- 6:30-8:30 PM EST
- Thursday, September 25, 2025
Connect ATL: Beyond Networking, A Nonprofit Mixer
The Resilient Architect: Building Enduring Impact From Setbacks
Building on the incredible energy from our last event, this quarter we’re focusing on resilience, reframing failure, and sharing actionable stories of how nonprofit leaders have turned major setbacks into their greatest assets. Get a raw, authentic, and incredibly valuable look at what it truly takes to persevere.
In Their Own Words: The Connect ATL Experience
“I left reminded: storms don’t cancel the blessing — they prepare you for it.”
“Grateful for Darrin Cook creating the kind of space where real community happens – not just networking, but genuine connection among changemakers.
This is what sustainable change looks like: building authentic relationships with people who understand both the vision and the grind.
The revolution needs community, and I’m continuously growing mine.”
“The room was buzzing with champions for change and hearts for transformation.
I always talk about Atlanta being a special place because it is a city where you can have real conversations that lead to meaningful collaboration and this was another instance where that was on display.”
“The energy, passion, and heart of the nonprofit community here is truly something special.
A huge shoutout to Darrin Cook, the driving force behind Connect ATL. His vision and hard work made this event not just inspiring, but a real catalyst for connection and growth in our community.
Feeling lucky to be part of this vibrant community and eager to see what’s next!”
“This is how we build community, support each other, and lift each other up, so that we can all do better and make even bigger impacts. This is thought leadership in action.”
Featured Voices & Strategic Thinkers
Gain real strategies in fundraising, digital tools, planning, and resilient leadership to help your mission grow without the overwhelm
The Resilient Founder
LeAnthony Freeman
YounitED Academy
LeAnthony Freeman is an educator and founder dedicated to breaking down barriers for Black and Latino youth. He created Y.A.L.E. Academy to develop young leaders and is now launching the Ubuntu Leadership Institute, a charter boarding school rooted in the philosophy “I am because we are.” His work blends global curriculum, entrepreneurship, and restorative practices to empower the next generation of changemakers.
LeAnthony will share “Brick by Brick: From Broken Pieces to Building Blocks,” a story of resilience and renewal—how setbacks can become stepping stones and broken pieces transformed into lasting impact.
The Resilient Founder
LeAnthony Freeman
YounitED Academy
LeAnthony Freeman is an educator and founder dedicated to breaking down barriers for Black and Latino youth. He created Y.A.L.E. Academy to develop young leaders and is now launching the Ubuntu Leadership Institute, a charter boarding school rooted in the philosophy “I am because we are.” His work blends global curriculum, entrepreneurship, and restorative practices to empower the next generation of changemakers.
LeAnthony will share “Brick by Brick: From Broken Pieces to Building Blocks,” a story of resilience and renewal—how setbacks can become stepping stones and broken pieces transformed into lasting impact.
The Change Strategist
Jena Lynch
Donorbox
Jena Lynch is the Education and Community Engagement Manager at Donorbox. She helps nonprofits raise more with less stress through practical systems and donor engagement strategies. Jena hosts The Nonprofit Podcast and regularly speaks on donor trust & retention, appeal writing, and sustainable growth.
Pivot Without Panic: Building Systems That Support Sustainable Growth
When budgets shift, staff changes, or priorities get upended, the right mindset can make all the difference. This Impact Circle will explore the practical systems and small shifts in thinking that help nonprofit leaders move through change with confidence and create a foundation for sustainable growth.
The Change Strategist
Donorbox
Jena Lynch is the Education and Community Engagement Manager at Donorbox. She helps nonprofits raise more with less stress through practical systems and donor engagement strategies. Jena hosts The Nonprofit Podcast and regularly speaks on donor trust & retention, appeal writing, and sustainable growth.
Pivot Without Panic: Building Systems That Support Sustainable Growth
When budgets shift, staff changes, or priorities get upended, the right mindset can make all the difference. This Impact Circle will explore the practical systems and small shifts in thinking that help nonprofit leaders move through change with confidence and create a foundation for sustainable growth.
The Program Innovator
Melissa Jennings
former Program Manager at CDC and currently with Magenta Strategy, small-group facilitation expertise
Melissa Jennings is a bilingual program innovator with over a decade of experience helping organizations navigate change with clarity and confidence. She has led hundreds of hours of workshops that help nonprofits cut through overwhelm, connect their services to measurable impact, and guide their teams forward with clarity and confidence.
At the event, Melissa will lead “The Program Innovator: Roadmaps for Resilience”. Nonprofits are being squeezed by shifts in technology, policy, and funding, expected to do more with less while proving their impact faster than ever. This roundtable will focus on how nonprofits can use simple roadmaps to align staff, funders, and leaders, and turn setbacks into stepping stones for lasting impact.
