Dr Carmen Bell-Ross: What If Your Nonprofit Started Borrowing What Works From Business?

Women's Journal Staff on August 26, 2025

By: Nia Bowers

Nonprofits have always been rooted in purpose. They serve, uplift, and fill critical gaps in communities where support is most needed. However, in today’s fast-evolving landscape, mission alone isn’t enough; strategy matters too. Across Detroit and beyond, a growing wave of nonprofit leaders is reimagining how they work, grow, and fund their impact.

Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross, CEO of SP Grace, has been in the thick of this evolution. She has coached, trained, and supported more than 100 nonprofit leaders across Detroit and beyond. Her work centers on helping them build capacity, deepen impact, and stay relevant without losing their identity.

“I’ve learned that staying relevant isn’t about changing your mission,” she says. “It’s about thinking differently about how that mission gets funded, delivered, and supported long term.”

Agility Over Survival

When the pandemic hit, the response from the business world was swift. Restaurants became delivery hubs. Fitness instructors went online. Entire business models were rewritten in weeks. However, for many nonprofits, change came slowly – stalled by limited resources and outdated systems. Dr. Carmen believes that for non-profit organizations to be sustainable and lead into the future, it’s essential to consider an alternative approach – even borrowing from some premier practices of the for-profit sector in a way that helps them not only survive in difficult times but also thrive.

“We all remember what happened during the early days of COVID when businesses that relied entirely on in-person contact either pivoted quickly or were forced to close. Meanwhile, companies that already had flexible models (like online learning platforms, food delivery, and home fitness) thrived.”

In fact, nearly half of U.S. nonprofit organizations report that they lack sufficient funding to deliver their programs and services entirely in 2025. That level of fragility demands more than resilience – it requires rethinking how these organizations operate, partner, and evolve. Borrowing from the business community could be highly beneficial here, especially when considering long-term success and sustainability in this rapidly changing world.

That starts with creating a culture of agility. Leaders must regularly assess their assumptions and challenge routines, preparing for the possibility that current methods may no longer be effective. This mindset shift is one Dr. Carmen encourages in the organizations she coaches. She’s seeing more nonprofits move beyond survival—actively reinventing themselves to better serve their mission with greater clarity and impact.

Diversify to Thrive

One of the most common mindset blocks Dr. Carmen sees among nonprofit leaders is around revenue. For many, fundraising is the only option they’ve ever known. However, as funders pull back and donor fatigue rises, it’s time to think differently.

“I often ask nonprofit leaders: What are you already doing that others might pay for?” she asks.

The answer often surprises her clients. A youth mentorship group might have a strong curriculum that could be licensed. A neighborhood organization could teach its community engagement model to its members. A leadership nonprofit could host paid training sessions or workshops for its partners.

These aren’t side hustles. They’re mission-aligned revenue streams – opportunities to bring in funding that supports the core work without compromising the values behind it.

As long as these offerings stay within nonprofit regulations, they can bring sustainability and new energy. It’s not about acting like a corporation. It’s about using business tools to support community goals.

Strength in Community

Actual growth doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why Dr. Carmen emphasizes the importance of ecosystem thinking. Nonprofits need each other, and they also need the local businesses, coalitions, and funders within their ecosystem.

Too often, partnership is treated as a form of sponsorship. A business gives, a nonprofit thanks them, and that’s the end. However, Dr. Carmen sees a different path: co-creation.

She encourages nonprofit leaders to build intentional relationships. That might look like applying for joint grants, co-hosting events, or even sharing backend infrastructure. These aren’t just gestures; they’re strategies—designed to stretch capacity, spark innovation, and build community resilience.

“Instead of asking a small business to donate to your event, what if you explored ways to apply for a local contract or grant jointly? If you’re providing workforce readiness services and there’s a small local company training young people in a trade, could you co-deliver a program together? This kind of capacity-building collaboration can create new visibility, shared resources, and, most importantly, shared impact.”

SP Grace lives this model daily. Through their ongoing technical assistance to more than 150 City of Detroit grant recipient organizations, including those who received NOF/ARPA funds and Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG), they offer group workshops, one-on-one coaching, and training sessions that emphasize collaboration, readiness, and shared leadership. Whether it’s teaching fundraising confidence, navigating AI tools, or managing internal processes, the focus is clear: growth doesn’t happen alone.

To be clear, this isn’t a call to become something nonprofits are not. It’s a call to strengthen who they already are – with tools borrowed from the entrepreneurial world.

