More than 200 nonprofit leaders gathered at the College of Southern Maryland for the 16th annual Nonprofit Institute Conference, focusing on building resilience and delivering stronger services across Southern Maryland communities.
The event took place Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the La Plata Campus. Attendees came from organizations throughout the region to network, share strategies and participate in professional development sessions designed to enhance program impact.
Nonprofit Institute Director Stephanie Rolle opened the conference by recognizing the vital role participants play in supporting local residents. “You have a profound impact, and the wellbeing of people in our community is ensured because you have made the commitment to do so,” Rolle said. “Thank you for staying the course and being committed to your calling.”
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson welcomed the record-breaking crowd, describing them as leaders and changemakers. “You are the people who step forth when challenges arise, who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and help make it possible for individuals and families to move forward with dignity and opportunity,” Dr. Wilson said.
This year’s theme, Always a Way: Strong Hope, Determined Action, Strategic Solutions, emphasized the balance of optimism and practical steps needed in the nonprofit sector. Dr. Wilson noted that leaders often find a path forward through persistent hope paired with resilience and adaptation. “Nonprofit leaders find a way forward, guided by a persistent hope that tomorrow can be better than today,” she said. “But hope alone is not enough. The nonprofit sector teaches us that hope must be paired with action, resilience, the willingness to adapt and stay the course, even through change.”
A panel discussion addressed managing stress, maintaining a positive mindset and prioritizing self-care in a demanding field. Panelists included Jessica DiVito, co-founder of Nonprofit People; James Vasquez, director of the Maryland Small Business Development Center Southern Region; and Caprice Brown, executive director of UM Charles Regional Medical Center Foundation.
Brown shared personal motivation rooted in his own background. “I recognized from my background growing up in poverty, how my family pushed and used resources in the community to help build better lives for me and my brother,” Brown said. “I recognized the potential to change someone’s life, change their trajectory.”
Vasquez encouraged forward planning and an open mindset. “Understand the place you’re in and build a plan to get where you want to go,” Vasquez said. “Where there’s a will there’s a way, and having an open mindset can create actions and opportunities.”
Breakout sessions followed, covering topics such as staying resilient during challenges, building partnerships, current nonprofit trends and goal setting under the Determined Action and Strategic Solutions portions of the theme.
JC Martin, co-founder of Peak Performance, a business and nonprofit consulting firm, then presented on engaging the next generation of volunteers and leaders. “I see a generation that cares deeply and wants change, but their time is limited,” Martin said. “If the first interaction or volunteer experience is meaningful, they are going to come back.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Jacquelyne Bailey, senior director of community health, discussed navigating change and reimagining potential during difficult times. “Crisis has a way of stripping everything down to bare bones and getting back to your DNA,” Bailey said. “Nonprofits don’t need superheroes, they need leaders who are real, transparent, rooted in values, and deeply aligned with its mission.”
The Nonprofit Institute at CSM provides ongoing professional development and resources for organizations serving Southern Maryland. The annual conference continues to grow in attendance, reflecting the sector’s commitment to collaboration and long-term community support in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
