metro Atlanta community,” said Cheryl Kortemeier, CVC executive director. “I cannot wait to see what this standout group of leaders accomplishes together.”
The 2023 board includes:
Executive Committee
W. Imara Canady, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Board President
Toccara Arnold Alam, KPMG, Board Vice President
Reina Jones, Delta Community Credit Union, Immediate Past President
Yvonne Whitaker, NCR, Secretary
Geneva Hall-Shelton, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Treasurer
Board Directors and Committee Leaders
Laura Moody, Purpose Possible, Communications
Greta Wilson, JLL, Communications
Jerry Travers, Bank of America, Governance
Judy Graham-Weaver, Delta Air Lines, Governance
Lara Wagner, Dell Technologies, Membership
Catherine Stranberg, Inspire Brands Foundation, Membership
Michele Blondheim, Aprio, Programs
Kat Reynolds, Veritiv, Programs
Ashley Gravlee, Novelis, Revenue
Shawan Allen, Cox Enterprises, Revenue
Erin Goodier, Goodier Creative, At-Large
Brittany Church, Ryan, At-Large
Jasmine Cockfield, Shift4, At-Large
“As a long-time Atlantan and purpose driven leader, I have seen first-hand how important it is for the corporate community, citizens and local government to work together to support and strengthen our city,” said CVC President, Imara Canady. He continued, “I am truly excited for all that the CVC board of directors and membership will accomplish together this year to help move Atlanta forward.”
The CVC hosts monthly programming for members featuring leading practices in corporate social impact. Upcoming programs include a member reception on Thursday, January 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mutation Brewing in Sandy Springs; a professional development program and luncheon on Thursday, February 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ryan, LLC in Atlantic Station; and a Corporate Forum featuring the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Midtown Atlanta. For more information about CVC programs and to learn more about membership, please visit www.cvcofatlanta.org.
About the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC):
The CVC includes more than 100 Metro Atlanta corporations with employee populations from 10 to 32,000 Atlanta-based employees. The organization offers monthly programming for community-facing business leaders focused on strategic civic engagement and social impact.
Contact: Cheryl Kortemeier, Executive Director; 404-889-5112; cheryl@cvcofatlanta.org
Purpose Possible Featured in Fortune | Forbes
Purpose Possible has been spotlighted as an Atlanta Business Leader in the December/ January issue of Fortune | Forbes magazine!
Purpose Possible has been spotlighted as an Atlanta Business Leader in the December/ January issue of Fortune | Forbes magazine!
Voyage ATL - Inspiring Conversations with Laura Moody of Purpose Possible
Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Moody.
Hi Laura, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Susannah and I met nearly 20 years ago through mutual friends because we all had pugs as pets. Fast forward to 2017 and I was running a fundraising and events consultancy. Susannah was then the Executive Director of ArtsATL and hired me to manage fundraising for their annual awards dinner. That successful experience led us to collaborate on behalf of many clients when Susannah started her own fundraising practice…
citybiz interview with Laura M. and Starsha V.
Meghan Pietrantonio Interviews Laura Moody, Founding Partner and Starsha Valentine, Managing Partner of Purpose Possible
Laura Moody‘s experience at the intersection of purpose and people has placed her at the forefront of mission-focused communication strategies in Atlanta. Recently she has lead a multi-year community-centered civic initiative, Atlanta Legacy Makers: A Tribute to Mayors Allen & Jackson on behalf of City of Atlanta & CAP/ADID. Additionally, she managed a team that designed a series of community engagement programs for the Future Places Project of the City of Atlanta’s Department of City Planning, and is leading community engagement efforts for the Gwinnett Place Revitalization Study.
Laura launched her own creative consultancy, Peach State Collective (now known as Purpose Possible) in 2016 and has produced multi-faceted events, community programming, communications, and development strategies for a variety of nonprofit and for-profit businesses in the region including Atlanta Land Trust, United Way of Greater Atlanta, ArtsATL, Central Atlanta Progress, and many others.
Laura was named a Fellow of the Georgia Women’s Policy Institute for 2021-2022. She is a member of the Urban Land Institute’s Center for Leadership Class of 2016 and served as a member of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Millennial Advisory Council. In 2017 she was named to the Class of Outstanding Atlanta. She lives in East Atlanta with her rescue pugs Emmy and Louie.
