Episodes
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In this inspiring episode of the North Star Podcast, host Jim Eskin welcomes a true guiding light in the nonprofit world, Steve Lerman. As a super lawyer with an illustrious five-decade career in communications and entertainment law, Steve shares his journey from personal tragedy to professional success to impactful philanthropy.
Key Takeaways:
Overcoming Personal Tragedy: Steve opens up about losing father figures early in life and how it shaped his self-reliance and leadership skills.
Insider View of Radio Industry: With vast experience in the radio industry, Steve discusses its evolution from high profitability to current challenges due to digital competition.
Future of Radio: He candidly offers his perspective on radio's struggle against modern media platforms and hints at its uncertain future.
Active Minds Advocacy: As chairman of Active Minds, he emphasizes mental health support for young adults through peer-to-peer interaction—a cause close to his heart after witnessing its life-saving impact firsthand.
Scholarship Mentoring Program Success: Reflecting on personal challenges during youth inspires him to lead a scholarship mentoring program with a perfect college graduation rate among participants—defying statistics even within affluent communities like Newton, Massachusetts.
Memoir Insights: Writing "The Enchanted Path" helped organize his life into three distinct phases: education, work/professional success, and giving back/philanthropy.
Celebrity Encounters & Anecdotes: Sharing entertaining stories about famous clients such as Howard Stern and Don Imus and others that showcases another facet of his dynamic career.
Final Thoughts: Steve's commitment shines through every topic discussed—from legal expertise to passionate advocacy for education and mental health. His story is one that reminds us all that despite setbacks or losses we face; we can choose paths leading toward positive impacts on others' lives. A beacon for many nonprofits today, he truly embodies what it means to be a Non-Profit North Star.
Learn More about Active Minds at Active Minds.org
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Dr. Alice Christie, Founder and CEO of Tynkertopia has been an educator for the last 56 years. She taught in the K-12 arena for 20 years, was a professor of education at Arizona State University for 20+ years and spent 9 years traveling to 37 states to provide STEM education workshops to over 5000 PK-12 teachers. In 2017, she founded and self-funded Tynkertopia, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in Flagstaff, AZ.
Dr. Christie received her Ph.D. in Language and Literacy and Educational Technology in 1995. She served first as assistant professor, then as associate professor at Arizona State University. She retired in 2008 as ASU President’s Professor Emerita. This designation is one of Arizona State University’s most prestigious faculty honors. It is designed to reward enthusiasm and innovation in teaching, the ability to inspire original and creative work by students, mastery of subject matter and scholarly contributions. Only 36 professors at ASU hold this title.
Tynkertopia, Inc. is a non-profit community center in Flagstaff, AZ. We focus on creativity, inquiry, and STEAM knowledge and skills. Flagstaff is America’s First STEM Community, and Tynkertopia is Flagstaff’s STEAM Community Center. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) + A for the Arts = STEAM.
Tynkertopia is a place filled with opportunities to play, invent and launch imaginations into overdrive! Designed for kids, parents, teachers, and community members, Tynkertopia builds STEAM skills and encourages independent thinking, questioning, inquiring, designing, building, exploring and tinkering!
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Missing episodes?
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Host Jim Eskin celebrates the selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others by highlighting their passion and guiding non-profits in a positive direction.
In this episode, the spotlight is on Leia Hunt.
Leia Hunt is a 2 time childhood cancer survivor, founder of the nonprofit known as Leia’s Kids, podcast host, inspirational speaker, and author of My Battle Plan Journal. Leia was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer when she was two years old. Leia’s battle with childhood cancer resulted in her undergoing 26 surgical procedures, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and ultimately the insertion of a radioactive plaque in her left eye. The radiation ultimately defeated her cancer but left her blind in the left eye. These circumstances defined Leia’s life. Leia says her cancer battle truly began as she grew up with side effects from treatment, being half-blind and navigating her youth knowing she was different.
Leia has turned the devastation of her childhood cancer into a testimony of hope and faith. Leia is passionate about sharing her story and has embraced the opportunity to speak at various events. Leia’s unique perspective on surviving and thriving is a story that she is willing to share with others.
Leia founded Leia’s Kids, a 501(c)3 non-profit at 18 years old, while a senior in high school. Leia grew up hosting lemonade stands, school fundraisers, and more for childhood cancer awareness! However, as she got older she knew she survived cancer for a reason and wanted to do more for God’s kingdom! She wanted to meet these families and look them in the eyes to tell them they can turn this negative situation into something positive. This led to the beginning of her calling and purpose on this earth. To help those suffering to find hope and bring glory to God through our trials on earth. Leia’s Kids gives financial donations to families but also hosts dream parties for fighters and siblings.Currently, at the age of 22, Leia runs Leia’s Kids full time along with working towards a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education at Texas A&M Commerce University.
Leia's Kids Official Website
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Host Jim Eskin celebrates the selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others by highlighting their passion and guiding non-profits in a positive direction.
In this episode, the spotlight is on Maestro Peter Bay, an accomplished music director and conductor with over a quarter-century at the helm of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Austin Symphony Orchestra
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In this fifth episode, we celebrate Dan Baker, President and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association. Nominated by Marv Leroy for embodying the Peace Corps' mission—to foster understanding between Americans and other cultures—Dan has dedicated his life post-Davidson College to international service. The Peace Corps has seen over 200,000 volunteers since 1961 serve in 139 countries; they've learned languages and shared American values worldwide.
