Lessons in Leadership & Impact: My Journey Through the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator
When I started the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator, I knew it was going to be an opportunity to learn, grow, and push myself. What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how transformative the experience would be—not just for my nonprofit, The Mama Wellness Foundation, but for me as a leader.
This program provided me with the space to validate my ideas through pitching, collaborate with other local nonprofits, expand my knowledge of running a sustainable nonprofit, and most importantly, build mentor relationships that have lasted far beyond the program. But it also challenged me in ways I didn’t expect—forcing me to push past discomfort, be intentional about my goals, and prove that I was someone worth investing in.
Here are the biggest lessons I took away from this experience.
An Overview of the Program
The United Way Social Innovation Accelerator is designed to support nonprofit leaders in scaling their impact through funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance. From the moment I entered the program, I was surrounded by other driven, mission-focused individuals who were also working to create meaningful change in our communities.
Through this experience, I had the opportunity to pitch my ideas, refine my approach, and receive valuable feedback that helped me validate my work. The ability to articulate my vision with clarity and confidence was something I had to refine—and this program gave me the space to do so.
Beyond the technical aspects of running a nonprofit, this program reinforced something even more important: that social impact work doesn’t happen in isolation.
Collaboration is the Key to Growth
One of the most powerful aspects of this program was the opportunity to collaborate with other nonprofit leaders. I quickly realized that while we were all working in different spaces, many of us shared similar challenges—whether it was funding, program sustainability, or data tracking.
Being able to exchange ideas, troubleshoot issues together, and even find ways to collaborate on future projects reinforced the importance of community within the nonprofit sector. No one builds something great alone. The accelerator wasn’t just about my success—it was about learning how to create impact alongside others.
The Importance of Mentorship
“One of the most valuable aspects of the accelerator was the access to mentors—leaders who had already walked the path I was on and could offer guidance, insights, and connection when needed.”
More than just giving advice, these mentors helped me see that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about learning how to ask the right questions and surround yourself with people who can help you find the answers.
Most importantly, I made sure my mentors saw that they were investing in someone who actually implements. It’s one thing to receive advice—it’s another to take action. I showed up ready to apply what I was learning, proving that I wasn’t just absorbing information—I was executing.
Leaders Should Always Be Learning
If there’s one thing this program reinforced for me, it’s that no matter how much you know, there is always more to learn. Running a nonprofit is complex—there’s fundraising, program management, compliance, impact measurement, and so much more.
I had to get comfortable pushing past my discomfort, recognizing the gaps in my knowledge, and leaning into opportunities to learn. I had to show up as my full self—the hustler, the one with the drive to win—but also the leader who understood that success isn’t about pretending to have all the answers. It’s about being willing to evolve.
The Price of Implementation: Turning Knowledge into Impact
“Learning is one thing, but execution is what creates real impact.”
One of the biggest takeaways from the accelerator was that you can’t focus on everything at once—you need to pick a few goals and make them happen.
Too many goals can be overwhelming, which leads to inaction. I focused on three critical areas:
Preparing for Medicaid applications – Ensuring that The Mama Wellness Foundation was positioned to secure Medicaid funding, opening new opportunities for sustainability.
New data tracking systems – Improving how we collect and measure data to better demonstrate our impact to funders.
Understanding budget and revenue for nonprofits – Our previous budgeting system actually hindered us from securing a grant. Through this program, I learned what needed to change and created a budget that aligns with our growth.
By focusing on these three key priorities, I was able to implement meaningful change—not just for my organization, but for the mothers we serve.
Looking Ahead
The United Way Social Innovation Accelerator was more than just a program—it was a catalyst. It reinforced the importance of mentorship, the power of collaboration, and the necessity of continuous learning. Most importantly, it showed me that knowledge alone isn’t enough—execution is what sets leaders apart.
Moving forward, I will continue applying the lessons learned from this program to scale The Mama Wellness Foundation’s impact. I’ll continue to lean on my mentors, collaborate with other leaders, and stay committed to implementing what I learn.
If you’re an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or changemaker, I encourage you to find spaces where you can grow, challenge yourself, and build relationships that push you forward. Success isn’t about knowing it all—it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and take action.
Because at the end of the day, the price of impact is implementation.
Trending Stories
