YouMeWe Amplified - Conversations w Wave-Making Women: Transforming Lives with Social Solutions

Suzanne F. Stevens
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YouMeWe Amplified podcast features conversations with Wave-Making Women Entrepreneurs Transforming where WE live & work with Sustainable Social Solutions. In each episode, be empowered to make your contribution count with insights into what, why, and how to make a social impact to empower you, your organization, and your community. Suzanne F. Stevens is the Wave-Maker and Multi-Award-Winning Social Entrepreneur at YouMeWe Social Impact Group. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Keynoter, Trainer, Podcaster, Coach, and Author, she empowers Wave-Making Women to amplify their authentic voices and lead consciously, generating ripples of influence and sustainable impact.  

  1. Mar 10

    From Ashes to Earth: Turning Cremation Into Living Soil | Amanda Kelly

    What if cremation ashes don’t actually help plants grow? In fact, they can kill them. In this episode of YouMeWe Amplified, host Suzanne F. Stevens sits down with Amanda Kelly, co-founder of Awake, to explore one of the most surprising innovations in sustainable deathcare: transforming cremation ashes into life-giving soil. The idea didn’t start as a business. It started with grief. After unexpectedly becoming the caretaker of multiple urns belonging to loved ones, Amanda began asking questions about cremation, soil, and what really happens when ashes are returned to the earth. What she discovered changed everything. Today, Awake’s patented Ashes to Earth process helps families create living memorials—turning cremated remains into balanced soil capable of nurturing trees, gardens, and ecosystems. But this conversation goes far beyond science. It’s about grief, legacy, entrepreneurship, and the courage to build a mission-driven social enterprise in one of the most emotionally sensitive industries. Because sometimes the most powerful contribution we make… is the life we give back to the earth. 🌱 In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why cremation ashes can damage soil and plants • The science behind Awake’s Ashes to Earth process • How grief sparked a groundbreaking green innovation • The rise of sustainable funerals and eco memorials • What it takes to build a mission-driven company in deathcare • How families are creating living legacies

  2. Feb 19

    Beer, Business & Built-In Impact: How Endswell’s Soda Bros Is Changing Community Giving

    What if social impact wasn’t added on… but built in? In this episode of YouMeWe Amplified, Suzanne F. Stevens sits down with Dana Kaluzny, co-owner of Endswell Beer in Collingwood, to explore how purpose can live inside the business model — not just the marketing. From launching Soda Bros, a youth-led social enterprise created with her sons (where 50% of profits support local community organizations), to designing a brewery culture rooted in belonging and sustainability, Dana shares what it looks like to lead with intention. In this conversation, we cover: • Baking social impact into your business plan • Raising entrepreneurial kids who understand profit and generosity • Setting boundaries when impact meets capacity • Working with your partner — navigating strengths, tension, and communication • Building a flat team culture through ownership and humility This is a conversation about beer, yes — but more importantly, about leadership, community, and designing business to “end well.” If you're building something in your town and wondering how it can matter more, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations on conscious leadership and community impact. Let’s make waves. Watch • Read • Listen https://podcast.youmewe.ca/dana-kaluzny-endswell-beer/

  3. Feb 2

    How One Real Estate Career Became a Force for Good

    Building Communities and Empowering Women: Marcia Hubbs' Inspiring Journey Join Suzanne F. Stevens on the You Me We Amplified podcast as she speaks with Marcia Hubbs, a trusted real estate professional and community champion with over 40 years of experience. Discover Marcia's unwavering commitment to supporting women and children escaping violence through the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and her local shelter, My Friend's House. Learn about Marcia's collaborative effort in creating the awareness song 'A Hand Up' and her various community-driven initiatives, including innovative client gifts and youth engagement on her property. Explore the significant impact of integrating social purpose into professional life and the profound difference it can make. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host 00:58 Meet Marcia Hubbs: Real Estate Professional and Community Champion 02:45 Marcia's Journey into Real Estate 03:57 Extending Real Estate to Social Impact 05:18 Personal Connection to Shelter Foundation 08:25 Innovative Client Gifts for Charity 11:19 Community Contributions and Personal Stories 20:10 Queen M and the Power of Music for Social Causes 26:48 Challenges and Future Goals for Shelters 28:00 Integrating Community Giving in Real Estate 28:33 National Campaign for Social Impact 29:28 Marketing Social Impact for Women Entrepreneurs 31:39 Community Support and Acts of Kindness 37:10 Sustaining Energy and Passion 41:23 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights 51:02 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

