We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Megan Schwalm, President and CEO of the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition in Nashville, TN, as a new member of our Community Action Council! Dr. Schwalm brings a wealth of experience in leadership, educational policy, and public health.
With a PhD in Educational Policy and Public Health from the University of Iowa, Dr. Schwalm has over fifteen years of experience as a DEIJL Consultant and Trainer. She has previously served as Executive Director of two nonprofits supporting individuals with disabilities and worked as a Community Organizer for the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Additionally, Dr. Schwalm held roles as Diversity Resources Coordinator and Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Iowa. Passionate about fostering compassionate workspaces, she is committed to helping nonprofits address compassion fatigue among their teams. In her spare time, she enjoys creating art, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and their four children.
Dr. Schwalm was inspired to join Tennessee Nonprofit Network because she deeply believes in the power of collective advocacy and the importance of building a strong, connected nonprofit sector across the state. As a leader of a caregiver-focused nonprofit, she has observed firsthand how isolation, underfunding, and lack of infrastructure can limit impact, not due to a lack of passion, but because support systems are often fragmented or inaccessible. Joining the Community Action Council felt like a natural extension of her values and work. She wants to help shape policies and conversations that strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem, particularly for small and grassroots organizations led by women, people of color, and those rooted in lived experience. She believes that uniting to share knowledge, elevate equity, and speak with one voice can create more sustainable change.
For Dr. Schwalm, the nonprofit sector is the heart of Tennessee’s communities, representing care, resilience, and the power of people coming together to meet urgent needs and create lasting change.
During her time with Tennessee Nonprofit Network, she hopes to amplify the voices of smaller, grassroots nonprofits—especially those led by women and people of color—and advocate for more equitable funding and policy support. She aims to help create a stronger, more unified sector that uplifts diverse leadership and ensures all communities across Tennessee have access to the resources they need.
Dr. Schwalm is married to Ken, a high school science teacher, and they have a blended family with children Maddox (14), Rose (11), and bonus sons Matt (19) and Ben (17). Their household is filled with joy and laughter, thanks also to their two dogs: Walter, a spunky Yorkie, and Tula, a sweet Cockapoo.
As President and CEO of the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, Dr. Schwalm’s greatest joy is her team. She loves witnessing them embrace their strengths, grow in confidence, and shine. Leading a mission-driven organization with such passionate, purpose-filled people is both an honor and a daily inspiration.
She recently read “Rest Is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey, finding it a powerful reminder that rest is not a luxury but a radical act of reclaiming our humanity in a culture that glorifies overwork. As a nonprofit leader, this book challenged her to rethink how she models wellness, balance, and care for herself, her team, and her community.
Dr. Schwalm loves the deep sense of community in Middle Tennessee, noting a spirit of creativity, resilience, and care evident in neighborhoods, schools, and local nonprofits. She especially appreciates how people unite to support each other during difficult times and celebrate moments of joy.
Her all-time favorite movie is “Pretty in Pink.” She loves its iconic fashion, unforgettable soundtrack, and how it captures the angst and heart of being a teenager. Most of all, she enjoys watching a strong, creative young woman stay true to herself despite societal pressures.
Dr. Schwalm loves catching live music at the Ryman Auditorium, finding something magical about its history, acoustics, and intimate vibe that makes every show a special experience.
A hidden talent that might surprise people is that Dr. Schwalm used to play roller derby and still loves to skate. She describes it as a fun, empowering experience that pushed her physically and mentally. While not on the track these days, she still laces up her skates whenever possible.
If she could travel anywhere, Dr. Schwalm would go to Paris in a heartbeat. She loves international travel and, while open to new places, Paris holds a special place in her heart due to its energy, rich culture, and incredible food.
Her advice for someone starting a career in the nonprofit sector is to “lead with heart, but protect your own.” She emphasizes that the work is meaningful and often deeply personal, but burnout is real. She advises setting boundaries, finding mentors, and building community with others who understand the unique joys and challenges of the field, stating, “You can’t pour from an empty cup—sustain yourself to sustain the mission.”
Outside of her work with Tennessee Nonprofit Network, Dr. Schwalm is deeply passionate about racial equity. She believes in challenging systems of oppression and working toward a more just and inclusive world. This passion manifests in both her personal and professional life through advocacy, community building, and ensuring that marginalized voices are centered and uplifted in every space she is part of.
A fun fact about Dr. Schwalm that most people don’t know is that she used to work on political campaigns. She has advised gubernatorial campaigns, worked on presidential races, and even ran for office herself, maintaining a deep love for local politics and its power to create meaningful, community-driven change.