Eyespiring

Prevent Blindness Texas
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The mission of Prevent Blindness Texas is to prevent blindness and preserve sight. We are leaders and change agents in the eye health space here to empower you!

  1. Sep 17

    Living with Vision: Purpose, Service & Legacy with Dr. Kerri-Ann Coombs

    What does it mean to truly live with vision? On this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Kerri-Ann Coombs, R.N., O.D., whose journey from registered nurse to optometrist, entrepreneur, author, mother, and philanthropist has been shaped by purpose, faith, and a deeply personal connection to vision loss. Inspired by her father's experience with vision loss, Dr. Coombs developed a passion for helping others protect their sight while also encouraging people to pursue the vision they have for their own lives. She shares candidly about changing careers, overcoming fear, building De'Cordova Eyewear in honor of her father, embracing entrepreneurship, using social media to educate and connect, giving back to children in Jamaica, and the lessons motherhood has taught her about patience and leadership. The conversation ultimately returns to a simple but powerful idea: vision is a gift, and living with vision means having the faith and courage to pursue what you were created to do. Topics Covered Dr. Coombs' journey from nursing to optometryDiscovering her calling to healthcareHow her father's vision loss shaped her personal and professional journeyOvercoming fear and learning to "bet on yourself"The lessons nursing taught her about caring for othersThe story and legacy behind De'Cordova EyewearTaking a holistic approach to eye and overall healthEntrepreneurship and the challenges of being responsible for it allLearning to embrace areas outside her expertiseSocial media as a platform for education, creativity, and storytellingAuthenticity versus perfection on social mediaGiving back to children in JamaicaThe connection between childhood vision care and future opportunityGratitude for the gift of sightWriting A Girl with a Big VisionEncouraging children to dream biggerHow motherhood has changed Dr. Coombs' approach to leadershipLearning patience and allowing things to growThe meaning of vision, faith, and purposeBuilding a life, not just a business, that reflects your visionDr. Coombs reminds us that we should never take the gift of vision for granted, but we also shouldn't be afraid to pursue the vision we have for our lives. Her story is a reminder to bet on yourself, learn from failure, and build a life that matters beyond the work you do. As she puts it, "Build a life that you desire. The business may come and go, but your life remains with you forever." Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring 02:21 – Finding Joy in Peace and Simplicity 03:17 – The "Why" Behind Her Work 04:10 – Discovering a Calling to Healthcare 06:15 – From Nurse to Optometrist 08:17 – Following the Dream Despite Fear 11:05 – Betting on Yourself 13:37 – The Story Behind De'Cordova Eyewear 14:36 – Experiencing Her Father's Vision Loss 17:20 – Seeing the Whole Person 19:05 – Authenticity, Creativity & Social Media 23:16 – Building an Eyewear Business 26:40 – The First De'Cordova Frames 27:44 – The Realities of Entrepreneurship 29:22 – Giving Back to Jamaica 31:34 – A Young Patient Who Changed Her Perspective 33:15 – A Girl with a Big Vision 34:42 – Motherhood & Leadership 37:36 – Rapid Fire 39:56 – Vision Means Faith 40:14 – The One Thing She Wants You to Remember 41:17 – Closing & Prevent Blindness Texas

  2. Sep 3

    Building Stronger Nonprofits: Leadership, Philanthropy & Creating Lasting Community Impact

