Beth Kanter

Internationally-recognized nonprofit leader in digital transformation and well-being

Beth Kanter is an acclaimed nonprofit thought leader and author. Her first book, The Networked Nonprofit, introduced the sector to a new way of thinking and operating in a connected world. Her second book, Measuring the Networked Nonprofit, is a practical guide for using measurement and learning to achieve social impact. Her third book, The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit: Strategies for Impact Without Burnout, was the first book to advocate for personal and workplace resilience in the nonprofit sector. Her fourth book, The Smart Nonprofit, examines the impact of artificial intelligence for nonprofits.   

Beth has also written numerous research papers, including “The Emerging Nonprofit Leader’s Playbook,” funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and “#AI4Giving: Unlocking Generosity with Artificial Intelligence,” co-authored with Allison Fine with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Her popular Beth’s Blog, established in 2003, was one of the first nonprofit blogs. She continues to publish on her blog, writing about digital transformation, emerging technologies, training, instructional design, virtual and face-to-face facilitation techniques, workplace resilience, nonprofit organizational culture, and self-care for nonprofit professionals.   

With over three decades of experience in nonprofit sector emerging technology, training, and capacity building, Beth is an expert in participatory facilitation techniques such as design thinking, open space, peer learning, and others, both online and off, and has delivered training for nonprofits on every continent in the world (except Antarctica). 

Beth has been named one of the most influential women in technology by Fast Company and one of BusinessWeek’s “Voices of Innovation for Social Media.” She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from NTEN in 2021 and the Nimble Mindset Innovative Women in Technology Award in 2024. She was a visiting scholar at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation from 2009 to 2013. Beth has previously served on the board of NTEN and is a current advisory board member of Leadership Learning Community and Wake International. www.bethkanter.org. 

Sharon Yazowski

President & CEO
Levitt Foundation

As President & CEO, Sharon provides visionary leadership in fulfilling the Levitt Foundation’s mission to strengthen the social fabric of America and reinvigorate public spaces through the power of free, live music. Through her role at the Levitt Foundation—a national social impact funder working at the intersection of music, public space, and community building—she has become a recognized thought leader on arts investments in public spaces to build equitable, healthy, and thriving communities. Under Sharon’s leadership, the Levitt Foundation became a spend down Foundation in 2021 and has pledged to spend down the Foundation’s assets of $150 million over two decades.

Following 15 years in community arts programming and the performing arts, Sharon joined the Levitt Foundation in 2009—the family Foundation’s first employee—to professionalize the organization and scale Levitt programs nationally. Sharon’s passionate commitment to the arts as a vehicle for positive change in communities has guided the growth of Levitt programs across the country to include over 40 towns and cities today, including the development of long-term public/private partnerships in major U.S. cities, expanding grant programs into rural areas, sustainability strategies for Levitt grantees, and fostering the Levitt network’s ethos of shared learning and advancing collective impact, in addition to the Foundation’s creative placemaking research and investments in music ecosystems.

With her background working with grassroots nonprofits, Sharon transitioned the Levitt Foundation to a trust-based philanthropy model early on in her tenure. She has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and respected collaborator within the fields of philanthropy, creative placemaking, and community development. Responsive to the realities of nonprofits, she has guided Foundation staff to develop robust resources, toolkits, and peer connections for grantees, providing meaningful support beyond funding for their work in communities. Sharon centers equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of Levitt’s work, from internal operations to the Foundation’s funding philosophy and grantmaking to ensuring grantees receive trainings and resources to embed EDI into the many layers of bringing a music series to life.

Sharon collaborates closely with the Levitt Foundation team in the organization’s contributions to the field, including multi-year research and field-building initiatives. As the chief spokesperson for the Foundation, Sharon travels across the country to speak about the impact of Levitt programs, Levitt-commissioned research, and creative placemaking at large. Reflecting the reach of Levitt and how integrating the arts across sectors elevates the overall well-being and economic vitality of communities, Sharon shares the Levitt model with a wide range of audiences—including those in the arts, government, music industry, philanthropy, community development, urban planning, and parks—to illustrate why inclusive arts investment strategies should be prioritized. She is often an invited speaker and moderator at regional, national, and international conferences. Sharon also guest lectures at undergraduate and graduate music business and nonprofit management programs, providing inspiration to the next generation of leaders to create access and equitable opportunities within their fields.

