Attending the 2025 Wyoming Nonprofit Conference: Natalie and Mary representing CyberWyoming Alliance.
My Experience at the 2025 Wyoming Nonprofit Conference
I recently had the privilege of attending the 2025 Wyoming Nonprofit Conference, and I can honestly say it was one of the most energizing and thought-provoking professional events I’ve experienced. There were powerful keynotes, hands-on workshops, and critical conversations about the challenges—and opportunities—facing nonprofits in our state. Whether you’re a nonprofit veteran or just beginning your journey (like me), this conference had something valuable to offer.
Burnout, Belonging, and Bold Conversations
The conference opened powerfully with Cait Donovan’s keynote on burnout—not as an individual flaw, but a systemic issue rooted in culture. She emphasized that well-being must be a shared priority between leaders and teams.
Later, Ruth Rathblott’s keynote on authenticity challenged us to stop hiding the parts of ourselves that make us human. Her “Unhide” framework was a powerful reminder that vulnerability builds stronger connections—and stronger teams.
In Cait’s and Ruth’s Keynote Q&A, we heard them dig deeper into questions from the audience and it felt like group therapy mixed with a masterclass in leadership. It reminded me how essential vulnerability is—not just personally, but organizationally.
Learning to Lead—and Let Go
One of the sessions that left a lasting impression on me was “Leading Collaboratively in the Non-Profit Ecosystem” with Dr. Kent Corso. Kent drew a powerful distinction between management and leadership—two roles that often get lumped together but actually serve very different purposes. Management creates structure and consistency, while leadership inspires change and movement.
He also emphasized the need for open communication, procedural clarity, and realistic expectations—what he called “expectation management.” What stuck with me most was the idea that leadership starts with understanding your team’s strengths and limitations and leveraging them intentionally. It sounds simple, but it’s something so many organizations overlook.
Facing Imposter Syndrome Head-On
“G.R.O.W. Beyond Imposter Syndrome” with Paula Mongold hit home in a big way. As someone newer to the workforce, I often find myself questioning if I belong, or if I’m “good enough.” Paula not only validated those feelings but gave us tools to move through them. Her session was practical and empowering. I walked away with mindset strategies I’m already applying to help myself—and others—feel more confident and capable.
Marketing with Meaning
As someone in the marketing field, I was especially excited about “Metrics That Matter” with Taylor Rosty. She did a fantastic job breaking down the complexity of Google Analytics, KPIs, and Meta Business Suite in a way that made it feel less overwhelming and more empowering. There was also a lively Q&A where not only Taylor, but the entire room, contributed to answering questions and brainstorming.
The Hard Truths in Funding & Policy
Day two brought the big-picture perspective with “Navigating the Shifting Landscape,” a panel and discussion that unpacked the harsh realities of economic cuts, policy changes, and funding challenges facing Wyoming nonprofits.
From city and county representatives to private foundations, the panelists didn’t sugarcoat anything. Laramie is feeling the pinch despite reserves, and other communities are bracing for worse. With property tax reductions, federal cuts, and rising needs, the conversation turned toward resilience and adaptation.
The most powerful insight? We need to rethink our value proposition, like we did during COVID. New solutions—like TeleHealth then—can arise from crisis, if we’re willing to innovate and collaborate.
Next we had a facilitated discussion that pushed us to think beyond our organizational silos. Who are our allies? How do we amplify each other’s missions? It was energizing to brainstorm not just about survival, but about collective progress.
Thriving Together
The challenges are real—burnout, funding uncertainty, imposter syndrome—but the solutions lie in community, collaboration, and courage.
In a world that often feels fragmented, the 2025 Wyoming Nonprofit Conference reminded me that nonprofits don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re in this together—and we’re stronger for it.
