Nonprofit HR’s Blog

SXSW is an annual festival in Austin, Texas where changemakers come to discuss and share ideas on innovation from dozens of industries. In the past several years the conference has evolved to offer growing and now robust tracks specifically for social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders. In these sessions, panelists and keynote speakers share ideas and learnings around the most relevant and pressing topics in our society. This year many themes centered around American democracy, fighting polarity, using AI for good and strategies to engage the next generation of changemakers. The conference also has a dedicated space to spotlight nonprofits that are making groundbreaking change at the Innovation Awards Ceremony. Nonprofit HR’s long-term client, Share Our Strength, was a Community Service Award recipient this year, winning a $2,500 grant.

In our third year of attendance at this incredible festival in Austin, Nonprofit HR, Powered by OneDigital, intentionally designed an event where nonprofit leaders could connect with one another, sharing their ideas, challenges and solutions. On Monday, March 10th, we held Impact Exchange, a high-impact networking reception in partnership with Downtown Austin Alliance and Klik Solutions for the benefit of NAMI Central Texas. Just blocks from the main SXSW conference buildings, 45 mission-driven leaders came together for a dinner catered and donated by Cabo Bob’s, sparking thoughtful conversations with each other. NAMI Central Texas Executive Director, Clarena Tobon, also shared about their mission and impact to support local communities in education, awareness and support of mental illness.

Guests attending this event shared how valuable it was to have a dedicated space for thoughtful, meaningful connections during the conference. The environment encouraged deep conversations, where synergies and potential partnerships emerged, and attendees gained valuable insights from the innovative work of other nonprofits. We are grateful to Downtown Austin Alliance for hosting us in their beautiful, centrally located space, and we look forward to continuing to create spaces that foster meaningful connections in social impact, inspire collaboration and empower nonprofit leaders to drive positive change in their organizations and communities.

Click here to view the full library of photos from this event. 

Contributing Author 

AnaMichele Babyak
Manager, Business Development

AnaMichele Babyak is a key member of the Business Development team, with a particular focus on data integrity and strategic analysis. A people-focused business professional, she also stewards clients and coordinates sales and BD processes. She is insatiably curious, an excessive note taker, a Kanban aficionado, a data-driven creative thinker, problem solver and relationship-oriented business professional supporting the strategic direction, products and services of the firm. Read full bio.