  4. Jan 22

    Redefining Youth Education with Real-World Skills | Jessica Flynn, Founder, The You Power Project

    Empowering the Future: Redefining Youth Education with Real-World Skills | Jessica Flynn What if education actually prepared young people to lead, create, and make an impact—starting now? In this episode of YouMeWe Amplified, Suzanne F. Stevens sits down with education disruptor Jessica Flynn to challenge what we think school is supposed to look like—and what youth truly need to thrive. Jessica is the founder of The Flynn Collaboration, The You Power Project, and the Academy of South Georgian Bay. Her award-winning work sits at the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, mindset, and social impact, empowering young people to learn, lead, and live with purpose. In this conversation, Jessica shares her journey from traditional teaching to building bold, future-focused education models that have empowered over a thousand students worldwide to recognize their value, develop real-world skills, and step into leadership with confidence.  ✨ In this episode, we explore: Why mindset, entrepreneurship, and social impact must be core to modern educationHow the You Power Project equips youth with agency, confidence, and purposeWhat inspired the creation of an alternative high school designed for changemakersThe critical role of community collaboration in youth developmentPractical insights for educators, parents, and social impact leaders rethinking educationThis episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about youth empowerment, alternative education, leadership development, conscious leadership, and creating sustainable social impact. 🎧 Watch, read, or listen to the full interview: 👉 https://podcast.youmewe.ca/jessica-flynn/ If you believe education should unlock potential—not mute it, this conversation will resonate. Let’s make waves 🌊

  5. 12/19/2024

    Are you eating plastics_ The truth about your food—and how to stop it_

    Rethinking 'BPA Free': Nita Tandon on Conscious Consumerism and Sustainable Innovation Join me on YouMeWe Amplified podcast for a deep dive into conscious consumerism and sustainable innovation with my inspiring guest, Nita Tandon, CEO and founder of Dalcini Inc. Discover the truth behind 'BPA Free' labels, the impact of plastics on our health, and how we can demand better for ourselves and our communities. Learn about Nita's journey from a career in health sciences to creating award-winning stainless steel housewares. Get ready to rethink convenience, challenge authority, and make a conscious contribution to society. It's time to make waves for a healthier, sustainable future!   02:22 The Catalyst for Change: From Plastics to Stainless Steel 06:10 The Problem with Plastics and the Benefits of Stainless Steel 08:36 Health Impacts of Chemical Exposure   13:59 Ensuring Product Purity and Safety   16:20 Advocacy and Raising Awareness   17:31 Starting the Business and Educating Families   19:40 Simplicity and Sustainability in Everyday Life   21:29 Impact of Food Packaging on the Environment   23:10 Advantages of Stainless Steel Containers   27:47 Advocacy for Women in Business 29:14 The Power of Representation in Media   30:12 Challenging Traditional Business Paradigms   31:23 Embracing Conscious Leadership   31:52 Journey to B Corp Certification   34:37 Impact of Awards and Media Exposure   39:19 Navigating Supply Chain Challenges 41:39 Creating Inclusive Work Environments 46:51 Rapid Fire Insights   53:19 Final Words of Wisdom

  6. 10/31/2024

    Sound Waves of Impact: Jennifer Buchanan, founder of JB Music Therapy's Musical Mission

    Join me, Suzanne F. Stevens, on the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast as we sit down with Jennifer Buchanan, the founder of JB Music Therapy. In this episode, you will uncover the profound impact of music therapy on mental health, emotional well-being, and social connections. Learn about Jennifer's inspiring journey over 33 years, from the early challenges to achieving significant breakthroughs in hospitals, schools, and communities. You'll discover practical insights on how music therapy aids in learning for children, supports mental health, and benefits the elderly, particularly those in long-term care. Jennifer also shares her innovative vision for the future, including the creation of a scholarship for music therapy students. Plus, get motivated by her advice on collaboration, entrepreneurial spirit, and making a conscious contribution to society. Don't miss this powerful conversation that will empower and inspire you to make a social impact through the healing power of music.       00:00 Introduction to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast 00:37 Meet Jennifer Buchanan of JB Music Therapy 02:01 The Beginnings of JB Music Therapy 05:04 Music Therapy for Children 09:05 Music Therapy and Mental Health 15:13 Music Therapy in Acute Medical Settings 18:52 Music Therapy for the Elderly 25:07 Inclusion Through Music Therapy 29:45 The Power of Music and Memory 32:01 The Impact of Music Therapy 33:55 Pioneering a Profession 35:29 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth 40:21 The Importance of Contribution 47:14 Rapid Fire Questions 53:44 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

