In this episode of Lead with Heart, I am joined by Laura Bonnell, the founder of The Bonnell Foundation and host of the Living with Cystic Fibrosis Podcast.

Laura's journey into advocacy began when her mother's instincts clashed with initial medical skepticism, ultimately leading to a life-changing diagnosis for her daughter Molly. Fueled by a passion to help her daughter and others with cystic fibrosis (CF), Laura shifted from a journalism career to nonprofit leadership, combining her storytelling skills and commitment to advocacy. Now, she's raising awareness, supporting families, and working with legislators to drive meaningful change for those living with CF.

Our conversation delves into the challenges faced by CF families, the importance of storytelling in fundraising and awareness, and the role of nonprofit advocacy in creating meaningful change.

In this episode:

• [02:46] Turning a challenging experience into a mission-driven career
• [06:11] Understanding cystic fibrosis and The Bonnell Foundation
• [08:38] The challenges cystic fibrosis families face once they receive the diagnosis
• [10:10] The Bonnell Foundation’s funding model
• [11:55] The value of telling your story
• [14:10] The key components of ethical storytelling
• [21:24] Adopting an advocacy mindset to create impactful and sustainable nonprofit growth
• [27:37] Involving children in advocacy
• [29:09] The Bonnell Foundation’s goals for the future

CONNECT WITH LAURA

LinkedIn: Laura Bonnell

Instagram: @laurabonnell

Website: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/

Email: [email protected]

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

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CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
Produced by Ideablossoms