Starsha Valentine works with nonprofit organizations to optimize their fundraising systems and processes while leading robust fundraising plans for growth. Starsha has worked with a wide range of community-based organizations in Washington, D.C. ranging from local community-based organizations to larger national companies. She specializes in assisting Black and minority led grassroots organizations in strategic organizational design, program design, fundraising, and development strategy.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Howard University and a Masters’ degree in Management from the University of Maryland University College. Starsha brings a visionary perspective to small business and nonprofit fundraising that integrates stakeholder engagement with realistic goals and metrics for maximum organizational effectiveness.
She has worked with Physicians for Social Responsibility, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, Dreaming Out Loud, Black Dirt Farm Collective, District Bridges, and North Capital Mainstreet, to name a few.
She lives with her partner in DC suburb, Silver Spring, Maryland. When she is not working, she loves adventures, food, and cooking. She also enjoys crocheting and knitting as a calming pass time.
Meghan Pietrantonio is a seasoned philanthropy professional with deep family and corporate foundation expertise and executive presence who is commendable at building and fostering relationships, and developing and executing strategic frameworks for meaningful community impact. Reputation as an organized and collaborative leader with a proven track record of exceeding expectations and a steadfast sense of purpose. Committed to lifelong learning, accountability, and inclusion.
Emily Gardín to visit Washington D.C. to present her policy brief
An UnidosUS Afro-Latinx Líderes Avanzando 2021-2022 Fellow, Emily Gardín (Purpose Possible Associate Consultant and Development Manager) and the other fellows will participate in in-person training modules and Hill visits in Washington, D.C. At the end of April she will present her policy brief: Supporting Mental Health for Black and Latinx K-12 Students to members of the U.S. Congress.
Congratulations to PP team member Emily Gardín
An UnidosUS Afro-Latinx Líderes Avanzando 2021-2022 Fellow, Emily and the other fellows will participate in in-person training modules and Hill visits in Washington, D.C. At the end of April she will present her policy brief: Supporting Mental Health for Black and Latinx K-12 Students to members of the U.S. Congress.
Purpose Possible Expands With Opening of Second Location in Washington, D.C.
Woman-owned consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia merges with Valentine Group Consulting and welcomes third partner.
Woman-owned consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia merges with Valentine Group Consulting and welcomes third partner.
(Atlanta, GA) Purpose Possible, a consulting firm launched by Founding Partners, Susannah Darrow and Laura Moody, in September of 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic has experienced exceptional growth and today announced the opening of a second location in Washington, D.C.
The new Purpose Possible Mid-Atlantic Office is the result of a merger with Valentine Group Consulting (VGC), a boutique nonprofit consulting firm located in Washington, D.C. VGC’s client contracts include strategic planning, fundraising and development, and community engagement. There are currently over 50,000 registered nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and similar to Atlanta (with over 37,000 nonprofits), there is an increasing focus on equity in philanthropy, an area of particular focus for Purpose Possible.
Purpose Possible empowers mission-driven organizations to overcome the roadblocks that prevent them from making their purpose possible. The firm is comprised of nonprofit professionals with deep experience in leadership, fundraising, strategy, research, recruitment, communications, community engagement, and CSR program management. Since September 2020 the Atlanta-based office has grown to a team of 14 full-time employees and more than 20 consultants serving over 75 organizations across the country. In its first year of business Purpose Possible performed 176 hours of pro bono services–primarily focusing those efforts on supporting Black-led nonprofits in pursuit of grants and securing first-time funding from the Metro Atlanta Arts Fund.
This merger of Purpose Possible and Valentine Group Consulting also welcomes a third managing partner, Starsha Valentine. Starsha has worked with a wide range of community-based organizations in Washington, D.C. ranging from local organizations to larger national companies. She specializes in assisting Black and POC-led organizations in strategic organizational design, program design, fundraising, and development strategy. Valentine will serve as Managing Director of the Mid-Atlantic office.
“We are thrilled to formally welcome Starsha as a partner in the firm after having the privilege of collaborating with her for the past several years. Her dedication to the nonprofit sector and expertise will allow us to provide better support to our clients and community moving forward. Beyond that, she is a joy to work with and we can't wait to begin the next phase of our relationship with her and her stellar team.”
- Susannah Darrow, Founding Partner, Purpose Possible
Co-Founder, Susannah Darrow featured in Atlantan Magazine
Next level innovators leading change and leveling up Atlanta!