Beyond Levitt, Sharon currently serves on the board of Center for Music Ecosystems, an international organization dedicated to globally relevant research to address societal issues and effect change through music. Sharon has been a grant panelist for the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the Nebraska Arts Council, where she is from. As a board member of California Presenters, Sharon played an active role leading one of the country’s largest presenting associations—she served as Vice President, mentored emerging leaders, and chaired three annual conferences. She was also executive co-producer of the 2019 National Creative Placemaking Leadership Summit | Pacific in partnership with the National Consortium of Creative Placemaking and ArtPlace America. Recognizing Sharon’s contributions to the field, she was selected by Musical America Worldwide as a Top 30 professional of 2023.

Prior to her position with the Levitt Foundation, Sharon was the founding Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles at MacArthur Park. Her work there and the venue’s impact in the community earned her the recognition of “Los Angeles Park Hero” by the City of Los Angeles. Sharon’s career began in metropolitan Chicago, where she produced free outdoor concert series and worked with a range of artists and arts nonprofits, followed by time in the finance sector. Sharon earned a Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University with a concentration in arts and business management.

Peter Ashwin

Levitt Safety & Security Consultant
Event Risk Management Solutions

Peter Ashwin brings over 20 years of international experience in planning and delivering major event security, both internationally and within the U.S., where he is widely recognized as a thought leader and innovative practitioner within the event security domain.  In addition to his event security and risk management consulting practice, Peter is an author, lecturer, speaker, expert witness, and actively contributes to the events industry through his commitment as a volunteer lecturer at the International Association of Venue Management’s Academy of Safety and Security (AVSS). Hailing from Australia, Peter is based in Montreal, Canada and Boise, Idaho, where in between projects, he continues to pursue his passion project, the rehab of a 1904 historic house. 

Jenny Carrillo, MA, CFRE 

Partner and Principal Consultant
Alexander | Carrillo Consulting 

When it comes to fund development, nonprofit governance, and strategic planning, Jenny Carrillo is a wellspring of insight, knowledge, and enthusiasm. With over 30 years of nonprofit experience, there is perhaps no one more capable at getting right to the core issues, assessing strengths and limitations, identifying challenges and opportunities, and integrating everything into a coherent—and do-able!— plan. Clients value her integrity, forthrightness and fervent support. And with that silver-bullet combination so prized in the nonprofit world—a keen intellect and a big heart—Jenny offers solid and perceptive advice to help her clients grow, perform and exceed their expectations. 

Jenny is Partner and Principal Consultant in the Tucson-based firm Alexander | Carrillo Consulting with co-founder Laura Alexander. Since 2010, Jenny, Laura, and their team of consultants have worked with over 350 nonprofit organizations throughout Arizona and the region, helping them to “Do Good. Better.” The firm’s primary services include strategic planning, board development, fund development planning, capital campaigns, and training and facilitation.    

Jenny earned her Master of Arts degree in Philanthropy & Development, the professional credential of Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), the BoardSource designation as a Certified Governance Consultant, and is a Nonprofit Lifecycles Consultant. In 2006, Jenny was recognized as Outstanding Fundraising Professional presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southern Arizona Chapter.   

 

Leslie Cole 

Account Supervisor
Community Boost 

Leslie Cole has worked in digital marketing for over a decade, specializing in media strategy and messaging development across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Her expertise extends to landing pages, email automation, and SEO. Some notable partners include Goodwill, YMCA, United Way, and the Cancer Research Institute, though her passion shines through in collaborations with music-oriented organizations like the California Bluegrass Association and 1DayHouston. When not crafting killer marketing strategies or leading her team, Leslie enjoys hiking, baking, or hitting the volleyball court.

Ashley Krombach

Social Connection Fellow
Foundation for Social Connection

Ashley Krombach is a Social Connection Fellow for the Foundation for Social Connection, supporting the development of its SOCIAL Framework research reports focused on advancing connection through every sector of society and across lifespans. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Previously, Ashley directed the social-emotional health strategy for a national nonprofit and is the co-developer of a comprehensive social-emotional health program and PreK-12 curriculum that uniquely addresses social-emotional skills development from an equity-centered and trauma-conscious approach. In addition to program development and implementation, she has a background in content development, instructional design, and research and evaluation. With a passion for community building, Ashley strives to facilitate collaborative partnerships that utilize meaningful strategies for stakeholder engagement and co-creation aimed at seeking sustainable solutions. 

