RKD Group: Thinkers

Abby Graf, vice president of programs at the Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), is one of the most thoughtful leadership facilitators in the sector. On this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Abby shares how a lifelong pattern of bringing people together, from organizing Earth Day as a teenager to guiding leadership labs for nonprofit executives, has shaped her approach to helping leaders navigate change with clarity, courage and community. Abby’s path to “dream job” status didn’t come from chasing a job title. It came from noticing what makes groups work, asking better questions and creating the conditions where leaders can learn from one another. In her world, leadership isn’t a solo act. It’s a shared practice that happens at the me, we and community level. Today, Abby leads TNPA’s program work focused on developing nonprofit leaders across the sector, supporting individuals, teams and organizations as they build practical skills, strengthen decision-making and respond to the realities of a shifting landscape. Whether the topic is budgets, AI, risk aversion or big-picture threats to the sector, Abby’s goal is consistent: help leaders step back from the urgent and make space for what matters most. What stands out about Abby is her ability to pair strategic thinking with real humanity, encouraging leaders to experiment responsibly, stay grounded in mission and keep moving even when the path forward feels uncertain. In this conversation, Abby reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership lens, how creativity strengthens leaders, why nonprofits struggle with risk and what she’s hearing from leaders as 2025 wraps up.

As the child of immigrants from West Africa, Floyd Jones recalls going back home to visit and seeing people lined up outside his family’s house, knowing his parents were always there to offer resources and work. So helping others has always been “part of my DNA,” Jones says. Fast forward to today, Jones is a speaker, a coach and a community builder. The founder of BackBlack, he’s raised over $2 million for black-led nonprofits. He is a catalyst for change, and energizes everyone in his vicinity. In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” Floyd chats about how music and movement-building shaped his approach to fundraising and why he treats AI as an amplifier, not a replacement, for human connection.

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” Lori Collins shares how her left-brain passion for research blends seamlessly with her right-brain love of yoga and aerial arts. From her early days in pay-per-view television to more than 15 years in nonprofit fundraising, Lori has built a career on applied math, curiosity and a desire to “use your powers for good.”

Stacy Huston's path to becoming a social impact leader is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and a deep commitment to community. From her early days exploring faith and creative writing to her current role as Executive Director of SixDegrees.org, Stacy's journey is a testament to the power of connection and purpose.

Charles shares how a deep love of learning, a strong sense of mentorship, and a focus on creativity have shaped his leadership and outlook on digital transformation. With insightful takes on donor engagement, the future of shopping, and why nonprofits need to fight harder than ever for attention, this conversation offers equal parts foresight and encouragement. Whether you’re a nonprofit professional navigating new technologies or a leader seeking to empower your team through change, this episode will leave you inspired to keep learning, keep adapting—and most of all, keep dreaming.

From his first nerve‑wracking major-gift ask to working alongside legends like Morton Blackwell, Mal Warwick, and Richard Viguerie, Kevin shows how mentorship, direct response strategies, and a willingness to take big risks can transform both campaigns and careers.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, we welcome Katy Jordan, a seasoned consultant and coach in the nonprofit sector. Katy explores her unique journey from a background in chemical engineering and music to her extensive experience in fundraising and agency life.