The Charity Charge Show - Nonprofit Podcast

In Episode 67 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen talks with Claas Ehlers, CEO of Family Promise, whose mission is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. Claas and Stephen talk about how homeless prevention and diversion make fiscal sense, how anyone can use their special skills as a volunteer, and Family Promise's transition from their founder as CEO to Claas in 2016. A graduate of New York University, Claas worked in video production, publishing, business development, and advertising while also teaching English as an adjunct professor at two local community colleges. From his work with low-income students, he saw first-hand the struggle of families to change their economic circumstances. In 2002, he was able to align his passion for social justice with his career, joining Family Promise to lead a project to diversify the faith groups involved in its programs. In January of 2016 became the second president in the organization’s 28-year history. Outside of work, Claas’s interests include running, hiking, the New York Mets, music, and cooking. He lives in Mountainside, NJ with his wife, Ellen Pluta, a professor at Stern School of Business at NYU and has three children: Arabella, Luke, and Colette.

In Episode 66 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen talks with Tim Kachuriak, Founder and Chief Innovation and Optimization Officer for NextAfter, whose mission is to decode what works in digital fundraising and then equip nonprofits with that knowledge to fulfill our vision to unleash the most generous generation in the world.NextAfter combines the perpetual learning of a fundraising research lab, the practical application of a digital-first agency, and the rigorous instruction of a training institute. Tim started in the digital advertising before he transitioned into the digital fundraising field. He is the author of multiple books on nonprofit fundraising, has trained organizations around the world in fundraising optimization, and is a frequent speaker at international nonprofit conferences. Tim is also the co-founder and board member for the Human Coalition, a member of the board of directors for Open Doors USA, an Advisory Board Member for the SMU Digital Accelerator, Advisory Board Member for Kids Prosper Kids, and an Advisory Board Member for the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact. He lives in Prosper, TX with his wife Rebecca and their four children.

In Episode 65 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen talks with Marc Rand, Managing Partner of Community Capital Advisors and Executive Director of American Nonprofits. Their discussion covers a range of issues in nonprofit finance, including credit unions, community foundations, and donor advised funds. Marc Rand began his career in commercial banking, mostly international banking. After a few years of this, he did a “little soul cleansing” by joining the Peace Corps, where he helped open credit unions in western Romania. He is the former Program Director for or Loans and Affordable Housing at the Marin Community Foundation, where he developed one of the nation’s first donor development strategies connected to impact investing.

In episode 64 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen speaks with Gabrielle Magid, Founder and CEO of Stronger Than Stigma, with a mission to empower, inspire, and support those struggling with mental health issues and the people who care about them. In 2013, Gabrielle Magid, then a student at The University of Florida, noticed that despite free counseling being offered on college campuses, students weren’t going. Students struggled alone and in silence. Back then, just talking about the subject of mental health was brave. Then it became trendy. But young people needed more than talk. They needed action and advocacy. Stronger Than Stigma was born from these beliefs. Gabrielle graduated from the University of Florida. The day after her graduation, Stronger Than Stigma was granted 501(c)3 status from the IRS.

In episode 63 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen speaks with Rachel Hand, Executive Director at Family Promise North Shore Boston, one of more than 200 affiliates of Family Promise with the mission of housing families and helping them get back on their feet. Rachel Hand joined Family Promise North Shore Boston as the Executive Director in January of 2019. She spent the previous decade working in the field of homeless services. Her prior jobs include on-the-ground direct service with individuals experiencing homelessness, intake coordination and case management for recently housed individuals, and working to assess and place individuals and families into permanent supportive housing for the City of Cambridge.

In episode 62 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen speaks with Julia Warren, Founder & Executive Director at Celebrate RVA, with the mission to give disadvantaged children a memorable birthday celebration in a safe and fun environment. She currently serves as the Executive Director and is a firm believer in the power of a celebration and how joy can impact a child’s heart. Passionate about creating meaningful impact, Julia also works closely with corporate and small business sponsors to help create a culture of community, giving, and philanthropy. She has been named as one of STYLE Weekly’s 2019 Top 40 Under 40, The Prospect’s 20 Under 20, The Law Firm of Allen & Allen’s 2015 Hometown Heroes, and Richmond Inno’s Top 25 under 25.

