Part two of a two-part series
When reflecting on those we have worked with over the past few years, the name Jacqueline Thomas came to the top of our list as a nonprofit leader who has grappled with the challenges of bringing her vision to life – and in the process changing the lives of young people through STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math. In part two of our series, Thomas shares about her mentors, mindset, and decision-making.
Saad & Shaw: Who are your mentors?
Jacquelyn Thomas: I have had mentors throughout my career, but the ones who made the greatest impact were those who truly had my best interest at heart and challenged how I thought, not just what I did.
The business mentor who fundamentally changed my mindset was the late Mr. Joe Dudley Sr., a philanthropist and businessman. He reshaped what I call my “millionaire mindset.” It is one thing to dream about becoming a millionaire, but it is another thing entirely to know how to become one. That shift involved understanding the why, the how, the when, the where, and ultimately realizing that the who is you.
What Mr. Dudley helped me understand is that most entrepreneurs already work hard. Hard work is not a differentiator. Knowledge is. Knowing when to move, where to position yourself, how to structure decisions, what to say, and who to know is what creates real leverage. That is why the phrase “knowledge is power” is not just a saying, it is a reality. Knowledge changes outcomes, trajectories, and lives.
It is worth mentioning that Dr. Jan Young of the Assisi Foundation of Greater Memphis has also been a mentor in a different way. She has been a “distance mentor,” someone I have observed and admired for her clarity, decisiveness, and leadership. Watching strong, effective leadership up close has been invaluable.
I have had many mentors over the years, but these individuals had the greatest influence on how I think, lead, and build.
Saad & Shaw: What advice would you give to emerging nonprofit leaders today?
Jacquelyn Thomas: The first and most important piece of advice is this: nonprofits are still businesses, and they must be run as such. Leading only with your heart, without business discipline, often leads to burnout and failure. When you do business entirely with your heart, you do not just get hurt, you get heartburn.
Second, fundraising deserves a hard, honest look. In many cases, the math simply is not “mathing.” Bringing in celebrity guests, hosting extravagant events, or chasing high-profile experiences in hopes of drawing a crowd often costs more than it brings in. Those approaches may look impressive, but they can be financially deadly.
Third, avoid low-yield fundraising models such as selling candy, popcorn, or partnering with restaurants where only a small percentage comes back to the organization. In those scenarios, the real profits go to vendors, not the nonprofit.
Fourth, build infrastructure early. Systems, documentation, financial clarity, and a strong case for support matter just as much as passion.
Finally, remember that sustainability is not selfish. It is responsible. The goal is not just to start something meaningful, but to build something that lasts and serves generations.
Saad & Shaw: You faced a decision about whether to stay a nonprofit or become a for-profit organization. How and why did you make the decision you made?
Jacquelyn Thomas: That decision came from years of experience and a very honest assessment of sustainability. Nonprofits do important work, but they are often trapped in survival mode, chasing funding, restricted by grants, and limited in how they can scale innovation. I reached a point where I realized the mission needed flexibility, speed, and financial independence to grow at the level I envisioned. I realized I had to change my mindset, not my tax-status.
I am protecting our mission by adopting ways of thinking that are core to for-profits, and which I had overlooked, focusing as heavily as I did on mission and impact. Now we are focusing on building a reserve fund so we can quickly invest in new opportunities. We’re building infrastructure and attracting stronger talent. We’re looking more closely at fee-for-service to help create long-term stability without relying solely on donations or grant cycles.
Ultimately, the question wasn’t “nonprofit versus for-profit.” Quite frankly I realized that and made that decision when I worked with Saad & Shaw. Thank you, Mel and Pearl.
Connect with Jacqueline Thomas and learn more about Kids In Technology through their website at kidsntechnology.net and on all social platforms at @kidsntechnology.
Click here to read Part One: Is founding and running a nonprofit a cakewalk?
© 2026 Mel and Pearl Shaw, authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” We provide fundraising counsel to higher education, nonprofits, and philanthropy. Video conferencing always available. Visit www.saadandshaw.com.
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