Consulting & Legal
As the largest and most qualified nonprofit consulting team in Maryland, we offer a full range of services—including legal counsel and specialized expertise from Associate Consultants.
As the largest and most qualified nonprofit consulting team in Maryland, we offer a full range of services—including legal counsel and specialized expertise from Associate Consultants.
From strategic planning to board development and fundraising strategies, our consultants provide tailored solutions to meet your organization’s unique needs.
Navigate complex legal challenges confidently. Our experts offer affordable services including incorporation, compliance, and governance guidance.
Build your team’s skills with engaging, hands-on workshops and customized training sessions on topics like leadership, fundraising, and governance.
Back Office Services
Our affordable Back Office Services—covering accounting, HR, grant writing, and more—streamline operations, allowing you to focus on your mission and driving impactful growth.
Nonprofit Development Center
Eligible small and emerging organizations gain access to free resources, expert guidance, and a supportive community to help them build strong foundations and increase their impact.
We’re proud to have partnered with these organizations across Maryland to deliver impactful consulting services.
At Maryland Nonprofits, we embrace equity and quality of life as the foundation of all our capacity-building work. By integrating equity into all aspects of our consulting services, we empower nonprofits to create meaningful, sustainable change for the communities they serve.
As Maryland’s leading nonprofit development convener, we are committed to strengthening organizations so they can best serve their communities. When nonprofits and their leaders are strong, our communities thrive.
Respect for Where People Are
We create space for courageous, foundational conversations about race, disability, gender, and systemic inequities. Every engagement respects the unique stories and experiences of those in the room.
Compassion and Candor
Equity work requires trust. Our consultants facilitate conversations with compassion and candor, cultivating an environment where meaningful discourse and growth can occur.
A Continuous Journey
Transforming organizations through equity and inclusion is ongoing. With expert guidance, organizations can embrace this work as a commitment to sustainable, long-term change.
We’re in This Together
Maryland Nonprofits leads by example, continuously challenging ourselves to rise to higher levels of accountability. We bring this same dedication to every engagement, working alongside organizations to identify disparities and build inclusive cultures.
Director of Consulting and Chief Equity Officer
Carmen Marshall brings a powerful, first-hand understanding of how transformative it can be when organizations confront racism, sexism, and other systemic challenges that divide us. Drawing from her extensive civil rights experience, Carmen is dedicated to supporting leaders and organizations committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in meaningful ways. “As a society, we often struggle to address racial issues openly,” she says. “It’s hard work, requiring us to examine ourselves and the systems of oppression that persist. If we can’t talk about it, we’re unlikely to act on it.”
Through coaching, facilitation, and consulting, Carmen partners with clients to create inclusive environments where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive. She assists CEOs, boards, and teams at any stage—whether beginning their DEI journey or navigating a challenging crisis. Carmen guides them through difficult conversations on topics like racial equity and board diversity, helping transform dialogue into bold, progressive action. She frequently leads workshops on DEI, racial equity, unconscious bias, and conflict management, approaching each session with respect for the diverse experiences participants bring. Her ability to handle sensitive conversations with finesse and empathy has made her a sought-after facilitator among Black, White, Asian, Asian American, Native American, and Latino communities alike.
Carmen is passionate about calling forth the greatness in nonprofit leaders and helping organizations create lasting, positive change. Her work focuses on helping:
Carmen is also the creator of Uncovering and Confronting Racism: Laying the Foundation for Transformative Change, a program designed to support organizations in their equity and inclusion efforts. Her work with leadership teams has earned her the reputation of a “peaceful gatekeeper” and master facilitator.
A licensed Standards for Excellence® consultant and certified professional coach, Carmen previously served on the Ethics Committee at the Standards for Excellence Institute. She is the former Executive Pastor of the historic Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where she was the first woman to lead the congregation in 107 years. She also served as the Executive Director of the National Black Media Coalition, demonstrating her deep commitment to ethical leadership and community empowerment.
Carmen Marshall brings a powerful, first-hand understanding of how transformative it can be when organizations confront racism, sexism, and other systemic challenges that divide us. Drawing from her extensive civil rights experience, Carmen is dedicated to supporting leaders and organizations committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in meaningful ways. “As a society, we often struggle to address racial issues openly,” she says. “It’s hard work, requiring us to examine ourselves and the systems of oppression that persist. If we can’t talk about it, we’re unlikely to act on it.”
