Dana S. Cummings EdD, CFRE | July 2026
Over the past few weeks, Andrea and I have been overwhelmed by the kind messages, encouragement, and support we’ve received following the launch of Northstarr Strategies. Every note, phone call, social media comment, referral, and congratulations has reminded us how fortunate we are to do this work alongside so many wonderful people. We simply couldn’t let this moment pass without saying thank you.
While July 15 marked the official launch of Northstarr Strategies, the truth is that this has been a natural progression for quite some time. When I founded Dana Starr Cummings (DSC) Consulting two years ago, I wasn’t trying to build a large consulting firm. I was simply following an opportunity to continue doing work that I have loved throughout my career: helping good organizations become even stronger.
As the firm grew, however, something interesting happened. The projects became more diverse, the relationships became deeper, and the work itself expanded. Andrea joined me, and together we found ourselves serving organizations in ways that extended well beyond traditional consulting engagements. We were facilitating strategic planning processes, coaching leaders, helping communities tackle difficult challenges, supporting fundraising initiatives, and bringing together people from different sectors to solve problems that no one organization could solve alone.
At some point, we realized that the name DSC Consulting no longer fully reflected either who we were or where we were headed. Northstarr Strategies represents that broader vision. It reflects the kind of firm we are building and, more importantly, the kind of partner we hope to be for our clients.
People occasionally ask why I decided to start this business in the first place. The answer really comes down to something I’ve observed throughout my career. Whether I was working in higher education, philanthropy, or now through consulting, I have consistently found that organizations are filled with talented, passionate people who genuinely want to make a difference. More often than not, what they need isn’t more passion—they need clarity. They need thoughtful strategy, honest conversations, strong leadership, and someone who can help bring people together around a shared vision. That is the work that energizes me, and it is the reason Northstarr exists.
Today, our work is organized around five practice areas that allow us to meet organizations where they are and help them move forward with confidence. We partner with nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, foundations, businesses, and communities on strategic planning and facilitation, fundraising and philanthropy, leadership development and executive coaching, community and economic development, and organizational strategy and capacity building. Although every engagement is different, our purpose remains the same: helping organizations create meaningful, lasting impact.
Another exciting milestone for us this month was officially becoming members of the Association of Philanthropic Counsel (APC). Even before joining, we had experienced firsthand the generosity of this community. We have met consultants from across the country who have welcomed us with open arms, generously shared their wisdom, and demonstrated that there is room for collaboration as well as excellence in this profession. We are honored to be part of that network and look forward to learning from and contributing to it in the years ahead.
Closer to home, we are especially proud to continue growing as a woman-owned, woman-led consulting firm based here in Indiana. This state has shaped both of our careers, introduced us to remarkable leaders, and provided opportunities that neither of us takes for granted. While our work increasingly takes us beyond Indiana’s borders, many of our clients are right here at home. Every day we have the privilege of working alongside people who are strengthening communities, advancing education, improving quality of life, and creating opportunities for others. It is incredibly rewarding work, and we feel fortunate to play even a small role in helping those efforts succeed.
As I reflect on where we are today, I don’t really think of Northstarr as a brand-new beginning. Instead, it feels like the next chapter in a story that has been unfolding for many years. Andrea and I remain committed to listening well, working hard, telling the truth with kindness, and helping organizations move confidently toward the futures they envision for themselves. We know there is still much to learn, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Most of all, we are grateful. We are grateful to every client who has trusted us, every partner who has collaborated with us, every colleague who has offered advice, and every family member and friend who has encouraged us along the way. Thank you for believing in us and for allowing us to do work that we genuinely love. We are excited about what the future holds, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
We’re ready when you are.