Community-Based Nonprofit Leadership: How Dina Davis Built Programs That Empower Families

Nicole: [00:00:00] Hi, Dina. Thank you so much for joining us today, and I’m just really excited to hear more about your story and journey. So first off, could you tell us about your nonprofit journey? What led you into this work and what keeps you inspired today? 

Dina: What led me into the journey of nonprofit was really just getting together to help the community.

Um, I grew up in Tampa, the Tampa Bay area since a, a small child and I have a heart for, you know, just giving back my, it is something that my grandmother and my mother instilled in me. And, um, it kind of just happened, right. Um, a lot of the times. Um, we find areas that we want to support, but we really don’t know how to put it all together.

Um, and so I had a team around me and I said, okay. I saw that there was a need specifically, um, for back to school supplies. It literally [00:01:00] started from wanting to meet the need for children who were. Underserved that needed school supplies. And since then, um, years ago, it has evolved into, you know, what we see today, um, with what we’re doing in the community.

Nicole: That’s awesome. And what are you doing in the community now? What’s, where is that taking you? 

Dina: So it has led me to so many different programs. I wanna help everyone all the time. And you know, sometimes I talk to my team and they’re like, okay, we gotta do one thing at a time. You know, let’s pace ourself. Um, so currently with the Billionaire Learning Academy and Knowledge Center, um, we actually have a program called Learn More Live more.

And what that program does, it empowers all of our participants, whether you are a single, individual, a, you know, a family unit, single mom, single dad, uh, whatever your walk of life is, and we want to help meet you where you are and take you to that [00:02:00] next level. And so it’s led to partnerships with Google.

It is led to. Our program, which launched last year called Nourished by Black. Um, we also have a program that’s called 33rd where um, individuals can come in and get brand new clothes and shop as if they are at the mall. Um, and that’s just another sense of empowerment, you know, that we’re able to extend to those that may not have that ability.

Um, and so, yeah, it’s. Landed us to, uh, this year is our fifth year doing our back to school event, and every year it continues to get bigger and bigger. And so, um, I’m just really proud of where we’ve come and, and where we are today. 

Nicole: That’s amazing. You should be proud. It sounds like you have so many great opportunities for folks, um, and ways to really engage and give back.

I love that. Thank you for sharing that. So, what’s one part of the work that lights you up the most? Is there like a story or project or impact moment [00:03:00] that reminds you why you’re doing what you do? 

Dina: You know, that moment I’ve been, I’ve been doing the work right with my team and I, I don’t wanna take credit, right?

It’s, it’s a collective effort. Um, it’s not just me, it’s, it’s the volunteers, it’s friends, family, everyone, kind of the community pitching in to make this happen. Um, but there was one instance that happened last year where there was a young lady, um, and she was there with her son, um, and she had been to our events year after year.

And I was actually at a different event and she said, you know, I seen that you guys you know are having your back to school event this year and it’s sold out and I really wanna attend. Is there anything you can do? Well, long story short, you guys know, I could not say no. So obviously she was able to attend and at the end of the back to school event last year, she took about five or six minutes.

She said, you know, I wanna let you know [00:04:00] what you’re doing in the community and how it impacts us. You know, a lot of people think that like school supplies is something that’s just simple or it’s not that big of a deal, but it actually gives a sense of pride to my son where, you know, if I, I didn’t have the money, I don’t have the money to buy the clothes that he needs for uniform, or to be able to, um, support him in the way that Black is supporting and, you know.

To have someone take a moment and, and kind of express to you the impact that you’re having. I know sometimes it’s nonprofit owners, founders, you know, we get kind of caught up in the hustle and bustle, but to see, you know, a a, a young man, right? And a mother who wants to provide for her child and to look to you as the ability to do so.

It, it was absolutely so heartwarming. It brought tears to my eyes and it, it motivates me to continue to do what we’re doing. Even today, 

Nicole: it’s so refreshing when you hear your [00:05:00] community come back, like share those stories. And I know it’s hard for a lot of, like you said, a lot of times we’re in the weeds and it’s really hard to like hear or not hear, but like get the opportunity to speak to people that you’re, you’re serving, you’re supporting, and I.

