Lidia Varesco Design

09/04/2026

We’re one week away! If ""create an annual report"" is on your to-do list, now’s the perfect time to get started.

Join me September 9 for Design Your Nonprofit Annual Report in Canva. We’ll deconstruct a finished report to see how content, imagery, and design work together, then use that process to start planning your own report in Canva.

A good annual report is more than information, it’s storytelling by design.

Hosted by CharityHowTo. Registration link is in the comments.

09/03/2026

Nominations are now open for the 2026 AWTC Awards, recognizing women who are advancing associations through technology. Take a moment to think about who's inspired you this year, and put her name forward.

This year's award categories are Technology Leadership Award, Technology Innovation Award and Technology Champion Award. Nominations due: October 2, 2026.

See link to nomination form in comments ⬇️

09/03/2026

I'm working on a coaching program to offer to clients (stay tuned) so I've been reading a lot about the process. This quote from an article stood out to me: "Coaching becomes strategic when it helps leaders tackle real-time challenges that directly affect performance, culture, or results."

This is exactly what I aim to do in my coaching process: to empower nonprofit leaders to strengthen their organization's overall branding while tackling the daily branding challenges that arise.

If you've worked with a coach, what was the most important aspect for you?

A one-to-one investment can yield enterprise-wide returns—but only when the rationale for it is rooted in strategy.

09/01/2026

I'm excited to share that I recently became a founding member of The Alliance for Women in Associations, a community built by and for women who lead within the association and nonprofit world.

I attended a recent local networking event and, after running into a client and several friends, I truly felt I was among kindred spirits. I look forward to making more connections and helping the community grow.

08/31/2026

I’m excited to be part of Nonprofit ConnectionFest 2.0, an interactive virtual event designed for nonprofit professionals to learn, connect, and actually talk to people, not just sit through another webinar.

I’ll be moderating a panel discussion, Creating Digital Experiences That Convert with four fellow nonprofit marketers.

And make sure to stick around as Ill be presenting a 25-minute workshop, Nonprofit Branding That Connects & Converts, right after the panel.

Come for the ideas, stay for the connections!

Register at the link in the comments!

08/27/2026

Chicago Reader—or as we called it, just The Reader—was a big part of my early adulthood. It's been a while, but I picked up a copy of the weekly paper at my library recently and noticed they had rebranded and moved to a new format.

Any other Reader readers? What do you think of the new format?

'This is the start of something old.'

08/27/2026

Struggling with your first annual report? Join me September 9 for Design Your Story: Build Your Nonprofit Annual Report in Canva, an interactive workshop where we’ll take a finished annual report apart to see how content, visuals, and design work together. Then, you’ll use what you’ve learned to start planning and designing your own report in Canva.

Because a good annual report isn’t just information. It’s storytelling by design.

Hosted by CharityHowTo. Registration link is in the comments.

08/26/2026

Last weekend, I went to my first summer forest bathing session. I’ve attended during fall and winter, so it was a treat to see the forest filled with vibrant green leaves.

We always set an intention at the start of the session, and this time, I planned to take the peace of the forest with me into this first week of school for my kids.

But I quickly realized the sun had other plans.

Over the course of 2+ hours, it kept drawing my attention to different parts of the forest—from the way the hazy light shimmered on the Chicago River to how it moved and changed through the trees. In addition to peace, I left with a sense of awe and wonder.

Wonder often seems to be reserved for kids, but why?

The more we take the time to stop and notice the small things that make us say “wow,” the more creative, open and receptive we can be in our daily life. The key, of course, is taking the time.

Which is why I’m grateful my friend introduced me to our local forest bathing guide, Allison of Trees & Tranquility Forest Therapy. Without her guidance, I’m sure I wouldn’t slow down and notice nearly as much as I did this past weekend.

What made you stop in awe or wonder recently?

08/22/2026

This is why I completely unplug while on vacation: no email, no social media, no work. And my last vacation a week ago was no exception. No regrets! I always return rested and inspired.

08/20/2026

A two-hour online workshop is no joke, but we did it!

The last time I taught this CharityHowTo session on creating a nonprofit content calendar, I realized we needed more time so we extended it by 30 minutes. The extra time allowed me to present the material in two parts without rushing—plus we had more time for group brainstorming and conversations, which are always so valuable for everyone (especially me).

Thank you to everyone who spent their lunchtime with me!