Manager of Operations, Jamila Lewis, is chosen as a 2022 AFP Diversity Fellow
Manager of Operations, Jamila Lewis, is one of twelve young professionals chosen to be a 2022 Association of Fundraising Professionals Diversity Fellow. The Fellows Program is intended to further the career skills and objectives of beginning/early development professionals and offers the opportunity to learn through interaction with peers that have significant fundraising experience (at least five years). Congratulations Jamila!!
Manager of Operations, Jamila Lewis, is one of twelve young professionals chosen to be a 2022 Association of Fundraising Professionals Diversity Fellow. The Fellows Program is intended to further the career skills and objectives of beginning/early development professionals and offers the opportunity to learn through interaction with peers that have significant fundraising experience (at least five years). Congratulations Jamila!!
Co-Founder, Susannah Darrow selected for 40 Under 40 by Atlanta Business Chronicle
Atlanta Business Chronicle is unveiling the next class of winners of its 40 Under 40 Award.
The new class was selected by a panel of past winners of the 40 Under 40 award from about 270 nominations submitted on the Atlanta Business Chronicle website. They will be celebrated at an in-person awards event the evening of Nov. 4, 2021.
The honorees, in alphabetical order by last name, are:
Soroosh Behshad, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Cataract, Cornea & External Diseases, Emory University, and chief, Emory Eye Center at Emory St. Joseph's Hospital
Whitney Bolle, executive director, Peachtree Autism Services and director of operations, The Grove School
Junior Bernadin, dean of students and director of technology, Ron Clark Academy
Michael Caldwell, managing partner and owner, Black Airplane
Mario Cambardella, founder, ServeScape
Aisha Pinky Cole, founder and owner, Slutty Vegan ATL
Laura Dannels, chief talent officer, WellStar Heath System
Susannah Darrow, co-founder, Purpose Possible
Candice Dixon, coalition development director, NPower
Rachel Fox Weitz, assistant general counsel, Delta Air Lines
Freddie Freeman, first baseman, Atlanta Braves
Kevin Gillespie, president and chief ideas man, Red Beard Restaurants
John Fitzpatrick, president and CEO, Force Marketing
Barry Givens, managing partner, Collab Capital, and managing director, Techstars
Shawntel Hebert, partner, Taylor English Duma LLP
Carli Huband, managing partner, specialty tax, Aprio
Jessica Johnson, founder and executive director, The Scholarship Academy
Ashley Jones, assistant director commercial development, Invest Atlanta
Jon Keen, chief operating officer, City of Atlanta
Garrett Langley, founder and CEO, Flock Safety
Brooks Lumpkin, founder and managing partner, DYO Investments, and CEO, Southeast Storage
Ying McPherson, chief strategy officer, DGS, Unifi Aviation Services (formerly DGS/Delta Global Services)
David Minnix, co-founder and CEO, Cinnemassive
Renee Montgomery, part owner and vice president, Atlanta Dream, and founder and CEO, Renee Montgomery Foundation
Aprille Moore, captain, assistant unit commander, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
S. Kari McFarlane, head of market HR, Southeastern US, Google
Jenny Nguyen, co-founding partner, Nguyen & Pham LLC
Rishi Nigam, CEO, Franklin Junction
Jon Ossoff, U.S. senator
Pat Rains, head brewer, Gate City Brewing Co.
Keri Richardson, AMG product manager, Mercedes-Benz USA
Alicia Shelly, physician, WellStar Health System and Doctor on Demand, and founder and CEO, Healthy Living for Life LLC
Shirley Anne Smith, founding executive director, Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation
Trenton Spindler, co-founder and president, GreenPrint Corp.
Jacqueline Tio, principal, Fish & Richardson P.C.
Emily Tyson, chief operating officer, Radix Health
Adam Wexler, CEO, PrizePicks
Thad Wilson, partner, King & Spalding
Ryan Woods, associate, senior project designer, The Beck Group
PJ Zonsius, director of LC&I sales and business development, Gas South
Meet Laura Moody & Susannah Darrow, Nonprofit Consultants
We formed an agency that can support all of these necessary business functions, while allowing the program staff and leadership to truly do what they do best – focus on their mission. We help make their Purpose Possible!
Purpose Possible to support Congressman John Lewis Commemorative Taskforce
Purpose Possible is incredibly humbled to have been chosen to develop the fundraising strategy for the Congressman John Lewis Commemorative Taskforce, the aim of which is to commemorate the late Congressman through sculpture to be installed in the Decatur Square.
Founder, Firebrand, Driving Force
College of the Arts 40 Under 40 honoree Susannah Darrow (M.A. '13) is a vital voice in Atlanta's burgeoning arts scene.
