EmpowerHer: Leading the Future of Nonprofits & Philanthropy

About this In-person Event

Join us on March 26, 2026, for an inspiring and critical conversation on the power and potential of women's leadership in the development sector.

The nonprofit and philanthropy world is being shaped by dynamic women leaders, yet they navigate unique challenges. This event is a space to acknowledge these realities and arm yourself with the strategies for success.

Our distinguished panel—featuring Michelle Wexler, Vanyah Harrigan, Joie Langford, and Sandra Toussaint-Burgher—will share their unfiltered insights on:

• The Journey: Moments of recognition, key inspirations, and the evolution of their personal leadership styles.
• The Reality: Candid discussions on overcoming unique challenges and instances of underestimation.
• The Toolkit: Essential leadership habits, cultivating resilience in fundraising, and the transformative power of mentorship and sponsorship.
• The Future: Actionable steps for building community, fostering collaboration, and intentional strategies for elevating the next generation of women in development.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with and be championed by women who are redefining the sector. Discover your bold action for the coming year and be part of the community committed to empowering women leaders.

Secure your spot today to gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and renewed inspiration.

Event Details

Date: Thu, Mar 26, 2026
Time: 6PM - 9PM
Setting: In-person

Location: The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, 334 S Post Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550

Guests will enjoy a light happy hour, dinner, wine/beverages, and dessert, along with networking, camaraderie, and a panel conversation!
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in your registration.

Feel free to reach out to us with any thoughts or questions at info@widnewjersey.org.

We look forward to seeing you in person for food, networking, and fun!

About the Speakers

Vanyah M. Harrigan serves as associate director of Annual Giving, focusing on recent alumni engagement and volunteer management with 10th Reunion Classes (2014-2019) in the Princeton Tiger community. Prior to this role, she built expertise in corporate giving, grant writing, and donor-advised funds as manager of institutional giving at Opera Philadelphia and philanthropic services associate with National Philanthropic Trust. A classically trained pianist, she previously served on the piano faculty of Settlement Music School before transitioning into fundraising.

Vanyah holds a B.M in piano performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University and a master’s degree in public administration from the Fels School of Government at the University of Pennsylvania and serves on the advisory committee for the Schneider Concerts & New York String Orchestra at The New School.

Joie M. Langford, CFRE, is a strategic, mission-driven fundraising leader with nearly a decade of experience, having raised over $15 million. She currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy at Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, championing the mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character.

Joie is also the Founder and Principal of SHADES Consulting LLC, a firm dedicated to empowering diverse nonprofit organizations with fundraising strategy and equity-centered solutions. Known for her collaborative approach, she excels at forging partnerships across individuals, institutions, and communities. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and an active member of several professional networks, including the African American Development Officers Network. Joie holds degrees from Temple and Hofstra Universities and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., committed to service in her personal and professional life.

Sandra Toussaint has been the President and CEO of United Way of Greater Mercer County, a role she has held since 2016, where she provides strategic vision and executive leadership. With over 20 years of experience in fund development, strategic partnerships, community relations, and marketing, she also serves as Chair of the United Ways of New Jersey statewide association. Her career includes leadership roles at Youth Communication, Special Olympics, and the Twenty-First Century Foundation, following an early career in the insurance industry. A sought after speaker, Sandra has presented at forums such as the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, the NJ Center for Nonprofits, Princeton Community Works, and the Association for Fundraising Professionals on topics including leadership, team motivation, board development and corporate engagement. She serves on several boards and committees, including the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce and NJ Center for Nonprofit, and is a 2021 Lead New Jersey Fellow and recipient of the Chamber’s Champion for Business Award. Originally from New York City, Sandra holds a B.A. from Hunter College, an M.P.A. from NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Boston College.

Michelle Wexler joined TASK in 2021. She holds a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a J.D. from the Temple University Beasley School of Law. After practicing law, Michelle moved into the nonprofit sector where she has worked with a variety of organizations specializing in fundraising, strategic planning, communications, marketing, and board and staff development. In addition, Michelle spent several years as adjunct lecturer at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania teaching writing, public speaking and persuasion. She supports a variety of local nonprofits and serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsbury Society at Pennsbury Manor. Michelle is a graduate of the LEAD NJ 2024 cohort and currently a member of NonProfit Connect’s Leading from Within class of 2026.

Registration Information

• Registration is required by Fri, Mar 20, 2026 (space is limited; no refunds after Mar 20)
• $65 for members | $80 for non-members
• All levels of experience in development, fundraising, and nonprofit management are welcome

To view a full list of our upcoming events, visit www.widnewjersey.org/events and save your spots today!