YANA

Live from New York: YANA Board Match Program
2025-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Live from New York: YANA Board Match Program

April 30, 6:30pm ET | In-Person (Yale Club of NYC) & via Zoom
Are you ready to share your professional expertise with nonprofits that truly need your help? Join us for our monthly Town Hall on April 30 (online and in-person at the Yale Club) for a Board Match featuring organizations at a critical inflection point in their development. At this Board Match we will showcase smaller, newer organizations from our Mentoring Program. These nonprofits are either forming their very first boards or transitioning from founder-led “friends and family” boards to more professional governance structures.
This is a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor with emerging nonprofits and help shape their future. Your involvement now can have an outsized impact on their development and the communities they serve. Join us to learn more about these promising organizations and discover how your skills could be the missing piece they need to thrive and grow.

REGISTER NOW

YANA Board Match April 2025:
Featuring Nonprofit Mentees from the YANA Nonprofit Mentoring Program

Kinyeti Academy (South Sudan)
Lorem Aminathia ‘15, Founder and CEO
Jeff Brenzel ‘75, Advisory Board
Kinyeti Academy provides a World-class education for a new generation of South Sudanese leaders, entrepreneurs, and social builders.

Congenital Hyperinsulism International (NJ)
Julie Raskin, Executive Director
Pamela Weber-Leaf ‘89, Director of Development
Patrick Rohrkaste, Board President
CHI is a US-based rare disease research, support, and advocacy organization.

Circle Match (NJ)
Michael Sanchez ‘23, Executive Director
Josh Bruner DIV ‘16, Board Chair
Circle Match connects driven students from low-income communities to the college-going process by providing near-peer college advising.

Hope Creates (MO)
Kathie Thomas, Executive Director
Jennifer Lunceford ‘15, Program Director
Hope Creates empowers youth and adults in recovery from, or at risk of, Substance Use Disorder to stay sober by engaging in the expressive arts and a vibrant and creative sober community.

Unite for Health (Cameroon)
Elvis N. Ndansi, RN, BSN, MSN, MPH, Founder & President
Florence Buchanan, Board Chair
George Guernsey ‘70, Advisory Board
Unite for Health combats maternal and child mortality by inventively providing access to affordable healthcare in underserved communities in rural Africa.

Pursuing Your Mission Series: Developing and Stewarding Individual Donors
2025-05-08 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
Join YANA for a series of in-depth conversations inspired by the 2024 YANA Social Impact conference and feedback from the YANA network. These one-hour online discussions will connect you with YANA network experts to answer questions and engage in conversation about topics relevant to running and governing nonprofits during uncertain times.
When: Every Second Thursday of the Month at 6:30pm ET
Where: Zoom
Format: Expert-led discussion with Q&A and networking opportunities
RSVP Here

Pursuing Your Mission: Measuring & Understanding Your Impact
2025-06-12 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
Measuring and Understanding Your Impact – Identifying Your Measures
While facing increasing scrutiny and needing greater efficiency, nonprofits must continue to provide high quality services that resonate with community goals. Our June Pursuing Your Mission session focuses on “Measuring and Understanding Your Impact—Identifying Your Measures,” providing you with practical tools to assess your organization’s effectiveness.
Why This Matters: Organizations that effectively measure and communicate their results can make informed decisions about improving program reach, efficiency, and impact; they may also experience greater donor confidence and more successful grant applications.
You’ll Learn How To:

Distinguish between outputs, outcomes, and impact
Identify the right metrics aligned with your mission
Develop practical data collection strategies
Create compelling narratives for different audiences
Streamline measurement processes with limited resources

Who Should Attend: This session is perfect for nonprofit leaders, program directors, development staff, and board members who want to strengthen their organization’s ability to tell their impact story effectively.
Details and Registration
Thursday, June 12 | 6:30 PM ET
REGISTER NOW

Meet the Speakers

Lisa-Nicolle (Nicky) Grist ’87
Chief of Research, Evaluation, and Finance, Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund

Lisa-Nicolle (Nicky) Grist is a native New Yorker who has worked exclusively in the nonprofit and government sectors. At the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund since 2014, she has led a variety of learning and evaluation efforts while overseeing the organization’s finances. She has created and presented logic model workshops for Nonprofit New York, Washington Asset Builders, and the National Urban League, where she previously worked as senior director of evaluation. Before finding her passion as an evaluator, Nicky served as an executive director for 14 years: first of a neighborhood housing counseling agency; then of a national social policy advocacy organization. She also worked in housing development and community organizing, sat on several boards of directors, and volunteered in direct service. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), a master’s from Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs, and an executive certificate from Harvard’s Kennedy School.

