We often think of our heroes as athletes, elected officials, entertainers, entrepreneurs, authors, artists, educators, faith leaders, medical professionals, members of the military, and more. But there are nonprofit leaders – past and present – who continue to sustain and elevate the quality of our lives in ways we may not be aware of. Let us share with you examples of superheroes who are hiding in plain sight.
First, let’s talk local. In communities across the country, there are countless leaders of food banks, ACLU chapters, community foundations, United Way chapters, health clinics, and low-income housing organizations. These people shop at the same grocery stores that we do. They drive the freeways alongside us and attend their kids’ athletic and academic events. They are invisible superheroes helping ensure there are local services available when we and our neighbors need them.
Nationally, it has been leaders and members of both the NAACP and the National Urban League who have changed the very fabric of American life. They have played critical roles in organizing communities across the country, changing lives, laws, and opportunities for decades. Derrick Johnson serves as the 19th president and CEO of the NAACP, and Marc Morial has served as president of the National Urban League for over 20 years. Both are more committed than ever to defending democracy and civil rights.
Speaking of the NAACP, Marion Wright Edelman directed the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund’s Mississippi office and represented activists during the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer. She cared deeply for poor children, founding the Children’s Defense Fund and helping establish Head Start. Generations of children have benefited from her work.
When it comes to advancing education, Dr. Fred Patterson founded the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Through his efforts, generations of students have received college scholarships, and HBCUs have gained capacity-building resources and dollars. Speaking of resources and dollars, we have to salute Susan Taylor Batten, the president and CEO of ABFE – A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. Working with her board and staff ABFE and its members advocate within philanthropy to drive meaningful and effective financial investments in Black communities.
Now more than ever, Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, is changing the lives of women and families. She works to make sure that even in this environment, you and your loved ones can have access to birth control, abortion, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases, among other medical services.
The Reverend Cecil Williams and San Francisco poet-laureate Janice Mirikitani led Glide Memorial Church and the Glide Foundation, changing the lives of the poorest and most disenfranchised in San Francisco, creating a legacy of revolutionary, inclusive love and service.
These individuals have advocated, strategized, worked hard-as-heck, raised money, and changed the lives of so many. They are superheroes, and you can become one too. Consider a career in the nonprofit sector: we’re depending on you now more than ever. God protect America and the world we are a part of.
Copyright 2025 – Mel and Pearl Shaw of Saad&Shaw-Comprehensive Fund Development Services, providing fundraising coaching, planning, case for support services, and more. www.saadandshaw.com. Virtual services and consultations always available.