Dan shares how a chance encounter with a returned volunteer from Mali shifted his trajectory towards the Peace Corps instead of corporate America or law school. His journey began as an education volunteer in Bolivia in 1999 and evolved into various roles within the organization over two decades.
He reflects on technological advancements that transformed communication for volunteers abroad and discusses how Peace Corps initiatives have influenced global aid approaches through grassroots collaboration.
The National Peace Corps Association now champions expansion efforts while supporting returnees with career development needs or those recovering from service-related trauma. Dan emphasizes that despite changing times, volunteers' spirit remains driven by altruism, adventure, and sacrifice.
For young people considering joining today's Peace Corps: it's not for everyone but can be incredibly rewarding if you're up for challenging yourself beyond your perceived limits.
To support the National Peace Corps Association—one needn't be a former volunteer—membership is free though contributions keep them thriving. Their work underscores peace-building both internationally and domestically through ongoing community engagement efforts across America.
Closing out our dialogue with gratitude towards Dan Baker—a true north star—we invite listeners interested in nominating exceptional nonprofit leaders to visit our website.
Join us next time on Nominate Your Nonprofit North Star podcast where stories like Dan’s continue to inspire action toward making a difference globally. -
David Ibarra is a leadership consultant and entrepreneur. He is the founder of eLeaderTech, the Ibarra-Brito Group, and the David Ibarra Enterprises.
David's life is a testament to overcoming adversity. Born to immigrant parents and placed in foster care at a young age, he began his career washing dishes before becoming the youngest franchise owner of a Marriott Corporation division. As founder of the Eb Bauer Foundation, David has awarded full scholarships to 134 students and continues weekly mentoring sessions through "time tithe," sharing his wisdom with those seeking guidance.
Our host Jim engages David in an insightful conversation about fear as motivation, the challenges of making versus giving away money, selective charity based on execution not just intent, and the importance of cultivating one's talents despite economic hardships.
David reflects on key figures who shaped him—a fifth-grade teacher who nurtured his academic growth; Robert Farrell who introduced him to 'Think and Grow Rich'; Marriott’s support that led him into entrepreneurship; and mentors who complemented his skills. He advises aspiring non-profit supporters to scrutinize organizations' effectiveness before contributing their time or money.
Despite receiving knighthood for his contributions, David remains dedicated without any bucket list but lives out principles leading towards a rich life encompassing family, friends, faith community health—and financial wealth.
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On this episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we recognize our special guest, Barbara Williams.
At 85 years young, Barbara's energy and unwavering commitment to helping others is truly awe-inspiring. With a background in education and a career as a teacher and principal, Barbara has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Alongside her husband, George, they have supported a wide range of nonprofits and good causes through their generous contributions of time, talent, and resources. Guided by her belief that life is a precious gift, Barbara is passionate about creating inclusive and empowering environments for individuals with special needs. Through her own personal experiences as a caregiver and guardian for family members with special needs, Barbara has gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and needs of this community. Her infectious enthusiasm, love for people, and commitment to making the world a better place make Barbara a true North Star in the nonprofit sector. Join us as we delve into her journey and learn from her wisdom and expertise in advocating for individuals with special needs.
We all have gifts and talents. Every human being has something to offer. No matter our level of functioning, we all have basically similar needs, including loving and being loved, and having a purpose. - Barbara Williams
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover actionable insights from the Nonprofit North Stars podcast that can transform your nonprofit's impact.
Learn how Reaching Maximum Independence (RMI) is empowering individuals with special needs to achieve their full potential.
Gain valuable support and resources tailored specifically for special needs nonprofits.
Understand the common challenges nonprofits face with funding and discover strategies to overcome them.
Explore the importance of creating inclusive communities and how it can positively impact individuals with special needs.
Empowering individuals with special needs
This key value centers around the need for complete inclusion and support for individuals with special needs. Barbara Williams' commitment to empowering such individuals is manifest in her endeavors with RMI, where she fosters an atmosphere of acceptance and independence. Her efforts underline the importance of creating opportunities for self-growth and development, which can profoundly transform lives for special needs individuals.Reaching Maximum Independence website
To nominate a Non-Profit North Star in your community, go to: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/gih2pAO
Non-Profit North Stars website
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We are proud to salute Sue St. Cyr, Operations Director, Helotes Humane Society in Helotes, Texas. Sue was nominated by Janice MacRossin, former, Executive Director of Helotes Humane Society. A 55-year-old retire Air Force veteran, Sue has cared for more than 6,500 dogs and cats over her amazing career as a team member. She humbly estimates she has works more than 70 hours per week.
www.hhsanimals.org
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Some of you might remember the popular 1993 movie, "Sleepless in Seattle," starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
Well, the stark reality is that too many people are sleepless in Seattle, without a roof over their heads. In fact, Seattle has the 3rd largest homeless population in the U.S., behind the much larger cities of New York and Los Angeles. In our inaugural podcast series, we are proud to salute our first Non-Profit North Star, Barb Oliver, who is making a huge difference, one home at a time.
She is one of seven Founders -- and Director of Operations -- of Sound Foundations NW. She has literally taken hammers, nails, wood and much else in her hands to help build more than 400 transitional tiny homes since 2018 as part of her commitment to end homelessness. More importantly, she has provided leadership to inspire and motivate thousands of men and women to join her in this noble cause to make sure that every homeless man, woman, and child in the greater Seattle area has a roof over their head and a lock on their door, all to keep them warm, safe, and dry. Listen to her uplifting story as one of many professional and volunteer non-profit leaders who improve the world.
Sound Foundations NW
https://www.soundfoundationsnw.org
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Coming September 13th 2023
