Let’s dive into the unexpected (but golden) lessons that came from raising twins—and how those lessons can help build a stronger, more resilient nonprofit.

Start with Inclusion, Not As an Afterthought

One of the first, and most profound, lessons? Inclusion isn’t optional and it definitely shouldn’t come last.

When you’re raising kids with disabilities, you realize really fast that the world isn’t always built for everyone. And that realization? It shifts everything. Instead of trying to “add in” inclusion later, you start building with everyone in mind from the start.

Here’s what that looks like in a nonprofit setting:

• Your donor materials are accessible and easy to understand for all readers.
• Your events are planned with mobility, sensory needs, and accessibility in mind.
• Your team culture welcomes diverse voices from day one—not when it’s convenient.
  
  

Starting with inclusion doesn’t just make your organization feel better; it makes it stronger. It helps you connect with more people, build real trust, and create programs that actually serve communities, not just check boxes.

Progress Over Perfection, Always

Ever celebrated a milestone that seemed tiny to the outside world, but felt massive to you? Like when your child says a new word for the first time or takes a step after months of therapy? 

That’s when you learn: progress matters more than perfection.

Nonprofits often get stuck in the “perfect plan” trap. You know, spending forever polishing a five-year strategy, or delaying a launch until every single piece is in place. But real progress? It looks like small, consistent steps. Testing ideas. Learning from what flops. Tweaking and trying again.

How to apply this in your nonprofit:

• Launch that pilot program, even if it’s not perfect.
• Test messaging with a small donor group before a big campaign.
• Celebrate every small win—new volunteers, fresh partnerships, improved outreach.

Progress is momentum. And momentum keeps your mission moving forward.

Clear, Honest Communication Builds Real Trust

My daughters don’t always communicate clearly. (Okay, let’s be honest, chaos is the norm.) But when communication does happen—when you take the time to slow down, listen, and meet them where they are—it builds unshakable trust.

The same goes for your nonprofit.

Your donors, volunteers, partners, and community members don’t need fancy language or over-the-top promises. What they do need is clear, consistent, and honest communication.

Some simple, effective communication tips:

• Be transparent about challenges and changes.
• Share regular updates even when you don’t have big news.
• Ditch the jargon. Talk to people like people.
  
  

Silence creates doubt. But showing up and speaking clearly builds loyalty and confidence.

Flexibility Is Your Secret Superpower

If you’ve ever tried to wrangle kids out the door on a schedule… well, you know the universe has jokes. One minute you’ve got a solid plan. The next minute? Someone’s sobbing, someone else has paint on the dog, and you’re now 30 minutes behind.

Life with twins teaches you to adapt—and fast.

In nonprofit work, the same truth applies. That carefully crafted timeline? It might get blown up by a global event, a missed grant, or a sudden spike in community need. The key isn’t to plan harder. It’s to stay rooted in your mission, and flexible with everything else.

How to build flexibility into your strategy:

• Have contingency plans, not rigid timelines.
• Empower your team to make decisions on the fly.
• Stay curious. Ask, “What’s working?” and be willing to shift.

Resilient nonprofits know that being adaptable isn’t weak; it’s smart.

Let Joy Fuel the Mission

Here’s a truth that gets overlooked way too often: Joy is powerful.

When you’re raising kids with disabilities, you celebrate differently. You dance when goals are met. You laugh through the hard stuff. You find magic in the mess. And that joy? It’s what keeps you going.

Nonprofits are mission-driven, sure. But sometimes, that drive turns into burnout. Strategy becomes stress. Passion becomes pressure. That’s when it’s time to remember: Joy fuels persistence.

Bring joy back into your work:

• Celebrate your team’s wins—big or small.
• Share uplifting stories with your supporters.
• Create moments of connection that light people up.

When people feel joy, they stay. They give more. They care more. And that’s what makes your impact sustainable.

Parenting Taught Me More Than Any Nonprofit Training Ever Could

Here’s the truth: if two women with disabilities can teach us how to thrive through chaos, adapt with love, and lead with joy, then maybe it’s time we listen.

Nonprofit leadership doesn’t have to be stiff, sterile, or overly strategic. It can be human. Messy. Joyful. Resilient. Just like life with twins.

And honestly? That’s the kind of leadership the world needs more of.