Shaking the System Executive Briefing

A New Paradigm for Non-Profits

Oppressive systems are complex. The resurgence of authoritarianism and systemic inequities isn’t just entrenched—it’s regenerating, stronger and more insidious than ever. The call for non-profits today is clear: don’t shrink from complexity. Leverage it.

To leverage complexity, non-profits must embrace three critical mindset shifts:

Channel Emotions into Action: Transform fear, frustration, and despair into courageous, forward-moving leadership.
Adopt a Systems Thinking Approach: Move beyond reactive problem-solving to uncover interconnected solutions that tackle root causes.
Center Equity and Build Synergy: Dismantle silos and invite diverse voices to foster resilience and innovation.

These shifts aren’t just about survival—they’re about creating a foundation for thriving in complexity. By rethinking leadership, strategies, and decision-making, your organization can move beyond outdated approaches and lead systemic change that lasts.

This is where the Shaking the System Executive Briefing comes in. Led by Dr. Virginia Lacayo, this one-hour virtual session is designed to update, inspire, and inform non-profit leaders and boards about how to navigate complexity, leverage interconnectedness, and fight systemic oppression.. Offered at no cost (with an approved application), this session provides a foundation for confronting and resisting authoritarian forces' efforts to further marginalize and dehumanize people.

About Dr. Virginia Lacayo

Dr. Virginia Lacayo is a trailblazer in Intersectional Leadership and complexity science with over 25 years of experience working with nonprofits and social enterprises worldwide. A champion for equity, liberatory practices, and systemic transformation, Virginia combines critical insight with deep empathy to help organizations reimagine their leadership and amplify their impact.

Her work is rooted in the belief that social justice doesn’t need more self-sacrifice; it needs leadership models that encourage resilience, adaptability, and innovation - and that includes all voices in fighting injustice.

Agenda for the Briefing

Presentation: The Case for Updating Leadership Models

The Current Context: Why today’s crises demand adaptive leadership.
Outdated Models: How traditional structures stifle progress and perpetuate systemic harm.
A New Approach: The shift to collaborative, equity-centered, and systemic thinking.

Facilitated Discussion: The Three Critical Shifts

Shift 1: Manage Emotions to Fuel Action
Recognize how fear and frustration hold back your team—and learn to channel these emotions into courageous action.

Shift 2: Develop a Systems Thinking Approach
See the interconnected nature of challenges and craft strategies that leverage collaboration across sectors.

Shift 3: Center Equity and Build Synergy
Break down silos, invite diverse voices, and create trust-based, resilient systems.

Eligibility

This complimentary, 1-hour virtual executive briefing is available to nonprofit leadership teams and boards committed to systemic change. To qualify, your organization must focus on one or more of the following areas:

Social justice
Human rights
Democracy
Environmental protection

Applications are reviewed to ensure alignment with these priorities.

What People Are Saying

"Virginia challenges you to see leadership not as a position of power, but as an opportunity to rewrite the narratives holding us back. This is not a briefing—it’s a call to action."

– Ana C., Executive Director

"This session was a wake-up call. Virginia’s insights on dismantling oppressive systems hit home and gave us a clear roadmap for transformation."

– David R., COO

"Virginia’s approach is both compassionate and uncompromising. She helps you see the stories you’ve been living and gives you the tools to write new ones."

– Monica T., Founder