It really does make a difference. Like, it’s one of the big things that I suggest when people are feeling a little burnt out or, you know, tired from the mm-hmm. Of this work is talk to people. You’ll, you’ll, you’ll get refreshed often and, um, it reminds you why you’re doing what you’re doing. I love 

Dina: that story.

Yeah. And, and that, and that interaction that I had, you know, um, we’ve, we’ve been doing it for, you know, four years and to see, you know, families come in and shop and they, you know, they’re asking like, you mean to tell me this is free? Like, I don’t have to pay for this. Like, and I’m like, no, take what you need.

You know, and to, to see their eyes light up and to, to feel. Empowered [00:06:00] that, I mean, it, it makes all of the days that you’re up late at night or you know you’re in the weeds, like you were saying. It just makes it all worth it. So I’m so encouraged and inspired by that. 

Nicole: That’s awesome. So what is one challenge with all of those things happening, what’s one challenge or shift you are currently navigating in your organization or in the sector?

Um, and how are you approaching it or what kind of support would help? 

Dina: You know, this is a good question. I think, um, in, in some of the conversations I’ve had with other nonprofit founders, some of what we’re experiencing is really the same. Uh, the areas that we’re most needing help in is. Boots on the ground.

Right. You know, getting people that could be there to help us volunteer. Um, but not just for the events. A lot of the times, you know, we see the support come out for the events, but it’s the day to day, the operations, the, you know, making the [00:07:00] calls, sending the emails. Doing the marketing, um, where, you know, the support is needed on the operational side for us.

And, um, then, you know, most notably, you know, with any nonprofit, it’s gonna be fundraising, right? And, um, being able to continue to have that, um, donor support, the community support. Um, and so those would be the two pain points I would say, uh, that hit home. And, and really just in some of the convers. Is more common, uh, in the nonprofit space, more so than other, um, industries.

Nicole: Yeah, that’s totally fair. And I think with, um, I, I have an events background, so the events and the volunteers in that space is a natural connection point, obviously, but you’re a hundred percent right. The importance of like bringing volunteers into the space, the operations helping. Do the stewardship, the thank yous, like all of those things take time and effort.

And I think when you bring your [00:08:00] volunteers into your community and into the interworkings of your organization too, you’re just actually bringing more people closer and I think mm-hmm. They come your story, they can be champions of the work. Um, everyone is like, really? Uh, when you have volunteers, when you have people participating in events, they’re all interested in what you do.

So I think it’s so important to continue bringing them closer because they continue talking about your efforts. So, mm-hmm. I love that you’re bringing, uh, or looking to have more volunteer opportunities. Specifically in the org, in the, the day-to-day grind, because that is, uh, what many of us need support with.

Dina: Yeah. And a lot of the times I think, you know, and just in the experience where I’ve had people to help is empowering to them to see, like, I remember when we were just planning it and it was like just an idea and to, you know, watch it go from just like a board meeting to now like. Hundreds of families are being able to be supported [00:09:00] by the efforts.

I think, you know, it’s, it’s a blessing to see and some of the volunteers have voiced that. It’s amazing to see how it just starts from like just an idea to now something that is fruitful in the community. 

Nicole: Yeah, that’s amazing. And it is. It is that, exactly. That was always what made me the most excited in the event space was like seeing this idea come to life.

Mm-hmm. Um, I totally feel what you’re saying there. That’s awesome. So just into the nonprofit space, uh, or the nonprofit hive space, how have conversations or connections through the nonprofit hive shaped your worker perspective? This could be like a person you met, an idea that stuck or simply the feeling of not doing it alone.

Dina: Can I just say all of the above? Do I have to pick one? Um, there, the nonprofit hive really has opened up my perspective as a founder. Um, a lot of the times, you know, you, you go online and you see all these, you know, [00:10:00] mentorship and things like that, but when it comes to the nonprofit sector, you know, it’s, it’s difficult to, you know, find that community.

And so the nonprofit have really has. Given us that opportunity to connect in areas that we never would’ve thought. I had a conversation with someone about, I would say, about a year ago, and we were just talking about fundraising and you know, I was telling her a little bit about what we were doing and she’s like, Hey, have you thought about calling this company and just sharing it this way and like giving tips.

You know, I think a lot of the times we can be in our own silo and. You know, as, as much as it is great to have our team, it’s always good to have a fresh perspective and someone that can, you know, they may have gone through some things that they could give you some advice on. Um, so being able to have number one ideas that you know might not, you might have never thought of.

