Celebrating Women in Nonprofit Leadership

Sponsored by Truist, meet three of Lancaster’s nonprofit leaders who are making a big impact on the community.

Sponsored by Truist, meet three of Lancaster’s nonprofit leaders who are making a big impact on the community.


Willonda McCloud

President & CEO of Bright Side Opportunities Center

Fig: What is one of the most fulfilling aspects of your work?

Willonda: Connecting with our youth through our STEM programming. Our goal is to expose them to careers that will allow them to thrive in the future.

Fig: What is the best piece of advice you have received about being in nonprofit leadership?

Willonda: Teamwork makes the dream work! My team is small but mighty. We accomplish a lot with five people, and it’s because we honor and respect each other.

Fig: What is something you wish the Lancaster community knew about Bright Side?

Willonda: All are welcome! You do not have to be a member of the church to receive services at the Opportunities Center. We also have a great fitness center with an affordable monthly membership fee!


Amanda Richardson

Executive Director of Clare House

Fig: What is one of the most fulfilling aspects of your work?

Amanda: The success stories. Watching our clients become independent and hit their goals makes me excited to come to work every day.

Fig: What is the best piece of advice you have received about being in nonprofit leadership?

Amanda: A great team makes all the difference in the world—especially for a small nonprofit. Our team is full of great leaders who are experts at what they do.

Fig: What is something you wish the Lancaster community knew about Clare House?

Amanda: As one of the longest-running programs of its kind, Clare House’s employment-focused program makes it unique. All clients who come to Clare House focus on maintaining or improving their full-time employment as a pathway to financial stability and independence.


Anna Kennedy

Executive Director of Touchstone Foundation

Fig: What is one of the most fulfilling aspects of your work?

Anna: We are a team of passionate, dedicated people. Our staff and volunteers are thoughtful and strategic in our approach to solving big issues that improve youth mental wellness.

Fig: What is the best piece of advice you have received about being in nonprofit leadership?

Anna: When I started, our interim CEO introduced me to local community leaders. Those relationships helped me create a strong network of mentors which every leader needs.

Fig: What is something you wish the Lancaster community knew about the Touchstone Foundation?

Anna: A touchstone is a fundamental element or standard, and it’s also an emotional connection to a place of comfort or security. We believe everyone should have a touchstone, and for over 20 years, we’ve quietly invested in youth mental wellness programs to do that.

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