Best Laura Zielke Nonprofit Leadership Advocate Podcasts (2024)

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S2E18: Help United Through Caring Hands 50:24

2+ y ago50:24

50:24

My guest for this episode is Founder and Executive Director of H.U.T.C.H. (Help United Through Caring Hands), Armishia Wiley-Adams. Armishia was raised by her grandmother and uncle after her mother died when she was eight. She became pregnant in high school and dropped out. After having two more children before the age of 22, Armishia became determ…

1
S2E17: Earning Mentorship. Empowering Leadership. 42:27

2+ y ago42:27

42:27

I’m about to introduce you to a woman who is proof positive that the mission her organization passionately pursues on a daily basis works amazingly well. My guest, DeLashea Strawder, is the Executive Director and Artistic Director of the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit—a creative youth development organization. In other words, Mosaic is a nonprofit…

1
Encore: Preserving the White Mountain Apache Culture with Krista Beazley 44:13

2+ y ago44:13

44:13

In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States, we are re-releasing an educational and inspirational interview with someone whose people lived here before the country was “discovered.” Krista Beazley is now serving as the Executive Director of the Fort Apache Heritage Foundation. Hear about her journey into nonprofit leadership whic…

1
Encore Episode: Serving Vulnerable Veterans & Active Service Members 49:12

3y ago49:12

49:12

Happy Veterans Day! Every year, here in the United States, we observe November 11th as a federal holiday to honor our military veterans—persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces. “It [Veterans Day] coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries that mark the annivers…

1
S2E16: No Starving Artists 47:52

3y ago47:52

47:52

Long time no see. Can you believe it’s already October and the holidays are right around the corner? Literally. And I think we’re all still waiting to see what it’s going to be like this year as we begin peeking out from behind this life-altering global pandemic. I know one of the traditions my family missed out on last year was an in-person holida…

1
S2E15: Improving the Lives of Horses Now and Later 54:25

3y ago54:25

54:25

Today’s interview is with the founder of a Humane Society in southern Texas. You might not be familiar with this type of organization so let me help you get your bearings. You’ve heard of animal rescues and animal shelters before, right? And when you think about them, you probably imagine they rescue pets like cats and dogs. And maybe, if you’ve be…

1
S2E14: Managing Childhood Illness With Song 47:01

3y ago47:01

47:01

Today's guest is a young man who found his life’s purpose while pursuing a music degree at Yale University. He was working toward a career in musical theater (think Broadway) and enjoyed studying alongside so many talented musicians and artists. He longed for the chance to collaborate with fellow students outside of coursework, but quickly discover…

1
S2E13: Loving Bottoms, Changing Minds 40:39

3y ago40:39

40:39

My guest today is LeeAnn Porter, the Founder and Executive Director of Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank in Galesburg, Illinois. LeeAnn started the organization in her home back in 2014, and now they operate out of a 5,000 square foot warehouse and serve residents of SEVEN COUNTIES in Central Illinois. Even though Loving Bottoms is a diaper bank—a hub for…

1
S2E12: Advancing Asian American Christianity 47:48

3y ago47:48

47:48

In this podcast, you will meet the Reverend Young Lee Hertig. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of both the Innovative Space for Asian American Christianity AND Asian American Women On Leadership. She’s also the Editor-In-Chief of ChristianityNext, and the author of The Tao of Asian American Belonging: A Yinist Spirituality. Did you catc…

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S2E11: Competent Care for LGBTQIA2S+ Communities 42:36

3y ago42:36

42:36

In this episode, we turn our focus to PRIDE and the nationwide celebration of LGBTQIA2S+ humans who deserve the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness just like everyone else. We are all image bearers. Today, I am honored to share my interview with Katie Cox, the new Executive Director of The Equi Institute, a nonprofit located in Por…

1
YNPL S2 Episode 10 - Henry Burrell 47:10

3y ago47:10

47:10

Today’s guest is Henry Burrell, the founder of the Jonesboro Business Association. Originally from New York, Henry relocated to Louisiana and now resides in Jonesboro, Arkansas—and we’ll talk a little bit about the difference between life in Queens as opposed to life in the South. Here’s what you need to know about Henry. First and foremost, he is …

1
S2E09: Cultivating Community on College Campuses 48:38

3y ago48:38

48:38

Rutgers is the 8th oldest college in the U.S. having received its charter in 1766—10 years before the Revolution. Recent research documents the university's foundation on land taken from the indigenous Lenape people and at one time benefited from slave labor and funds derived from purchasing and selling slaves. As you can imagine, it’s not easy cre…