    What makes a nonprofit truly successful? According to Kristen Schlatre, it starts with committed leadership, a clear mission, and a willingness to continuously evolve. In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Kristen Schlatre, Assistant Dean for Professional and Corporate Programs and Director of the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University. Kristen shares her unique journey into the nonprofit sector, discusses the evolving landscape of philanthropy, and offers practical leadership lessons for nonprofit professionals, volunteers, board members, and anyone committed to creating positive change in their communities.   Together, they explore how organizations can build sustainable impact by investing in people, embracing innovation, and keeping their mission at the center of every decision.   Topics Covered Kristen's unexpected path from aspiring pharmacist to nonprofit leadershipWhy strong leadership is the foundation of every successful nonprofitLessons learned from Teach For America and mission-driven organizationsCommon misconceptions about nonprofit organizationsThe evolving role of philanthropy and charitable givingSustainable funding and why nonprofits need predictable revenueBuilding trust with donors, volunteers, and communitiesThe importance of community-led solutionsLeadership, resilience, and preventing burnoutDeveloping the next generation of nonprofit leadersBooks and resources for leadership developmentKristen's advice for anyone looking to make a lasting impactLeadership in the nonprofit sector isn't about having all the answers, it's about staying grounded in your mission while empowering others to create meaningful change. Kristen reminds us that although this work is challenging, no leader should carry it alone. By investing in people, embracing collaboration, and staying focused on purpose, nonprofits can build stronger organizations and healthier communities for years to come.   Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring and introduction to Kristen Schlatre 01:29 – Kristen shares her unexpected journey into nonprofit leadership 09:49 – The one thing every nonprofit needs to succeed 12:20 – Finding purpose through helping other leaders grow 16:11 – Why nonprofits play a vital role in strengthening communities 18:41 – Debunking common misconceptions about nonprofit organizations 25:20 – How philanthropy and charitable giving continue to evolve 31:02 – Why nonprofits need sustainable revenue models 35:44 – Building and maintaining trust in the nonprofit sector 37:18 – The question every nonprofit leader should ask themselves 39:44 – The biggest leadership challenges facing nonprofits today 41:28 – Why the next generation of nonprofit leaders brings hope 43:48 – Leadership skills every nonprofit needs for the future 45:39 – Leadership books and continuous learning 49:03 – Kristen's final advice 50:15 – How to get involved with Prevent Blindness Texas

  3. Aug 20

    Leading with Love: How Culture, Trust & AI Are Transforming Leadership

    Can love transform the way we lead? Mohammad Anwar believes it can.   In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick sits down with Mohammad Anwar, President & CEO of Softway, co-founder of Culture+, and bestselling co-author of Love as a Business Strategy and Love as a Change Strategy. Mohammad shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Saudi Arabia and India to building a global technology company in Houston, overcoming near bankruptcy, and discovering that leadership rooted in love, trust, and accountability creates stronger organizations and better outcomes.   The conversation explores what it really means to build a healthy workplace culture, why leaders often confuse titles with influence, and how artificial intelligence can actually help us become more human by creating more space for relationships, empathy, and meaningful connection.   Topics Covered Mohammad's multicultural upbringing and entrepreneurial journeyStarting Softway at just 20 years oldThe challenges of leadership, ego, and nearly losing his companyWhy love belongs in businessBuilding trust and accountability within teamsThe biggest misconceptions about leadershipWarning signs of a broken organizational cultureMeasuring success beyond financial performanceLeading people through changeBringing humanity back to the workplaceHow AI can strengthen, not replace, human connectionLeadership lessons from failure and personal growth  Leadership isn't about titles, power, or perfection, it's about relationships, trust, and creating environments where people can thrive. Mohammad reminds us that as technology continues to evolve, our greatest competitive advantage will always be our humanity.   If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is passionate about leadership, culture, or the future of work.   Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring 01:40 – Growing up in Saudi Arabia, India, and eventually finding home in Texas 11:40 – Starting Softway at age 20 15:00 – Early entrepreneurial lessons, stress, and overcoming ego 17:20 – The near collapse of Softway and the moment everything changed 24:45 – Why love belongs in business 31:45 – Why organizational culture is so difficult to change 34:25 – Reframing accountability as an act of care 36:15 – The biggest misconception about leadership 37:45 – Recognizing the warning signs of a broken culture 40:30 – Measuring success through trust, teamwork, and impact 44:25 – Helping people embrace change instead of resisting it 47:30 – Bringing humanity back into the workplace 51:40 – Why AI may help us become more human 54:20 – Lightning round: leadership advice, failure, habits, and lifelong learning 58:45 – Closing thoughts and final reflections