In episode 61 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen speaks with Chad Hickey, Founder & CEO of Givsly, whose mission is to inspire and develop new ways professionals can give back by connecting for-profits. Headquartered in New York City, Givsly is a for-purpose company built around the belief that as the world around us evolves, so should our options to create social impact. While business professionals juggle many day-to-day tasks, creating social impact should not be perceived as an additional burden. Instead, Givsly develops new ways of creating impact by thinking differently about how your current everyday tasks and resources can give back. Givsly introduces a portfolio of ways for professionals to give back while doing business. Partners can utilize meeting time to raise money for nonprofits through the Givsly platform or get out in the community with clients through planned Givsly experiences. Whichever path you choose, Givsly strives to make social impact simple but impactful.

In episode 60 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen speaks with Brian Davis, President of BryteBridge, which also runs Charity Net USA. After a 20-year career in financial services, Brian Davis took over as President of BryteBridge, including CharityNet by BryteBridge, in November 2019. He saw the potential to leverage his expertise building, growing, and leading businesses to support nonprofit organizations in their foundational years, through BryteBridge. Since joining BryteBridge, Mr. Davis has expanded the team by 36% and focused on providing continuing services to nonprofits throughout their lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on the early years of their existence. To support his aims of finding solutions to the challenges faced by nonprofits, he commissioned additional research, which led to BryteBridge’s first report, The Essential Work of Emerging Nonprofits.

In episode 59 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen interviews Matthew Connelly, Chief Executive Officer at Good360 whose mission is to transform lives by providing hope, dignity, and a sense of renewed possibility to individuals, families, and communities impacted by disasters or other challenging life circumstances who, without us, would struggle to find that hope.​ Matt Connelly joined Good360 as Chief Executive Officer after having served on our Board of Directors for eight years, including the last four as Co-Chairman. Matt is a transportation and supply chain industry veteran with a 32-year track record at UPS where he most recently developed the network strategy and design for the US transportation network and was responsible for the sourcing of purchased transportation.

In episode 58 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen interviews Lauren Isbell, CEO of Nevus Outreach, whose mission is dedicated to bringing awareness, providing support, and finding cures for people affected by congenital melanocytic nevi and related disorders. After attending her first conference in 2018, she served as a volunteer on the Fundraising Committee prior to being selected as the new CEO of Nevus Outreach in 2019.

In episode 57 of The Charity Charge Show Stephen speaks with Charles Thomas, Executive Director of Outward Bound Adventures whose vision is to ensure that youth from diverse communities will have access to nature, environmental education, leadership development, and preparation for careers in conservation. Charles Thomas has worked at Outward Bound Adventures seasonally and part-time for nearly 20 years and then worked full-time as Executive Director for 16 years. During that time, he created several award-winning programs dedicated to enriching the lives of underserved urban populations, especially low-income inner-city families, by introducing them to the therapeutic value of spending time in wild places and open spaces.

In episode 56 of The Charity Charge Show Stephen speaks with Beverly Hamilton, Interim CEO of 3 Day Startup, whose mission is to make entrepreneurship accessible. Beverly brings over twenty years of leadership experience from across different industries. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from UT Austin and is a member of the International Ombudsman Association.

In episode 55 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen speaks with Joe Waters, Founder of Selfish Giving whose mission is to help others find success in their cause-related goals. Joe Waters shows businesses and nonprofits how to build win-win partnerships that raise money and change the world. Joe writes the web's leading cause marketing blog, Selfish Giving, and is the author of two books on the subject.

In episode 54 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen speaks with Andrew Glantz, Founder, and CEO of GiftAMeal, whose mission seeks to empower people to fight hunger in their community while supporting local businesses. In addition to GiftAMeal, Glantz serves on the Washington University in St. Louis Alumni Board of Governors and guest lectures at the university on the topics such as marketing, negotiations, and entrepreneurship.

In episode 53 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten speaks with Don Wettrick, CEO and Co-Founder of StartEdUp, whose mission is to empower students and teachers to actively change education through employing innovation and entrepreneurship in the classroom. Don Wettrick is known for his award-winning work as a middle school and high school teacher; educational and innovation consultant; and educational speaker.

In episode 52 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten speaks with Ron Klabunde, Founder, and CEO of the Replenish Foundation, whose mission is to replenish the economy of families and communities across America. Their goal is to establish generosity as the new gold standard which will create the foundation that is essential for addressing society's greatest needs.

In episode 51 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen interviews Olivia Hayden, Senior Digital Fundraising Specialist for Whole Planet Foundation. Through her creative ideas, Olivia Hayden is responsible for the Whole Planet Foundations' social media, website, and graphic design. The mission of the Whole Planet Foundation is to empower the world's poorest people with microcredit in areas where Whole Foods market responsibly sources its products. Enjoy this episode, as Stephen and Olivia explore Olivia's journey with the Whole Planet Foundation and the impact of their amazing nonprofit program.

