Systems and organizations are recognizing the need for collaborative partnerships and holistic strategies to address the root causes of today’s complex societal challenges.
The work is hard — but at Next Stage, it’s our calling.
For over a decade, we’ve partnered with nonprofits, private sector companies, government agencies, health systems, faith institutions, philanthropy, and community leaders to find common ground at the intersection of social good.
We listen first, build effective strategies, and help mobilize movements that fuel social impact.
Our team of consultants, community voice ambassadors, marketing experts, and collaboration management strategists work together to meet each client’s unique needs.
Our Values
Integrity
We uphold values-aligned processes that demonstrate our commitment to each other and the communities we serve.
Collaboration
We achieve ambitious goals together.
People-Centeredness
and Proximity
We prioritize a listening-first approach and promote community-informed solutions.
Equity
We advocate for the dismantling of systemic barriers that limit fairness and opportunity for all.
Belonging
We champion inclusive practices to celebrate diversity and encourage authenticity.
The Team
Jalah Blackmon
Director, Impact for Health
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With a background in public health education and nonprofit program management, Jalah uses a social justice and health equity lens to lead Impact for Health initiatives at Next Stage, helping to challenge systemic barriers to wellness. She’s also the cofounder of The Black Light Foundation, a 501(c)3, family-led nonprofit focused on mental health and suicide prevention.
Oscar Gomez
Marketing Operations Manager
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With several years of agency experience, Oscar has navigated the ever-evolving marketing landscape in both B2C/DTC and B2B spheres. He leads Next Stage’s CRM, data and analytics, and omnichannel marketing strategies. As a first-generation immigrant from Mexico, he’s dedicated to supporting fellow Latino professionals and businesses on their journeys.
Caylin Haldeman
Director of Strategy
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Caylin brings more than a decade of experience in community-centered design and organizational development to Next Stage, where she leads initiatives focused on growth operations, client experience, and research. Outside of work, Caylin enjoys reading, exploring her East Charlotte neighborhood, and spending time with her husband and their dogs Nacho and Juno.
Nora Hines
Content Manager
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With experience in developmental editing and design, Nora leads the content management and production process at Next Stage. Nora previously worked as a public school-based speech-language pathologist before transitioning into editorial and content marketing roles.
Helen Hope Kimbrough
Senior Director, Community Voice
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Helen champions diversity, equity, and inclusion and leads Next Stage’s Community Voice service line and the company’s fellowship program. Additional focus areas include project management, business development, and thought leadership. She is the author of four multicultural children’s books and serves as the cohost of the Behind The Throne podcast.
Josh Jacobson
Founder and CEO
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With over a decade of experience in social impact, consulting, and innovation, Josh leads Next Stage’s strategic planning and collaboration management engagements and is a major contributor to the company’s thought leadership efforts. In his spare time, he serves as guitarist and lead vocalist of the 80s/90s cover band “No Whammies.”
Wendy Orrego
Visual Design Manager
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Hailing from Guatemala City, Wendy has led design teams and managed high-quality branding projects. She uses her design expertise to support Next Stage and its nonprofit and social good clients. Wendy holds a degree in Audiovisual Production from Universidad Panamericana de Guatemala.
Nimisha Patel
Vice President, Impact for Health
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Nimisha leads innovative collaboration efforts with healthcare organizations and community partners to address today’s most pressing health challenges. With a background in consulting, healthcare system administration, nonprofits, and other business sectors, Nimisha has collaborated with systems in complex matrix organizations and has expertise facilitating through the various phases of change. Each fall, she coaches undergraduate students in the entrepreneurship program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.