Women‑Led Nonprofits Are Shaping the Future. Here’s What Their Leadership Teaches Us.
Every March, International Women's Month invites us to honor the women who have pushed communities, movements, and entire sectors forward. At Loop Creative, we see that spirit alive every day in the women‑led nonprofits we partner with, organizations rooted in courage, clarity, and a deep commitment to collective wellbeing. These leaders aren’t just running programs. They’re redefining what leadership looks like in the social impact space.
They Lead with Lived Experience and It Builds Trust
Women‑led nonprofits often emerge from personal connection: a story, a neighborhood, a need they’ve witnessed up close. That lived experience becomes a strategic advantage. It fuels authenticity, strengthens community trust, and keeps mission at the center of every decision.
They Prioritize Collaboration Over Competition
Across the sector, women leaders model a refreshing truth: impact grows when ego shrinks. They build coalitions, share resources, and uplift peer organizations, proving that collaboration is not a “nice to have,” but a powerful strategy for long‑term change.
They Normalize Care as a Leadership Practice
Women‑led teams tend to embrace communication styles rooted in empathy, transparency, and care. This isn’t soft leadership, it’s sustainable leadership. It reduces burnout, strengthens team culture, and creates space for creativity to thrive.
They Hold Equity as a Non‑Negotiable
From maternal health to housing justice to food access, women‑led nonprofits consistently push the sector toward more equitable systems. Their leadership reminds us that equity isn’t a theme, it’s a daily practice, woven into hiring, storytelling, partnerships, and community engagement.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re proud to amplify the women who are building more just, connected, and compassionate communities. Their leadership styles aren’t just inspiring, they’re instructive. They show us what’s possible when strategy meets heart, and when storytelling is rooted in truth and care.
Today we shine the spotlight on some amazing local nonprofit leaders in NC:
Maggie Kane - Founder and Executive Director, A Place at the Table
Maggie is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe. She graduated from NC State University in 2013 and began working for a nonprofit with people experiencing homelessness. By befriending many people living on the margins, she saw the challenges of food insecurity as well as providing dignity to those in need. In February 2015, A Place at the Table was born and Maggie never looked back. Opening in January of 2018, Table has served thousands of people in Raleigh with a dignified and an affordable meal, together.
Maggie has a heart to serve, a desire to always be inclusive, and a passion for loving people.
Follow them on social, visit and support A Place at the Table!
Michelle Schaefer -Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Diaper Bank of NC. Their mission is to increase awareness of and access to essential hygiene items to promote dignity, health, and quality of life for the people of North Carolina.
Michelle Schaefer's adopted son suffered constant, severe diaper rashes that led to repeated hospital stays. Seeing how hard it was to keep him healthy, even with 20–30 diaper changes a day, she began thinking about families who couldn’t afford enough diapers.
After another hospital weekend in October 2012, she decided to start a diaper bank in North Carolina. She launched the Diaper Bank of NC in January 2013, aiming to distribute 50,000 diapers that first year.
Diaper Bank of NC has provided over 37 million diapers across the state, supported by branches, volunteers, and community partners. With her now‑healthy children, Michelle has made addressing diaper need her life’s work.
Teresa Wolfe -CEO & Executive Director, StepUp Wilmington
Teresa Wolfe serves as the CEO and Executive Director of StepUp Wilmington, where she leads the organization’s mission to empower individuals to achieve stable, meaningful employment and build stronger futures for themselves and their families.
A strategic nonprofit leader with a passion for community impact, Teresa brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, fundraising, and partnership development. Prior to joining StepUp Wilmington, she served as Executive Director of the Bob Barker Company Foundation, where she helped drive philanthropic initiatives and expand the organization’s community engagement efforts.
Known for her authentic leadership style and ability to build strong relationships across sectors, Teresa is widely recognized for fostering collaboration, developing high-performing teams, and advancing mission-driven work. Colleagues describe her as a compassionate and visionary leader who brings both strategic thinking and genuine care for the people and communities she serves.
Since joining StepUp Wilmington, Teresa has focused on expanding workforce development opportunities, strengthening community partnerships, and building on the organization’s strong legacy of helping individuals gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
