Talking Nonprofits with Tephanie

Meet 1LT Scott Klein

Scott is a well-regarded community activist and entrepreneur. Scott is a published author who hosts the popular "Get Down to Business" radio show in Chicago, the "WeAllServe" podcast, and serves as an Officer in the US Army Reserves (Military Police) as well as the Chairman of the Village of Skokie Economic Development Commission. Scott holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master's degree in Jewish Professional Studies concentration in nonprofit management.

On the podcast, we dove deep into nonprofit management; we chatted specifically about why fundraising is not the only essential element of being on a nonprofit board. We also discussed the steps to starting a nonprofit and how many people get the meaning of nonprofits wrong, equating it to being broke, but that's far from the truth. Listen to the podcast to learn the truth about fundraising and make a more significant impact in the lives of others through nonprofits! Listen up!

Meet  Patrick Nolan

Patrick is the Executive Director of Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peak.

Patrick brings thirteen years of organizing experience and six years with the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFTNM).  With AFTNM, Patrick worked with school employees across the state of New Mexico as they advocated for strong public schools. Patrick’s work with the American Federation of State and County and Municipal employees took him to several western states, Alaska, Utah, Colorado, and Washington. Public lands play a pivotal role in all of these states and their economies, much as they do in New Mexico. The extensive time working in these states opened Patrick’s eyes to the benefit of protecting and advocating for Public Lands. He worked with folks tasked with protecting and maintaining public lands on state, county, and city levels. The love they had for public lands helped Patrick learn the value of public lands. His experience building coalitions across the diverse state of New Mexico will serve him well as we advocate for Public Lands.

On the podcast, we discussed:

Climate change and the role public lands play in addressing it.

Connecting the community to public lands.

Challenge of fundraising.

Meet Eric Ressler

Eric is the Founder and Creative Director at Cosmic, a Social Impact Creative Agency. Cosmic empowers social impact organizations to catalyze real-world change by helping them nail their impact story, build brand awareness, and inspire action. Eric got his start in design from a very young age, and after leaving a design program in San Diego early to pursue freelance work, he cut his teeth running a freelance business in the digital design space. After organically building a strong roster of clients, he discovered a passion for the social impact and philanthropic space.

On the podcast, we discuss:

-What’s a social organization

-Scarcity Mindset of nonprofits

-Why social organizations should be concerned with their brand

If your nonprofit needs rebranding, listen to this podcast.

Meet Tramain Rayford

Born to a single mother, Tramain quickly comprehended the challenges that encompassed fatherlessness. He observed his mother struggling to educate herself at The University of Toledo while providing for her children, maintaining their home, and looking after him and his two older brothers.

Without having a moral compass that is often found in a father figure, Tramain struggled with insecurity, identity, peer pressure, and drug abuse. It wasn’t until he was an adult that he began to recognize the negative impact of not having a father in his life.

On the podcast, we discussed:

His dream is to change the cycle of fatherlessness.

Why praying is essential in mentorship matches?

What exactly is dodgeball economics?

Find out how you can help young men go from a statistic to a success story.  Take a listen.

Meet Andrea Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer of Amistad

Andrea has been with Amistad for 11 years and has grown into several roles during her tenure with the agency. She began her journey with Amistad as the Director of the Aging, Disability & Transportation Resource Center (ADTRC) and was later promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Social Service Programs. She ensures that Amistad advocates, connect, and delivers social services to communities that are dignified and meaningful for their clients. Her success at the agency has revolved around grant writing and sustainability to provide much-needed assistance.

On the podcast, we chat about the 45th Anniversary of Amistad and the organization's changes during the forty-five years. We examined Amistad's role in guardianship and their role and helping veterans of the El Paso Community. Finally, we spoke about what Amistad is planning for the future.

Do you want to know some techniques to get donations for your nonprofit? Listen to the wise words of Kathrin Berg, El Paso Community Foundation Vice President of Donor Relations, as she shares some insightful donor tips. We also discuss that it’s essential to listen to the voice of the experts in the room when you don’t know to avoid making mistakes.  Finally, we talk about how to build and maintain relationships with donors. Listen to this podcast episode and get those donations!

Website: https://epcf.org/

WOW,  this episode was so illuminating about what young black girls face daily. Listen to the interview with Alana V. Allen, Founder and Executive of I Am A Queen. We talk about mentoring to ensure that young black girls can reach their higher education and leadership goals. We also discuss how mental health challenges are factoring into their lives. Finally, Alana talks about the joys of being with a staff that loves whom they serve.