In episode 50 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen interviews Lisa Rodman, CEO of Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. Lisa Rodman has been a part of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation team for 10 years. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is located in Southern California and the focus of their work is the preservation of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Their mission is achieved through education and outreach programs which show just how beautiful and valuable the 400-acre lagoon really is. In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen and Lisa discuss the history of Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, how to cope with the challenges that COVID brought into the workplace, how to continue moving forward and so much more.

In episode 49 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen interviews Cory Ames, Grow Ensemble's Co-Founder and CEO. Cory previously worked as the CEO of Firegang Dental Marketing. Cory then founded Grow Ensemble. Grow Ensemble is a social impact media and marketing company that is dedicated to sustainability, social impact, and in general making the world a better place. In addition to all of the great work Grow Ensemble does in the media and marketing sector, it is also a 1% for the Planet Member, meaning that they have donated 1% of their top-line revenue to environmental nonprofits since 2019. In this episode of the Charity Charge Show Stephen and Cory discuss the benefits of starting a podcast, all of the components that go into producing a successful show, and other digital marketing strategies.

In episode 48 of the Charity Charge Show Stephen interviews Suzanne Stone, Livestrong’s Chief Strategic Solutions and Programs Officer. Suzanne has previously worked with non-profit organizations such as Court Appointed Special Advocates and Children's Miracle Network as well becoming the Executive Director of the Lake Travis Education Foundation and the Director of Corporate Development for LTISD. In this podcast, Suzanne and Stephen discuss Livestrong’s mission and Suzanne’s work in the nonprofit sector. Suzanne touches on how Livestrong has been an impact funder, and how investing in the quality of life is essential. Suzanne also explains her perspective on the diversification of nonprofits and how they are able to adapt and advance in the economy.

In episode 47 of the Charity Charge show, Beasly Reece, CEO at NFL Alumni, shares a bit on his journey as well as his passion for supporting the youth as well as retired NFL players transitioning out of the sport. Reece, the former defensive back and played for Dallas Cowboys in 1976, New York Giants (1977-83) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1983-84). After his playing career, Reece was a network analyst on NFL games for both NBC and CBS. He also went on to work as Sports Director at KYW-TV in Philadelphia in 1998. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2012 and left the Philadelphia station in 2015.

In episode 46 of The Charity Charge Show John L. Lehr, CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation shares the insight he has gained after more than two decades of nonprofit fundraising and management experience. John played a pivotal role in merging two legacy Parkinson’s organizations into the Parkinson’s Foundation in 2017. Since then, the Foundation has nearly doubled its revenue to $35 million. Under John’s leadership, the Foundation earned a 4-star charity rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

In episode 45 of the Charity Charge Show Ian Adair addresses the mental health crisis and why so many people struggle to ask for help. Ian is a three-time nonprofit CEO; a recognized expert in leadership, fundraising, and nonprofit management; and a sought-after speaker for nonprofit and leadership conferences around the country. Ian is a speaker, author, and advocate concerning mental health awareness and addressing mental health in the workplace.

In episode 44 of the Charity Charge Show, Cassandra Vieten shares a bit on the background of the John W Brick Foundation as well as their upcoming Never Alone Summit. Cassandra is a licensed clinical psychologist, mind-body medicine researcher, author, consultant, and public speaker. She is the Executive Director of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of The Marin School in San Rafael, where her daughter graduated from high school, the Board of Directors of Partners for Youth Empowerment, and the Board of Directors of the Consciousness and Healing Initiative.

Margaret Myers - Senior Editor at Atlantic 57 Margaret is an editor, storyteller, and digital media strategist with a passion for teasing out the big idea from the smallest nugget. With over a decade of experience as a newsroom leader, Margaret uses her journalism skills to help brands develop their authentic voice and connect with audiences. To learn more check out our blog at https://www.charitycharge.com/margaret-myers-atlantic-57/

In episode 42 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Matt Prindiville, the Executive Director of UPSTREAM. Matt is a recognized thought leader within the plastic pollution community and advises the United Nations Environment Program on their plastic pollution strategies. He is one of the founders of the global Break Free from Plastic Movement and the founder of the Cradle2 Coalition and Make It Take It Campaign. He helped establish and advance the Electronics Takeback Coalition, the Multi-State Mercury Campaign, and the Safer Chemicals and Healthy Families Coalition. Matt has written for the Guardian, GreenBiz, and Sustainable Brands among other publications. He’s been featured in the Economist, the New York Times, on NPR’s 1A, Jack Johnson’s Smog of the Sea film, and consulted with 60 Minutes on their plastic pollution special.

