It can often look like the strongest nonprofits evolve out of pure headstrong determination. But what happens when that mindset quietly becomes isolating and growth begins to stall?

In this pilot episode of Sustainably Nonprofit, we sit down with Sarah White, Senior Director of Operations at Project Scientist, for an honest conversation about leadership, strengths and blind spots. Sarah shares how meaningful progress didn't come from pushing harder, but by accepting the invitation to be vulnerable. By identifying limitations, letting go of the need to carry everything alone, and trusting others to step in.

We talk about the tension nonprofit leaders often feel between responsibility and letting go. Asking for help can feel risky, but sustainable impact is almost always a team sport.

This episode sets the tone for the series: candid, practical, and deeply human. Because the work matters, and so do the people doing it. And you don’t have to do it alone.

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Data or Deception Answers:

Girls who believe they “belong” in STEM are 4× more likely to pursue it.

Belonging—not grades—has the strongest predictive link to future STEM engagement.

Source: Smithsonian Science Education Center

More than 60% of elementary-aged girls feel STEM careers are “not for people like them."

Phrasing varies across studies, the overarching theme of belonging and identity barriers in STEM is widely documented. – “Why Europe’s Girls Aren’t Studying STEM” (2018), though focused on Europe, findings align with U.S. data: a majority of girls lack STEM confidence and see STEM as “not for them.”

Source: Microsoft & KRC Research

By high school, on average girls outperform boys in most major STEM categories, including engineering and computer science.

Girls perform equally well in math/science coursework, but participation drops sharply in engineering and CS long before high school graduation.

More about our guest, Sarah White:

1. LinkedIn
2. Project Scientist

More about Richard:

1. LinkedIn
2. Area Code Audio

More about Heather:

1. Linkedin
2. The Executive Geek