Why is it essential for veteran organizations to collaborate? Listen to, Benjamin Miranda, Jr, the Director of Operational Impact and Business Development of Endeavors, talk about the importance of collaboration in the veteran space. We also discuss the innovative techniques used to help veterans on the brink of homelessness. Finally, he shares some valuable lessons from 24 years in the Air Force going into the nonprofit world. Take a listen and share this valuable resource with a veteran in your life.

El Paso Endeavors

Inspired by Science

Do you have a complete understanding of science? The terms used, scientific papers, etc., etc. Don't fret; Dr. Parmvir Bahia, CEO of Scientist Inc, discussed how her organization breaks down science for the non-scientific audience and shares the critical work done in local communities with friendly neighborhood scientists. We also discuss how COVID has affected their bottom line and methods to attract volunteers from more diverse backgrounds. Peak up your ears and listen!

Do you want to know some techniques to get donations for your nonprofit? Listen to the wise words of Kathrin Berg, El Paso Community Foundation Vice President of Donor Relations, as she shares some insightful donor tips. We also discuss that it’s essential to listen to the voice of the experts in the room when you don’t know to avoid making mistakes.  Finally, we talk about how to build and maintain relationships with donors. Listen to this podcast episode and get those donations!

Website: https://epcf.org/

WOW,  this episode was so illuminating about what young black girls face daily. Listen to the interview with Alana V. Allen, Founder and Executive of I Am A Queen. We talk about mentoring to ensure that young black girls can reach their higher education and leadership goals. We also discuss how mental health challenges are factoring into their lives. Finally, Alana talks about the joys of being with a staff that loves whom they serve.

El Paso Community Foundation was founded to promote philanthropy over 40 years ago, and it’s continuing that mission with such projects as Get Shift Done, an organization developed during the pandemic to keep workers working, provide basic income and feed El Paso families. Listen as we discuss the opening of the Ice Cream Store where people with disabilities can work with Eric Pearson, President, and CEO of El Paso Community Foundation.  We also talk about what surprises him about his team and more!

EPISODE Rewind: Headstrong Project

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Talking Nonprofits is joining the national movement to raise awareness about mental health, so we are doing this by rewinding the episode with the Headstrong Project. The Headstrong Project is renewing its oath to the veteran community members they serve with their new campaign, No Mind Left Behind. I chatted with Jim McDonough, the Executive Director of the Headstrong Project, to find out what this campaign means to veterans. We talked about why there is no limitation to the number of veteran visits to the Headstrong Project. Finally, we discussed the expertise of the clinicians in seeing the great veterans of our country. Listen up and Get Headstrong!

Replay-Great Khalid Foundation-Performing Arts Scholarship

From Soldier to President and Executive Director of The Great Khalid Foundation, listen to Linda Wolfe as we talk about how she aims to expand The Great Khalid Foundation to other urban communities across the nation.  We discuss how high school seniors can apply to the Performing Arts Scholarship.  Also, we chatted about where she hopes the foundation will be in the next two years. Finally, she gave us some insight into her son American Music Award-Winning Khalid, on something spectacular that he’s working on at this moment. Peak up your ears and listen to this episode.

Having little resources did not stop Dr. Gabrielle Starr, the founder of Ladies of Favor, from realizing her vision of starting a faith-based mentoring program for young girls. We chatted about who mentored her and how those positive experiences led her to begin the organization. We discussed the program, SheMatters, a program that’s making a significant impact in the lives of girls all over the world. In The End, we talk about the Ladies of Favor Mentoring connection with the Ladies of Favor Academy. Listen up; this episode will bless you.

http://www.ladiesoffavor.com/

Did you know that Links Incorporated was founded on friendship and a commitment to service? Listen to this episode where the President of the El Paso Links Chapter, Beatrice Middleton, shares her story on how a friend reached out to her to join the organization. We also discuss El Paso Links Chapter's focus on youth and police reform. Finally, we chat about the goals she hopes to see the El Paso Links achieve in the future. Peak up your ears and listen!

From Soldier to President and Executive Director of The Great Khalid Foundation, listen to Linda Wolfe as we talk about how she aims to expand The Great Khalid Foundation to other urban communities across the nation.  We discuss how high school seniors can apply to the Performing Arts Scholarship.  Also, we chatted about where she hopes the foundation will be in the next two years. Finally, she gave us some insight into her son American Music Award-Winning Khalid, on something spectacular that he’s working on at this moment. Peak up your ears and listen to this episode.