  4. Aug 6

    Growing Healthier Communities: Leadership, Food Access & Lasting Change

    Healthy communities don't happen by accident, they're built through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to making wellness accessible for everyone. In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick sits down with Janna Roberson, Executive Director of Urban Harvest, to explore how food access, nonprofit leadership, and community partnerships are transforming lives across Houston. Janna shares her unexpected journey into the nonprofit sector, discusses the evolving role of food in public health, and explains why meaningful change starts by listening to the communities we serve.   Topics Covered Janna's journey from education to nonprofit leadershipLessons learned leading Urban HarvestBuilding strong partnerships across the nonprofit communityThe role of food access in improving public healthUnderstanding food deserts and food equityHow data drives better community solutionsSupporting local farmers while increasing healthy food accessBalancing mission with operational realitiesWhy long-term investment creates sustainable changeLeadership advice for aspiring nonprofit executivesSmall steps everyone can take toward healthier livingFrom leadership and strategic planning to food access and public health, this conversation highlights how lasting change happens when organizations work together and communities are empowered with choices. Janna reminds us that healthier communities are built one relationship, one partnership, and one healthy decision at a time.   Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring and meet Janna Roberson 01:08 – From education to leading Urban Harvest 02:53 – How nonprofit leadership shaped her perspective 05:26 – Building a leadership network through collaboration 08:03 – The most rewarding part of Urban Harvest's mission 09:31 – Finding purpose through community connection 11:10 – The power of community gardens and shared experiences 15:45 – How volunteers can make a meaningful impact 19:24 – What "food deserts" really mean, and why food access matters 24:56 – The rise of Food as Medicine and healthcare partnerships 26:25 – Using data to make smarter community decisions 31:48 – Balancing mission with nonprofit operations 35:49 – Adapting strategic plans through COVID and changing funding 39:35 – Why nonprofits need long-term solutions, not quick fixes 44:04 – Creating collaborative roadmaps for community health 46:55 – Why education must move people from awareness to action 50:31 – Leadership advice: Find a mission you truly believe in 55:02 – "Find your place. Find your people." 56:14 – What healthier communities look like 58:17 – Simple ways to support food access in your own community 59:11 – The connection between nutrition, public health, and vision

  5. Jul 23

    Building a Career with Purpose: Leadership, Legacy & Taking Bold Risks with Jennifer Surgalski

    Success isn't always about following a perfectly planned path. Sometimes it's about embracing unexpected opportunities, taking calculated risks, and using your talents to make a lasting impact.   In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Jennifer Surgalski, Senior Director of Strategic Project Development for the Dallas Cowboys, Chief of Strategy for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, and Trustee of the Delta Gamma Foundation. Jennifer shares lessons from more than two decades in sports, leadership, philanthropy, and strategic innovation while offering practical advice on mentoring others, building strong brands, leading through uncertainty, and defining success by the impact we leave behind.   Whether you're leading an organization, growing your career, or looking to inspire others, this episode is full of insights you can immediately apply.   Topics Covered Jennifer's journey into the sports industryBuilding innovative business ventures with the Dallas CowboysLessons learned from creating the National Medal of Honor MuseumWhy purpose becomes more important than titlesThe power of mentorship and paying it forwardLeadership lessons from managing people, not just projectsHow great organizations balance tradition with innovationWhy nonprofits must become better storytellersBuilding resilient brands that stand the test of timeEmbracing calculated risk and career opportunitiesDefining success through service and lasting impactJennifer's thoughts on leadership, legacy, and developing future leadersTimestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Meet Jennifer Surgalski and her unique leadership journey 03:40 – From internships to the NFL: finding a career in sports 05:03 – Balancing billion-dollar business ventures with meaningful nonprofit work 08:25 – How Jennifer's definition of success has evolved 10:27 – Stories of courage from Medal of Honor recipients that changed her perspective 13:13 – The mentors who shaped Jennifer's life and why paying it forward matters 16:30 – Why Delta Gamma continues to impact generations of women leaders 19:10 – Jennifer's best advice for young professionals 21:25 – Saying yes to opportunities that feel bigger than you 23:00 – What the business world can learn from professional sports 27:00 – How visionary organizations evaluate risk 29:20 – Why the Dallas Cowboys remain one of the world's strongest brands 33:20 – Why nonprofits must become better storytellers 39:05 – Jennifer's definition of legacy 39:45 – Leadership lessons: moving from doing the work to leading people 43:20 – Why celebrating others' success is the true mark of leadership 46:20 – Heather's closing challenge: What's your vision?   Jennifer's story is a powerful reminder that meaningful careers are built through curiosity, courage, and a willingness to serve others. Whether you're just beginning your professional journey or leading an established organization, her insights will inspire you to embrace opportunity, invest in people, and leave every place better than you found it.

