TNC Talks NonProfit with Mercedes & Scott

Mercedes Alhaj & Scott McAninch
  • 4.7 (3)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Join hosts Mercedes Alhaj and Scott McAninch as they explore the intriguing paths that lead individuals to leadership roles in the nonprofit sector.

  1. 5D AGO

    22. Recycling Hope: How Project MEND is Restoring Mobility Across Texas

    What if a donated wheelchair could completely change someone's life? On this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Cathy Valdez, CEO of Project MEND, to talk about 20 years of innovation, impact, and restoring independence for Texans with disabilities. Project MEND (Medical Equipment Network for Those with Disabilities) refurbishes and redistributes durable medical equipment—like wheelchairs, walkers, and shower chairs—ensuring mobility isn't a barrier to living with dignity. From hospital-grade UV sanitizing robots to 3D-printing replacement parts and even generating earned income through eBay sales, this San Antonio-based nonprofit is redefining what sustainability and service look like. ✨ Hear how a "temporary consulting project" turned into a 20-year mission ✨ Learn why the right wheelchair fit truly matters ✨ Discover how innovation is helping them serve more people than ever This is a story of leadership, resilience, and building something that lasts. 🎧 Listen now and get inspired by what's possible when purpose meets persistence. #TNCTalksNonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #ProjectMEND #SanAntonioNonprofits #MobilityMatters #SocialImpact

    30 min

  2. FEB 20

    21. From Stage 4 Cancer to Serving the Least Served: Jaime Wesolowski's "Why"

    What does it mean to truly serve the least served? In this powerful episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM). Jaime shares the incredible story of surviving stage 4 cancer, discovering his "why," and answering a calling that led him to lead one of the largest charitable healthcare organizations in Texas. From addressing social determinants of health and 20-year life expectancy gaps in San Antonio zip codes, to investing $200+ million annually into communities across 74 counties, MHM is redefining what community health looks like. This conversation is about faith, leadership, advocacy, and building healthier communities before people ever get sick. 🎧 Tune in and discover your "why."

    23 min

  3. FEB 16

    ***Bonus Content*** 2026 Bexar County Judge Nonprofit Forum

    The 2026 Bexar County Judge Nonprofit Forum hosted by The Nonprofit Council held on February 11, 2026 in San Antonio featuring the two leading Bexar County Judge candidates - incumbent Judge Peter Sakai and former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Moderated by Texas Public Radio broadcaster David Martin Davies.

    56 min

  4. FEB 9

    19. Building Stronger Communities: A Conversation with United Way CEO Chris Martin

    On this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Chris Martin, President & CEO of United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, to explore what it truly takes to build long-term community impact. With more than 36 years at United Way, Chris shares his career journey, how United Way uses data-driven impact councils to address everything from early childhood development to crisis response, and why collaboration, volunteers, and adaptability are essential to nonprofit success. From the power of 2-1-1 to rethinking grantmaking and leadership development, this conversation offers valuable insight for nonprofit leaders, funders, and anyone passionate about strengthening their community. 🎧 Listen now and learn how United Way is bringing people and organizations together to create lasting change.

    22 min

  5. FEB 9

    20. From Basura Bash to Big Impact: How RiverAid Is Transforming San Antonio's Waterways

    On this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes & Scott welcome Charlie Blank, Founder and Executive Director of RiverAid San Antonio, for an inspiring conversation about environmental stewardship, volunteer power, and building a nonprofit that creates real, measurable impact. Charlie shares the story behind RiverAid's founding, how the organization helped revitalize the iconic Basura Bash, and why turning a once-a-year cleanup into a year-round mission has transformed San Antonio's waterways. From removing millions of pounds of trash to deploying innovative litter boom systems and training citizen scientists, RiverAid is proving what's possible when community passion meets smart systems. If you care about nonprofits, collaboration, sustainability, or how to scale impact without losing heart, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 🌱🎧

    35 min

  6. FEB 9

    18. The Long Road to Leadership: Denise Barkhurst's Nonprofit Origin Story

    Denise Barkhurst didn't set out to lead a nonprofit—she found her purpose through her own story. In this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Denise (President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas) shares how growing up with scarcity and responsibility shaped her drive to serve, why mentorship can change a child's entire trajectory, and what 28 years inside one mission teaches you about impact, resilience, and leadership.

    47 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    17. Building a Better Homeless Response: Katie Wilson on Collaboration, Data, and the Power of Systems Change

    This week on TNC Talks Non-Profit with Mercedes & Scott, we sit down with Katie Wilson, Executive Director of Close to Home, for a deep dive into how San Antonio is tackling homelessness through collaboration, coordination, and compassion. Katie shares her inspiring journey—from dance team captain to leading a community-wide movement ensuring everyone has a place to call home. Learn how Close to Home brings together 77 partner organizations, aligns local and federal efforts, and turns data into real impact for our unhoused neighbors. 🎧 Tune in to hear how systems thinking, advocacy, and heart are reshaping what it means to serve our community. 💙 Special thanks to our sponsor, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, for supporting TNC Talks Non-Profit and helping us shine a light on the change-makers building a better tomorrow.

    26 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    16. Hope at Heart: Keeping Families Afloat Through Pediatric Cancer

    When a child is fighting cancer, the battle goes far beyond the hospital. 🎗️ On this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes & Scott sit down with Jason Massiatte president of Hope at Heart Foundation, to talk about covering the non-medical essentials—rent, utilities, fuel cards, even end-of-life support—so families can focus on their child. Hear how partnerships across South Texas, relentless advocacy, and community micro-events are filling a critical gap for kids and young adults up to 26. It's candid, moving, and a powerful call to action.

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

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Join hosts Mercedes Alhaj and Scott McAninch as they explore the intriguing paths that lead individuals to leadership roles in the nonprofit sector.

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