In episode 41 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Selene Benavides, Chief Financial Officer at The Association of Latino Professionals For America and Consero Global. Selene Benavides is Client Finance Director with Consero Global where she helps companies address complex financial requirements with software applications while scaling finance operations more efficiently and reducing G&A expenses to allow for greater investment in driving and supporting top line growth for her clients. Prior to her new role, Ms. Benavides was the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operations Officer for the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, located in Irving, Texas where she was responsible for helping its leadership define the strategic direction of the organization, enhance its offerings and reduce its expenses, all while overseeing the Operations, Finance, Legal, and IT functions of the business which includes 40 Chapters across the nation.

In episode 40 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with John Eyth, Chief Financial Officer at Arc Human Services. John has been associated with Arc Human Services/Arc of Washington County since 2018, serving as Chief Financial Officer. He has worked for almost 25 years as a Controller and Chief Financial Officer in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. For the past 11 years, John has worked as a Chief Financial Officer for several providers of Intellectual Disabilities Services. He received a Business Administration Degree in Accounting from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. He is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Financial Manager (CFM).

Nonprofits vs. COVID-19: Adapting to a virtual environment while remaining mission driven Thoughts from Jye Turk, Founder of SolvED and Board member at Young Nonprofit Professional Network Austin. In this episode, listen how Jye Turk works to remain fluid and adaptable while administering programs and running a nonprofit organization virtually. SolvED is an equity-centered organization committed to providing access to tutoring services, specifically to students who have been historically underserved by the public education system. At SolvED, Jye recognizes, communicates, and develops the importance of the family’s role in a student’s education; distinguishing between school and education, allowing a more fluid experience for the family and the student.

In Episode 38 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Scott Jackson, President and CEO of Global Impact. Learning from Past Crisis: Advice from Scott Jackson on leading a nonprofit amidst COVID-19. In this episode, Scott Jackson, the President and CEO of Global Impact, shares valuable insights and lessons gained from successfully leading organizations during times of crisis. Global Impact’s mission is to grow global philanthropy and build partnerships and resources for the world’s most vulnerable people. It has raised almost $2 billion since inception. A global development, fundraising and marketing veteran, Jackson has held leadership positions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, including the global health and development nonprofits PATH and World Vision. He has worked in more than 60 countries. Jackson has worked at all levels of the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Full post and bonus content here.

In episode 37 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats about COVID-19 and its impact on nonprofits with with Jeff Rum, the co-founder of Yearly. Jeff is Co-Founder of Yearly and is Founder & CEO of ignite: action An award-winning creative director and marketing strategist, Jeff has nearly 18 years of experience in marketing and communications, brand strategy, social media, and digital advertising. Jeff’s consulting work includes projects with Fortune 500 companies such as Bose, Fossil, Mercedes-Benz, and PepsiCo and he has led campaigns with nonprofits including Human Rights Campaign, Save the Children, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and United Nations Foundation. In 2018, Jeff published his first book, Post with Purpose: A Digital Strategy Handbook. Jeff received his BA from American University in Communication: Visual Media and Jewish Studies. He received his MA from Georgetown University in International Studies. He resides in Potomac, MD with his wife Jessica and three children, Eva, Maxim, and Ori. Yearly makes it fun and easy to create digital annual reports that inspire and delight, saving organizations time and money. Yearly's mission is to change the way annual reports are created and experienced. Yearly aims to break the mold and disrupt the age-old annual report.

I want to thank all of our cardholders that have been using Charity Charge to donate their cash back to fund the nonprofits of their choice. We always cover 100% of the donation processing costs so all of your valuable cash back goes to fund your organization. More than ever the nonprofits you care about locally, nationally, and globally will need our collective support. We are working on a few new initiatives to further help the nonprofit community. Starting tomorrow, I will be featuring nonprofit leaders on our podcast to share tips, strategies, and most importantly inspiration to educate those running nonprofits of how they can navigate their organizations through these challenging times. Sending out so much love to everyone. It’s important in times like these we come together for the common good. To get involved please email me [email protected]

