Leading a nonprofit takes more than passion and conviction. It also requires the leadership to shape a clear vision, build a robust strategy, and bring stakeholders together around a shared purpose over the long term. With this in mind, Orange and Turningpoint opened three places on Orange’s leadership programme to three nonprofit leaders. The program gives them the opportunity to strengthen their leadership while gaining fresh perspectives from working alongside leaders in a major international company.
Virginie Scheffer, founder of the nonprofit Le Sens de l’École, reflects on how the Orange program has helped her grow as a leader and the tangible impact this journey has had on both her leadership and her organisation.
Clarifying her leadership role
Founded six years ago by Virginie Scheffer, Le Sens de l’École works to prevent children from dropping out of school by supporting teachers in under-resourced primary schools. As the organisation grew rapidly, Virginie found herself needing to step back and redefine her role as its leader.
The Orange program became a pivotal moment in that journey. It gave her the space to clarify her leadership approach, sharpen her vision, articulate the organisation’s value proposition, and better align strategic decisions with its mission.
Strengthening partnerships through stronger leadership
The benefits extended well beyond strategy. By developing her leadership, Virginie also transformed the way the organisation engages with its partners. With a clearer narrative, more focused objectives, and a stronger value proposition, Le Sens de l’École was able to build deeper, more productive relationships with its partners.
This shift in leadership paved the way for a more collaborative model based on co-creation and mutual value, strengthening both the organisation’s credibility and the clarity of its positioning.
Growing as a leader to increase impact
For Virginie Scheffer, the program’s value goes far beyond personal development:
“It’s an incredible opportunity for me as a leader, but above all for the organisation and the children we support.”
By investing in her leadership, she has strengthened the foundations of the organisation and created the conditions for greater, more lasting impact. Her story reflects a core Turningpoint belief: leadership is not just for business. It is also one of the most powerful levers for helping nonprofits amplify their impact.
