Louisville native to lead public policy, advocacy efforts for Louisville Nonprofit Coalition
Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), the Commonwealth’s statewide association of nonprofits, is expanding its coalition-building and public policy advocacy efforts in Louisville Metro and beyond with the addition of Laela Kashan, its new director of regional advocacy and engagement.
A Derby City native, Kashan has dedicated her career to ending gender-based violence with nonprofit organizations on the local, state, national, and international levels. She brings expertise in public policy advocacy, coalition-building, and project management to the Network’s mission, and in particular, will provide leadership and support to their Louisville Nonprofit Coalition (LouNC) – a local alliance of KNN members that launched in April 2023.
“Laela is eager to roll up her sleeves to strengthen and expand the impact of the LouNC in creating a unified advocacy voice and stronger partnership with the city and other officials to create solutions for the issues facing the Metro Louisville community. Her skills, passion for the work of our sector, and enthusiasm are the perfect combination we sought in someone filling this position,” said Danielle Clore, KNN’s CEO.
“The LouNC effort will give voice to the diverse residents that nonprofits serve in Louisville, and then extend to other interested alliances of nonprofits west of Louisville.”
Kashan holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University and a BS in justice administration from the University of Louisville. In her new position, she returns to local community advocacy from her position as housing project coordinator with the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence based in Washington. Prior to this position, she served for seven years as staff attorney and led public policy efforts with the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs.
“Nonprofits are a core service sector impacting every Kentuckian and it’s a privilege to join KNN to support nonprofits using their voices to make impactful change,” said Kashan.
With its statewide mission of a strong, unified voice for Kentucky’s nonprofits, KNN’s focus is on expansion in the wake of COVID-19.
“The pandemic clearly highlighted the need for more coordinated advocacy on behalf of the sector at the local, state, and federal levels,” said Clore, “Our Coalition in Lexington, and now our new Coalition in Louisville, will help ensure that the expert voices of Kentucky’s third largest private sector employer are at the table in these two communities – and others as we grow – to effectively partner with government to create communities where all residents thrive.”
Over 1000 members strong, Kentucky Nonprofit Network was founded in 2002 and exists to strengthen and advance the Commonwealth’s nonprofit organizations, which are essential to vibrant communities. It provides quality professional development opportunities, access to nonprofit management recommended practices and resources, time and money-saving member benefits, and a unified public policy voice.
Kentucky Nonprofit Network 