In episode 36 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Dave Armon, the CEO of 3BL Media. Dave joined 3BL Media in 2014, serving first as CMO and a member of our board. A former journalist, he spent 20 years at PR Newswire, where he was president and COO. His experience in marketing and PR software includes developing the social media monitoring platform Techrigy (sold to Alterian), PR workflow platform dna13 (sold to CNW Group) and broadcast intelligence platform Critical Mention. A New Yorker, Dave enjoys mentoring young professionals, travel, Scrabble and swimming. 3BL Media delivers world-class, purpose-driven communications for leading global companies and NGOs. Our digital distribution, leadership and editorial platforms reach an audience of 10+ million, connecting clients to an unrivaled network of media, corporate leaders, investors, professionals, organizations and policymakers. They support sustainability leaders through peer networking and professional development while our annual summit, the 3BL Forum, inspires breakthrough thinking.

In episode 35 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Tamra Ryan, CEO of Women's Bean Project and Interim CEO for the Social Enterprise Alliance. Tamra Ryan Tamra Ryan is the CEO of Women's Bean Project, a social enterprise that provides transitional employment, while operating a food manufacturing business, to women attempting to break the cycle of chronic unemployment and poverty. Tamra is a former partner and board member for Social Venture Partners-Denver, currently chairs the Board of Directors for the Social Enterprise Alliance and is on the advisory board for the Barton Institute for Philanthropy and Social Enterprise at the University of Denver. Congressman Mike Coffman (R-CO) recognized Tamra’s servant leadership and entered it into the Congressional Record of the 115th Congress, Second Session in May 2018. She was honored by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado and is part of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Leadership Network. She was a presenter at TEDxMilehigh and is a highly sought-after speaker for topics such as compassionate leadership and social enterprise. Tamra is the author of The Third Law, a book which highlights the societal obstacles and internal demons that must be overcome for marginalized women to change their lives. The Third Law has won numerous awards for women/minorities in business and social activism. She is currently working on her second book, Followship: How to be a leader worth following.

In episode 34 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Ray Wezik, the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the International Myeloma Foundation(IMF). Ray joined the IMF advocacy team in 2014. In his role, Ray helps to expand the IMF’s state policy initiatives and grassroots network with a focus on prevention, innovation, access, and approval of treatments for people living with multiple myeloma. Prior to joining the IMF, Ray advocated for homeowners affected by the mortgage crisis, using his skills to negotiate alternatives to foreclosure and eventually establishing his own firm. Ray earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Roanoke College in 2007. He passed the bar in Maryland after earning his law degree from Tulane University in 2011. While at Tulane, Ray ran the Alternative Dispute Resolution section for the school’s student-run moot court team, winning several international competition awards in Chicago and London. Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the first and largest organization focusing specifically on multiple myeloma. The IMF’s reach extends to more than 525,000 members in 140 countries worldwide. The IMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure through our four founding principles: Research, Education, Support, and Advocacy.

In episode 33 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Jeff Rum, the co-founder of Yearly. Jeff is Co-Founder of Yearly and is Founder & CEO of ignite: action An award-winning creative director and marketing strategist, Jeff has nearly 18 years of experience in marketing and communications, brand strategy, social media, and digital advertising. Jeff’s consulting work includes projects with Fortune 500 companies such as Bose, Fossil, Mercedes-Benz, and PepsiCo and he has led campaigns with nonprofits including Human Rights Campaign, Save the Children, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and United Nations Foundation. In 2018, Jeff published his first book, Post with Purpose: A Digital Strategy Handbook. Jeff received his BA from American University in Communication: Visual Media and Jewish Studies. He received his MA from Georgetown University in International Studies. He resides in Potomac, MD with his wife Jessica and three children, Eva, Maxim, and Ori. Yearly makes it fun and easy to create digital annual reports that inspire and delight, saving organizations time and money. Yearly's mission is to change the way annual reports are created and experienced. Yearly aims to break the mold and disrupt the age-old annual report.