1
S2E08: New Beginnings for Those In Need 46:22

3y ago46:22

46:22

It’s Mental Health Month, and I could not think of a more important way to wrap the month than talking with someone who runs an established mental health agency in Southern California. I don’t know about you, but if you are like me, you are probably wondering what happens with the unaccompanied minors who have found their way to the land of the fre…

1
S2 E7: Advocating for Abused & Neglected Dogs 36:18

3+ y ago36:18

36:18

Sharnette Lewis, the Executive Director of Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing the chained or penned dog as well as helping the dog who is abused, neglected, homeless and abandoned. Their goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and help the dog find a home where they can live inside with a loving and caring family. Dogs Deser…

1
S2E6: Snakes, Mistakes, and the Power of Storytelling 47:50

3+ y ago47:50

47:50

This episode features one of the most unique nonprofit organizations I'm aware of. In fact, as far as we know, this is one of only two organizations with this mission in the entire world. Let's set the stage a little bit. Like many of you, my family switched to watching Sunday Services online when the pandemic was declared. Last week's sermon was b…

1
S2B1: Creating Space for Muslim Women to Lead 56:12

3+ y ago56:12

56:12

Today is International Women’s Day — March 8, 2021 Today's episode features an interview with a woman who, like the me, is someone with a strong faith and a desire to see more women in leadership roles—both secular and religious. My guest and I have had similar journeys fighting misogyny and patriarchy in our different religious traditions. Fatima …

1
S2E5: Healing Is for the Birds 41:20

3+ y ago41:20

41:20

There’s something you need to know up front about this particular episode: It’s for the birds! All of them! Raptors, Songbirds, Scavenger Birds, Owls, I could go on and on. 🐦🦅🦃🦉 Mainly because I love trying to identify different types of birds. In fact, one of my family’s favorite movies is called “The Big Year” with Steve Martin, Jack Black, and O…

1
S2E4: Seeing Animals as Individuals Saves Lives 41:06

3+ y ago41:06

41:06

Chay Neal is the Executive Director of Animal Liberation Queensland in Queensland Australia. Animal Liberation Queensland exists to protect all animals from abuse, exploitation and suffering; to foster respectful and compassionate community attitudes towards animals; and to promote veganism as the most ethical and ecologically sustainable lifestyle…

1
S2E03: A Soft Landing for the Trafficked 38:01

3+ y ago38:01

38:01

CONTENT TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions about sex trafficking, commercial sex exploitation, and pimp culture. So, if this is something you want to skip, you should skip it. Listener discretion advised. January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month so I’ve been interviewing a variety of nonprofit leaders—found…

1
S2E02: Refuge for the Trafficked 1:01:10

3+ y ago1:01:10

1:01:10

SEASON 2, EPISODE 2: CONTENT WARNING This episode includes discussions about sex trafficking and exploitation of young children. So, if this is something you want to skip, you should skip it. So, if this is something you want to skip, you should skip it. Listener discretion advised. January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month…

1
S2E01: Hope-full Healing with Horses 44:31

3+ y ago44:31

44:31

SEASON 2, EPISODE 1: CONTENT WARNING This episode includes discussions about sex trafficking and how sustained sexual abuse impacts survivors even years after they’ve been trafficked. So, if this is something you want to skip, you should skip it. Listener discretion advised. January is the official National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention …

1
S1E34: Comfort When the End Is Near 40:19

3+ y ago40:19

40:19

Whether from natural causes, tragedy, or the pandemic, most of us know know someone who has suffered loss this year. In the same vein, it’s also possible that you know someone who is nearing the end of life and hospice has been called in to help with nursing care, medications, and other medical needs related to a terminal illness. Today's guest tod…

1
S1E33: From Mourning Moments to Walking with Widows 55:45

3+ y ago55:45

55:45

This month, we are honoring nonprofit leaders and organizations who serve people during some of the most emotionally tender times of their lives. Whether due to natural causes, tragedy, or the pandemic, I’m sure we all know someone who has suffered loss this year. And one of the most significant losses a person can experience is the loss of a spous…

1
S1E32: Preserving the White Mountain Apache Culture 45:43

3+ y ago45:43

45:43

In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States, I wanted to interview someone whose people lived here before the country was “discovered.” Someone whose people have creation traditions based on this continent. Someone who works day in and day out to preserve her own culture. Despite colonization. The White Mountain Apache Tribe live…

1
S1E31:Serving Vulnerable Veterans & Active Service Members 50:09

4y ago50:09

50:09

Happy Veteran's Day! Every year, here in the United States, we observe November 11th as a federal holiday to honor our military veterans—persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In this episode, you'll meet a remarkable woman who is not only the daughter of a veteran but the Deputy Director of a nonprofit organization that serves …