American Heart Association is all about being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. In this episode, we examine what actions they take for a healthier living with Stephanie Chapman, Senior Vice President of Health Strategies for American Heart Association Southwest Division. We also chatted about the Go Red for Women Campaign and the new Health Equity Campaign. Finally, we spoke about Stephanie’s work philosophy. Trust me; you don’t want to miss this episode. Dive in and listen.

Inspiring Kindness

What a remarkable conversation with Susan Goodell, CEO of El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, around poverty in El Paso.  We also discussed the factors that lead families to poverty.  She also shares what changes have been made in the logistics of distributing food since COVID. Finally, we conversed about those who stepped up to support the food bank, such as volunteers and the National Guard. Peek up your ears and listen!

https://elpasoansfightinghunger.org/

Headstrong Project is renewing its oath to the veteran community members they serve with their new campaign, No Mind Left Behind. I chatted with Jim McDonough, the Executive Director of the Headstrong Project, to find out what this campaign means to veterans. We talked about why there is no limitation to the number of veteran visits to the Headstrong Project. Finally, we discussed the expertise of the clinicians seeing the great veterans of our country. Listen up and Get Headstrong!

Inspired by Science

Do you have a complete understanding of science? The terms used, scientific papers, etc., etc. Don't fret; Dr. Parmvir Bahia, CEO of Scientist Inc, discussed how her organization breaks down science for the non-scientific audience and shares the critical work done in local communities with friendly neighborhood scientists. We also discuss how COVID has affected their bottom line and methods to attract volunteers from more diverse backgrounds. Peak up your ears and listen!

How can African Americans bring their whole selves to the nonprofit space? Listen in as Dr. Sandra Braham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Service, teach us how to do just that. We also discuss being intentional about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the nonprofit world. Additionally, we chat about the new partnership with the Saint Petersburg Police Department. They are embarking on a new initiative with community assistance liaison where they will be on the road with officers couple responding to non-emergency calls in the community. Finally, Dr. Braham gives us some insight into her upcoming memoir. Take a listen!

Website:

How do you make an impact for Veterans? One way to make an impact is to vote; listen to Garrett Cathcart, Executive Director of Mission Roll Call, who shares how veterans can make an impact by voting and voicing veteran policy concerns. We also chat about what he’s learned about himself as a nonprofit executive. He also talks about starting a nonprofit should be about what problem the nonprofit is solving. Peak up your ears and listen to this episode!

Why is it essential for veteran organizations to collaborate? Listen to, Benjamin Miranda, Jr, the Director of Operational Impact and Business Development of Endeavors, talk about the importance of collaboration in the veteran space. We also discuss the innovative techniques used to help veterans on the brink of homelessness. Finally, he shares some valuable lessons from 24 years in the Air Force going into the nonprofit world. Take a listen and share this valuable resource with a veteran in your life.

El Paso Endeavors

If you’re a veteran or know a veteran or even if you’re a civilian, take time to listen to this electrifying episode with Mike Erwin, Team Red, White, and Blue’s (RWB) Founder and Executive Director. He has been on fire for veterans for ten years.  He shares the early stages of Team RWB, some regrets, and where he hopes to see the organization ten years from now. Perk up your ears and listen! Fired up!

Listen to this Young, Gifted, and Black Women, the President of El Paso Young Black Leaders, Tamieka Henry. We discuss why there is still a need for Black organizations.   We also discuss the skills and characteristics that a leader should possess. Finally, Tamieka shares why mentorship is essential. You don’t want to miss this episode, so listen up!4

Suicide Awareness-Special Episode

In this episode, we had a conversation with Isidro Torres, Interim Executive Director of the El Paso National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI).  We discussed some myths of suicide and dispelled them.  In our conversation, we also share how to help those who experience suicide ideations, and finally, we shared how we can help NAMI advocate for suicide awareness. Please take the time to listen.

NAMI El Paso provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental health conditions can build better lives.

What’s the difference between a refugee, an immigrant, and a migrant?  Listen to my conversation with Melissa Lopez, the Executive Director of Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services, as she details the difference. We also discuss what keeps up her at night and how we, as a community, can help the agency. So, prick your ears up and listen to this informative and engaging episode of the podcast.

Find out more about the Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services at the following:

Inspiring podcast discussion with Kendrick Lusk, El Paso's Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Basileus. He discussed one of the fraternity's core purposes, which is to uplift others and the community. We also talked about the importance of voting and the struggle to vote, especially in the Black Community. The mentorship was another topic of discussion during the episode as it's important to the fraternity to mentor the youth of the community. Finally, we peaked into the future goals of Omega Psi Phi, which is to begin an Education Center for youth. Peak up your ears and listen!