  6. Jul 9

    Why Prevention Is the Future of Healthcare

    What does it take to turn groundbreaking science into healthier lives? In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes longtime colleague and friend Dr. Radhika Rajgopal Singh, Senior Vice President of Science and Medicine at the American Heart Association. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of healthcare, from prevention and clinical research to artificial intelligence, collaboration, and whole-person care.   Along the way, Dr. Singh shares her personal career journey, the mentors who shaped her leadership, and why building trust, investing in prevention, and empowering patients are essential to improving health outcomes. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked connection between cardiovascular health and vision, reminding us that our health is deeply interconnected.   Topics Covered Dr. Singh's journey from international health to executive leadershipHow science strategy shapes the future of healthcareTurning research into real-world patient careWhy lifelong learning is essential for leadersManaging uncertainty and overcoming career anxietyMentorship and the leaders who influenced her careerHow the American Heart Association prioritizes research and clinical guidelinesThe opportunities and limitations of AI in healthcareWhy prevention deserves greater investmentWhole-person care, precision medicine, and predictive healthcareThe critical connection between heart health and vision healthCollaboration across healthcare organizationsWomen's heart health and the importance of self-advocacyDefining success through purpose, relationships, and impactTimestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Dr. Radhika Rajgopal Singh 02:15 – Her journey from international health to nonprofit leadership 05:45 – What "science strategy" means at the American Heart Association 08:10 – Why curiosity and lifelong learning fuel great leadership 09:45 – Finding purpose through personal loss and prevention 13:20 – The career lesson she wishes she'd learned sooner: managing anxiety and embracing uncertainty 16:20 – Mentors who shaped her leadership journey 22:00 – How research priorities and clinical guidelines are determined 25:20 – Bridging the gap between scientific discovery and patient care 29:20 – AI in healthcare: opportunities, risks, and why human judgment still matters 32:05 – Why prevention and personalized medicine are transforming healthcare 35:00 – The powerful connection between heart health and vision health 41:15 – Why collaboration is essential for improving public health 43:30 – The biggest misconception about heart disease—especially for women 49:55 – How her definition of success has evolved throughout her career 52:15 – Reflections on leadership, friendship, and building meaningful careers Healthcare is changing rapidly, but one message remains clear: prevention, collaboration, and compassionate leadership have the power to transform lives. We hope this conversation inspires you to think differently about your own health, advocate for yourself and others, and remember that every part of our wellbeing is connected.

  7. Jun 25

    Leading with Purpose: Melissa Simon on Servant Leadership, Impact, and Building Stronger Communities

    What does leadership look like when it's rooted in service?   In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Melissa Simon, MSW, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer of Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos. Drawing on more than 34 years of experience in social services and nonprofit leadership, Melissa shares lessons learned from working directly with at-risk youth, transitioning into fundraising and executive leadership, and leading an organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening families.   Together, Heather and Melissa explore servant leadership, mentorship, organizational culture, collaboration across the nonprofit sector, and the importance of staying connected to mission. Their conversation offers practical leadership insights while reminding us that meaningful impact often starts by investing in the people around us.   Topics Covered Melissa's journey from chemical dependency counseling to nonprofit leadershipHow frontline experience shaped her approach to fundraising and executive leadershipThe evolution and impact of Casa de Esperanza de los NinosLeading founder-driven organizations through change and innovationStaying grounded while managing the demands of executive leadershipThe importance of self-care, resilience, and organizational cultureHow definitions of success evolve throughout a careerMentorship, teaching, and developing future leadersWhat servant leadership looks like in practiceChallenges facing nonprofit organizations todayFunding, sustainability, and collaboration in the social service sectorWhy relationships, belonging, and community matterMelissa's hopes for the future of nonprofit leadership and collective impactTimestamps & Highlights 0:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring 0:12 – Introducing Melissa Simon and today's leadership-focused conversation 1:48 – Melissa's career journey: criminal justice, counseling, and social work 4:20 – Falling into fundraising and discovering nonprofit leadership 6:31 – Finding purpose through mission-driven work and helping people belong 6:49 – Casa de Esperanza's mission and evolution over four decades 11:11 – Leading founder-driven organizations and balancing tradition with innovation 13:01 – Staying grounded as a nonprofit CEO 16:21 – How Melissa's definition of success has changed over time 17:58 – The joy of teaching, mentoring, and developing future leaders 19:39 – Leadership beyond titles: anyone can be a leader 21:24 – What servant leadership really means 25:13 – The biggest challenges facing nonprofits today 28:50 – Competition, collaboration, and building stronger organizations 31:22 – Why lifelong learning matters in leadership 32:32 – Staying connected to mission and those you serve 35:11 – Reflections on legacy, relationships, and impact 37:08 – Melissa's vision for the future of the nonprofit sector 39:13 – Closing thoughts and ways to get involved with Prevent Blindness Texas   Final Thoughts Leadership isn't about titles, it's about service, relationships, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Melissa's insights remind us that while we may not change the entire world, we can change someone's world through compassion, mentorship, and a commitment to meaningful impact.   Thank you for listening to Eyespiring. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend or colleague, and join us for future conversations that inspire, inform, and empower.

