Dana S. Cummings, EdD, CFRE | December 2025
As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all that 2025 has brought to DSC Consulting—our firstfull year in business, our first major milestones, and the continued expansion of a dream that’s turning into something far bigger than we imagined.
This was a year of meaningful work with amazing clients—foundations, nonprofits, universities, and purpose-driven organizations—each working to create a more vibrant, equitable, and connected world. Your missions inspire us, and your trust fuels our work.
It was also a year of partnership. In August, I was thrilled to welcome my longtime colleague and dear friend Andrea Gash to the team as Senior Consultant and Business Partner. Andrea and I have worked together in various capacities over the years, and we’ve always known we make a great team. Together, we now bring more than 40 years of combined experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and strategic facilitation—and we’re just getting started.
We’ve laughed a lot this year. We’ve worked hard. We’ve mapped out big goals for 2026 and beyond. And we’ve leaned into our shared belief that when women are empowered to lead—especially in consulting, strategy, and entrepreneurial spaces—everyone benefits.
Part of a National Movement
Earlier this fall, a headline from Forbes stopped me in my tracks:
“Why Millions of Women Are Choosing Entrepreneurship in 2025”
In 2024, women started nearly 1 of every 2 new businesses in America—the highest rate ever recorded.
I couldn’t stop thinking about that article. Because this—this movement toward women-led entrepreneurship—isn’t just something I’m witnessing. It’s something I’m living.
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be calling myself an entrepreneur, I would have laughed. My background is in higher ed and nonprofit advancement—not business development. I’ve never taken a single business class. But here I am, one year into running a growing consulting firm, and I can say without hesitation: I’m all in.
In many ways, this journey has been an extension of my doctoral research. My dissertation, Spinning Plates, explored the barriers women face in pursuing leadership roles. What I found then, and what I believe even more now, is that when we create spaces where women are trusted, supported, and empowered to do their best work, everyone wins.
Looking Ahead
We’re already looking forward to 2026. We have bold goals:
- To grow our consulting capacity and take on more large-scale projects
- To remain deeply rooted in integrity, partnership, and strategy
- To expand opportunities for women in consulting, facilitation, and leadership
And, as always, to keep showing up for the clients and communities we serve.
To all of you who have followed our journey, supported our work, or simply cheered us on from afar—thank you. We are proud of what we’ve built in 2025, and we’re even more excited about what’s coming next.
With gratitude,
Dana + Andrea
DSC Consulting