Matthew Klein ’93, LAW ’98
Chief Program and Impact Officer, Robin Hood

Matt leads the alignment of Robin Hood’s programmatic and public policy teams, overseeing organization-wide goals, metrics, and impact. Matt brings extensive experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, government, and civic leadership to Robin Hood.
Previously, Matt led the New York City Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity and served as the Executive Director of Blue Ridge Foundation New York, a philanthropic fund that later merged with Robin Hood as Blue Ridge Labs. Matt has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including those of Robin Hood’s grantees, and has been the recipient of several fellowships, including from Echoing Green, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Results for America. Matt has a B.A. in History and a J.D. from Yale University and Yale Law School, respectively.

About the Pursuing Your Mission Series
Join YANA for a series of in-depth conversations inspired by the 2024 YANA Social Impact conference and feedback from the YANA network. These one-hour online discussions will connect you with YANA network experts to answer questions and engage in conversation about topics relevant to running and governing nonprofits during uncertain times.
When: Every Second Thursday of the Month at 6:30pm ET
Where: Zoom
Format: Expert-led discussion with Q&A and networking opportunities
RSVP Here

Pursuing Your Mission Series: Advocacy and Social Justice
2025-07-10 18:30 - 20:00 | NY

Yale’s 69th Career Panel Brings Virtual Networking to You
2025-07-22 19:00 - 20:30 | NY
Yale’s 69th Career Panel Brings Virtual Networking to You
REGISTER

For 14 years, Yale Career Panels have provided candid, unvarnished views of different professions to thousands of Yale alumni and students. On July 22 from 7:00-8:30 PM ET, the series presents its 69th event: “Yale Career Advice and Networking Event – Education.”
This virtual event combines the best of panel discussion and intimate networking. The evening begins with a 30-minute panel featuring Yale’s own career experts: Jorimel Zaldivar, Senior Associate Director for Common Good Careers, and Stanley Willard Jr., Assistant Director of Employer Relations, both from Yale’s Office of Career Strategy. They’ll share insights on education career opportunities from K-12 teaching to nonprofit leadership to educational policy.
The real magic happens in the hour-long virtual “ballroom” that follows. Experienced Yale alumni across various education fields will host individual tables where attendees can drop in for personalized career advice. You’ll receive a list of advisors in advance and can move freely between tables to ask questions, seek guidance, and make personal connections.
Whether you’re considering a career transition into education, starting your professional journey, or looking to advance within the field, this event offers frank discussions about both the upsides and challenges of education careers. Previous attendees consistently praise these sessions for their honest insights and valuable networking opportunities.
Moderated by Peter Young, CEO of Young & Partners and Yale Career Panels Planning Committee member since 2012, this event continues a tradition that has covered 55+ career panels, reaching professionals across industries from consulting to biotech to government service.
The event is free and jointly supported by Yale’s Office of Career Strategy, Yale Alumni Association, and other Yale organizations.

YANA Town Hall Feature: Educational Equity Under Attack
2025-07-30 18:30 - 19:30 | NY
YANA Town Halls are Live from New York!
YANA Town Halls provide an opportunity for mission-driven alums to exchange ideas and information to help achieve social impact. These events occur live at the Yale Club of NYC and via Zoom. You don’t need to be a member of the Yale Club to join us!
REGISTER
Meet Kimberly Jones ‘00, President
Council for Opportunity in Education

July 30 | 6:30 PM ET – In-Person (Yale Club of NYC) & via Zoom
YANA Town Hall Feature: Educational Equity Under Attack
The letter arrived on May 2, 2025, threatening to eliminate programs that have transformed millions of low-income, first-generation students into college graduates over 60 years. When the Trump Administration’s budget proposal called for completely cutting Federal TRIO Programs, Kimberly Jones ’00 knew she had just months to mount a defense.
As President of the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), Jones mobilized an unprecedented response across all 50 states. Within weeks, thousands of emails flooded Congressional offices, over 10,000 TRIO alumni signed petitions, and local news stories highlighted how these programs change lives. The grassroots campaign reached every corner of America, from rural communities to urban centers.
But the fight intensified when the Department of Education began issuing grant cancellation notices to programs just days before their funding expired. “These unwarranted cancellations serve as a troubling warning,” Jones wrote to supporters, launching COE’s $500,000 Educational Opportunity Campaign to sustain the defense.
Jones brings unique credibility to this battle. A New Haven native and 1999 Harry S. Truman Scholar, she’s built one of higher education’s most effective advocacy operations since joining COE in 2007. Under her leadership, the organization has secured over a billion dollars in federal funding for underserved students.
Her approach combines Washington insider knowledge with grassroots organizing power. When programs serving 870,000 students annually face elimination, Jones doesn’t just lobby—she mobilizes entire communities to tell their stories.
Join YANA’s Town Hall on July 30 to hear directly from Jones about defending educational equity in an era of unprecedented attacks on opportunity programs.

