Connecting People and Purpose: Rethinking Employee Engagement in Mission-Driven Organizations
9:00 am - 10:15 am Prairie Creek
As the nonprofit sector continues to navigate the evolving landscape of work, organizations are facing unprecedented challenges in retaining talent and maintaining high levels of employee engagement. This breakout session will dive deep into the heart of these issues, exploring the critical connection between an organization’s mission and the well-being of its people.
In this session, we’ll explore the often-overlooked aspect of nonprofit leadership: the importance of putting people first to achieve mission success. You’ll learn why aligning organizational goals with the personal and professional growth of your employees is not only beneficial but essential for long-term sustainability. We’ll challenge the traditional narrative that places the burden of engagement solely on employees, shifting the focus to leadership's role in fostering a culture where both the organization and its people can thrive.
Session Takeaways:
Understanding "Developmental Reciprocity": Discover how investing in your people creates a legacy of growth that extends beyond your organization.
Illustrating the BridgeWork Framework: Explore a proven approach to optimizing employee experience and driving organizational success through the phases of joining, learning, growing, and leaving.
Practical Insights: Engage with seven critical questions designed to help you evaluate and enhance your current workforce development strategies.
Actionable Steps: Learn how to balance your mission-driven goals with the needs of your employees, creating a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce.
Anthony Bolden serves as the Executive Director for Chicago Debates, where he oversees the organization’s programming portfolio, ensuring the mission is executed with equity and excellence. In addition to his role at Chicago Debates, Anthony is the CEO and Co-Founder of BridgeWork LLC, an HR consulting firm dedicated to optimizing employee experience through a framework focused on joining, learning, growing, and leaving. BridgeWork partners with mission-driven organizations to enhance performance, retention, and culture, particularly for early-career professionals.
With a deep passion for career development and education, Anthony is uniquely skilled in fostering collaborative environments where individuals and teams—especially emerging professionals—can maximize their talents and experience meaningful professional growth. Prior to joining Chicago Debates, Anthony served as Program Manager for the Partnership to Educate and Advance Kids (PEAK) and as Associate Pastor for the Oakwood University Church.
Anthony holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies with a concentration in Community Development from Oakwood University, an HBCU. He also earned a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from North Park University. He is an alum of the Chicago Urban League’s IMPACT Leadership Development Fellowship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the Forefront Educational Equity Fellowship.
A highly sought-after speaker, facilitator, and professional development coach, Anthony is dedicated to empowering emerging professionals. He also hosts The Embolden Podcast, where he explores themes of leadership and growth. Anthony resides in Des Plaines, IL, with his wife, Lauren Bolden, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC.
Charles Cammack is a graduate of the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, with over ten years of experience in higher education and recruitment, Charles has established himself as a highly respected, empathy-driven leader. Before founding BridgeWork LLC., Charles served as the Director of Recruitment for the University of Miami. Charles believes that investing in people is his God-given purpose, and working within higher education is just one outlet he utilizes to do that. He has a passion for empathy-driven management and ensuring the people who work alongside him are getting to the places in life that they want to go, whether in admissions or beyond.
Anthony Bolden and Charles Cammack
BridgeWork LLC
