41: Operations with Purpose: Batala McFarlane's Blueprint for Non-Profit Impact

She Supply Chains Podcast
Aug 18
2 min read

What if breaking cycles of poverty and health disparities starts with one powerful connection — a mentor who never gives up?

In this episode, we sit down with Batala McFarlane, executive director of Friends of the Children – Twin Cities, to explore how long-term mentorship can transform lives. Batala’s path from media professional to nonprofit leader is a testament to the power of reinvention and purpose-driven work. Today, she leads an organization that commits to mentoring youth for 12 years or more — a model built on trust, consistency, and unwavering belief in a child’s potential. She shares how this unique approach not only impacts the youth, but also strengthens families and creates ripples of resilience across communities.

Batala reminds us that behind every mission-driven nonprofit is a very real operational backbone. Passion alone isn’t enough — sustainability comes from financial accountability, systems that support growth, and the business acumen to keep programs running effectively. As she puts it, “you still have to operate a business.” Her perspective highlights the dual nature of nonprofit leadership: balancing heart and head, compassion and accountability, vision and execution. This lens offers a powerful reminder for anyone leading a mission-centered initiative.

Another theme that emerges is the importance of access and community connection. Batala underscores how disparities in healthcare, nutrition, and education continue to hold communities back, especially those of color. By strengthening networks and mobilizing resources, Friends of the Children works to bridge these gaps, showing that access isn’t just helpful — it’s everything. Partnerships, collaboration, and local engagement are critical to creating lasting impact, and Batala makes the case for why community is at the center of any meaningful change.

Finally, Batala speaks to the significance of representation and leadership. As a woman of color in a prominent role, she emphasizes creating space for others, mentoring future leaders, and challenging systemic barriers that keep voices out of the conversation. Her journey is both deeply personal and widely instructive — a call to action for all of us to consider how we can empower others, share resources, and lead with purpose. At its heart, this episode is about more than nonprofit strategy — it’s about building a culture of trust, equity, and opportunity that can reshape entire communities.

In this episode, we discuss:

(02:50) Understanding Friends of the Children: A Unique Mentoring Model
(08:05) Batala's Transition from Media to Nonprofit Leadership
(13:04) Building Trust and Relationships in Mentoring
(17:42) Operational Backbone: Ensuring Long-Term Success
(22:32) The Importance of Networking and Community Engagement
(25:36) Community Resilience and Support
(27:02) Access to Healthcare and Nutrition
(28:03) The Importance of Environment in Health Equity
(29:58) Creative Solutions for Access
(31:27) Balancing Work and Life
(37:21) Empowering Women of Color
(41:19) Creating Space for Others

✨ Listen in for more can’t-miss insights from Batala on how nonprofits can empower youth, build stronger communities, and open doors of opportunity where they’re needed most.

Click here to listen!