Think about the way small businesses adapt, brand, sell, and connect. Consider how they utilize technology, change plans, and prioritize outcomes. These aren’t luxuries. They’re habits, and they’re available to mission-driven leaders too.

The future won’t wait. For those who serve communities, especially under-resourced ones, there’s no time to stick to old ways out of fear or fatigue. Now is the time to think big, think smart, and build networks that can carry the mission forward.

About SP Grace

SP Grace is a woman-owned small business founded by Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross, a distinguished leadership consultant with over 20 years of experience in professional development and organizational transformation. The company specializes in executive coaching, leadership development, and workforce readiness programs that address the entire career lifecycle. They also offer strategic guidance for students seeking an edge that helps them stand out in a crowded landscape as they navigate the highly competitive college admissions process. Through customized training programs, technical assistance, and strategic consulting, SP Grace has helped numerous organizations and individuals achieve breakthrough results in leadership effectiveness and professional growth. For more information, visit spgrace.com.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SP Grace, its affiliates, or any other organizations referenced. The content shared in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek personalized guidance from relevant experts or professionals before implementing any strategies or recommendations discussed. SP Grace and its associates are not liable for any actions taken based on the information presented in this article.

Brooke Gramer and Tianna Robinson Explore the Benefits of AI for Women in Leadership

Women's Journal Staff on August 26, 2025

By: Chelsea Robinson

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it is transforming the way we communicate, work, and build influence. Yet, despite its widespread impact, women remain significantly underrepresented in AI adoption. Two women who understand this reality and are actively shaping their own paths are Tianna Robinson and Brooke Gramer.

Robinson, founder of Intertwined Agency and author of Prompt It Like a Publicist, recently joined Gramer on her podcast How I AI by Brooke Gramer for a dynamic conversation about AI, digital fluency, and the need for women to take ownership of technology in their careers. The episode highlighted how AI can be leveraged not just for efficiency but as a strategic tool for influence and brand building.

“Learning AI is not just about keeping up; it is about shaping your future,” Robinson told Gramer during the podcast. “The more deeply we understand these tools, the more control we have over how they amplify our voice and our vision.” Gramer reflected on the episode, emphasizing its importance: “The gap in AI fluency for women isn’t about ability, it’s about access and awareness. That’s why these conversations are so important. Tianna brought clarity, confidence, and strategy to the mic in a way that could empower every woman who listens.”

Robinson’s work with the AI for PR Playbook, a free resource she offers to professionals, demonstrates practical ways to integrate AI into communication strategies. Along with her book Prompt It Like a Publicist, these tools give women a framework to harness AI for storytelling, messaging, and strategic decision-making. Robinson stresses that understanding AI at a deeper level is important because without literacy, women could miss opportunities to innovate and lead in their industries.

The need for women to adopt AI is underscored by the numbers. Studies show that women are 22 percent less likely than men to use generative AI tools in professional contexts. In fields such as law, men are adopting AI at a rate higher than women, with adoption three times greater. Globally, women comprise just 29 percent of the AI workforce, while only 22 percent of AI talent worldwide is female. This gap could have real consequences: women who do not build AI fluency may face slower career growth, fewer leadership opportunities, and reduced influence.

Brooke Gramer, who hosts How I AI by Brooke Gramer, brings this conversation to life by interviewing innovators navigating the challenges and opportunities of AI. Through her podcast, she creates a platform for sharing practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable insights that could empower listeners to engage with AI confidently. Gramer’s conversations explore how critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making intersect with technology, offering a roadmap for women and professionals to leverage AI effectively in their work.

Digital fluency is now closely linked with personal brand building. Women who develop AI literacy can automate repetitive tasks, generate insights from data, and strategically amplify their messaging. Those who understand AI more deeply can lead campaigns, influence markets, and elevate their personal and professional brands in ways that were previously less accessible.

The data indicates that women who engage with AI literacy now could be in a position to match or even surpass men in workplace digital fluency in the coming years. The advantage is not just about keeping up, it is about owning the narrative, shaping the strategy, and leading innovation. “AI is not just a tool; it could be a lever for leadership,” says Robinson. “The choice is simple: either we learn to use it intentionally, or we allow others to set the terms.”

In a world increasingly defined by technology, women who master AI and digital fluency will not just remain relevant, they could play a pivotal role in the future of business, branding, and influence. Podcasts like How I AI, along with practical resources like Robinson’s playbook, are helping women carve out their space, assert control over technology, and shape the next generation of leadership.

