Many nonprofits struggle not because they lack passion, but because they misunderstand where they are in their organizational journey.

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we break down the nonprofit lifecycle stages, drawing from Susan K. Stevens' work, entrepreneurial value creation theory, and insights from my own doctoral research. We explore what defines the startup phase, why founder-led organizations often stall, and how nonprofits move from passion-driven work to program clarity, mission market fit, and scalable infrastructure.

This episode introduces practical frameworks for understanding growth, including founding funders, core program development, mission market fit, and infrastructure building through people, tools, and processes. If you are building, leading, or serving on a nonprofit board and want to understand how real impact is achieved over time, this episode offers clarity and direction.

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YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

00:00 – Introduction and Why Nonprofit Lifecycle Stages Matter

00:28 – Susan K. Stevens and Lifecycle Thinking

01:15 – Startup Phase: Founders and Founding Funders

02:26 – Scarcity, Passion Projects, and Low Accountability

03:02 – Moving Beyond Founders Through Core Programs

03:57 – From Volunteer Association to Real Organization

04:55 – Mission Market Fit Explained

05:59 – How You Know Your Mission Is Validated

06:26 – Infrastructure as the Key to Scaling Impact

06:50 – The PTP Operating Model: People, Tools, Processes

07:59 – Systems Thinking and Organizational Readiness

08:18 – Impact, Sustainability, and Avoiding Decline

09:05 – Closing Reflections

Nonprofits grow when leaders understand where they are, what the next stage requires, and what must change to move forward. May this conversation help founders, board members, and nonprofit leaders bring clarity to their work and build organizations that are structured, sustainable, and capable of serving their missions with excellence. May Allah place barakah in our efforts and guide our intentions toward lasting good.

#NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitGrowth #MuslimNonprofit #MissionDriven #SocialImpact #NonprofitStrategy #OrganizationalDevelopment #FaithAndLeadership #PurposeDrivenWork

In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with Dr. Shaza Khan, Executive Director of the Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA), to explore her remarkable journey from educator to national leader in Islamic education.

Dr. Shaza shares the personal moments, spiritual reflections, and life experiences that shaped her calling into social good — from her family's migration story to her early formation in youth-centered mosques to her deep work in Islamic schooling. She discusses how she unexpectedly moved from ISLA board member to interim executive director after the passing of the organization's founder, and how that pivotal moment transformed her path forever.

Together, they unpack the realities of leading a niche national organization, building capacity from almost nothing, navigating board dynamics, confronting injustices, and growing a mission with sincerity and trust in Allah. Dr. Shaza also gives a powerful look into the future of Islamic education and ISLA's sector-shaping data and research work.

If you care about Islamic education, nonprofit leadership, or stories of purpose-driven service, this episode will deeply resonate.

🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Shaza Khan:
Website: https://theisla.org/dr-shaza-khan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaza-khan-b3910a12a/

00:00 – Opening and Introduction to Dr. Shaza Khan

00:36 – What Inspired Her Path into Islamic Education

01:22 – Family Migration Story and Early Roots of Service

02:40 – The Hadith That Shaped Her Life's Mission

03:28 – Witnessing Poverty and Understanding Privilege

04:40 – How Her Identity and Experiences Shaped Her Values

05:55 – Joining the Board of ISLA and Her Early Role

07:15 – The Passing of ISLA's Founder and a Sudden Leadership Gap

08:32 – Becoming Interim Executive Director in a Moment of Crisis

09:55 – Navigating the Transition From Board Member to ED

11:10 – Reestablishing ISLA's Mission With Limited Resources

12:25 – Addressing Racial Justice, Equity, and Community Challenges

13:45 – Building Capacity From Scratch With a One-Person Staff

15:08 – The Turning Point That Helped ISLA Grow Again

16:20 – Data, Research, and Shaping the Future of Islamic Schools

17:35 – Supporting Schools Nationally With Coaching and Resources

18:50 – Why Islamic Education Is Vital for the Next Generation

20:05 – Her Vision for ISLA's Future and Sector-Wide Impact

21:18 – Advice for Leaders Serving in Islamic Education

22:10 – Final Reflections and Heartfelt Closing

22:43 – End of Episode

This episode is a powerful reminder that when Allah opens a door, stepping through it with sincerity and courage can transform entire communities. Dr. Shaza's journey shows how purpose, perseverance, and trust in Allah can elevate institutions and impact generations. May her story inspire all of us to serve with excellence, humility, and unwavering commitment to the good of our Ummah.

#MuslimNonprofits #IslamicEducation #ISLA #CommunityLeadership #MuslimLeaders #NonprofitSuccess #UmmahDevelopment #FaithInAction #EducationForAll #PurposeDrivenLeadership

In this episode, we dig into one of the most critical elements of nonprofit success: the board. Drawing from years of leadership experience and insights from my doctoral research, we explore why boards can either accelerate an organization toward its mission or quietly hold it back from reaching its true potential. If you have ever wondered why some nonprofits thrive while others struggle, this conversation gives you the clarity you need.

We walk through the three sources of power that make high performing boards effective: governance, executive leadership, and resources. With real stories from the field, practical framing, and a shift away from outdated expectations, this episode helps board members understand their true role and offers nonprofit leaders a roadmap for building strong, mission-aligned governance. Whether you serve on a board or lead an organization, this is essential listening.

🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

00:00 – Opening Salaam and Introduction
00:20 – Why Leadership Shapes Nonprofit Success
00:52 – Boards Can Make or Break an Organization
01:25 – Understanding Power and the Role of Governance
02:00 – Governance as Guardrails and the North Star
02:40 – Why Executive Leadership Cannot Be Displaced
03:18 – When Boards or Donors Pull Organizations Off Track
03:55 – The Shift From Fundraising to Resourcing
04:35 – The Story of the Board Chair Who "Made It Happen"
05:30 – The Three Core Abilities of High Performing Boards
06:25 – Why Governance Prevents Abuse of Power
07:10 – What Boards Must Do to Empower Executive Leadership
08:10 – How Resourcing Strengthens Mission Impact
08:57 – Closing Reflections and Invitation to Connect

Nonprofits rise when boards understand their purpose, protect good governance, and empower strong leadership. May we always build organizations that are ethical, mission-driven, and rooted in service to others. When boards know their role, our communities thrive and our impact grows. May Allah bless our efforts and guide us to serve with excellence.

#NonprofitLeadership #HighPerformingBoards #GovernanceMatters #SocialImpact #MuslimNonprofit #MissionDriven #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitStrategy #BoardGovernance #PurposeDrivenLeadership