How Stephanie Ink Edwards tackles a big and daunting mission with energy and enthusiasm

This week, we are speaking with Stephanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative in Fort Myers. The mission of Community Cooperative is to eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs.

Together, we discuss Stephanie’s history as a fundraiser, how she keeps her team performing, and a sweet story about a volunteer, her grandfather.

3 Takeaways:

1. (03:50) Fundraising is a relationship based business and it takes time
2. (05:00) Share the impact
3. (16:50) Be honest and transparent, then own it and fix it

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Stephanie Ink Edwards and Community Cooperative

(03:00) How did you find success as a development director?

(04:45) How do you tell the story to the donor?

(06:30) How do you deliver stories?

(08:20) How do you get in front of people 12 months a year?

(09:00) What is your day like as a CEO?

(10:00) How do you keep your team performing well?

(12:18) Who are leaders you try to emulate?

(13:35) The evolution of a nonprofit board

(15:30) What are some mistakes that stand out?

(17:40) Tell us about your grandfather Stan

(19:50) Rapid fire questions

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