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About This Webinar
Turn your passion into purpose! Join Walden University Alumni for an inspiring conversation on how to start and grow a nonprofit organization. Learn how to transform your ideas into action, build a strong foundation, and create lasting impact in your community.
This event is presented in collaboration with Walden University’s Alumni Community and the Career Planning and Development department. Walden University students and alumni are invited to attend.
ADA Accommodation Statement
If you need accommodations to attend this webinar, please e-mail [email protected].
When:
Thursday, April 16, 2026 · 6:00 p.m. · Central Time (US & Canada)
Duration: 1 hour
Language:
English
Who can attend? Anyone with the event link can attend
Dial-in available?
(listen only): Yes
Dial-in Number:
Please register for this Webinar to view the dial-in info.
Featured Presenters
Manager, Walden University’s Department of Career Planning and Development
Dina Bergren is the Manager of Walden University’s Department of Career Planning and Development where she coordinates operations, develops career-related content, and provides career advising support. Dina has been with Walden since 2006, and her background includes over 20 years of experience in career development, higher education, and training. She is passionate about helping adult learners build workplace skills, navigate career transitions, and find inspiration in their work, education, and lives.
Co-Founder of JTyler’s Keeper Nonprofit Organization
Lauren Sawyer, DBA ‘25
Dr. Lauren Sawyer is a communications strategist, author, and nonprofit leader dedicated to purpose-driven work. A native of Covington, Georgia, she holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism, an MS in Communications, and a Doctorate in Business Administration (Leadership) from Walden University.
As co-founder of JTyler’s Keeper Nonprofit Organization, she helps lead efforts to raise awareness about gun violence and support those impacted. In this role, Dr. Sawyer has guided community programs, advocacy initiatives, and campaigns that educate, inspire, and empower individuals.
Dr. Sawyer has extensive experience in media relations, content strategy, brand development, and communications consulting. She has published over 150 articles and successfully pitched stories featured on FOX, ABC, and NBC. She is also the author of Crowned in the Chaos: A Girl's Guide to Surviving College & Finding Yourself, offering practical guidance and inspiration for young women navigating life transitions.
Beyond her nonprofit and media work, Dr. Sawyer is passionate about transforming others, fostering meaningful connections, and creating spaces where people and ideas can thrive. Curious, committed, and deeply people-centered, she approaches leadership with honesty, intention, and heart. On this panel, she looks forward to sharing insights and effective strategies for launching a sustainable, purpose-driven nonprofit.
Dr. Lauren Sawyer is a communications strategist, author, and nonprofit leader dedicated to purpose-driven work. A native of Covington, Georgia, she holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism, an MS in Communications, and a Doctorate in Business Administration (Leadership) from Walden University.
As co-founder of JTyler’s Keeper Nonprofit Organization, she helps lead efforts to raise awareness about gun violence and support those impacted. In this role, Dr. Sawyer has guided community programs, advocacy initiatives, and campaigns that educate, inspire, and empower individuals.
Dr. Sawyer has extensive experience in media relations, content strategy, brand development, and communications consulting. She has published over 150 articles and successfully pitched stories featured on FOX, ABC, and NBC. She is also the author of Crowned in the Chaos: A Girl's Guide to Surviving College & Finding Yourself, offering practical guidance and inspiration for young women navigating life transitions.
Beyond her nonprofit and media work, Dr. Sawyer is passionate about transforming others, fostering meaningful connections, and creating spaces where people and ideas can thrive. Curious, committed, and deeply people-centered, she approaches leadership with honesty, intention, and heart. On this panel, she looks forward to sharing insights and effective strategies for launching a sustainable, purpose-driven nonprofit.
Walden University Alumni Ambassador
Veleria Chambers, MSED '20, PhD
Dr. Veleria Chambers is a dedicated educator and community leader with deep roots in Tampa, Florida. She earned her PhD from Northwestern Christian University and holds a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, and an Associate in Science in Childhood Program Management from Hillsborough Community College.
Throughout her career, Dr. Chambers has been recognized for her leadership and academic excellence, receiving honors from the National Society of Leadership & Success and Golden Key International Honor Society. She proudly serves as a Walden University Alumni Ambassador, exemplifying her commitment to her alma mater.
Since 2009, Dr. Chambers has served on the Board of Directors for Positive Attitude Turnaround (PAT) Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. She has also started five nonprofit organizations and has helped others launch tax exempt nonprofits. As Innovative Researcher Director at Chamber7, Inc., she continues her mission of giving back to the community by inspiring and supporting those in need. A published author, Dr. Chambers has contributed to scholarly literature and written children's books, all available on Amazon. She also supports fellow scholars through her Google Play Store app, Dissertation1.com, which assists with scholarly reference articles.
A retired educator from Hillsborough County Public Schools, Dr. Chambers remains active in her community through the Music Ministry in Tampa. When she's not working, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and taking walks on the beach.
Dr. Veleria Chambers is a dedicated educator and community leader with deep roots in Tampa, Florida. She earned her PhD from Northwestern Christian University and holds a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, and an Associate in Science in Childhood Program Management from Hillsborough Community College.
Throughout her career, Dr. Chambers has been recognized for her leadership and academic excellence, receiving honors from the National Society of Leadership & Success and Golden Key International Honor Society. She proudly serves as a Walden University Alumni Ambassador, exemplifying her commitment to her alma mater.
Since 2009, Dr. Chambers has served on the Board of Directors for Positive Attitude Turnaround (PAT) Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. She has also started five nonprofit organizations and has helped others launch tax exempt nonprofits. As Innovative Researcher Director at Chamber7, Inc., she continues her mission of giving back to the community by inspiring and supporting those in need. A published author, Dr. Chambers has contributed to scholarly literature and written children's books, all available on Amazon. She also supports fellow scholars through her Google Play Store app, Dissertation1.com, which assists with scholarly reference articles.
