Leadership, Learning, and Nonprofits: Flora Sutalo’s Path to Board Membership

Flora Sutalo, Chief Operating Officer of Epic Marketing Consultants, began her journey into the nonprofit world when she found Spur Impact. As COO of a major Delaware company, she was already familiar with our work, making it a natural fit. Through the ELC program, Flora not only deepened her understanding of the nonprofit sector but also built valuable connections, significantly impacting her personal and professional growth. Introducing Flora Sutalo, Chief Operating Officer of Epic Marketing Consultants: current and newest Spur Impact board member and proud Emerging Leaders Community (ELC) Cohort 2 participant:

1. How did you get connected with Spur Impact?

I originally had my sights on connecting with a different nonprofit but when that didn’t pan out, one of the ELC facilitators and past Spur Impact board members, recommended that I join the board. As COO of a major company in Delaware, Spur Impact has often been in some of the same rooms and same circles as us, so it was an easy yes for me. 

2. What made you want to become an ELC member?

At Epic Marketing, we were made aware of a new nonprofit that really hit close to home for me. We were able to help bring awareness to their mission and create some great marketing materials for them. I believe in their mission so wholeheartedly that I had set my sights on being part of their board. At the same time a colleague had come across the ELC program and it just seemed like the universe had spoken! We both signed up that next week. 

3. Which nonprofits have you been connected with?

Personally I am still new to the nonprofit world, but professionally my company has been able to work with quite a few nonprofits, on the marketing side, in the last few years. Most recently the Delaware Community Foundation, Spotlight Delaware, Empowerment Beyond Scars, and Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County. 

4. What did you like about being a part of the ELC? 

I liked seeing how many nonprofit organizations there are in Delaware. Understanding the political and economical aspects was very eye opening. 

I also really like the connections that have been made; I liked that they extended outside of my own cohort. Spur Impact has been great about scheduling networking events for old, current, and prospective members. These connections are important to help strengthen the nonprofit community and spur more engagement and growth on future boards.

5. What was most beneficial to you in helping you grow personally and professionally?

Being on an actual board has been the most impactful, which would not have happened as easily or seamlessly without the ELC program. Having the opportunity to not only be involved, but see how other businesses make decisions and process, is invaluable. I have been able to take some of those procedures and thought processes back to my own organization, and have even used them in my own personal life. 

6. Has your understanding of how nonprofits work improved?

ELC was a great crash course into the nonprofit business module. We discussed everything from taxes, finances, and organization to storytelling, marketing, and team building. I walked into the class knowing next to nothing, and left with enough knowledge to successfully join a board. 

7. Do you feel that you have gained confidence since joining the ELC?

The ELC definitely gave me the confidence to approach nonprofits and board members. By understanding the processes and terminology, I could have a meaningful and interactive conversation with other nonprofits. That knowledge would have taken me so much longer had I had to figure it all out on my own. 

Flora's involvement with Spur Impact and the ELC program has been a pivotal experience in her professional journey. What began as a shift in her initial plans has evolved into a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector, where she continues to leverage her expertise to make a meaningful difference. Through the connections she has forged and the knowledge she has gained, Flora has not only grown as a leader but has also contributed to the broader community.