Keynote Speakers

Biography

Sarah Eagle Heart, Emmy winning Social Justice Storyteller, utilizes storytelling to share her deep perspective on healing trauma from her experience as a teen activist raised on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and working with faith-based communities on cross sectional public policy initiatives with, and for, diverse communities internationally serving on the staff of the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church headquartered in New York, New York.

Ms. Eagle Heart has vast experience working at small nonprofit organizations and corporate tribal organizations, as well as large international non-governmental organizations. She has built upon her traditional cultural knowledge to understand the essential need for cross cultural communication, education, mutual respect, collaboration, partnership, community development and advocacy.

Sarah is the recipient of the 2017 American Express NGen Leadership Award. She holds a BA in American Indian Studies and BA in Mass Communication from Black Hills State University, as well as an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is new author of Warrior Princesses Strike Back: How Lakota Twins Fight Oppression and Heal Through Connectedness published by Feminist Press on January 24, 2023. She also contributed to the anthology This is How We Come Back Stronger published by Feminist Press in 2022.

KEYNOTE SESSION

• Title: How to Be an Ally of Indigenous People
• Description: Sarah shares her knowledge on how to be an effective ally from her work with Return to the Heart Foundation, The Episcopal Church, Native Americans in Philanthropy and in philanthropic initiatives and working with influencers like John Legend, Anne Hathaway, and Mark Ruffalo.

Biography

Ian Adair has spent a career building successful nonprofits. He is a three-time nonprofit CEO, TEDx speaker, and recognized expert in leadership, fundraising, and nonprofit management. Over his 25 year career he has raised tens of millions of dollars, managed dozens of boards and volunteer committees, and presented at more than 200 conferences and events around the world.

Ian is on a mission to change the conversation around mental health from one that condemns and diminishes those suffering to one of empathy and support. He is one of the leading voices in a movement to encourage nonprofit and corporate leaders to take bold action to support the health and well-being of our workforce. Ian is the author of the book, Stronger Than Stigma. A Call to Action: Stories of Grief, Loss, and Inspiration!

Ian is the Director of Leadership Development and Credentialing at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Global.

KEYNOTE SESSION

• Title: Addressing Mental Health and Ending Stigma in the Workplace: Taking the Next Step, Moving from Awareness to Action!
• Description: There’s no question that working in the nonprofit sector right now can be exhausting, stressful, and at times overwhelming. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues in the U.S. at an astonishing rate, with a swell of stress and anxiety that has consistently worsened since spring 2020. While there is much to be optimistic about right now – we’ll be coping with the emotional and mental fallout from COVID will continue for years to come. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to educate our employees about mental health resources and the importance of mental health and wellness. The goal for leaders should be to promote the acceptance and inclusion of those dealing with a mental health issue by- improving support systems, spreading awareness, and creating a safe environment for discussion to take place. This presentation/keynote will examine: The impact of mental health on the workforce; How mental health impacts every aspect of a nonprofit; How leaders can cultivate an environment of acceptance and inclusion to support employee wellness and mental health; How to cultivate supportive environments for discussion, education, and disclosure of a mental health challenges to take place; and How to utilize the three focus areas of mental health awareness, wellness, and recognition programs in your strategy.