Nonprofit leadership isn’t easy. It takes grit, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up when challenges stack up. In this episode of IMPACTability®: The Nonprofit Leaders Podcast, Becca Bryan, Board Chair of Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge (National Wildlife Refuge), shares what it means to fight for the underdog and lead with perseverance.
From rescuing stranded dolphins and whales in the Florida Keys to championing conservation for Florida’s endangered panther, Becca’s journey shows how passion, commitment, and advocacy shape strong nonprofit leadership. Her story is a reminder that you may not change the whole world — but you can change your part of it.
Packed with lessons on Board service, community engagement, and staying the course, this conversation is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders who want to make a lasting impact.
Prefer video?
Watch the full episode on YouTube, https://youtu.be/5HiaUWcHc-Y
Standout Quotes
- “I’m a strong fighter for the underdog… any animal that needs a champion and someone to speak for them when they can’t speak for themselves.” — [03:23]
- “Stay the course. Fight through the weeds.” — [25:25]
- “You may not be changing the world, but you are changing this one part of the world — and that can mean so much more.” — [26:39]
Chapters & Timestamps
- 00:01 – Welcome to IMPACTability®: The Nonprofit Leaders Podcast
- 01:06 – From Dolphins to Panthers: Becca Bryan’s Path into Nonprofit Work
- 04:05 – Inside Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge: Mission & Board Snapshot
- 08:09 – What Keeps Leaders Going: Belief in the Mission & Community Outreach
- 11:05 – Visibility Wins: SEO, “Path of the Panther,” and Nationwide Awareness
- 17:20 – Resources That Lift Leaders: CORFA, Mentors, and Peer Networks
- 21:02 – Hard Lessons in Volunteer Management: Communication, Authority & Safety
- 25:16 – Perseverance & Commitment: Board Advice, Getting Started, and How to Connect
Guest Bio
Becca Bryan is a writer, editor, and passionate wildlife advocate serving as Board Chair of Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge. Based in Fort Lauderdale, she blends storytelling with leadership to raise awareness for one of Florida’s most endangered species.
Her journey into conservation began in the Florida Keys, where she volunteered thousands of hours rescuing stranded dolphins and whales. That experience shaped her relentless commitment to protecting animals who can’t speak for themselves. Today, she leads Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge, guiding a diverse Board, educating the public, and supporting conservation efforts across the state.
Becca’s writing has been featured in National Geographic’s Voices Blog, USO On Patrol, and VeteransEnterprise.com. Whether through her published work or her nonprofit leadership, she continues to champion wildlife, inspire communities, and prove the power of commitment in driving nonprofit success.
Learn More & Connect
- Website: http://floridapanther.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOFPR
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