Leading with Courage and Grace: A Conversation with Sarah Tuakli Cooper

​​What does it take to thrive as both an executive director and a board chair in today’s ever-shifting nonprofit landscape? According to Sarah Tuakli Cooper, it comes down to grace, courage, and an unwavering commitment to mission.

On the latest episode of the Nonprofit Council Podcast, host May Harris sat down with Sarah—Executive Director of the Elementary Institute of Science and Board Chair of the United Women of East Africa Support Team—to explore her nonprofit journey, the challenges of leadership, and why staying true to your organization’s DNA is more important than ever.

From the Classroom to Community Leadership

Sarah’s career began far from San Diego. She spent two decades teaching computer composition in England before moving to the U.S. in 2008. While waiting on her green card, she started volunteering—first as a CASA with Voices for Children. That experience opened her eyes to the essential role nonprofits play in weaving together the social fabric of a community.

From there, she stepped into leadership roles at the League of Amazing Programmers and eventually took the helm at the Elementary Institute of Science. Today, she’s fully immersed in the sector—by day leading an organization dedicated to STEM access for young people, and by night serving as a volunteer and board leader.

Passion Meets Conflict

Anyone who has worked in a nonprofit knows that passion runs inherently deep. And while that passion drives impact, it can also spark conflict.

“When disagreements arise, we tend to feel a kind of moral urgency about our position,” Sarah explained. “It takes patience and communication to step back, look at it from another perspective, and decide—do I need to hold onto this, or can I let it go?”

Her approach to leading through these complications is rooted in grace. Giving others space to share their perspective—and resisting the urge to “win” every disagreement—has been key to maintaining strong relationships and keeping the mission at the center.

The Crucial Board Chair–ED Partnership

Few dynamics are as central to a nonprofit’s success as the relationship between the executive director and board chair. Sarah has a unique perspective - she is currently serving in both roles for different organizations.

“As an ED, you need someone you can lean on when things aren’t going according to plan,” she said. “You can’t unload your fears on staff, but you can with your board chair.”

On the flip side, as a board chair, she sees her role as one of lifting up and supporting the ED. “It’s not about doing it yourself. It’s about embracing that person, supporting their drive, and rallying the board around them.”

Mutual respect, authenticity, and shared purpose are non-negotiable. Without them, Sarah says, the organization won’t move forward.

Navigating Change in Uncertain Times

Looking ahead, Sarah is clear-eyed about the challenges nonprofits face—whether it’s shifting funding landscapes, attacks on diversity and inclusion efforts, or the daily grind of keeping programs running.

At the Elementary Institute of Science, DEI isn’t a trend—it’s in their DNA, rooted in the organization’s founding during the civil rights movement. “We can’t just toss it aside. It’s who we are.”

At United Women of East Africa, the focus is on sustaining hope and safety for immigrant and refugee families. “It’s a terrifying time,” Sarah admitted, “but our role is to educate, encourage, and hold hands with our communities.”

For her, advocacy isn’t optional—it’s part of the job. Nonprofits must step forward, speak out, and defend the values that define their missions.

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what counsel she’d give to young women of color entering the sector, Sarah’s advice was both personal and powerful:

• Become your own friend. Learn who you are, what you need, and stop burning yourself out trying to please everyone.

• Practice self-care. Especially for women of color, sustaining yourself independently is crucial to sustaining the work.

• Be courageous. Nonprofit leadership requires fierceness as much as kindness. Stand your ground and lead with confidence.

“You’re on this planet once—get on with it,” she said with characteristic boldness.

Advice for the Next Generation

As the conversation closed, Sarah reminded listeners that nonprofits can’t do this work in isolation. Philanthropy must link arms with government, communities, and one another. “Let’s all hold hands together. Let’s draw that line in the sand.”

It’s a call to action for the entire sector: stay grounded in your mission, support one another, and lead with courage and grace—even when the times feel uncertain.