Listen to the episode HERE.

Malibu Billionaire Steven Kronick Recognized for Trillionaire Mindset

Women's Journal Staff on August 26, 2025

Some dreams are so big that they have to be with God. Malibu mountaintop mansions, churches, meditation gardens, islands, beaches, models and first class flights, helped build this one. Harmony, love, hope and prayer, helped make it happen.

Steven Kronick is an entrepreneur and creative strategist best known for founding Visual Targeting®, a brand that offers personalized visual style solutions for individuals, artists, and businesses. Based on Malibu Beach and Palm Beach Island, Kronick has built his career around the belief that visual style may be optimized to improve connection, emotional engagement, and overall human experience.

Kronick says the idea for Visual Targeting®came during a moment of inspiration in a mountaintop home overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The word itself Visual Targeting® became the foundation for what he developed into a patented technology that helps identify a person’s favorite visual style. The system produces “Visual Style Palettes℠” and “Visual Bluprints℠,” which Kronick describes as tools to guide product design, branding, and customer experience.

Since launching, Kronick has positioned Visual Targeting® as a globally relevant innovation, drawing interest from creative professionals, brands, and designers around the world. The company holds multiple U.S. patents and is recognized as an Adobe Solution Partner. Its core technology offers a distinctive approach to visual personalization while helping creators and businesses align their design choices with what audiences instinctively find most appealing.

In recognition of his interdisciplinary work, Steven Kronick received a 2025 Global Recognition Award™. The award honors his contributions in leadership, innovation, and artistic development, with evaluators citing top-tier performance across each assessed category. His work with Visual Targeting® was particularly noted for merging artistic insight with technological innovation, while maintaining a strong focus on human centered design.

According to the Global Recognition Awards committee, Kronick’s ability to integrate creativity, technology, and community engagement reflects a unique leadership style that continues to influence the direction of innovation across multiple industries. The recognition highlights his evolving role in shaping conversations around the intersection of design, culture, and emotional resonance in technology.

Kronick has described his spiritual and creative journey as integral to his entrepreneurial path. He cites time spent in Malibu, Sedona, Silicon Valley, and the Virgin Islands as significant to the development of his ideas, attributing inspiration to personal reflection, prayer, and meditation. Nature, Christian spirituality, and romantic relationships are recurring themes in his narrative, which he often connects to the brand’s founding ethos of harmony and human connection through style.

Malibu Billionaire Steven Kronick Recognized for Trillionaire Mindset

Photo: Unsplash.com

In 2010, Visual Targeting® appeared on Forbes in a press release published by Berkshire Hathaway Businesswire that quoted Steven as a leader in visual style. In 2024, Steven Kronick was featured in a sponsored promotion that Forbes printed in the Hollywood Forbes 400 magazine where he was called “the world’s first trillionaire” an honorable title dubbed by industry insiders for his revolutionary approach to wealth and innovation.

Kronick was also recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who, a long standing biographical registry that highlights notable figures across business, science, and the arts. He includes this recognition as part of his ongoing mission to bring together innovation, faith, and human centered design.

Photo: Unsplash.com

Style helps people live well, it helps people love, it helps people smile, it helps people be happy, it helps people be healthy. Steven says favorite style helps people feel that God is with them. Steven enjoyed its benefits when his girlfriends used his favorite style to make his birthday gifts more meaningful and he always loves using style to build up businesses that people love.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Kronick is a musician and songwriter. One of his music videos, God Is Love, promoted on Billboard, Rolling Stone, MTV, VH1, WorldStar, won 71 #1 Malibu Singer Songwriter titles and reflects the spiritual foundation of his work. The song blends emotional lyrics with uplifting themes of faith and human connection. He often describes it as a personal anthem, created to inspire love, healing, and purpose in listeners.

Today, Steven Kronick continues to expand the Visual Targeting® brand exploring how style, faith, and emotional resonance helps people live more connected, authentic lives. Through technology, music, and storytelling, his mission remains to make the world more beautiful visually and spiritually one style at a time.

Shveta Miglani on Stakeholder Mapping for Careers

Women's Journal Staff on August 26, 2025

Shveta Miglani’s Perspective on Career Success

Dr. Shveta Miglani has spent more than two decades helping leaders navigate complex organizations, build influence, and accelerate their careers. In her new book, Navigate Your Career, she identifies one of the overlooked yet transformative practices for professionals in transition: stakeholder mapping.