  8. Jun 12

    Eyespiring Turns One: A Year of Vision, Impact & Inspiration

    Celebrating One Year of Eyespiring In this special one-year anniversary episode of Eyespiring, host Heather Patrick, CEO of Prevent Blindness Texas, is joined by Monica Guerrero, VP of Programs and Strategic Relationships, to reflect on the conversations, stories, and lessons that have shaped the first year of the podcast.   Together, they revisit powerful guest moments, explore how eye health connects to overall health, and discuss the growing impact of Prevent Blindness Texas across communities. From children’s vision and early detection to advocacy, access to care, and leadership in public health, this conversation highlights the many ways vision health influences learning, independence, and quality of life.   They also look ahead to the organization’s future, including a new strategic plan focused on more intentional outreach, stronger care coordination, and expanding access to services for individuals and families across Texas.   Most importantly, this episode is a celebration of the people, patients, partners, educators, and healthcare professionals, who make this work meaningful.   Topics Discussed Reflections on one year of the Eyespiring podcastWhy eye health is deeply connected to overall healthEarly detection and the importance of dilated eye examsChildren’s vision and the impact of school screeningsBarriers to accessing eye care in TexasAdvocacy, leadership, and community collaborationThe role of Prevent Blindness Texas in care coordination and educationHighlights and memorable guest conversationsThe future of vision health initiatives in TexasEpisode Highlights Why “eye health is whole health” is more than a phraseThe life-changing impact of glasses for childrenHow Prevent Blindness Texas helps families navigate careThe importance of trust and community partnershipsWhat leadership and advocacy look like in public healthReflections on meaningful guest stories from the first yearThe organization’s evolving focus on intentional impactTimestamps 00:00 – Introduction & one-year reflection begins02:00 – Eye health as part of whole health06:30 – Children’s vision and school learning10:30 – Supporting parents and navigating care13:00 – Community connection and trust building15:30 – Leadership, advocacy, and collaboration19:00 – Using your voice to create change22:30 – Heart vs strategy in nonprofit work24:30 – Favorite moments from the podcast year34:30 – Workforce development and training impact37:00 – Audience response to the podcast39:30 – Looking ahead: strategic plan and priorities44:00 – Full scope of Prevent Blindness Texas work47:30 – Why this mission matters deeply50:00 – Barriers to eye care access in Texas55:00 – The people behind the mission56:30 – Future episode ideas and health connections59:00 – Closing reflections and gratitude   Closing Reflection This anniversary episode reflects on more than just a year of conversations, it reflects a growing movement around eye health, prevention, and access to care. As Prevent Blindness Texas looks ahead, the mission remains clear, to prevent blindness and preserve sight, while helping individuals across Texas see a clearer path forward.

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The mission of Prevent Blindness Texas is to prevent blindness and preserve sight. We are leaders and change agents in the eye health space here to empower you!

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  • Creator
    Prevent Blindness Texas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Prevent Blindness Texas
  • Show Website
    Eyespiring