  7. 10/18/2024

    Dignity and Opportunity: Empowering the ‘Unemployable’ through The Raw Carrot

    Welcome to the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast! I'm Suzanne F. Stevens, your host and the Wave•Maker at YouMeWe Social Impact Group. Join me in an inspiring conversation with Rebecca Scherbino, Executive Director of The Raw Carrot, a not-for-profit social enterprise that provides employment and dignity to individuals with disabilities and mental illnesses through the creation of gourmet soups. Rebecca shares how a personal relationship and experiences in the charity sector and Africa shaped her mission. We dive into the challenges and opportunities of creating a supportive work environment, the evolution of The Raw Carrot, and how balancing social outcomes with income generation can lead to sustainability. Tune in for compelling advice on operating like a business, the social franchise model, impact measurement, and leadership in social enterprise. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, get ready to be inspired and empowered to make a significant social impact!   00:00 Introduction to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast 00:35 Meet Rebecca Scherbino and The Raw Carrot 01:52 The Catalyst Behind The Raw Carrot 02:11 Amanda's Story and Early Challenges 04:33 From Side Hustle to Full-Time Passion 05:40 The Social Enterprise Model 09:52 Balancing Social Impact and Sustainability 12:48 Funding and Financial Strategies 16:46 Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs 19:57 The Social Franchise Advantage 21:07 Sharing Hard-Earned Knowledge 22:16 Economies of Scale 22:37 Challenges and Assumptions 25:18 Measuring Impact 27:00 Leadership and Support 28:44 Advantages of Hiring Unemployable 30:36 Sustaining Social Impact 33:21 Rapid Fire Questions 41:00 Final Words of Wisdom   🌊 I'm Suzanne F. Stevens, your Wave-Maker at the YouMeWe Social Impact Group, empowering a WE Culture by cultivating conscious leadership.   I amplify the voices and impact of sheSocial•IMPACT Leaders through coaching, training, speaking, events, and on the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast. Elevate your leadership, amplify your authentic voice, and accelerate your sustainable social impact with YouMeWe.   Ready to ride your next leadership wave? 💬 DM me 'YouMeWe' for your free conscious leadership assessment, and let’s unlock your full potential together.

  8. 10/01/2024

    Melissa Kaye - Elev8 Villages - Empowering emancipated foster youth.

    Empowering Foster Youth: The Vision of Elev8 Villages In this episode of YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, Suzanne F. Stevens interviews Melissa Kay, the founder of Elev8 Villages. Melissa shares her journey from mentoring at-risk youth to creating sustainable tiny home villages for emancipated foster youth. Delve into the systemic challenges faced by foster children and explore the innovative solutions Elev8 Villages offers, including providing safe housing, wraparound services, and empowering job opportunities. Discover how Melissa's unwavering dedication and pragmatic approach aim to transform lives and reshape communities, ensuring that every youth has a voice and a choice.   00:00 Introduction to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast 00:50 Meet Melissa Kay: Founder of Elev8 Villages 01:02 The Foster Care Crisis in the U.S. 01:45 Melissa's Journey into Foster Care Advocacy 03:37 Challenges Faced by Foster Youth 10:12 Elev8 Villages: A Solution for Emancipated Foster Youth 11:10 Building a Supportive Community 13:27 The Tiny Home Movement and Its Impact 17:34 Future Plans and Expansion 18:16 Funding and Resources for Elev8 Villages 27:20 A Vision of Clarity 29:08 Building Tiny Homes 30:02 Funding the Dream 30:38 Coaching and Contributions 32:33 Sustainable Business Models 34:39 Community and Dignity 36:44 Avoiding Pitfalls 45:20 Rapid Fire Questions 52:49 Final Words of Wisdom

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YouMeWe Amplified podcast features conversations with Wave-Making Women Entrepreneurs Transforming where WE live & work with Sustainable Social Solutions. In each episode, be empowered to make your contribution count with insights into what, why, and how to make a social impact to empower you, your organization, and your community. Suzanne F. Stevens is the Wave-Maker and Multi-Award-Winning Social Entrepreneur at YouMeWe Social Impact Group. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Keynoter, Trainer, Podcaster, Coach, and Author, she empowers Wave-Making Women to amplify their authentic voices and lead consciously, generating ripples of influence and sustainable impact.  

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