About us
Our Purpose And Founding Story
CLBE was created in direct response to an urgent need in the nonprofit sector: the gap between passion and preparation. As service demands increase and staff capacity is stretched thin, organizations need leadership pipelines that are scalable, strategic, and rooted in equity.
We developed the Nonprofit 360™ framework to solve that challenge.
This three-tiered training pathway offers a clear, actionable structure for individual professionals and entire teams—delivering real-world tools and leadership strategies that work across departments, cultures, and missions.
At our core, we believe that leadership is learnable, repeatable, and necessary—especially in times of uncertainty and change.
What We Stand For
We don't take shortcuts. We don't rely on buzzwords. Every training we deliver is grounded in these core values:
Organizational Foundation
Build essential nonprofit systems for mission-aligned growth.
Equity
We embed DEIB principles into every facet of our work, from language to leadership.
Integrity
We practice what we teach and lead with full transparency and trust.
Empowerment
We believe leadership is for everyone, not just those with titles.
Sustainability
Our goal is long-term change, not one-time inspiration.
Meet the Founder:
Malika Brown-Brothers, M.S.
Malika Brown-Brothers is the Founder of the Center for Leadership and Business Excellence (CLBE), where she equips mission-driven professionals and organizations with the tools to thrive. With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience in workforce development, housing, youth services, and economic justice, she is known for turning complex systems into practical strategies that strengthen teams and sustain impact.
Malika holds a Master of Science in Business Management & Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations from the City University of New York (CUNY). She also completed advanced executive training at the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab and Rutgers University, with certifications in performance leadership, data-driven decision-making, and cultural competence.
Her career includes senior roles as Director of System Programs, Chief Strategy Officer, and Chief of Staff, where she led cross-functional teams, advanced DEIB initiatives, reduced homelessness, and secured millions in funding.
At CLBE, Malika leads professional development programs—including Nonprofit 360, Management Mastery, and The Seven Principles of Transformative Leadership—designed to strengthen management pipelines, prevent burnout, and build resilient organizations. She is also a trusted advisor to executives and peers, respected for her integrity, precision, and people-first leadership style.
"I don't believe in generic workshops. I believe in leadership development that's practical, personalized, and deeply rooted in your mission."
— Malika Brown-Brothers, M.S.
What Makes CLBE Different
Over two decades of experience in real-world nonprofit operations
Flexible delivery (in-person, virtual, and blended formats)
A proven three-tier training model (Nonprofit 360™) that scales with your growth
A track record of helping organizations retain talent and reduce burnout
DEIB-first facilitation rooted in cultural competence and belonging