Whether stepping into a promotion, making a lateral move, or joining a new company, professionals often focus on proving their technical skills or delivering results quickly. According to Miglani, the real differentiator is the ability to understand and align with the people who shape success. Stakeholders determine priorities, influence visibility, and decide whether contributions are recognized. Without a structured approach to managing those relationships, even the strongest performers risk stalled initiatives and reputational setbacks.

Why Stakeholder Mapping Matters

Miglani points to today’s rapidly changing workplace as the reason this skill is more critical than ever. Recent studies show that nearly half of middle managers are considering leaving their roles due to stress and lack of support. At the same time, only 43% of employees believe their organizations handle change effectively. Misalignment with stakeholders is a key factor in that dissatisfaction. For professionals looking to thrive, mapping relationships early can mean the difference between credibility and irrelevance.

Frameworks That Professionals Can Use

Miglani often introduces a range of established models to give context and structure to stakeholder mapping, explaining why each may be useful in different career situations. The Power–Interest Grid, for example, helps classify stakeholders according to their influence and interest, showing where professionals should focus their attention. The Salience Model expands this view by considering power, legitimacy, and urgency, making it especially helpful in environments where priorities can shift quickly. For organizations that rely on ecosystems and customer value, a Stakeholder Value Network highlights who contributes to and benefits from an initiative, clarifying the flow of impact. The Power–Predictability Matrix goes further by suggesting how consistently stakeholders might act, allowing professionals to anticipate responses. Miglani emphasizes that these frameworks are not mutually exclusive; combining elements of them often produces the most realistic and actionable map.

How Miglani Advises Building the Map

Her recommended approach begins with curiosity—identifying leaders, peers, and customers who have a significant impact on success. From there, professionals should treat the map as a living document, revisiting it regularly to capture evolving priorities. Miglani emphasizes the importance of understanding each stakeholder’s definition of success, whether that means speed, quality, innovation, or efficiency, and then aligning work to those metrics. Communication styles also matter; some stakeholders prefer detailed reports, while others thrive on informal conversations. Sharing synthesized insights through workshops or alignment sessions not only strengthens relationships but can also reveal opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

Consequences of Neglect

Miglani is equally clear about what happens when stakeholder mapping is ignored. Delivering excellent work that is misaligned with decision-makers’ expectations risks going unnoticed. Overlooking or bypassing influential voices can erode trust and credibility, stalling career growth. By contrast, professionals who apply stakeholder mapping consistently position themselves as collaborators, problem-solvers, and leaders—even without formal authority.

A Leadership Practice, Not a Task

For Miglani, stakeholder mapping is not a tactical checklist but a leadership discipline. Practiced with intention, it signals the ability to think systemically, influence across silos, and build coalitions that drive results. This is how managers evolve into leaders who shape organizational outcomes rather than just deliver assignments.

In Navigate Your Career, Miglani equips readers with the tools and frameworks to apply stakeholder mapping strategically in their own journeys. Her message is clear: career success today depends not only on expertise, but also on alignment, influence, and the quality of relationships cultivated along the way. Stakeholder mapping is the compass that helps professionals move forward in the right direction.

For more insights, follow Dr. Shveta Miglani on Instagram @navigateurcareer or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Disclaimer: The views and insights in this article reflect the professional perspective of Dr. Shveta Miglani and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be interpreted as career, legal, or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to assess their own circumstances and seek guidance from qualified professionals before making career-related decisions.

Cycle Syncing Reshapes Women’s Fitness and Nutrition

Womens Journal Staff 2 on August 26, 2025

Cycle syncing is a method that aligns physical activity and nutrition with the phases of the menstrual cycle. The idea is rooted in the understanding that hormone levels fluctuate throughout the month, affecting energy, mood, metabolism, and recovery. By adjusting workouts and meals to match these shifts, women may find it easier to maintain consistency, reduce fatigue, and support overall wellness.

The menstrual cycle typically spans around 28 days and includes four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. Each phase brings changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can influence how the body responds to exercise and food. Instead of pushing through a workout that feels unusually draining or sticking to a rigid meal plan that doesn’t feel right, cycle syncing encourages a more responsive and intuitive approach.

For those who have felt frustrated by fluctuating energy levels or unexplained changes in performance, cycle syncing offers a framework that acknowledges these shifts rather than ignoring them. It doesn’t promise perfection, but it does provide a way to work with the body rather than against it.

How Do Hormonal Phases Affect Women’s Fitness Goals?

