Lenore A. Brinson
Lenore A. Brinson is a nonprofit executive leader based in Tampa, Florida, serving as the Executive Director of Florida Epilepsy Services/Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. With nearly a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector following eight years of military service, she has built a career centered on strategic leadership, community advocacy, and mission-driven program development. She is recognized for her ability to guide organizations through growth and transformation, strengthening operational systems while expanding community impact for individuals and families affected by epilepsy across the state. Beginning her nonprofit journey in 2015, Lenore advanced through multiple roles within Florida Epilepsy Services, including Business Manager, Community Operations Manager, and Community Director, before stepping into her current executive leadership position. Under her direction, the organization has significantly expanded its programming, increased funding, and enhanced statewide outreach efforts, including seizure first aid training for community members, schools, and public service agencies. She leads a small but highly effective team focused on delivering free case management services, education, and referral support to underserved populations. In addition to her executive role, Lenore is the founder of Inspired by Queens, Inc., a nonprofit initiative dedicated to empowerment, advocacy, and community engagement. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes empowerment over micromanagement, cultivating strong teams and sustainable systems that allow others to thrive. Guided by a deep commitment to service, she focuses on building partnerships, advancing awareness, and creating meaningful pathways for lasting community impact.
• CPR/AED/First Aid
• Seizure First Aid
• Cosmetology
• Published article recognition for being an active community partner and making change within the community
• Florida Nonprofit
• NAACP member
• Founder of Inspired by Queens nonprofit
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to just wanting to be the best me. This is a me thing - it just happens to involve other people. In order for me to be the best that I can when it comes to community and myself, I have to be the best me first. It's about focusing on being the best version of myself, and that naturally extends to how I serve my community and lead my team.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was 'you belong.' I had a season where I doubted myself because I didn't look like my peers and I didn't have the same educational background - they had doctorates and MPH degrees, and I didn't have that, even though I had the same work experience. Another Black woman, a CEO, told me 'you belong here' and broke down my skill set for me. She said most people either know strategic planning or leadership, but I do both, and I'm good at doing both. She told me not to let that hinder me. Once I got over that doubt, I was able to present my best self. I was doing good before, but it wasn't my best self - now who I am is my best self.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry to give yourself grace. There's no handbook or blueprint - everyone's path is different. Give yourself grace and know that you're doing the best that you can do. Focus on the things that you can change, that are within your reach, and the things that you can't change, let it be, accept it, and go about your business. Don't stay in it too long, because then you become that. Focus on what you can control and change, and no matter what you do in life, give yourself grace.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are funding and community engagement. Funding is the main thing - as you can see in today's economy, funding is getting cut here and there, everywhere, and being in the nonprofit sector, it really affects us a lot. We're trying to be creative and find other avenues for funding. Community engagement is also a challenge, and it's just because of the stigma behind epilepsy. We're doing everything we can to try to break that stigma, but it's an ongoing challenge.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I place the highest value on integrity, accountability, and empathy.