Through coaching, facilitation, and consulting, Carmen partners with clients to create inclusive environments where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive. She assists CEOs, boards, and teams at any stage—whether beginning their DEI journey or navigating a challenging crisis. Carmen guides them through difficult conversations on topics like racial equity and board diversity, helping transform dialogue into bold, progressive action. She frequently leads workshops on DEI, racial equity, unconscious bias, and conflict management, approaching each session with respect for the diverse experiences participants bring. Her ability to handle sensitive conversations with finesse and empathy has made her a sought-after facilitator among Black, White, Asian, Asian American, Native American, and Latino communities alike.
Carmen is passionate about calling forth the greatness in nonprofit leaders and helping organizations create lasting, positive change. Her work focuses on helping:
Carmen is also the creator of Uncovering and Confronting Racism: Laying the Foundation for Transformative Change, a program designed to support organizations in their equity and inclusion efforts. Her work with leadership teams has earned her the reputation of a “peaceful gatekeeper” and master facilitator.
A licensed Standards for Excellence® consultant and certified professional coach, Carmen previously served on the Ethics Committee at the Standards for Excellence Institute. She is the former Executive Pastor of the historic Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where she was the first woman to lead the congregation in 107 years. She also served as the Executive Director of the National Black Media Coalition, demonstrating her deep commitment to ethical leadership and community empowerment.
Director of Strategic Engagement
Activating and coordinating community responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic was how Wendy Wolff began her career in the nonprofit sector. Her early career helped her to build a strong understanding about the value and role of the community in program planning and policy development.
Wendy brings nearly 25 years of diverse consulting experiences to her role as Director of Strategic Engagement for Maryland Nonprofits. She has collaborated with government agencies; universities, nonprofit organizations; and faith-based organizations to enhance the quality of life within many communities throughout the United States. She uses her strategic thinking skills to help clients synthesize information from wide-ranging sources, reframe problems while uncovering root causes to find refreshing, creative and effective solutions.
Over the past two decades, Wendy has helped thousands of organizations and their people to create brighter futures for the communities in which they serve. Her excitement in working with the members of Maryland Nonprofit’s is infectious. She values the genius that each and every person brings to their role in the sector and works diligently to elevate any person that she engages with.
Wendy holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from New York University. She has resided as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver and as an Associate Faculty Member at Indian River State College. Wendy is a licensed consultant with the Standards for Excellence® Institute. Ms. Wolff’s first book, The Letter Writing Project (Blooming Twig Books), was published in August 2014.
Activating and coordinating community responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic was how Wendy Wolff began her career in the nonprofit sector. Her early career helped her to build a strong understanding about the value and role of the community in program planning and policy development.
Wendy brings nearly 25 years of diverse consulting experiences to her role as Director of Strategic Engagement for Maryland Nonprofits. She has collaborated with government agencies; universities, nonprofit organizations; and faith-based organizations to enhance the quality of life within many communities throughout the United States. She uses her strategic thinking skills to help clients synthesize information from wide-ranging sources, reframe problems while uncovering root causes to find refreshing, creative and effective solutions.
Over the past two decades, Wendy has helped thousands of organizations and their people to create brighter futures for the communities in which they serve. Her excitement in working with the members of Maryland Nonprofit’s is infectious. She values the genius that each and every person brings to their role in the sector and works diligently to elevate any person that she engages with.
Wendy holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from New York University. She has resided as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver and as an Associate Faculty Member at Indian River State College. Wendy is a licensed consultant with the Standards for Excellence® Institute. Ms. Wolff’s first book, The Letter Writing Project (Blooming Twig Books), was published in August 2014.
General Counsel
Padraic (“Paddy”) McSherry Morton has been providing legal services to Maryland Nonprofits’ members since 2002. Prior to her work with Maryland Nonprofits, Ms. Morton was an Associate with Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP and Law Clerk to the Honorable William M. Nickerson of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
As General Counsel, Ms. Morton provides startup services, advises on strategic partnerships including structural reorganization and corporate integration, negotiates critical contracts, and consults on governance and management strategies and implementation. Ms. Morton has served in a leadership capacity on numerous boards and community activities.
Ms. Morton gained her law degree at the University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., 1991. She holds a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Georgetown University. She is a licensed consultant with the Standards for Excellence® Institute.
Padraic (“Paddy”) McSherry Morton has been providing legal services to Maryland Nonprofits’ members since 2002. Prior to her work with Maryland Nonprofits, Ms. Morton was an Associate with Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP and Law Clerk to the Honorable William M. Nickerson of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
As General Counsel, Ms. Morton provides startup services, advises on strategic partnerships including structural reorganization and corporate integration, negotiates critical contracts, and consults on governance and management strategies and implementation. Ms. Morton has served in a leadership capacity on numerous boards and community activities.