During the menstrual phase, energy tends to be lower. This is when the body is shedding the uterine lining, and hormone levels are at their lowest. Many women find that gentle movement like walking or stretching feels more manageable than high-intensity workouts. Pushing through intense routines during this time may lead to slower recovery or increased fatigue.

The follicular phase follows, and estrogen begins to rise. This often brings a boost in energy and motivation. Strength training, cardio, and new fitness challenges may feel more achievable. Muscles may recover faster, and endurance can improve. This phase is often considered ideal for building momentum in a fitness routine.

The ovulatory phase is short but powerful. Estrogen peaks, and some women experience increased confidence and physical strength. This can be a good time for high-intensity workouts or group activities. However, joint stability may be reduced, so injury prevention becomes important.

The luteal phase is marked by rising progesterone and a gradual dip in energy. Bloating, mood changes, and cravings may appear. Workouts might feel harder, and recovery may take longer. Lower-impact activities and more rest can help maintain consistency without burnout. Nutrition also plays a key role here, as the body may need more complex carbohydrates and magnesium-rich foods to support hormonal balance.

Understanding these phases doesn’t mean every cycle will follow the same pattern. Stress, sleep, and other factors can influence how the body responds. But having a general guide allows for more flexibility and self-awareness.

Can Nutrition Be Tailored to Support Cycle Syncing?

Nutrition is a central part of cycle syncing. Just as workouts can be adjusted, meals can be planned to support hormonal changes. During the menstrual phase, iron-rich foods may help replenish what’s lost. Warm, comforting meals often feel better than cold or raw options.

In the follicular phase, lighter meals with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can match the body’s increased energy. Estrogen supports insulin sensitivity, so the body may handle carbohydrates more efficiently.

The ovulatory phase benefits from anti-inflammatory foods and hydration. Since estrogen is at its peak, supporting liver function with cruciferous vegetables may help with hormone metabolism.

During the luteal phase, cravings for sweets or salty snacks may increase. Instead of resisting these signals, cycle syncing encourages choosing nutrient-dense options that satisfy without causing blood sugar spikes. Foods rich in magnesium, B vitamins, and fiber can ease bloating and mood swings.

This approach doesn’t require strict calorie counting or elimination diets. It’s about listening to the body and offering what it needs at each stage. For those who’ve struggled with rigid meal plans that ignore hormonal shifts, cycle syncing can feel more sustainable and less punishing.

Is Cycle Syncing Backed by Science or Just a Trend?

Cycle syncing is supported by research on hormonal fluctuations and their impact on metabolism, energy, and recovery. Studies have shown that estrogen and progesterone influence everything from muscle growth to insulin sensitivity. While more research is needed to fine-tune recommendations, the foundational science is well-established.

Cycle Syncing Reshapes Women’s Fitness and Nutrition

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Athletes and fitness professionals have long recognized the importance of hormonal phases in training. Some programs now incorporate cycle syncing principles into coaching, especially for women who experience significant changes throughout their cycle.

It’s important to note that not all bodies respond the same way. Some women may feel energized during menstruation, while others need rest. Cycle syncing is not a rigid formula but a flexible guide. It encourages observation, adjustment, and patience.

For those managing irregular cycles or hormonal conditions, cycle syncing may require additional support or medical guidance. But even small adjustments, like shifting workout intensity or choosing different meals, can make a noticeable difference.

How Can Women Start Integrating Cycle Syncing Into Daily Life?

Starting with awareness is often the most helpful step. Tracking the menstrual cycle and noting changes in energy, mood, and appetite can reveal patterns over time. From there, small shifts in fitness and nutrition can be tested and refined.

Some women use apps or journals to monitor their cycle and plan workouts accordingly. Others prefer a more intuitive approach, adjusting based on how they feel each day. There’s no single method that works for everyone.

Cycle syncing doesn’t require perfection or complete overhaul. It’s about creating space for the body’s natural rhythms and responding with care. For those who’ve felt discouraged by inconsistent progress or unexplained fatigue, this method offers a way to reconnect with physical and emotional needs.

It’s also worth noting that cycle syncing can support mental wellness. By acknowledging hormonal shifts, women may feel less pressure to perform at the same level every day. This can reduce guilt, improve self-compassion, and support long-term consistency.

Cycle syncing is not a trend or a quick fix. It’s a thoughtful approach to women’s fitness and nutrition that respects the body’s natural rhythms. By aligning movement and meals with hormonal phases, women may find more balance, better recovery, and a deeper sense of connection to their health.