A retired educator from Hillsborough County Public Schools, Dr. Chambers remains active in her community through the Music Ministry in Tampa. When she's not working, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and taking walks on the beach.
Co- founder and Vice President, Nurses for Nurses
Emily Knife, MSN ‘19
Emily Knife is a trailblazer in modern nursing, transforming her journey from a burned-out nurse educator into the visionary Creator of the School of Modern Nursing and Modern Nurse Fest. Refusing to accept the limitations of traditional healthcare, she pioneered Somatic Nursing — a revolutionary approach that blends neuroscience, movement, and holistic healing to support nurses in mind, body, and spirit.
A published author of five books and a fearless healthcare innovator, Emily has redefined what it means to be a nurse in today’s world. She is the creator and producer of a multi-state Modern Nurse Fest experience, bringing together nurses, leaders, and healthcare visionaries across five states to reimagine the future of nursing through education, entrepreneurship, wellness, and community.
Beyond education and events, Emily is the Co- founder and Vice President of the nonprofit Nurses for Nurses, an organization dedicated to supporting nurses from bedside to leadership by providing access to resources, professional development, mentorship, and whole-person support. Her work bridges the gap between clinical practice and sustainable career evolution — ensuring nurses are not only trained, but truly supported.
Through her books, courses, nonprofit initiatives, and national community, Emily is leading a movement where nurses no longer have to choose between their passion and their well-being. She is known for creating pathways where none existed before — opening doors to modern careers, entrepreneurial opportunities, and integrative approaches to healthcare.
Her work isn’t just about education — it’s about liberation.
Emily’s mission is simple: nursing can be modern, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling — and she’s proving it every day by building the systems, communities, and experiences that make it possible.
Emily Knife is a trailblazer in modern nursing, transforming her journey from a burned-out nurse educator into the visionary Creator of the School of Modern Nursing and Modern Nurse Fest. Refusing to accept the limitations of traditional healthcare, she pioneered Somatic Nursing — a revolutionary approach that blends neuroscience, movement, and holistic healing to support nurses in mind, body, and spirit.
A published author of five books and a fearless healthcare innovator, Emily has redefined what it means to be a nurse in today’s world. She is the creator and producer of a multi-state Modern Nurse Fest experience, bringing together nurses, leaders, and healthcare visionaries across five states to reimagine the future of nursing through education, entrepreneurship, wellness, and community.
Beyond education and events, Emily is the Co- founder and Vice President of the nonprofit Nurses for Nurses, an organization dedicated to supporting nurses from bedside to leadership by providing access to resources, professional development, mentorship, and whole-person support. Her work bridges the gap between clinical practice and sustainable career evolution — ensuring nurses are not only trained, but truly supported.
Through her books, courses, nonprofit initiatives, and national community, Emily is leading a movement where nurses no longer have to choose between their passion and their well-being. She is known for creating pathways where none existed before — opening doors to modern careers, entrepreneurial opportunities, and integrative approaches to healthcare.
Her work isn’t just about education — it’s about liberation.
Emily’s mission is simple: nursing can be modern, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling — and she’s proving it every day by building the systems, communities, and experiences that make it possible.
Walden University Alumni
Dr. Orletta Caldwell, PhD ‘21
Dr. Orletta Caldwell is a nonprofit strategist, educator, and founder of Beyond Existing Enterprises and The Urban Nonprofit. With more than 35 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and capacity building, she works with emerging and grassroots organizations to help them build strong, sustainable institutions that serve their communities effectively.
Her work focuses on helping nonprofit founders move beyond passion and good intentions to develop the structure required for long term success. Dr. Caldwell supports organizations in strengthening governance, improving compliance, preparing for funding, and developing programs that produce measurable community impact. Through consulting, executive coaching, and fractional or interim leadership services, she helps nonprofit leaders stabilize their organizations and position them for growth.
In addition to her consulting practice, Dr. Caldwell is a professor who teaches nonprofit management and related courses in online higher education programs. She brings practical experience into the classroom, preparing future leaders with the knowledge and tools required to manage mission driven organizations responsibly.
Dr. Caldwell is also the creator of the Beyond Existing Enterprises Nonprofit Management Series, including a course and book designed to guide founders through the critical stages of nonprofit leadership after receiving their 501(c)(3) designation. Her work centers on strengthening under resourced organizations so they can operate with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
Dr. Orletta Caldwell is a nonprofit strategist, educator, and founder of Beyond Existing Enterprises and The Urban Nonprofit. With more than 35 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and capacity building, she works with emerging and grassroots organizations to help them build strong, sustainable institutions that serve their communities effectively.
Her work focuses on helping nonprofit founders move beyond passion and good intentions to develop the structure required for long term success. Dr. Caldwell supports organizations in strengthening governance, improving compliance, preparing for funding, and developing programs that produce measurable community impact. Through consulting, executive coaching, and fractional or interim leadership services, she helps nonprofit leaders stabilize their organizations and position them for growth.
In addition to her consulting practice, Dr. Caldwell is a professor who teaches nonprofit management and related courses in online higher education programs. She brings practical experience into the classroom, preparing future leaders with the knowledge and tools required to manage mission driven organizations responsibly.
Dr. Caldwell is also the creator of the Beyond Existing Enterprises Nonprofit Management Series, including a course and book designed to guide founders through the critical stages of nonprofit leadership after receiving their 501(c)(3) designation. Her work centers on strengthening under resourced organizations so they can operate with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
