Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell Episode: Community, Collaboration & Collective Care with Johanna Moya Fábregas Release Date: January 22, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Nonprofit Nation, host Julia Campbell sits down with Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas, the Executive Director of Kon Mi Madre, a Central Texas nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latina girls and their mothers through social-emotional learning and college readiness programs. Joanna brings a wealth of expertise in storytelling, partnership building, and inclusive leadership, offering actionable insights applicable to nonprofit professionals across various sectors.
Joanna's Journey to Nonprofit Leadership
[03:00]
Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas opens the conversation by sharing her profound connection to education, which has been the cornerstone of her career. She reflects on her personal journey, highlighting how her parents' values and her own experiences as an immigrant navigating a new culture in Wisconsin fueled her passion for education and community service.
“It takes a village. So seeing how many people stepped up to help them and help me navigate this process has always been inspiring and has always driven me to want to do that for others.”
— Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas [03:30]
Building Trust with the Community
[04:44]
Julia emphasizes the importance of trust in the nonprofit sector, a value that Kon Mi Madre prioritizes deeply. Joanna advises nonprofits to view their target audience as empowered individuals who know their own needs best, moving away from the traditional "savior complex."
“Starting from a philosophy that we are here to work with a community who knows what they want, who knows what's best for them and their families...”
— Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas [05:10]
Joanna underscores the significance of respectful engagement and continuous adaptation of programs based on community feedback, ensuring that services are both meaningful and effective.
Involving Multiple Generations for Greater Impact
[07:19]
The discussion shifts to the innovative approach of involving both mothers and daughters in Kon Mi Madre’s programs. Joanna explains that this dual-generation model fosters accountability and innovation, strengthening the mother-daughter bond and creating a supportive community.
“When we invest time and resources in strengthening that mother-daughter bond, there is so much the girl would be able to accomplish. And the mom...”
— Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas [08:08]
She highlights how this approach not only supports the students but also empowers mothers, many of whom are immigrants or first-generation college families, thereby creating a robust support system.
Storytelling for Engagement
[13:55]
Julia delves into the crucial role of storytelling in engaging donors and partners. Joanna emphasizes that effective storytelling should incorporate voices from within the community to ensure authenticity and impact.
“The storytelling doesn't just happen to social media through photos and stories. It’s happening out in the community all the time...”
— Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas [15:00]
She advocates for inclusive storytelling practices, such as involving program graduates and participants in sharing their own experiences, which enhances credibility and fosters a deeper connection with the audience.
Collaboration and Partnerships
[17:49]
Joanna discusses the vital importance of collaboration in the nonprofit sector. She shares strategies for building effective partnerships, emphasizing that collaboration should stem from a shared mission to support the community rather than immediate needs.
“Starting from a philosophy that we're all here to support the same community, we just do it in a lot of different ways.”
— Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas [18:17]
Joanna provides examples of how partnerships with organizations in housing and nutrition have enabled Kon Mi Madre to offer comprehensive support, thereby building trust and expanding their impact.
Measuring Program Success
[22:40]
The conversation moves to the importance of data-driven decision-making. Joanna explains how Kon Mi Madre measures success through both quantitative metrics like graduation rates and qualitative feedback from participants.
“Less than 3% of fundraising dollars in the country go to organizations that serve people of color and led by people of color. One of the major roadblocks... is not having the data to show the impact of your work.”
— Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas [26:58]
She highlights the role of robust data infrastructure in securing funding and demonstrating program effectiveness, emphasizing the need for continuous data collection and analysis to refine and enhance their initiatives.
Dealing with Burnout and Embracing Collective Care
[32:00]
Joanna addresses the pervasive issue of burnout in the nonprofit sector, advocating for a shift from individual self-care to collective care. She shares how Kon Mi Madre implemented strategies to support employee well-being, including intentional time off and fostering a supportive team environment.
“Collective care is a lot more effective than telling people to go do self care.”
— Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas [33:20]
Joanna recounts how establishing boundaries and encouraging team members to support each other has revitalized their organization, enabling them to maintain energy and optimism for future challenges.
Future Trends and Innovations
[27:42]
Looking ahead, Joanna discusses the concept of futurism in nonprofit planning, which involves anticipating future community needs based on demographic and societal trends. She explains how this forward-thinking approach has guided Kon Mi Madre in adapting their curriculum to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
“If we really want to set up a program and this is this trend or theory, you can also see it through the development of different industries...”
— Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas [27:42]
Joanna also highlights the growing trend of collaboration among nonprofits, emphasizing that working together can significantly amplify their collective impact.
Connecting and Supporting Kon Mi Madre
[38:28]
In the concluding segment, Joanna provides information on how listeners can connect with and support Kon Mi Madre. She emphasizes that donations, no matter the size, make a tangible difference.
“When you're donating and supporting, you're not just supporting with your pocket, but you're also communicating to a person... you can help offset costs.”
— Dr. Joanna Moya Fábregas [39:18]
Joanna shares an inspiring story of a former participant who became a donor, illustrating the ripple effect of support and the enduring impact of their work.
Conclusion
Julia wraps up the episode by thanking Joanna for her invaluable insights and encouraging listeners to engage with Kon Mi Madre through donations, volunteering, or participating in their programs. She underscores the profound impact of collective effort and authentic storytelling in building a thriving nonprofit movement.
“Thanks so much for being here for just sharing all of your expertise and your stories... I wish you and your team the best of luck for 2025 and beyond.”
— Julia Campbell [42:40]
Key Takeaways:
- Empowered Engagement: Viewing community members as empowered individuals fosters trust and strengthens relationships.
- Multi-Generational Involvement: Engaging multiple generations can enhance program effectiveness and build strong support networks.
- Authentic Storytelling: Inclusive and authentic storytelling amplifies impact and enhances donor and partner engagement.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Strategic collaborations expand resources, build trust, and amplify collective impact.
- Data-Driven Success: Robust data collection and analysis are essential for demonstrating impact and securing funding.
- Collective Care: Prioritizing collective well-being over individual self-care mitigates burnout and sustains organizational energy.
- Futurism in Planning: Anticipating future trends ensures programs remain relevant and proactively address emerging community needs.
For more insights and to support Kon Mi Madre, visit their website at www.conmimadre.org and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Donations of any size are welcome and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Latina girls and their mothers.
Stay tuned to Nonprofit Nation for more inspiring conversations with leaders who are making a difference in the nonprofit world.