1125 12th Ave. S.
Nashville
TN 37203
The Planned Giving Council of Middle Tennessee presents Derria Ford and Ethical Storytelling
Storytelling is integral to our work of raising funds and awareness, regardless of our organization’s size, purpose or goals. Learn more about the keys to effective and ethical storytelling that will inspire donors and staff alike. We hope you and your colleagues will join us Oct. 2, at 7:45 a.m., in person at Operation Stand Down. Please share this email with your contacts across the Middle Tennessee nonprofit community! (Continental breakfast included. Full details below.)
History shows storytelling is intrinsic to human identity. Telling someone’s story – their history – is a huge responsibility. In today’s nonprofit landscape, organizations must adopt frameworks which amplify client voices while safeguarding against unintended consequences. Ethical and compassionate storytelling is a vital tool in every nonprofit’s arsenal, empowering roles including Board Members, Executive Directors, Program officers, Marketing and Communications staff with development professionals carefully guiding the process.
Understanding donors give from their heads and hearts is paramount, and behind every organization or project seeking funding lies an ethically-constructed narrative.
This session will explore:
What is Ethical Storytelling?
Why Ethical Storytelling is Vital for Nonprofit Organizations
Implementing Ethical Storytelling Practices
Please join us as we hear from Derria Ford and explore how ethical storytelling can drive organizational impact and foster donor engagement built on trust and empathy.
EVENT DETAILS:
October 2, 2024
7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
To be held at Operation Stand Down
1125 12th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203
Doors open @ 7:30 a.m. CDT with continental breakfast. Program runs from 7:45 a.m. until 8:45 a.m.
Free parking available in OSD parking lot as well as free street parking behind OSD on 13th Ave. South.
Derria L. Ford, MBA, Ed.D. is the Chief Advancement Officer at the Martha O’Bryan Center, a leading
anti-poverty community-based organization in Nashville, TN. With over sixteen years of nonprofit
experience, Derria excels in program expansion, grant administration, executive leadership, marketing,
public relations, and fund development. Her career is distinguished by her exceptional leadership,
strategic thinking, and ability to build strong relationships with organizational stakeholders. To date, she
has raised over sixty million dollars through grants and individual contributions to support and advance
vulnerable populations.
Prior to her current role, Derria served as the Deputy Director of Development and Community
Engagement at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee. In this capacity, she significantly increased
revenue, boosted individual giving, diversified grants, established a signature fundraising event, and
created educational materials to simplify complex legal concepts for vulnerable communities.
Derria holds a Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University,
where her research focused on transformational leadership, leader efficacy, and emotional intelligence.
She also earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science with a
concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Business Communications from Middle
Tennessee State University.
Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Derria is a dynamic individual who enjoys sharing
stories about her vibrant nine-year-old daughter, Gabrielle. With her extensive experience and
commitment to positive change, Derria Ford is a purpose-driven leader who deeply believes in the
power of nonprofits.