About Gasby
I am a…
Activist, Artist, Christian, Designer, Entrepreneur, Foodie, Idea generator, Marketer, Philanthropist, World traveler
Bio
M. Gasby Brown has had an unparalleled passion for the nonprofit industry. Her work and impact are testaments to her strong belief in the need for good philanthropic practices. As Founder & CEO of The Gasby Group, Inc. (TGG), she has led a powerhouse team of global organizational development, communications, and philanthropic experts with an impressive list of clients. The TGG offerings have included a broad range of consulting services, including fundraising readiness, board development, strategic planning, succession planning, campaign planning studies, annual sustainability and recognition programs, as well as capital campaign design.
Brown is a recently retired faculty member of the prestigious The Fund Raising School (TFRS) at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy where she taught for two decades. She shared her strategic thinking and expertise with fundraising professionals, executives, and board members nationally and internationally. The courses Gasby taught included Managing the Capital Campaign, Developing Major Gifts, Principles & Techniques of Fundraising, Annual Sustainability, and Fundraising for Small Nonprofits.
Ms. Brown has authored several books: Art of Praise, 7 Fatal Flaws of Non-Profit Boards and How to Fix Them, and The Seven Qualities of Capital Campaign Success. Her most recent book, Business of a Spiritual Matter: What All Leaders of Faith-Based Nonprofits Should Know has received endorsements from notable leaders across the country. The book’s foreword was written by Dr. William Enright, Founding Director Emeritus, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. Brown’s upcoming book project, Think Like a Nonprofit, Act Like a Business will be her final philanthropic publication to be released in 2025. Her chapter contribution, Engaging the Board in Fundraising is widely read in the 6th Edition of Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, published by Wiley Press.
Gasby Brown has held cabinet-level positions with organizations such as Greenpeace, the National Urban League, and the Washington National Opera. Her innovative strategies and entrepreneurial approaches left an indelible impact on these entities and remain in place today.
As a former reporter for Fox Television’s WNYW in New York City, where she was a Financial Correspondent for "The McCreary Report" and a General Assignment Reporter, her stories were nominated for several awards. She was also the New York Correspondent for BET, interviewing the top names in the entertainment industry.
A product of Detroit Public Schools. Gasby holds a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School and conducted advanced research in new communications technology at MIT’s renowned Media Lab.
In 2024, Brown decided to devote her time and talent to being a full-time professional artist. With more than 400 of her pieces sold throughout the US, Canada, and the Caribbean since 2002, she has captured the attention of celebrity collectors, business leaders, and appreciators of expressive art.
Her board involvement has included the Institute of Policy and Understanding (ISPU), Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project (Advisory Board), Kids Hope USA (National Advisor), and Grand Valley State University Johnson Center (Advisory Council). Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees at Bethel University and serves on the Executive Committee
I'm passionate about
Social Justice, the impact of art, and telling stories that inform the historical context, Interior Design
An idea worth spreading
Is Erasing Truthful History a Fundamental Character Trait?
AI and Art
Why Robots Can Never Replace Humans to Frame Art
How the Reconstruction Era in the US Lived and Died
Why "Participation Trophies" are destroying Excellence
What Your Kitchen Says About You
Areas of expertise
African American History, Art, Philanthropy
The TED story
Artist Statement
Inspired by profound dreams that blurred the line between sleep and wakefulness, my artistic journey began unexpectedly in 2002. With each brushstroke, every intricately chosen piece for my collages, and all the diverse mediums I've embraced, I channel stories rich in emotion, history, and personal experiences. At the heart of my work is a lifelong commitment to championing the underrepresented and taking a stand against racial inequity. From highlighting unsung heroes of the music scene to confronting societal biases, my art serves as a rallying cry for justice, love, and a deeper understanding of the narratives that have shaped us. Dive into my world, and you'll find more than just art – you'll discover a movement, a purpose, and a relentless voice seeking change.
Things you might not know
Cooking, Dancing, Singing