EP 152

Leadership, Impact, and Pursuing Your Passion with Dawn Hooper, CPA

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Inside This Episode

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, Dawn Hooper, CPA shares her incredible journey from a successful career in the private sector to finding purpose and impact in the nonprofit world. Dawn opens up about what motivated her to make the shift, the challenges and rewards of leading in the nonprofit space, and how impact investing became a driving force in her work and personal life. If you’ve ever thought about aligning your career with your passion or wondered what it takes to lead with purpose, this conversation is for you.
Dawn is the President and CEO of Dawn Advisory Services, LLC, where she helps nonprofits drive transformational change and empowers teams to reach their full potential.

Helpful resources from today’s episode:

Connect with Dawn

GuideStar

Charity Navigator

A Guide to Impact Investing

Three Biggest Insights

  • The Financial Realities and Challenges of Nonprofit Leadership
  • Balancing Mission-Driven Work with Operational Sustainability
  • How Leadership and Financial Stewardship Impact an Organization’s Longevity

Key Takeaways

  • Nonprofits Need Financial Strategy: Running a nonprofit requires just as much financial planning and operational efficiency as a for-profit business.
  • Mission and Money Must Align: A strong nonprofit balances impact with sustainable financial practices to ensure long-term success.
  • Transparency Builds Trust: Donors and stakeholders want to see where funds go, making accurate reporting and governance essential.
  • Leadership Requires Adaptability: Great leaders in the nonprofit space learn to navigate limited resources while staying focused on their mission.
  • Your Network Matters: Building strong connections opens doors to new opportunities, funding sources, and long-term sustainability.