And then secondly, um, to meet people that are not just in your [00:11:00] area. I think that also is. Such a ma, it, it’s so valuable because it now allows you to, number one, feel like you’re, you’re not by yourself, right? Because sometimes we could feel as isolated to just a state or a city, um, but just to see across the board that, hey, we’re all out here and we’re, we’re if, if we come together and we share what we know, the little tidbit that you know, can help someone else, and that’s what Nonprofit Hive has done for us.

It’s really opened up that perspective and those connections. 

Nicole: I love that. I think there’s something about like that peer learning component that you’re, you’re touching on where like, it’s not a com competition and people are willing to like, just give the perspectives, you know, we’ve all been in this space and having somebody to just bounce ideas off of a real person is so refreshing.

Mm-hmm. And like you can, you can feel like you have someone almost in your corner or someone who gets it. 

Dina: Yeah. [00:12:00] 

Nicole: Yeah, I like that. Thank you for sharing 

Dina: that. Yeah. And, and there’s, there is not a dollar amount that equates to that because being able to like, have a sounding board of someone, maybe they’re more experienced, maybe they’re starting just like you are, you know, and to have that sounding board, uh, I’m so grateful that I found the nonprofit hi.

Like honestly. 

Nicole: Yay. We’re grateful to have you here. That’s awesome. So the last question, um, what’s one insight, resource or mindset that’s helped you recently and might help others in the community too? So something others could learn from or be inspired by? 

Dina: Um, so what’s one thing? I think, um, to get out, meaning get out.

Network, talk to people, get out of your comfort zone. That is the biggest thing for me. Um, I sometimes can get so caught up in the operations that I [00:13:00] forget the importance of outreach and networking. Um, even just today, you know, having a phone call, you never know where that phone call or that conversation could lead.

And, um, so just, you know, get out there. Explain what you do, share what you do. Don’t let your fear, um, kind of control your ability to share the great things that you’re doing and the great ideas. And, uh, you’d be surprised how welcoming people will be, um, if you just get outta your own way and, and go out there and share it.

Nicole: I love that. I think there’s something a friend always said, like, if. You feel scared or nervous? It’s usually the direction you need to go. 

Dina: Mm. ‘

Nicole: cause like you are getting out of your comfort zone, there’s something that like if like a new project or an opportunity makes you nervous and gives you that butterfly feeling mm-hmm.

Like that’s usually the indication [00:14:00] that’s what you should be doing. Um, and I just think there’s so many times that it’s so easy to say, I’m tired, I don’t wanna do this. Or like. Becoming too comfortable in your own community, not communities, but in your own spaces where like you, you for, we almost forget how to do the networking piece.

We forget how to, um, engage with others. And when you put it out into the universe, it’s always amazing what you get back. 

Dina: Yeah. So like if I were to give anyone advice, like watching this, it would be just ask. Just ask, you know, if you don’t understand something, you need help. You’re trying to piece it together.

Just ask, ask someone until you get your answer. And you’d be surprised the way that people would love to help people want to, to pour into something that is of purpose. Uh, but if we don’t ask, we’ll never. We’ll never get what we need. So, um, yeah, I, I [00:15:00] just, yeah, that’s the paradigm shift that’s happened for me.

That’s definitely opened up some doors. 

Nicole: It’s great. It’s a great one. So I guess I do have one more question. The last one is, if people wanna find information about you volunteer, get more engaged with your organization, where can they find you? 

Dina: Yes. So we are on Facebook, on TikTok and all the, all the places, right?

Uh, but most notably go to our website, which is www dot BA. kc.org? Yes, it is. It’s pronounced black. It is spelled incorrectly on purpose. Uh, so hopefully you can write that down. And, um, we would love to have anyone who has any spare time. I mean, interns, we do high school volunteers for Bright Future Scholarship.

I mean, you know, wherever you feel you have a gift, um, that you are willing to share with us and with our team, whether it’s one hour of. Five hours or, or more. Uh, we [00:16:00] certainly will welcome it. So yeah, that’s where you can find us. 

Nicole: Amazing. Thank you for sharing and thank you. It was lovely connecting with you today, Dina.

Dina: Same here. I’m so grateful for all that you guys do. Keep up the great work. Nicole: My pleasure. Bye bye.