Episode 17 – Strategic Success: Making Nonprofit Plans That Actually Work
Host: May Harris, Esq.
Guests: Andrea Ortega
“You can write a strategic plan and make it pretty; you can even give it to a funder, but you need to implement ways of tracking those metrics. Then you can go back to the team: we did it, we hit those marks. That's a live document, not a binder on someone's shelf. I love to discuss and teach these essential things to make it a part of their culture as an organization.”
- Andrea Ortega
In This Episode
Turn strategic plans into real results with practical tools and a mission-focused approach.
A beautiful strategic plan is only as good as its implementation. In this episode, May Harris talks with Andrea Ortega, founder of Palante Nonprofits, about how nonprofits can create plans that are both visionary and realistic. They discuss scaling grassroots organizations, using data to measure success, and keeping strategic goals front and center in your board meetings. Andrea also shares how tools like AI and Google dashboards can help teams stay aligned in real time, plus why training should be part of every nonprofit’s culture.
Key Takeaways
Insightful moments and lessons from the conversation.
Why nonprofits need a mission-focused, realistic vision in strategic planning.
How to use data to track progress and demonstrate impact.
Ways AI and tech tools can support planning and team alignment.
Common pitfalls boards face when implementing plans (and how to avoid them).
Why regular training and collaboration strengthen nonprofit success.
Guest Bio: Andrea Ortega
Founder and CEO of Palante Nonprofits, Andrea Ortega, MNM, CNP, specializes in helping nonprofits design and implement strategic plans that create lasting impact. With a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida and extensive curriculum development experience at Resilia, Andrea has taught over 200 courses covering nonprofit compliance, accounting, and tech tools for the sector. She consults in both English and Spanish and is passionate about helping grassroots organizations scale effectively. A proud Colombian-American, Andrea enjoys volunteering, supporting her community, and spending time with her family.
Subscribe Here:
Stay Connected with Nonprofit Counsel
Subscribe to our podcast for expert conversations, and join our newsletter for insights, tools, and updates designed for nonprofit leaders like you.
Quick Links
Resources
Connect With Us
© Nonprofit Counsel 2025 All Rights Reserved.