In episode 32 of The Charity Charge Show, our founder Stephen Garten chats with Sam Porritt, founder of the organization Falling Forward. In August of 2011, Sam suffered a spinal cord injury that resulted from an accident while he was on vacation in Italy. Initially, Sam was paralyzed from the waist down. His recovery from such a catastrophic injury would be a long one. Thankfully, Sam learned that his medical insurance placed no limit on rehabilitation. Fewer than 1% of policies have such a benefit. Sam's insurance covered nearly two years of intensive physical therapy. With the skill and support of many rehab professionals, Sam recovered. He's now able to walk with a cane, drive a car, and work part-time. During his more than two years in rehab, Sam saw the impact of therapy caps first-hand. Sam met hundreds of patients whose recoveries were cut short when their insurance benefits stopped and they were unable to pay out of their own pockets. In August of 2013, Sam launched the Foundation to give other patients the same opportunity that he had --- to continue medical rehabilitation and to recover to their full potential. Prior to his accident, Sam spent more than 25 years in marketing and advertising, building some of America's largest brands. While working for Payless ShoeSource, Sam's responsibilities included managing the company's Foundation and philanthropic activity. Sam earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

In episode 31 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Phyllis Everette, the CEO and Founder of Saffron Trust Women's Foundation. Phyllis is a woman of passion, vision, and purpose is the Founder of the Saffron Trust Women's Foundation (STWF). An organization that strives to remove barriers creating better life outcomes for women. Before STWF, Phyllis served as Program Director of a Health Clinic, working with Women's Health Care. Phyllis has 25 years of experience in corporate environments. She has been employed at Warner Chilcott Pharmaceuticals, ADP Brokerage, and Dell. Phyllis started her first organization In 2000 where she was the founder of Parents Taking Action Today ( PTAT )advocating for parents whose children were incarcerated, leading support groups for parents at the Essex County Juvenile detention center in Newark, New Jersey, where she also published a weekly newsletter. Phyllis also served as Executive Director of Family Support, a non- profit organization, centered on creating healthy families. Phyllis holds an MSM Specialization in Organizational Structure, BS in Business, concentration in Human Resources Management. She holds a Certification in Supportive Employment and is a practicing life coach. Phyllis Everette aka writer Saffron Trust put pen to paper to heal her wounds. What culminated was a story, “From Insanity to Serenity,” filled with drama and an overarching theme and message of recognizing the importance of community and how significant surrounding love, forgiveness, and freedom is important to live your truth. Focusing and praying to understand how to fulfill the purpose God had intended for her life, led Phyllis to become active in causes far bigger than her. Writing her memoir, she undertook a literary journey that encompasses her personal life experience which describes a journey in her heart. Phyllis strongly feels her journey directed her to the mission of STWF. Her hope and desire for her personal story are that readers remain steadfast and become consciously aware of what forgiveness means, and of a much greater duty that each of us is morally obligated to recognize. Phyllis has 3 children and 4 grands, who she quotes “are the wind beneath her wings”. The recognition and success that Phyllis has achieved that continue to inspire her, gave her pause when asked, “why me”, with “why not me”. Her signature mantra is “Born to give herself away.” So, she is committed and has dedicated her life to unconditionally helping to make a difference in someone else’s life. Phyllis socially engaged in her community. She is pursuing coursework in Undoing Racism and Undoing White Supremacy Austin, addressing multi-racial communities to end personal structural, and cultural racism to building a racially just Austin. .

In episode 30 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Sally Blue, social change consultant and Interim Executive Director of The Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering(TAME). Sally has worked in a variety of settings – university offices, Girl Scout campfires, unpaved paths in the mountains of Guatemala, board rooms, and sustainable gardens, to name a few of the more than 50 transitioning orgs she has worked with to date. After serving in both frontline and management positions, including six months as an Interim Executive Director, Sally joined a nationally-recognized consulting firm where she facilitated strategic planning and visioning work, capital campaigns, and training for Boards, volunteers and staff. She founded Sally Blue Consulting in 2013. An active volunteer in the community, Sally is past Board President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Austin Chapter, a mentor for young professionals, and a graduate of Leadership Austin Essentials Class of 2017. When she’s not at theater practice with her daughter Ruby, Sally’s working on her first novel and plotting her next trip to Mexico or maybe the beach.

In episode 29 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats AJ Garcia-Rameau, Director of Ventana Ballet. Ventana Ballet is a professional dance company based in Austin, TX, specializing in contemporary ballet dance performance. The word ventana, meaning window, embodies the company’s organizational mission and vision, seeking to provide inspiration, accessibility, opportunity, and technical structure. Ventana Ballet’s Mission is to provide artistically relevant, technically proficient, and publicly accessible dance performance and education opportunities to the community. Ventana Ballet’s Vision is to inspire, entertain, and educate audiences through a disciplined and innovative approach on presenting next-generation choreographic works. Ventana Ballet is fiscally sponsored by the nonprofit organization, Austin Creative Alliance.