Ms. Morton gained her law degree at the University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., 1991. She holds a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Georgetown University. She is a licensed consultant with the Standards for Excellence® Institute.
Senior Consultant
Paddy Prasada-Rao brings over 25 years of experience working with U.S. and international nonprofits to strengthen communities, develop leaders, and build resilient organizations. Her expertise spans strategic development, fundraising, program and board development, organizational operations, and financial management, making her a versatile asset for organizations seeking sustainable impact.
Paddy’s diverse background includes public health, providing technical assistance to health departments, psychiatric program management, geriatric research, corporate marketing, and leadership support for NGOs in India and Kenya. Her work has consistently focused on empowering underserved communities to lead transformative change, both domestically and abroad. She is passionate about creating opportunities for marginalized community members to drive renewal and development, guided by her commitment to community-driven progress.
Born in the U.S. to Indian parents, Paddy’s upbringing fostered a deep respect for the power of community and belonging. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Pre-med from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Public Health in Health Education/Community Development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With a lifetime of experience in community-centered work, Paddy’s approach is rooted in inclusivity and her vision of shared, sustainable growth.
Paddy Prasada-Rao brings over 25 years of experience working with U.S. and international nonprofits to strengthen communities, develop leaders, and build resilient organizations. Her expertise spans strategic development, fundraising, program and board development, organizational operations, and financial management, making her a versatile asset for organizations seeking sustainable impact.
Paddy’s diverse background includes public health, providing technical assistance to health departments, psychiatric program management, geriatric research, corporate marketing, and leadership support for NGOs in India and Kenya. Her work has consistently focused on empowering underserved communities to lead transformative change, both domestically and abroad. She is passionate about creating opportunities for marginalized community members to drive renewal and development, guided by her commitment to community-driven progress.
Born in the U.S. to Indian parents, Paddy’s upbringing fostered a deep respect for the power of community and belonging. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Pre-med from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Public Health in Health Education/Community Development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With a lifetime of experience in community-centered work, Paddy’s approach is rooted in inclusivity and her vision of shared, sustainable growth.
Senior Associate Consultant and Team Lead
Rihana Herbert is a seasoned public service leader with a dynamic track record of spearheading impactful initiatives and fostering growth within diverse communities. With a rich background in mental health, human services and public policy, Rihana’s career narrative consists of program management, project coordination, and strategic problem-solving, as well as consistently driving performance excellence across national nonprofit organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and various government agencies. Her expertise lies in leadership, team management, program coordination, and facilitation, which is showcased through the successful oversight of multifaceted projects and the implementation of various comprehensive public health and human service programs.
Rihana’s unwavering dedication to social justice and championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) inspires her proactive approach, fostering inclusive workplaces through intentional and culturally informed strategies. Beyond her leadership skills and passion for heart-centered systemic change, Rihana’s proficiency in fundraising, community outreach, and relationship-building has been instrumental in securing additional funding avenues and establishing lasting partnerships crucial for organizational growth and community engagement.
A graduate of Penn State University, Rihana is committed to continued learning, seeking out each and every opportunity available to enhance her expertise and ability to serve others. She brings a visionary approach to drive positive change, delivering exceptional results while remaining deeply rooted in the principles of community impact and growth.
Rihana Herbert is a seasoned public service leader with a dynamic track record of spearheading impactful initiatives and fostering growth within diverse communities. With a rich background in mental health, human services and public policy, Rihana’s career narrative consists of program management, project coordination, and strategic problem-solving, as well as consistently driving performance excellence across national nonprofit organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and various government agencies. Her expertise lies in leadership, team management, program coordination, and facilitation, which is showcased through the successful oversight of multifaceted projects and the implementation of various comprehensive public health and human service programs.
Rihana’s unwavering dedication to social justice and championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) inspires her proactive approach, fostering inclusive workplaces through intentional and culturally informed strategies. Beyond her leadership skills and passion for heart-centered systemic change, Rihana’s proficiency in fundraising, community outreach, and relationship-building has been instrumental in securing additional funding avenues and establishing lasting partnerships crucial for organizational growth and community engagement.
A graduate of Penn State University, Rihana is committed to continued learning, seeking out each and every opportunity available to enhance her expertise and ability to serve others. She brings a visionary approach to drive positive change, delivering exceptional results while remaining deeply rooted in the principles of community impact and growth.
Consulting Program Manager
