CNLD – Talks & Media
Reimagining Democracy: Justice, Reentry & Community Voice Through Film
Hosted by the Rutgers Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Development and SPAA’s Office of Community Engagement in partnership with the Rutgers Democracy Lab, this April 15, 2026 event explored how storytelling can deepen public understanding of justice, reentry, and democratic participation. The program featured a screening of the PBS documentary A Woman on the Outside, followed by a conversation with producer Kiara C. Jones and Chris Agans of NJ-STEP, moderated by Dr. Lindsey McDougle. Student-led breakout dialogues and a community networking reception created additional opportunities to connect lived experience, research, and community action.
A Brief Introduction to Nonprofit Data
Dr. Tiana Marrese, assistant professor at Rutgers SPAA, provides an introduction to nonprofit data and research, highlighting key sources and approaches for studying nonprofit organizations. The video explores how researchers and practitioners can access and use data to better understand the sector, including organizational, financial, and programmatic information.
Nonprofit Financial Management
Dr. Cleopatra Charles, associate professor at Rutgers SPAA, discussed nonprofit financial management, her co-authored book, Financial Leadership for the Arts, and sat down with Mary Jaffa, vice president of finance at NJPAC, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities arts organizations face when balancing creative vision with financial sustainability.
Nonprofit Data and Research
To mark the launch of the newly established Rutgers Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Development housed at Rutgers SPAA, Natasha Hemmings (MPA'16), CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, shared how her organization has used nonprofit data and research to drive impactful decisions in a conversation with center director Dr. Lindsey McDougle.