E48: Empowering Communities through Compassion: LaVal Brewer's Journey in Nonprofit Leadership

Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising

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Welcome to the Lead with Heart podcast! Today I’m joined by LaVal Brewer, President and CEO of South County Outreach. With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, LaVal shares his journey from youth to leadership. He credits his success to God's guidance, emphasizing how faith informs his servant leadership approach.
At South County Outreach, LaVal aims to transform its food pantry into a dignified shopping experience through a people-first culture.
This episode provides insights on faith-based leadership, mission-driven partnerships, and empowering vulnerable communities with dignity.
In this episode:

• [02:01] LaVal’s journey to nonprofit leadership
• [05:34] What is servant leadership and how it can be implemented
• [08:37] Building the right team: hiring hungry, humble, and smart team members who are the right fit for the organization's culture and goals
• [13:54] The importance of emotional intelligence and building a community of shared values
• [16:19] How LaVal aims to make the pantry a dignified shopping environment
• [22:06] The invaluable role of key partnerships that support your mission
• [27:26] Prioritizing mission over opportunities to stay aligned with your goals
• [31:34] Community engagement and its vital role in South County Outreach’s success

RESOURCES
CONNECT WITH LAVAL
LaVal Brewer is the President and CEO of South County Outreach, a nonprofit organization providing food, financial assistance, and social services to those in need in South Orange County, California. With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, LaVal has served as Executive Director for multiple organizations and held leadership consulting roles. Under

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

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CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
Produced by Ideablossoms