The Program Innovator
former Program Manager at CDC and currently with Magenta Strategy, small-group facilitation expertise
Melissa Jennings is a bilingual program innovator with over a decade of experience helping organizations navigate change with clarity and confidence. She has led hundreds of hours of workshops that help nonprofits cut through overwhelm, connect their services to measurable impact, and guide their teams forward with clarity and confidence.
At the event, Melissa will lead “The Program Innovator: Roadmaps for Resilience”. Nonprofits are being squeezed by shifts in technology, policy, and funding, expected to do more with less while proving their impact faster than ever. This roundtable will focus on how nonprofits can use simple roadmaps to align staff, funders, and leaders, and turn setbacks into stepping stones for lasting impact.
The Turnaround Leader
Jalani Traxler
Glacier’s Ice
Jalani Traxler is an educator, faith leader, and social entrepreneur whose journey bridges psychology, theology, and community leadership. A graduate of Morehouse College and Columbia Theological Seminary, he brings a passion for both personal growth and collective transformation. By day, he teaches middle school science at KIPP STRIVE Academy in Atlanta, and by night, he co-leads the Noble Truth Project, working to inspire purpose and resilience in others.
The Turnaround Leader
Glacier’s Ice
Jalani Traxler is an educator, faith leader, and social entrepreneur whose journey bridges psychology, theology, and community leadership. A graduate of Morehouse College and Columbia Theological Seminary, he brings a passion for both personal growth and collective transformation. By day, he teaches middle school science at KIPP STRIVE Academy in Atlanta, and by night, he co-leads the Noble Truth Project, working to inspire purpose and resilience in others.
Join the My Mogul Media Ecosystem
You’ve seen the experts, now join them. We are always looking for dynamic leaders to speak at future events and building an exclusive community for nonprofit innovators.
What To Expect
An evening of connection, collaboration, and shared purpose. Gain practical insights, expert advice, and actionable tools designed to help your nonprofit scale and thrive in a digital-first world.
Welcome Reception & Networking
Mingle with nonprofit peers and community leaders over drinks and light bites in a relaxed, energizing environment.
Live Discussion: The Comeback Playbook.
Hear from dynamic leaders as they share raw lessons on turning setbacks into strengths, fostering resilience, and what it truly takes to scale impact through adversity.
Interactive Q&A & Live Polling
Get your questions answered in real time and vote on the biggest opportunities and challenges facing our community.
Facilitated Networking Activities
No awkward introductions here—expect fun, fast-paced prompts that lead to genuine connections and future collaboration.
Actionable Takeaways
Walk away with new contacts, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose—plus a few surprises to keep the momentum going.
Event Schedule
Marketing Strategies Workshop
- 11 AM – 1 PM
Speaker:Sarah Johnson, Michael Chen
- Opening Keynote
- Workshop
- Panel Discussion
- Q&A Session
Automating Marketing for Nonprofits
- 3 AM – 4 PM
David Turner, Sarah Patel
- Introduction
- Key Tools & Strategies
- Real Life Case studies
- Interactive Q&A & Next Steps
Event Agenda – Connect ATL
A Nonprofit Networking Mixer
1.
Welcome & Open Networking
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Light music, drinks, and passed bites
- Name tags with color-coded stickers (Funders, Nonprofits, Creatives, Consultants)
- Laid-back mingling to kick off the night
2.
Opening Remarks
- 7:00 PM – 7:10 PM
Hosted by Darrin Cook (My Mogul Media) and Ryan Klee (Rootstock)
- Vision for collaborative growth in ATL’s nonprofit ecosystem
- QR code access to the Collaboration Toolkit
- Encouragement to connect on LinkedIn and keep the momentum going
3.
Impact Circles (2 Rotations)
- 7:15 PM – 8:20 PM
Choose from interactive small-group sessions hosted by local nonprofit leaders and change-makers.
Each attendee can join two sessions during this time.
Confirmed Session Hosts:
Choose from intimate small-group sessions hosted by our featured speakers. These Impact Circles are designed for candid discussion, focusing on resilience, navigating challenges, and turning setbacks into strategic growth. Attendees can join two circles.
4.
Closing Reflections & Call to Action
- 8:20 PM – 8:30 PM
- Closing words from My Mogul Media & Rootstock
- Upcoming opportunities & ways to stay connected
- Group photo/selfie moment to wrap up the night
Reserve Your Free Seat to Collaborate
with ATL Nonprofit Leaders
Ready to Turn Your Brand Into an Empire?
The event is over, but the work is just beginning. Let’s build a 1:1 strategy to implement these insights and achieve your mission.
Presented by My Mogul Media in Partnership with Rootstock
Sponsored By
