At Project Evident, we’re committed to empowering practitioners to drive their own evidence agendas. Our Equitable Outcomes Wallet plays a crucial role in this mission by connecting nonprofits with free evidence-related technical assistance (TA), helping them deliver strong, equitable outcomes for the communities they serve. Dr. Blake Noel is one of our TA partners. The founder of Esnamzen Consulting and a leader in educational equity, Blake’s work combines human-centered design, holistic program evaluation, and systems thinking, along with a diverse lived experience, to support the development of programs and leaders in the nonprofit, for-profit, and philanthropic sectors. Project Evident Associate Director Kaylan Moore recently sat down with Blake to discuss his journey, insights, and the value of technical assistance in the nonprofit sector.

Can you tell us about your background and how you came into technical assistance?

I grew up poor and Black in an underserved and overlooked community, which instilled in me a deep passion for social change, justice, and equity. This led me to become a Chicago Public Schools teacher, where I created a new social-emotional development coordinator position because back then I had to argue that it mattered how kids felt. After that, I pursued graduate studies, worked as a program officer for a major foundation, launched the first accredited undergraduate teaching apprenticeship program in the country, and served as an executive director. All these experiences culminated in my desire to share my insights and support others in doing impactful work.

What excites you about this work?

I’m passionate about supporting leaders in their mission to create positive change. Leadership can be lonely, with many challenges that can’t always be shared openly. I enjoy being a confidant, supporter, and trusted expert for these leaders, helping them to work more effectively and efficiently. And it’s been incredibly rewarding to work with the amazing individuals I’ve encountered through Project Evident.

What trends are you seeing in your work with nonprofits?

One common trend is the constant firefighting that leaders face. There are so many demands on their attention that taking a step back to evaluate their direction and alignment with their original mission becomes a rare privilege. Our work often provides that crucial opportunity to pause, breathe, and recenter on their goals before moving forward with a solid plan.

What do you perceive to be the biggest challenges when providing technical assistance support?

Two challenges stand out. First, internal messaging can be difficult. Leaders often need help explaining the importance of theory of change and evaluation work to their teams, boards, and staff. Second, implementing an evaluation framework after the initial work can feel like “one more thing” for busy organizations. The key is integrating it into daily operations for continuous improvement rather than just for reporting purposes.

What advice do you have for organizations that are unsure about moving forward with technical assistance support?

If you’re being offered technical assistance, it’s because someone believes in your potential. It’s an opportunity to take a longer view, refine your story, and ensure you’re focused on your original mission. I’d encourage organizations to seize this opportunity – it’s a vote of confidence in your work and a chance to enhance your impact.

Any final thoughts you’d like to share about this work?

I’ve been continually amazed by the organizations I’ve worked with through Project Evident. The scale of their impact, their ability to create something from nothing, and their deep focus on their local communities is truly inspiring. It’s an honor to support such exemplary organizations and be part of their journey to create positive change.