In episode 28 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Rob Lowe, the creator of the influential Giving Back Podcast. The Giving Back podcast celebrates the great work of the charities, both the problem they are solving and the impact they have on the people they serve. Rob's guests talk about how and why they got involved with a charity or cause. Listeners' walk away from each show with ideas and resources to make a difference on a cause they feel passionate about. Rob is a very inspiring person and his passion radiates through this interview. He was an early supporter of our work at Charity charge and has been a tremendous ambassador and advisor ever since. In this episode we close out 2019 and talk about whats next in 2020, inspiring story's from Rob, trends he sees in the nonprofit world, and how to overall be more passionate about the things we do in life.

In episode 27 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Preston L. James, II, CEO of Divinc. DivInc transforms the existing entrepreneur tech ecosystem into a more authentically inclusive environment. Through their efforts, they inspire, empower and enable underrepresented founders to build successful high growth businesses. The organization aims to unleash the untapped and hidden innovative talent within communities and generate an entrepreneur mindset shift for generations to come. Divinc believes diversity and inclusion drive innovation. Through programming, they help build a more authentically inclusive innovation ecosystem. Since 2016, they’ve provided 64 founders and 49 tech and tech enabled companies with critical strategies to succeed and grow their startups. DivInc’s accelerator program is an intensive 12-week startup accelerator that provides a unique culture of support and best equips people of color and women entrepreneurs with strategies critical to creating exceptional companies, driving job creation, and contributing to strong economic growth. Additionally, the program is designed to drive focus toward product solution fit and accelerate business development and growth by providing access to essential resources. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

In episode 26 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Erinn Wright, the Director of Development, at Well Aware. Erinn graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Marketing and a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofits. Originally from Dallas, but a self-proclaimed Austinite, Erinn is passionate about social impact, Spanish, travel, tacos, and dogs. She first became involved with Well Aware as a Development Intern while studying at UT, and has been highly active in the fight for clean water ever since. Erinn is devoted to connecting the impact of Well Aware’s work abroad to each supporter and nurturing the organization’s growth through fundraising and communications. Outside of Well Aware, Erinn can be found talking about her love for Spain or singing highly off-key at live music events in Austin. Well Aware is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Austin, Texas that provides innovative and sustainable solutions to water scarcity and contamination in East Africa. The organization funds and implements life-saving water systems to drive economic development and empower communities.

In episode 25 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Michelle Monroe, the Executive Director of the Abundant Life Foundation. The Abundant Life Foundation is a philanthropic organization fueled by passion and a genuine love for the community on the Island of Roatán. Roatán is located 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras. The organizations work is focused across three primary initiatives: education, community and conservation. The foundation identifies opportunities to make the most impact, and take a long-term, community-driven approach with the goal of providing sustainable solutions, building upon the skills of community members, and leading to personal and community growth and well-being. Since the foundations first days on the island of Roatán, their involvement has been providing scholarships and support motivated students to pursue an education. To further the efforts of making a positive impact in the Bay Islands, the foundation then added community development and, finally, conservation to preserve the 2nd largest reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Coral Reef.

In episode 24 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Andra Liemandt, the founder and CEO of The Kindness Campaign. Andra Liemandt is the founder and CEO of The Kindness Campaign, a national nonprofit devoted to research-based emotional intelligence and anti-bullying. Launched in 2015, TKC designs interactive SEL (social emotional learning) curriculum and programming for schools and workplaces, with a focus on developing kind leaders and emotionally aware schools and companies. Under Andra’s leadership, TKC’s reach grew from five schools to 82 in two years, and today, serves over 40,000 students. Over the past two years, the organization has partnered with Bumble, KIND Bars, Dell Inc., Nordstrom, and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation to bring TKC’s on-site programming to children and adults nationwide. After a career in large corporate account management and pharmaceutical sales at Dell Inc. and Abbott Laboratories, Andra pivoted to philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Now a national speaker on kindness and bullying, Andra has given keynote addresses for AT&T and IBM conferences, Paul Mitchell Schools nationwide, and the National Charity League. She is a recipient of Austin Woman’s Way Business Award for Social Impact (2018), and was a finalist for the Phyllis Richards Austin Icon for Children Award (2018). An active philanthropist, Andra currently serves on the Girl Scouts of Central Texas 2019 Women of Distinction Committee, and is on the advisory board of Baylor Scott & White Health. In 2015, Andra was named Cover Woman for Austin Woman Magazine’s September Edition, and in 2018, she joined the board of the GRAMMY Museum. Andra is also the founder and drummer for The Mrs, a pop-rock band that has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “The Queen Latifah Show,” BuzzFeed, People Magazine, and Billboard. Their first music video, released in 2014 and featuring their signature “Magic Mirror,” currently has 5.4 million views on YouTube. Since then, The Mrs has shared the stage with Maroon 5 and Jon Bon Jovi, and has enjoyed musical collaborations with Paul Oakenfold and more.

