I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members
Jun 23, 2026 · 30 min · 10 segments
In this episode of I 501(c) You, we interview Kendra Simpkins Walsh, founder and CEO of Operation Warrior Resolution, a nonprofit providing holistic and innovative mental health care for military…
Kendra Simpkins WalshGuestMichael CorleyHostReedHostYou know, I always find it interesting when people who are not natural fundraisers get into a role when they have to fundraise and what it's like to learn about that.
And she is exactly that.
You know, she felt awkward asking people for money, but eventually came to the realization you're not asking people for money.
You're asking them to join you along in supporting this mission.
She learned to focus on the impact that they're providing.
It's not just about asking for money.
It's about showing the proof.
During the time of the extreme adversity with the flooding of their location, what she said that stood out to me was she kept thinking about how do we continue to serve our clients? That's, you know, they didn't have a building anymore, but what connections do we have? Where can we use the community and how can the community support us and how can we continue to serve our clients? Great leadership.
She kept herself and her team focused on mission.
And number three.
kind of building off of that as well.
She talked about the value of leadership Sarasota and the George Bush Leadership Institute, what it meant to make those connections, learn from other people.
To me, it just reinforces for all the leaders out there, invest in your people, whether that's sending them to a leadership conference or having them take a course.
But, you know, giving people the ability to learn and make connections is invaluable in the long run.
Yeah, and the expectation that they do follow up on those connections, and she's masterful at it.
You know, I always find it interesting when people who are not natural fundraisers get into a role when they have to fundraise and what it's like to learn about that.
And she is exactly that.
You know, she felt awkward asking people for money, but eventually came to the realization you're not asking people for money.
You're asking them to join you along in supporting this mission.
She learned to focus on the impact that they're providing.
It's not just about asking for money.
It's about showing the proof.
During the time of the extreme adversity with the flooding of their location, what she said that stood out to me was she kept thinking about how do we continue to serve our clients? That's, you know, they didn't have a building anymore, but what connections do we have? Where can we use the community and how can the community support us and how can we continue to serve our clients? Great leadership.
She kept herself and her team focused on mission.
And number three.
kind of building off of that as well.
She talked about the value of leadership Sarasota and the George Bush Leadership Institute, what it meant to make those connections, learn from other people.
To me, it just reinforces for all the leaders out there, invest in your people, whether that's sending them to a leadership conference or having them take a course.
But, you know, giving people the ability to learn and make connections is invaluable in the long run.
Yeah, and the expectation that they do follow up on those connections, and she's masterful at it.
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