Pursuing Your Mission Series: Master AI for Mission Impact
2025-08-14 18:30 - 19:30 | NY
Join us for YANA’s August Seminar: Master AI for Mission Impact

August 14 | 6:30 PM ET via Zoom
REGISTER
The nonprofit sector is experiencing an AI revolution, and YANA’s “Pursuing Your Mission” series is ensuring our community stays ahead of the curve. Join us Thursday, August 14 at 6:30 PM ET for “AI and Technology for Nonprofits,” a virtual session designed to equip impact leaders with cutting-edge tools for organizational success.
This timely seminar addresses the urgent need for nonprofit professionals to understand and implement AI solutions. As federal funding faces uncertainty and competition for philanthropic dollars intensifies, organizations that leverage technology effectively will have a critical advantage in advancing their missions.
The session builds directly on the momentum from YANA’s October 2024 Social Impact Conference, where over 250 attendees explored strategies for leading through change, including AI applications and strengthening partnerships. Participants left that conference energized about technology’s potential to amplify social impact—now we’re diving deeper into practical implementation.
Our monthly “Pursuing Your Mission” series, held the second Thursday of each month, creates an intimate learning environment where network experts share actionable insights. Previous sessions have covered advocacy strategies, partnership development, and organizational resilience, consistently delivering value to nonprofit leaders across all sectors.
In these challenging times, when nonprofits face unprecedented pressures from policy changes and funding cuts, YANA remains steadfast in supporting our community of impact leaders. This AI session will provide concrete tools for streamlining operations, enhancing donor engagement, and maximizing mission effectiveness through technology.
Whether you’re leading a startup nonprofit or managing a established organization, this session will equip you with practical knowledge to harness AI’s power for social good.

Live from NY Town Hall: Inside Nonprofit Executive Search - Hiring Leaders, Advancing Careers
2026-01-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Yale Club of NYC, 50 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY, United States
YANA Town Halls are Live from New York!
YANA Town Halls provide an opportunity for mission-driven alums to exchange ideas and information to help achieve social impact. These events occur live at the Yale Club of NYC and via Zoom. You don’t need to be a member of the Yale Club to join us!
REGISTER
Inside Nonprofit Executive Search - Hiring Leaders, Advancing Careers

Jan. 28 | 6:30 PM ET – In-Person (Yale Club of NYC) & via Zoom
Themes to be covered:

The role of executive search in building successful nonprofits.
How nonprofit boards can work effectively with search firms
Trends shaping nonprofit leadership succession
How DEI is reshaping nonprofit leadership searches
Practical guidance for advancing your career in the nonprofit sector

Speakers:

Jack Lusk
Marilyn Machlowitz
Melissa Madzel

Live from NY Town Hall - February
2026-02-25 18:30 - 19:30 | NY
YANA Town Halls are Live from New York!
YANA Town Halls provide an opportunity for mission-driven alums to exchange ideas and information to help achieve social impact. These events occur live at the Yale Club of NYC and via Zoom. You don’t need to be a member of the Yale Club to join us!
REGISTER
Topic to follow

Feb. 25 | 6:30 PM ET – In-Person (Yale Club of NYC) & via Zoom

Live from NY Town Hall: March
2026-03-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Yale Club of NYC, 50 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY, United States
REGISTER NOW

Live from NYC Town Hall: April
2026-04-29 18:30 - 19:30 | Yale Club of NYC, 50 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY, United States

YBG/YANA DC Volunteer Opportunity at So What Else Food Pantry
2026-05-09 10:30 - 13:00 | So What Else, 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD, United States
YBG/YANA DC Volunteer Opportunity at So What Else Food Pantry
Saturday, May 9; 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
So What Else
4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD
Volunteer at the Saturday Outdoor Food Pantry! Every Saturday, So What Else provides free food to over 1,500 people in the parking lot in front of their warehouse with the help of an incredible volunteer team.
Saturday volunteers will help with the following tasks: directing traffic, checking clients in, helping with line control, attending the food tables, bagging produce, giving surveys, breaking down boxes, disposing of trash, sweeping, and more.
AGE RESTRICTION: This is a great opportunity for children to join. A parent or guardian must accompany children aged 10-15. Volunteers aged 16 and above can participate independently without the presence of a parent or guardian. Please note closed-toe shoes are required. RSVP to yanadc@yalenonprofitalliance.org

Live from NYC Town Hall: May 2026
2026-05-27 18:30 - 19:30 | Yale Club of NYC, 50 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY, United States

Live from NYC Town Hall: June 2026
2026-06-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Yale Club of NYC, 50 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY, United States