1
S1E30: Board Service Isn't for Wimps 49:59

4y ago49:59

49:59

In this episode, you’ll meet Amy McLaughry, an entrepreneur and nonprofit leader who lives and serves in beautiful Colorado. She is the owner of ADEM Bookkeeping, a nonprofit accounting firm working virtually with nonprofits from all over the U.S., and she’s also a long-time board member of the Community College of Aurora Foundation. Under Amy’s bo…

1
S1E29: Supporting and Healing Black Women Survivors 34:55

4y ago34:55

34:55

With this episode, we conclude a series of four podcasts which have informed us about a variety of hot-button issues including the humanitarian crisis at the southern border, the shrinking resources available to refugees who were invited to resettle here in America, and the fight against voter suppression in California and across the nation. Today,…

1
S1E28: When Educating Voters Is Meaningful Work 51:20

4y ago51:20

51:20

In this episode you’ll learn how this 100-year-old organization was founded by women who fought hard for the 19th amendment granting white women the right to vote and how over the past century they have advocated for voter rights and provided nonpartisan voter education for everyone. Stephanie Doute is the Executive Director of the League of Women …

1
S1E27: Restoring Dignity to Our Newest Refugee Neighbors 50:34

4y ago50:34

50:34

Like many nonprofit founders, Kristen Bloom recognized new refugees needed help learning English, and she volunteered to fill the gap…only to realize it was more like a chasm. Tossing out her plans, Kristen created a new organization to address the immediate needs of refugee families. Kristen shares her journey into nonprofit leadership and what sh…

1
S1E26: Responding to the Refugee Crisis at the Southern Border 47:29

4y ago47:29

47:29

Meet Helen Perry, Executive Director of Global Response Management. GRM delivers emergency medical care and humanitarian relief to vulnerable people in the most high-risk areas. Founded to respond to crises in countries like Yemen, Iraq, and Bangladesh, GRM is now working much closer to home: across the border in Mexico. Helen is a fearless leader …

1
S1E25: Finding Yourself at the Library Foundation 46:11

4y ago46:11

46:11

In this episode, I interview Tracy Baron Phillips, the Chief Development Officer of a private library foundation in Zionsville, Indiana. Tracy is a passionate supporter of anything related to learning, and she’s especially fond of her local library. What is the impact when a local library closes it’s doors due to a pandemic? And how does a library …

1
S1E24: Leading with Literacy and a Little Fairy Dust 50:43

4y ago50:43

50:43

How DO you get books out to children who are out of school, sheltering in place, and have no access to books at home? What if I told you there was such a thing as book fairies, and they deliver! Eileen Minogue, the Executive Director of "The Book Fairies" on Long Island in New York. Believe it or not, but—and you’ll hear the full story in this epis…

1
S1E23: Engineering Equity in Food Distribution 44:01

4y ago44:01

44:01

September is Hunger Action Month, and today is our second episode focusing on innovative ways small nonprofits are making a big difference for the food insecure. Jen Nelson is the Senior Vice President of Do Good Auto Coalition—a brand new nonprofit that was started earlier this year (2020) by entrepreneur Diana Lee in response to the Covid-19 pand…

1
S1E22: Crushing Hunger thru Creative Collaboration 52:39

4y ago52:39

52:39

🎧 NEW EPISODE! September is Hunger Action Month. My guest in this episode is Robin Peacock, the Executive Director of M.E.N.D. (“Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity”) in New Jersey. I actually had the pleasure of meeting Robin in person last year when I visited @JoanGarry up in Montclair, New Jersey, and I got to see her in action. (See video of m…

1
S1E21: Feed ALL the Babies 53:02

4y ago53:02

53:02

If we are interested in becoming a more equitable society, then we need to understand the impact hidden biases have on newborns and their ability to bond or attach with the person breastfeeding them. In this episode, Arissa Palmer, Executive Director of BreastfeedLA, explains what’s being done to improve the odds that people of color be given the s…

1
S1E20: Living and Leaving a Legacy 39:01

4y ago39:01

39:01

Terence Narcisse is 30 years old and he’s already raised millions of dollars to impact his local community in East Harris County, Texas. Terence is a servant leader. He’s a visionary. He’s a man on a mission. He’s an incredible change agent in his local community. As the founder and Executive Director of East Harris County Empowerment Council, Tere…

1
S1E19: Strong Leadership and Fragile X 43:42

4y ago43:42

43:42

Have you ever heard of Fragile X? Not a “fragile” ex-husband, ex-wife, or ex-partner. Not that kind of ex. But Fragile X, as in the chromosome: X. Do you remember learning about X and Y chromosomes in your high school Biology class? Well, dust off your memories of the blue eyes/brown eyes chart because we’re going to learn a little bit about a rare…

