2025 Spring Symposium

To say the 2025 Spring Symposium was amazing doesn’t even begin to capture the depth and beauty of what we experienced together. The room was full—of new faces, familiar energy, and powerful voices from across the state—and my heart is still so full.

As a member of the leadership team, seeing so many first-time attendees join us reminded me why this work matters. Why *we* matter. This event felt like a homecoming for all the pieces of my passion—serving our people, learning in community, and creating space for Black nonprofit leaders to be seen, supported, and celebrated. 

It was an honor to witness Kenya Dunn, founder of the POWER Tribe, receive a well-deserved standing ovation after her powerful session. Her presence was not only inspiring, it was confirmation of the brilliance we carry and what becomes possible when we gather truth and intention. We were also joined by Chelsea Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker with Girl, Get Up Society—an organization close to my heart as a board member. Her session grounded us in healing, honesty, reflection, and divine connection. 

And I cannot go without naming how incredible it was to witness the Young Leaders Panel. Hearing their journeys, their hunger for growth and knowledge, and their deep respect for the wisdom of elders and nonprofit veterans was powerful. It reminded us that our legacy is in good hands. Their openness, clarity, and commitment to learning from those who’ve come before them gave us all hope and strength. 

We were also honored to present the *Joyce G Ford Black Nonprofit Leader of the Year Award*—a moment that left no dry eye in the room. This award celebrates nonprofit leaders doing incredible work throughout the state and within their communities. Hearing heartfelt words from Ms. Ford’s daughter reminded us all to live fully, boldly, and out loud. Her spirit lives through the lives she touched and the leaders she continues to inspire. 

This event would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of the BNLG leadership team. Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and commitment to making this gathering not just a success, but a space that truly reflected the values we hold dear—community, authenticity, and collective growth. It is an honor to serve alongside each of you. Finally, a huge thank you to the sponsors who made this event possible: Welvista, Central Carolina Community Foundation, Unum Colonial Life.  

This Symposium was nourishment for the soul. The laughter, the vulnerability, the affirmations—it was everything our community needed and more. Thank you for showing up, for pouring into one another, and for making this space sacred. 

Let’s keep this momentum going. Let’s keep showing up for ourselves and each other. Together, we are creating more than events—we’re building a legacy of authentic learning, leadership, collective care, and Black excellence. 

With gratitude and love,  

Kahlia Aposhian