Morgan Marler 

Associate Director of Network & Partnerships
Foundation for Social Connection 

Morgan Marler serves as the Associate Director of Network and Partnerships at the Foundation for Social Connection. In this role, she works with communities to help them develop and implement social connection initiatives using the Foundation’s Action Guide for Building Socially Connected Communities. Morgan has worked in education, policy, advocacy, and nonprofit sectors across the United States, dedicating her career to creating spaces and systems that promote inclusion and belonging. She holds a Master of Education in Education Policy from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities for Teaching and Political Science from Seattle University. She has also pursued certifications and foundational courses in racial equity, conscious leadership, somatic experience, and data analytics. 

Kathy Eberly Ovitt 

Board Co-Chair, Levitt Foundation
President & CEO, Levitt Properties

Kathy Eberly Ovitt is the Board Co-Chair of the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation and has served as the President/CEO of Levitt Properties for over 30 years. Married to Terry Ovitt, she is the proud mother of three sons and grandmother to four grandchildren. Kathy is deeply passionate about children and committed to effecting positive change, striving to make a difference in her community and beyond. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to advancing the Levitt vision of building community and positive social impact through the transformative power of music. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kathy enjoys spending time with her two Goldendoodles, crocheting, and traveling. A love for family and creativity is at the heart of everything she does. 

Virginia Prater

Partner & Agent of Prater Day
Managing Partner of Strong World Management

After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 2000 with a BS in Communications, Virginia Prater moved to New York City and began her career in public relations at KSA Publicity. Upon returning to Tennessee, she founded Prater Publicity. Initially, she focused on tour press for regional artists, though before long, Virginia began booking shows for her clients. She then joined APAP and was included in their emerging leaders class of 2010. She merged with another agency in 2007 before ultimately forming Prater Day in 2011. Initially, Prater Day was centered around booking roots and indie music. Over time, the agency’s roster has evolved to include a diverse array of genres.   

In 2017, Prater Day joined with Crossover Touring, where Virginia served as Vice President for three years. Prater Day was reformed in 2020 during the pandemic and currently represents 50 artists across all genres with an emphasis on artists of color in roots genres, which is a particular passion for Virginia. 

In 2023, Virginia founded Strong World Management, along with Michael and Tanya Trotter of GRAMMY-nominated The War and Treaty. Virginia currently serves as Managing Partner for The War and Treaty; together, they just celebrated their one-year anniversary. 

Kevin W. Price 

Associate Instructor
Verbal Judo Institute, Inc. 

 

Kevin was introduced to Verbal Judo (VJ) in 1990 while employed with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) during a class organized by the Oregon State Police and taught by Doc Thompson. “It was the first class I attended, early in my career, which forced me to look at myself and how I could better handle rule enforcement as it related to my job.” Kevin was employed with OPRD for 34+ years and retired in 2018 as a Region Manager. During his years with OPRD, Kevin was both an internal and external VJ trainer for over 20 years. He also held the chairperson position for OPRD’s “Professional Officer’s Safety Training” which is a two-week course for certification of citation authority but more importantly, emphasis VJ concepts. In 2017, Kevin started working part time for the VJ Institute. “I love providing this training to organizations and individuals because I understand the value and benefits it affords.” 

Elizabeth Ralston 

Accessibility Consultant
Elizabeth Ralston Consulting, LLC 

Elizabeth Ralston guides organizations in the strategic development of accessibility roadmaps, with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. She has over 25 years of experience working with nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions. She has a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan and a certificate of Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington. 

Elizabeth’s expertise is in maximizing organizations’ success through program development, strategic communications, and event implementation, all with an eye on accessibility. She is a published writer, engaging educator, and a seasoned storyteller committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. 

Elizabeth is also the Founder of the Seattle Cultural Accessibility Consortium, a grassroots effort to help arts and cultural organizations improve accessibility for their audiences. Her creation of the Consortium emerged from deep listening to the arts and disability communities about the gaps in accessibility. She brings a unique perspective to her work, through her lived experience with a disability. 

As a deaf woman who uses cochlear implants to hear, Elizabeth faces accessibility challenges every day. Her hearing loss never stopped her from achieving her life goals. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi, Africa, she saw first-hand the powerful impact a person may have on the lives of others, and she has devoted her life to public service ever since.