Live from New York…it’s Disability Lead!
Being in New York for the UpTide showcase was energizing, affirming, and a little surreal. Standing on that stage mattered, of course. But the real value of the experience happened long before the lights went up.
As non-profit leaders, we talk a lot about funding programs, and rightly so. Direct services, leadership development, advocacy, and community building all require sustained investment. What often gets overlooked is how much organizations also need support to pause, reflect, and plan. The work of stepping back, sharpening strategy, stress-testing ideas, and imagining what comes next is essential, but rarely resourced.
That’s what made my time as part of the inaugural UpTide Accelerator so meaningful. UpTide draws on the expertise of 92NY, its Belfer Center, SEED SPOT, and their deep network of collaborators to help nonprofits like Disability Lead reach new levels of impact.
It wasn’t just about preparing a pitch. It was about being given structured time and expert guidance to think bigger about Disability Lead’s future, and then to translate those big ideas into clear, actionable plans. The program created space to dream, but it didn’t leave those dreams abstract. It pushed me to make them concrete, grounded, and ready for partnership.
The showcase itself was a moment to share that vision publicly. But the deeper impact was the process. Being in community with other leaders, getting thoughtful feedback, and having permission to focus on growth rather than constant execution reminded me how powerful this kind of investment can be. I was so inspired and filled with hope with my fellow members in my cohort—Jewish Learning Venture, Inheritance Theater Project, Ladies of Virtue, and Zuni Youth Enrichment Project. I am grateful to have been chosen to be a part of the inaugural cohort and for the opportunity to learn in community with them.
Non-profits don’t just need dollars to run programs. We need partners who believe that planning, evolution, and imagination are part of the work. UpTide did exactly that, and I’m leaving this experience clearer, bolder, and more excited about what’s ahead.
Photos by @MichaelPriestPhotography