Land a Nonprofit Board Seat: Expert Tips to Get Recruited
Want to join a nonprofit board but unsure how to get recruited? This session reveals what organizations really look for—and how to position yourself as the ideal candidate.
Our expert panel will guide you through:
🔹 How boards recruit—where to find opportunities and make connections
🔹 What makes candidates stand out—key skills and experiences boards prioritize
🔹 The reality of board service—time commitments, legal duties, and red flags
🔹 Networking strategies—how to build relationships that lead to recruitment
Perfect for professionals, leaders, or volunteers ready to step into board service with confidence.
Schedule:
6:00 p.m. – Doors Open
6:30 p.m. – Program Begins
7:30 p.m. – Networking (meet panelists & peers)
8:30 p.m. – Close
About the Speakers
Moderator
Sandra Cespedes Allen '20SPS, Nonprofit Management is Founder and CEO of Almora Advisors, a firm whose mission is to create a distinctive and sustainable social sector by helping clients excel with design thinking, innovation, and impact. Sandra has over 30 years of board experience and development, strategic planning, and fundraising. She is passionate about unlocking the potential of nonprofits and corporate philanthropy for greatest impact, which led her to found Almora Advisors.
Sandra current serves on the Alumni Trustee Nominating Committee for Columbia University, as well as several other volunteer leadership roles including Board of Trustees, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, and Chair of the Board, Survivor Justice Action. Sandra also previously served as a Trustee for The Lawrenceville School, Chair of The Board of Directors, National Domestic Violence, Chair, Parent Fund, Dartmouth College, and Advisory Board Member, The Watershed Institute. Sandra holds a Master of Science degree in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University School of Professional Studies.
Panelists
Nathaniel M. Fields is the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Resource Institute (URI), a New York City-based nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of social services to vulnerable populations, primarily focusing on ending cycles of violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma. He serves on influential boards and councils, including the NYC Mayor’s Nonprofits and Social Services Advisory Council, the NYS Council on Women and Girls, and the Human Services Council.
Nathaniel’s impact has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a Nonprofit Power Player and Black Trailblazer. He has been named to City & State’s Nonprofit Power 100 and Crain’s Notable Black Leaders and Executives, cementing his status as a leading voice in the human services sector. Nathaniel holds a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University, a certificate in nonprofit executive leadership from NYU, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in leadership and innovation at NYU Steinhardt.
Rachel Pardoe is a Program Director at The New York Community Trust, New York City’s community foundation. She oversees grantmaking for people with disabilities, older adults, animal welfare, and technical assistance. Prior to The Trust, Rachel worked at an evaluation firm where she managed national demonstrations to support employment for people with disabilities and as a case manager at community-based organizations. Rachel received her Master of Public Administration from the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, where she focused on health policy for underserved populations. When she is not working, she loves to travel and voraciously read.
Barbara D. Paxton is the Director of BoardStrong, an organization that provides nonprofits access to diverse board candidates with a passion to serve, while helping boards make best use of the talent around the table and preparing new board members to serve as effectively as possible. Barbara is recognized as a pragmatic and creative nonprofit leader with experience in board leadership, board development and governance, fundraising and finance. Her experience includes working with boards to revise their bylaws, create committee structures and onboarding processes, plan strategically and effectively manage change. From launching donor campaigns to helping organizations develop strategic governance plans, Barbara focuses on results and achieving excellence.
Barbara has also been the Chief Development Officer at The Child Center of NY, after having served as the Director of Development at Helene Fuld College of Nursing in Harlem and Executive Director of Children of Bellevue. She has served on the Boards of The Pearl Theatre Company and the New York Junior League, and currently serves as chair of the board of the Center for Comprehensive Health Practice and a member of the Community Advisory Committee of the Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital. Barbara earned a B.A. at Wellesley College and a Master of International Affairs at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
For questions about this event, please contact spsalumni [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
* Please note we do not permit the interruption of speakers or audience disruptions. All alumni, staff, and faculty attending the event understand and agree to follow the responsibilities set forth in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.
To obtain additional information about the Nonprofit Management program and offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at inquire [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
If you require closed captioning, sign-language interpretation or any other disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services, disability [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu, at least 10 days in advance. Services requested less than 10 days in advance cannot be guaranteed.
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