The Women in Business Summit starts tomorrow in Springfield, MA, bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders from across the region. We recently shared an overview of the summit on Inc413.
We did some digging to find out more about keynote speaker Endia DeCordova, and we can confidently say that when she takes the stage, she’ll bring more than titles.
As Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Morgan State University (MSU) and Executive Director of the MSU Foundation, her career is a story of vision, loyalty, and courageous leadership.
Here are seven lessons from her journey that set the stage for her keynote.
1. Leadership begins with authenticity and courage
DeCordova has said that authentic leadership requires honesty, courage, and vulnerability; a willingness to admit uncertainty and still keep climbing. This mindset anchors her approach to leading with both strength and humanity.
2. Return to your roots to give back
As a Morgan State alumna, DeCordova came back to lead advancement at her alma mater. That return underscores the value of reinvesting your skills and energy into the communities and institutions that shaped you.
3. Build capacity from within
Rather than only chasing external support, DeCordova emphasizes strengthening internal teams, adding staff, investing in professional development, and ensuring her division can deliver on ambitious goals.
4. Tell stories that move people
For Endia DeCordova, institutional advancement is about more than raising money. It’s about telling the story of Morgan State; its students, faculty, and impact, in ways that attract donors, inspire alumni, and build loyalty.
5. Balance big goals with everyday engagement
DeCordova pursues transformational gifts and new buildings, but she also prioritizes annual giving and community volunteerism. Leaders must be able to zoom out to the big picture and zoom in to the daily actions that sustain momentum.
6. Invest in what’s growing
DeCordova’s current focus includes strategic growth areas at MSU: new health and human services facilities, endowed chairs, and innovation in engineering and business. Leaders should direct resources where they can have the greatest long-term impact.
7. Never stop climbingDeCordova often describes her path as still unfolding. “I’ve taken many paths, I’m still climbing.” It’s a reminder that leadership is not a fixed destination but a continual journey of growth and self-discovery.
CONTRIBUTOR
Inc413 News Team
The Inc413 news team compiles business stories from across Western Massachusetts and beyond. Our primary focus is on stories that have an impact on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the people they employ.
