PRO Workshops | The Alliance

Elevate your leadership and expand your organization’s impact through

Alliance PRO Workshops—dynamic learning experiences designed specifically for nonprofit leaders. Hosted each Spring and Fall, these half-day workshops bring together expert speakers who share innovative strategies, practical tools, and actionable plans you can implement right away.

Each session is interactive and leadership-focused, creating space to learn, ask questions, and engage in real-time problem solving with peers who understand your challenges. You’ll also enjoy a light breakfast, coffee, and intentional networking time to build meaningful connections with other local leaders.

UPCOMING WORKSHOP - SPRING 2026

Tuesday, April 14 | 8:30am-12pm

Hosted at: CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter

1430 Blue Oaks Blvd Suite 260, Roseville, CA 95747

Registration: $25*

*Price Before Any Applicable Discounts

GRANTS THAT

GET FUNDED

LESSONS STRAIGHT

FROM GRANTORS

Grant funders rarely get the chance to explain what happens behind the scenes. This workshop brings funders and nonprofit leaders together for an open conversation about proposal review, decision-making,

and partnership.

Hear directly from a panel of

grantors about how they read proposals, what convinces them an organization is ready for investment, and how applicants can better communicate impact. Expect honest insights, real-world examples,

and actionable advice.

MODERATOR

Kerry Wood, CFRE

Sacramento Region Community Foundation

Kerry is Chief Executive Officer of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, where she leads regional philanthropy and impact initiatives, including Big Day of Giving. With 25 years in the nonprofit sector, she previously held leadership roles with the Crocker Art Museum and the Foundation for California Community Colleges. A nationally recognized fundraising leader, Kerry is known for advancing charitable investment, donor engagement, and transformative community impact.

PANELISTS

Rhonda Staley-Brooks

SMUD

Heather Riggs

Teichert Foundation

Lori Rianda

Executive Advisor/Consultant

Sarina Paulson

Impact 100 Greater Sacramento

HOW AI CAN ADVANCE YOUR MISSION WITHOUT SACRIFICING TRUST

Mission-driven organizations need to communicate quickly without compromising the trust of vulnerable communities. AI can feel inhuman—cold, certain, fear-driven—speaking in a marketing voice that's antithetical to your mission and what your people need to hear. Learn how to amplify your mission and reach the communities you serve without doing damage, without re-traumatizing, and without sacrificing the dignity that defines your work. Whether you choose to build these systems yourself or find tools that handle the complexity, you'll leave knowing exactly what's required to make AI a true force multiplier for mission-driven communications.

PRESENTER

Scott Eggert

MKTNG

GoldenDoodle

Scott is a community builder, communications leader and nonprofit advocate helping people doing the hardest work on the planet communicate without compromise. As Founder and CEO of GoldenDoodle AI, Scott leads the first and only AI platform built from the ground up with science-backed, trauma-informed principles. Scott also serves as President of MKTNG, a marketing agency serving trauma-informed nonprofits and healthcare organizations. His deep Sacramento nonprofit roots inform everything GoldenDoodle builds. He serves as a board member of The Alliance and Partner with Social Venture Partners (Program Director for SVP Think Tank, & Fast Pitch coach). When your mission can't wait, your message shouldn't have to either. GoldenDoodle exists so mission-driven organizations can finally move fast without breaking things.

A SMARTER WAY TO PLAN LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS & SUCCESION

Leadership transitions are an inevitable and increasingly common reality in the nonprofit sector. This workshop is designed to take the fear and uncertainty out of leadership change by helping leaders plan smooth, values-aligned transitions.

We’ll explore succession planning, sabbaticals, and “just in case” scenarios so mission momentum never stalls. The session will also focus on building internal bench strength, ensuring emerging leaders are prepared to step up and support long-term organizational growth and stability.

PRESENTER

Craig Hettrich

The Hettrich

Group

Craig is the Co-Founder of The Hettrich Group. He helps CEO’s design and build great organizations! He does this via being a Certified EOS Implementer, his own Leadership Development
programs, and as a Business Partner of REF. Global, where he leads CEO and Function Specific Peer Groups.

Craig has over 30 years of experience as a CEO, President and Senior Sales and Marketing executive in the Food Industry. Craig also serves as the Board of Directors for Nor Cal Pipeline Services and on the Board of Directors at Allegiant Vets. Craig was the past President of the Board of Directors at Sacramento Venture Partners and Stanford Youth and Families.