For over 40 years, inspired by my son Christopher, born with Down Syndrome, I poured my heart and soul into a nonprofit organization in service to folks with developmental disabilities. After building a first-of-its-kind Campus, came an idea for an annual event. What began as a small seed blossomed into the Magical Forest, a spectacular annual event created to unite the Las Vegas community around our cause, an event that has raised over $50 million for the cause and continues to thrive. I once imagined myself at age 101, leaning on a cane, standing proudly at the entrance of this magical place I created, watching it grow like a forest, vibrant and full of life. But life, as we know, rarely follows the script we write for it.
When well-meaning decisions suggested it was time for me to step aside for management succession, I faced a moment of reckoning. It was tough to move on after dedicating so much of my life to this cause. Yet, in that moment, something beautiful happened: a new chapter began.
Leaving the organization I loved was not an end — it was the start of reinvention. Activating the skills I had honed over the years, I expanded my mission beyond disability activism. Now, I help nonprofits across Las Vegas and the country raise the bar, think bigger, and realize their potential. While at Opportunity Village, I raised half a billion dollars, built 3 Campuses, a residential community, and created spectacular events. Now, as a fundraising consultant for the past 6 years, I have helped nonprofits create their own remarkably successful events, ultimately raising another half-billion. The thrill of making a difference, even at this stage of my life, is exhilarating.
Nonprofits represent only 2% of the GDP, yet they solve society’s toughest challenges: curing diseases, aiding the underserved, and creating pathways for generosity. Imagine the world without these organizations. It would be a far less hopeful place. Yet many nonprofit leaders find themselves begging for scraps instead of boldly proclaiming their worth. We charity leaders chose this path — often less financially rewarding than corporate America — because we want to serve society. It’s time to change the narrative: nonprofit leaders *can* and *should* aim higher.
There is a misconception that once you reach a certain age, your best days are behind you. But the truth is far richer and more hopeful. People with decades of experience, wisdom, and passion remain eager and able to contribute. Loneliness is said to be the world’s greatest disease — and many people over 65 years of age, rich with experience and wisdom, are overlooked and underutilized.
Boards often dictate how charities should operate while simultaneously sidelining mature leaders. This is a missed opportunity. The board’s senior majority, while actively engaged in succession planning, paradoxically perpetuates their own tenure by sidelining senior leaders. Nonprofit organizations need to recognize this wealth of knowledge and actively seek out seasoned leaders who can mentor, guide, and inspire. Let’s stop sidelining our seniors. Instead, let’s celebrate them as vital pillars of our communities and causes.
I wake up every day excited for what’s next. Reinvention is possible at any age — and often, it’s the gateway to even greater impact.
So, to everyone standing at a crossroads — stepping away from a long career — remember this: your life’s work is not over. It’s evolving. Your passion, your skills, your story are gifts the world needs. Lean into your next chapter. Dream big. Raise the bar. And above all, live life full out- On your own terms.