Podcast Summary: Nonprofit Lowdown #345 - Cinderella Nonprofit: How a Brooklyn Debate Coach Went Viral and Raised $1.3 Million in 48 Hours with DiCo

Host: Rhea Wong
Guest: Diego (Diko) [Assumed Name from Transcript]
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In episode #345 of Nonprofit Lowdown, host Rhea Wong delves into the inspiring journey of Diego (Diko), the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Debate League (BDL). This episode, titled "Cinderella Nonprofit: How a Brooklyn Debate Coach Went Viral and Raised $1.3 Million in 48 Hours with DiCo," explores Diego's remarkable transition from a high school debate coach to leading a multimillion-dollar nonprofit almost overnight.

From Teaching to Founding Brooklyn Debate League

Diego begins by recounting his early career as a high school teacher in Harlem and later in Brooklyn, where he introduced and built debate teams from scratch at both schools. He emphasizes the transformative power of debate, not just academically but personally, for himself and his students.

Diego [01:51]: "Three out of four of the siblings in my family did speech and debate in high school, and it changed all of our lives."

Under his leadership, the debate teams quickly excelled, with students qualifying for national championships by 2016-2017. The success highlighted the scarcity of competitive debate programs in low-income, Title 1 schools.

Diego [03:50]: "We were some of the only kids from low income public schools competing on that level."

In response, Diego and his team partnered with local private and parochial schools to make debate more equitable, leading to the formation of BDL in 2017. Initially a side project, BDL thrived by offering after-school programs, coaching, and hosting tournaments for middle school students.

Navigating the Pandemic and Moving Online

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a significant turning point. With schools closed, Diego transitioned BDL's activities online, discovering a heightened demand for connection and engagement among students.

Diego [04:34]: "The kids were desperate for a chance to connect with other kids."

BDL continued to offer weekly online classes, tournaments, and a virtual summer camp, maintaining engagement and support for students during challenging times.

The Viral Moment: Raising $1.3 Million in 48 Hours

A pivotal moment came when Diego's former student, Jonathan Conyers, featured his story on Humans of New York, showcasing how debate had transformed his life from homelessness to saving lives as a neonatal respiratory therapist during the pandemic.

Diego [12:08]: "Within 48 hours of this story being posted, the GoFundMe for the Brooklyn Debate League ... had raised $1.3 million."

This unexpected surge in funding enabled Diego to transition from a part-time nonprofit leader to dedicating himself full-time to BDL. The influx of funds also expanded BDL's mailing list to 30,000 supporters, laying the foundation for rapid growth.

Internal Shifts: From Teacher to Nonprofit Leader

Transitioning to a nonprofit leader required significant personal and professional growth. Diego discusses the internal shifts necessary to embrace leadership, such as redefining success and developing fundraising strategies.

Diego [17:18]: "I had to figure out what did success look like for me, and then how do I chase it?"

He highlights the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and the willingness to make daily improvements. Reflecting on his initial challenges, Diego credits his network and the support from mentors as crucial factors in his successful transition.

The Power of Networking and Community

A recurring theme is the value of building and nurturing a strong network. Diego attributes much of his success to his ability to connect genuinely with others and the generosity within the nonprofit community.

Diego [22:35]: "Just be kind to people. You can't take that for granted. So I would try to be nice to people."

His approach involves offering help without immediate expectations, leading to meaningful connections and support from unexpected quarters, including celebrities like Malcolm Gladwell and appearances on shows like Kelly Clarkson's.

Working with Rhea Wong: A Catalyst for Growth

Diego shares his experience collaborating with Rhea Wong, attributing significant portions of his fundraising success and organizational growth to her guidance and programs.

Diego [29:43]: "Everything I know now is a lot of it's because of you personally and people you've introduced me to, and also from trainings."

Participating in Rhea's Big Ask Big Ass Gifts program and leveraging her network empowered Diego to develop effective fundraising strategies, resulting in a substantial increase in donations—from $150K in the first year to $250K in the subsequent year.

Looking Ahead: Scaling and Future Plans

Now in his third year leading BDL, Diego feels confident and ready to expand the organization's impact further. With robust budgeting, clear strategic planning, and a solid foundation, he is poised to embark on long-term growth plans, including potential documentaries and broader initiatives to democratize access to debate education.

Diego [28:53]: "I'm seeing how the pieces are going to connect and the impact of that is like, I've got a budget next year, which is the most accurate budget I've had so far."

Conclusion

Diego's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the supportive nonprofit community. From building debate teams in under-resourced schools to leading a viral fundraising campaign, his journey embodies a modern Cinderella story in the nonprofit sector. Through strategic networking, continuous personal development, and unwavering dedication, Diego has transformed Brooklyn Debate League into a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless students.

Notable Quotes:

• Rhea Wong [05:08]: "I think a kid is okay if they feel like they're good at one thing."
• Diego [10:39]: "Once you are having a conversation that's high stakes ... that is on top of the fact that just in general public speaking is the number one fear of Americans over dying."
• Rhea Wong [19:07]: "You are not afraid to ask for help..."
• Diego [25:38]: "It doesn't cost anything to be kind. And it comes back."
• Diego [29:17]: "Out of the wobble. That's it."

This episode not only highlights Diego's extraordinary achievements but also serves as an inspiration for nonprofit professionals aiming to navigate unexpected success and scale their organizations effectively.