1
S1E18: Fearless Leader. Beloved Colleague. 44:28

4y ago44:28

44:28

EPISODE 18: My guest Noelani Pearl Hunt, shares the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences she's had over the past 20 years in nonprofit leadership. Every day Noelani leverages her leadership expertise to support members in the Village and our members-only small groups. Whether she’s offering feedback on an elevator pitch or reviewing a logic mode…

1
S1E17: Ensuring Unaccompanied Students Graduate from High School 38:49

4y ago38:49

38:49

Today's guest ran a corporate business for twenty years and then sold it to his employees. Then, he transitioned into the nonprofit sector. He served as Executive Director of an organization that provided camp experiences for teens, and one day, while loading a trailer with camp gear, he had a heart attack, and everything changed. Links and more in…

1
S1E16: Building Relationships thru Volunteering 45:10

4y ago45:10

45:10

🏳‍🌈 We’re still celebrating PRIDE, and today’s guest, Anne Friedman, is the Executive Director of Gay for Good. Gay For Good energizes and mobilizes the LGBTQ community to interact with the greater community by volunteering their time to various social welfare and environmental service projects. Anne started volunteering with Gay for Good while she…

1
Quality Journalism by LGBTQ+ Youth 47:28

4y ago47:28

47:28

When he was only ten years old, my guest's parents gave him a radio starter-kit, and it wasn't long until he was broadcasting around the block. Over 50 years later, he's still broadcasting, and now, he's transferring his passion for the medium to the next generation. 🏳‍🌈 We're still celebrating PRIDE and today's guest, Marc Sophos, is the founder, …

1
S1E14: Providing Hope to LGBTQ+ Teens 42:55

4y ago42:55

42:55

🏳‍🌈 It’s PRIDE month and this episode’s guest is Leo Preziosi Jr. the Founder and Executive Director of Live Out Loud! Live Out Loud inspires, nurtures and empowers LGBTQ youth to build a successful future by connecting them to positive role models and affirmative experiences in the LGBTQ community. By providing youth with opportunities to interact…

1
S1E13: The Never-Bored Board Member 35:41

4y ago35:41

35:41

Today I have the privilege of introducing you to one of the most fascinating men I’ve never met (in person, that is). James “Jim” Roth spent thirty years of his life as an attorney fighting for human rights both in the United States and internationally. He’s helped start multiple nonprofits in Minnesota including the Center for Victims of Torture a…

1
S1E12: When Foster Kids Age Out 42:58

4y ago42:58

42:58

Most of us are aware of foster care and the need for foster parents, but how often do we consider what happens to foster kids when they age out? When they no longer have a place to call home? And what about other young adults who find themselves homeless due to lack of family support? In this episode, you’ll meet Adrean Stinnett, the Founder of J12…

1
S1E11: Loving-kindness for Survivors of the Unimaginable 50:21

4y ago50:21

50:21

EPISODE 11: CONTENT WARNING This episode includes discussions about complex trauma. While we don’t get into specifics, we do explore how sustained, severe childhood abuse impacts the brain and what is being done to support survivors. Listener discretion advised. Every time I talk with Amy Bradley, I hear about some new program she’s developed or a …

1
S1E10: Visionary Leader. Humble Mentor. 57:42

4y ago57:42

57:42

When word gets out that the top leaders of a nonprofit in a small town have been misappropriating funds and behaving unethically, everybody hears about it. Everybody. And it’s up to the board to act quickly with integrity to find someone who can immediately step-in and LEAD... Visit the show notes page for links to resources mentioned in this episo…

1
S1E9: Supporting Parents Remotely Since 1995 42:01

4+ y ago42:01

42:01

My guest's life changed completely when she and her husband, already parents, fell in love with a sweet little girl who was living her worst life at an orphanage in China. They soon learned that unconditional love and proven parenting practices were not enough for their newly adopted daughter. In desperation, they reached out via telephone to a rel…

1
S1E8: Determined to Make a Difference 43:59

4+ y ago43:59

43:59

The career switch demanded by a broken system and a heart determined to make a huge difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. My guest in this podcast is Cara Gerdiman, the Executive Director of Kids’ Harbor Child Advocacy Center. Even from a young age, she knew she wanted to make a positive difference in her community. After colleg…

1
S1E7: Build Trust. Develop Relationships. Ignite Your Board. 46:07

4+ y ago46:07

46:07

If you're wondering how to keep your board engaged and activate their fundraising gene, then you don't want to miss out on my conversation with Teri Todd, the Director of Development and Marketing for the Children's Protection Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. She's amazing! Listen online or on your favorite podcatcher: https://yournonprofitlife.com…

1
S1E6: The Lifelong Journey into Nonprofit Leadership 47:20

4+ y ago47:20

47:20

By Laura Zielke

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Laura Zielke Nonprofit Leadership Advocate Podcasts

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