Cause Effective has introduced the Thrivability model to enhance our program and consulting services that we provide to nonprofit professionals and boards. The Thrivability framework is a nonprofit management practice that operates through five pillars to help organizations center diversity, equity and inclusion, and organizational collaboration as they work to raise awareness, engagement, and funding to achieve their missions.

Sonya Shields stepped into the role of Executive Director and President of Cause Effective in July. In this interview, she reflects on her journey to this role and the future of the organization and the nonprofit sector.

National Hispanic Heritage Month underscores the importance of representation and recognition. It acknowledges the enduring contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals across various domains, including the arts, sciences, politics, and community leadership. Beyond the colorful parades and joyful events, this month serves as a catalyst for social justice and philanthropy. By acknowledging the past, addressing disparities, and uplifting the voices of Hispanics and Latinos, this celebration fosters a more equitable society for all.

At Cause Effective, we believe that the nonprofit sector must look at philanthropy through a wider lens. Philanthropy is not the purview of the wealthy; it’s for all of us. People from all walks of life engage in it and benefit from it every day, whether directly or indirectly, and they always have. During this Black Philanthropy Month and always, it is important to remember Madam C. J. Walker’s legacy and make a commitment to adapting her paradigm of giving for the future.

At Cause Effective, we believe that the nonprofit sector must look at philanthropy through a wider lens. Philanthropy is not the purview of the wealthy; it’s for all of us. People from all walks of life engage in it and benefit from it every day, whether directly or indirectly, and they always have. During this Black Philanthropy Month and always, it is important to remember Madam C. J. Walker’s legacy and make a commitment to adapting her paradigm of giving for the future.

On July 1, I became Cause Effective’s fourth Executive Director and President. A forty-year-old leading nonprofit capacity builder that has partnered with over 7,000 organizations to fuel social justice and human rights. I am the organization’s first leader of color, following Judy Levine, who held the position for sixteen years. Being a Black queer woman, to take the helm brings me tremendous pride. I’m especially energized to lead Cause Effective into this next chapter during a time of continued racial unrest in this country. I am fully embracing this position as an opportunity to center diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within every area of our work in partnership with the staff, Board, and stakeholders.