In episode 23 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Joe Iannello, Leadership Austin Executive Fellow at One Voice Central Texas. Joe is an IT Executive Leader with extensive cross-industry and global experience in technology, process, data, project, resource, change and relationship management. Over his careers his awards span throughout innovation, GovTech, and Leadership. 2018 Innotech Austin IT Lifetime Achievement Award; 2017 GovTech Southwest Technology Innovation Leadership Award; 2016 Computerworld Premier 100 Technology Leader; IT Executive Leader with extensive cross-industry and global experience in technology, process, data, project, resource, change and relationship management In 1979 Leadership Austin was founded—by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce (GACC)—with the mission of providing leadership training to those with a passion for Greater Austin. In 2002 they became a stand-alone 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, while sustaining close ties to the GACC. Today they continue to believe each of us can engage in collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable leadership for our community. One Voice Central Texas is a coalition of the leadership of over one hundred nonprofit health and human service organizations working to make sure that everyone can contribute to our community and thrive. They represent the integrated network of human services that connects everyone of all ages and circumstances to social resources, opportunities, and support so that each person can reach their highest potential. The organization the voice for those in the community who may have difficulty weathering the life storms that affect all of us.

In episode 22 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Caroline Page, Development Director at Friends of the Children Austin. Friends of the Children Austin's mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty. Our model is to achieve this goal through intentional relationship. Friends Austin provides professional, salaried, full-time mentors, called "Friends," to kindergarten children facing the highest risks. The organization stays with those children for 12.5 years - no matter what. Friends Austin launched in 2017 and is the first and only professional mentoring organization in Austin. Friends of the Children has been serving vulnerable youth and families nationally for more than 25 years. The Harvard Business School Association of Oregon showed that for every $1 invested in Friends of the Children, the community benefits over $7 in saved social costs. Helping one child saves the community $900,000!

In episode 21 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Terri Broussard Williams, Chief Inspiration Officer at Movement Maker Tribe. Terri Broussard Williams is an award-winning lobbyist, philanthropist, social impact strategist and professional speaker who has spent the past 20 years helping leaders and organizations create systemic change to further their mission. Terri believes that leaders turn moments into movements and this is a philosophy she's lived her entire life. Recognized for her innovative approach and strategic insight, Broussard Williams’ public service began as the youngest board member to sit at the table of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and has since continued through her involvement in international philanthropic and humanitarian organizations. Named one of five most influential women in Central Texas by the Austin Business Journal.

In episode 20 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Kathryn Engelhardt Cronk, Founder & CEO at MissionBox. Kathryn has over 25 years in the nonprofit service arena. First, as a direct service provider with adults suffering from mental illness and later as an executive director of nonprofits in the areas of substance abuse treatment, child abuse prevention and grief and loss support. She has also served as VP of Community Impact for United Way and developed the first 211 for Central Texas. After seeing a critical nonprofit need for service and impact reporting technology, Kathryn founded Community TechKnowledge (CTK). In that role as CEO and co-designer of CTK software and services, she worked to provide nonprofits with tools that build capacity, prove the impact of their efforts and support mission success. In 2015, CTK was sold to Vista Equity Partners, which merged CTK with Social Solutions Global. After CTK, Kathryn founded Mission Box. MissionBox recognizes that nonprofit work is critical to the well-being of us all, everywhere around the globe. MissionBox founders, staff, board members and advisers have deep and long experience in working in, and serving, nonprofits of all types and sizes, over the last 30 years.

In episode 19 of The Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten chats with Jessica Reeves, Entrepreneur and former COO of Voto Latino. Jessica is an experienced professional with a history of working in politics, marketing, and nonprofits. Skilled in Nonprofit Management, Digital Strategy, Media Relations, Fundraising, Spanish, and Partnerships, Jessica holds a strong focus on Latino Issues, Voting rights, Innovation, Government Relations and CSR. She also holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.A. from Georgetown University. Voto Latino is a pioneering civic media organization that seeks to transform America by recognizing Latinos’ innate leadership. Through innovative digital campaigns, pop culture, and grassroots voices, the organization provide culturally relevant programs that engage, educate and empower Latinos to be agents of change. Their mission is to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy.