Transforming Finance Team Transitions with Shared Values and Collective Vision

In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, where social justice organizations must continually evolve to meet urgent community needs, the behind-the-scenes work of finance teams is more important—and more complex—than ever.

As Step Up: Equity Matters and YWCA Madison transitioned into a co-leadership model of YWCA’s finance function, we’re reflecting on what has made this collaboration not only functional, but deeply values-aligned and resilient.

A Time of Transformation

Finance teams across the nonprofit sector are under growing pressure. Increased reporting requirements, rising costs, evolving donor expectations, and changing compliance landscapes demand not only technical skill but also adaptability and vision. 

As organizations rooted in equity, Step Up and YWCA Madison know that financial leadership must do more than manage dollars—it must steward resources in ways that align with justice, sustainability, and transparency.

Our partnership has been grounded in a shared understanding: that our work in finance is a form of care. It’s about resourcing frontline change-makers, building systems that reflect the organization’s values, and making financial decisions with integrity and foresight.

Values at the Center

Throughout this co-leadership transition, we have held tightly to the core values that guide both organizations:

• Collaboration over hierarchy. We’ve embraced a model of shared learning, where knowledge flows both ways and leadership is distributed, not concentrated. This has helped our teams feel supported and empowered even amid uncertainty.
• Transparency and trust. Especially during change, clarity around roles, expectations, and timelines has helped us maintain momentum and reduce anxiety. Trust has been built not only through process but through open dialogue, feedback, and the willingness to name challenges early.
• Equity as practice. We recognize that financial systems often reproduce inequity unless intentionally reimagined. Our partnership has included a critical look at how budgeting, forecasting, and reporting can be more inclusive, participatory, and grounded in the lived realities of our teams and communities.

Lessons in Leading Together

Co-leadership is not always easy—but it is powerful. This transition has reminded us that leadership is not a title or a position, but a practice of showing up for one another, making hard decisions together, and staying accountable to our purpose.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to building finance functions that are agile, mission-driven, and rooted in equity. We know the landscape will continue to change. But we also know that when our values are clear and shared, transitions don’t have to mean disruption—they can be opportunities for deeper alignment and renewed purpose.

To everyone navigating similar changes: stay grounded, stay connected, and know that transformation is possible when we lead from our values.

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