Description:
When nonprofits hit a visibility wall — minimal name recognition, audiences that don’t grow, funding conversations that stall — the instinct is often to hire a communications agency and "get some PR." But most nonprofits don't have a clear sense of what this actually involves, when it makes sense to outsource, or what foundational work needs to happen first.

In this session, Lisa Chensvold will walk through what PR really is (and isn't), ways to recognize when your organization's communications challenges are actually symptoms of deeper issues, and how to make smart decisions about when and who to bring in for outside help. You'll leave with a diagnostic framework for reading your organization's communications challenges and practical guidance on right-sizing an approach that builds organizational momentum across fundraising, visibility, board alignment, and trust.

Professional Bio:

Lisa Chensvold is a communications strategist and advisor with 20 years of experience helping purpose-driven organizations (nonprofits, associations, B Corps) identify what's blocking progress and build communications strategies that actually work. As founder of Chensvold Communications, she acts as a communications diagnostician — surfacing root causes rather than papering over symptoms. Her expertise includes strategic messaging, executive positioning, and communications infrastructure design. Lisa holds two humanities degrees and most of a PhD, which trained her to see patterns others miss and sit with complexity without rushing to solutions.