On April 1, over 300 nonprofit leaders from across Louisiana stepped away from their day-to-day work to focus on something just as critical: strengthening their organizations from the inside out. The 16th Difference Maker Summit took place at the New Orleans Saints’ Ochsner Sports Performance Center and brought together nonprofit professionals, volunteers, and community leaders for a full day of training, networking, and collaboration. Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers has grown the event from a small in-house workshop into a statewide resource for nonprofits looking to build skills and deepen impact.
“We put this on for all nonprofits throughout the state of Louisiana,” says Chad Dudley, partner at Dudley DeBosier. “They don’t have big budgets for continuing education… So if they can leave here with one idea that helps them get a little bit closer [to their mission], that’s a win.”
Practical Tools for Real Challenges
The day featured breakout sessions on topics like leadership, fundraising, operations, compliance, and culture-building, with a lineup of speakers who brought a mix of nonprofit experience and industry expertise. Among them were:
- Chuck Mutz, fundraising auctioneer, on donor engagement and fundraising strategy
- Tracy Laskos, operations expert, on scaling effectively without losing focus
- Meagan West, corporate culture strategist, on team cohesion and leadership
A highlight of the day was keynote speaker Jacquise “JT” Terry, who challenged attendees to reframe their roles as nonprofit leaders. “You difference makers were created to help solve human problems,” he says. “You are a solution to someone. You are necessary.”
One of the summit’s biggest strengths is its sense of shared purpose. Attendees connected with peers facing similar obstacles—from burnout and staffing issues to board dynamics and funding uncertainty. For many, it was a rare chance to step out of the weeds and look at the big picture. The setting (a professional sports facility where high-performance athletes typically train) also served as a strong metaphor: mission-driven organizations need training and support, too.
A Long-Term Investment in Impact
The Difference Maker Summit isn’t a one-off event—it reflects Dudley DeBosier’s ongoing commitment to Louisiana’s nonprofit community. Beyond the annual gathering, the firm offers year-round support through workshops, resources, and partnerships that help organizations grow their impact, even when budgets are tight.
For more information on the summit or Dudley DeBosier’s nonprofit initiatives, visit DudleyDeBosier.com/leadership.