Dr. April Willis, Founder and Lead Consultant of April Willis Consulting (AWC) and Founder of the National Nonprofit Collaborative (NNC), has built her work around a practical goal. She helps people and organizations move from plans to action. Based in North Texas and serving clients across the country, her work covers business consulting, nonprofit support, executive coaching, public speaking, executive search, and book publishing.
Her academic background includes a Doctorate and three master’s degrees. Her professional experience spans education, leadership, operations, business, and nonprofit work. She established AWC in 2018 and has continued to expand its services as client needs have changed.
That expansion now includes a growing focus on executive search and placement, along with book editing and publishing. At the same time, Dr. April Willis continues to build her work in nonprofit leadership through the NNC, which was created to give nonprofit professionals access to practical resources and support.
Dr. April Willis Builds Services Around Professional Growth
April Willis Consulting works with small businesses, nonprofits, start-ups, and individuals. Its consulting model begins with understanding a client’s current position and desired direction before recommending services. The firm offers business consulting, career coaching, executive and leadership coaching, and professional speaking.
One newer area is executive search and placement. Dr. April Willis and her team have completed dozens of searches for C-level and director positions nationwide. This work gives organizations support when they need to identify leaders who fit the responsibilities and goals of a specific role.
Book editing and publishing have also become an important part of AWC’s work. During the past year, the company helped publish five books for clients across the country. The service gives professionals another way to organize their expertise and share their experiences with a broader audience.
Public Speaking Turns Experience Into Practical Lessons
Public speaking remains another major part of Dr. April Willis’ professional work. She has been speaking professionally since 2013 and presents keynotes, workshops, seminars, and other sessions for audiences ranging from students to established professionals.
Her speaking topics connect closely with her consulting experience. They include business growth, nonprofit leadership, career development, and education. Dr. April Willis has also contributed to Forbes Coaches Council articles on professional speaking and leadership.
In a 2022 Forbes Coaches Council article, Dr. April Willis outlined practical strategies for building a professional speaking career, including gaining speaking experience, developing a speaking resume, and pursuing conference opportunities. For Dr. April Willis, speaking also reflects a long-standing interest in helping people recognize their potential.
Community Leadership Remains Part of the Work
Dr. April Willis’ professional work extends into Southlake through a busy schedule of community involvement. She recently completed her term as President of the Southlake Rotary Club in June. She now serves as Programs Chair through June 2027.
She is also beginning her term as Treasurer of the Southlake Women’s Club. Her community roles further include membership in the Southlake Chamber of Commerce and a position on the Board of Timarron Country Club.
Her upcoming school-year calendar adds another personal dimension. Dr. April Willis and Kingsley, her certified therapy dog, are scheduled to visit elementary schools each week. Students will have the opportunity to read to Kingsley, combining literacy practice with an engaging experience for young readers.
These activities reflect a broader part of Dr. April Willis’ work. Her professional interests have consistently included education, leadership, and community service. Her scholarship program also supports students pursuing academic and professional goals.
National Nonprofit Collaborative Expands Her Reach
The National Nonprofit Collaborative gives Dr. April Willis another platform for addressing the practical needs of nonprofit professionals. The initiative was created to give nonprofit leaders accessible tools, templates, and guidance to help organizations operate more effectively.
The NNC builds on Dr. April Willis’ years of consulting work with nonprofit organizations. AWC’s published case studies include work involving organizations such as Day 1 Bags, AVANCE North Texas, the National Virtual Teacher Association, and the Coalition for Hemophilia B.
Dr. April Willis also serves as a leader within the Forbes Coaches Council nonprofit coaching community. Her profile identifies her as the Founder of the National Nonprofit Collaborative and highlights expertise in business consulting, public speaking, and coaching.
A Growing Record of Recognition
Recent recognition has added another chapter to Dr. April Willis’ career. April Willis Consulting appeared on the 2026 Longhorn 100 list, continuing the company’s presence on the program for a second year. The 2026 winners list identifies April Willis Consulting among the Southlake-based organizations recognized.
Dr. April Willis has also been selected as the #1 Business Consultant in the Southlake Style Awards. She is now in her fifth year as a member of Forbes Coaches Council and is leading the Forbes Nonprofit Coaches Group for a second year.
A Broader Vision for the Future
Dr. April Willis continues to develop AWC while growing the National Nonprofit Collaborative. She builds services for organizations that need experienced guidance and for professionals who need practical support at key points in their careers. Her expanding executive search, publishing, and speaking work adds new ways to reach clients nationwide.
For organizations, professionals, and nonprofit leaders seeking consulting, coaching, executive search, publishing, or speaking support, Dr. April Willis’ work offers several entry points through AWC and the NNC.
