Lakesha York is a visionary leader with over twenty years of dedicated service in the nonprofit sector. As the founder of Synergy Works Better, Lakesha has channeled her extensive experience in strategic leadership and fund development into creating a firm that specializes in enhancing nonprofit organizations' operational and fundraising capacities. Before founding Synergy Works Better, Lakesha held pivotal roles where she led nonprofits through significant growth phases, overseeing everything from strategic planning to comprehensive community engagement initiatives. Her expertise spans across multiple sectors including youth development, health advocacy, and education, making her a versatile and dynamic leader. Her passion for creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities inspired her to start Synergy Works Better. Under her leadership, Synergy Works Better operates as a woman-led, Black-owned business that brings together a diverse team of experienced professionals.

Lakesha’s leadership at Synergy Works Better and her community engagement reflect her dedication to fostering a culture of empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity. Through her work, she aims to inspire and implement meaningful change that resonates across communities, making a lasting impact in the nonprofit sector.

Synergy Works Better: A Timeline of Referral-Driven Growth

2021 – Humble Beginnings
Synergy Works Better began with a simple goal: to help nonprofits and small businesses secure funding through expert grant writing. Founded by a passionate community development professional, we initially served a small group of local organizations. Our personalized, results-driven approach quickly resonated, leading to our first referrals—word-of-mouth clients who trusted us based on positive experiences shared by others.

2022 – Growing Through Word of Mouth
As our reputation spread, so did our client base. We expanded our services to include fundraising strategy workshops, nonprofit management training, and digital marketing consultations. Referrals became our main growth engine, as satisfied clients began recommending Synergy Works Better to their networks. By mid-year, nearly all new projects were the result of recommendations, helping us establish deep, trusted relationships in the nonprofit sector.

2023 – Expanding Services Through Client Connections
With a strong referral network in place, Synergy Works Better continued to grow, launching grant writing bootcamps and new online resources. Over 90% of our business was now referral-based, proving the effectiveness of our hands-on, collaborative approach. Long-term partnerships flourished as clients referred us to peer organizations and introduced us to new sectors. We became a go-to resource for organizations looking to boost their fundraising and operational capacity.

2024 – Sustained Referral-Based Success
By 2024, Synergy Works Better was thriving, with client referrals continuing to drive our growth. Our services have expanded nationwide, yet our focus remains the same: providing personalized, high-quality support. New initiatives, such as our grant clinics and online courses, have been met with enthusiasm from both existing and referral clients, solidifying our reputation as a trusted partner in nonprofit development.

Our approach thrives on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. We foster an environment where every team member's voice is valued, and diverse perspectives are celebrated. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and mutual respect, we cultivate a supportive and empowering atmosphere where everyone can reach their full potential.

What sets us apart is our deep-rooted commitment to empowering nonprofits, our collaborative approach, and our focus on delivering tailored solutions that drive real impact. We prioritize transparency, communication, and client-centered support to ensure the success of every organization we work with.

At Synergy Works Better, our dedication to community involvement extends far beyond our work with clients. We actively invest in the causes and communities we serve through board participation, collective fundraising efforts, and direct support for local programs. Many of our staff members serve on the boards of local organizations, with several holding key leadership roles. Our founder, for example, serves as a board member of the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition and as Fundraising Chair for The Kind Company, further demonstrating our commitment to making a lasting impact.

In addition to sponsoring and attending our clients’ fundraisers, we collaborate on and co-present programs that strengthen communities. Notably, we've co-authored initiatives such as the Summer Youth Entrepreneurship Project and Scholarship ME (My Education), programs designed to engage under-resourced, BIPOC youth by equipping them with entrepreneurial skills and educational support.

Our founder’s deep commitment to equity is also reflected in her role as the co-founder of Thrive Sis!, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting women of color through professional development and wellness programs. This engagement reflects our broader mission at Synergy Works Better, where we not only provide expert services but also actively contribute to the growth and empowerment of the communities we serve.