What happens when storytelling becomes a tool for advocacy, leadership, and real change? On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, Dr. J sits down with Lynn Tramonte, founder of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, for a powerful conversation about immigration advocacy, grassroots organizing, nonprofit leadership, and the human stories behind public policy. Lynn shares how growing up in rural Medina County shaped her understanding of racism and systemic injustice, how her work in Washington, D.C. led her into nonprofit advocacy, and how one case involving a nursing mother detained by ICE ultimately helped spark the Ohio Immigrant Alliance. The conversation explores why lived experience matters, why personal stories can move people in ways policy language often cannot, and how grassroots organizations can create meaningful change—even without massive budgets. Dr. J and Lynn also discuss nonprofit funding and mission creep, individual giving versus foundation support, immigration courts and asylum, media representation, burnout, therapy, joy, and why the people who have experienced the immigration system firsthand must be recognized as experts. LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION Ohio Immigrant Alliance https://ohioimmigrant.org Learn more about the organization, get involved, or make a donation. Ohio Is My Second Country Coloring Book https://ohioimmigrant.org/second-country Available for individual and bulk orders. Educators and librarians can also access discounted copies and free coloring pages. Bulk Coloring Book Orders hotline@ohioimmigrant.org Ohio Is Home Resource Hub Visit the Ohio Immigrant Alliance website for resources on immigrant rights, protester and observer rights, and guidance for schools, businesses, service providers, and community members. Ohio Immigrant Hotline Visit https://ohioimmigrant.org for current hotline phone and email information, immigration questions, referrals, speakers, and legal-resource guidance. IMPACT PLAY WITH DR. J Real Stories. Real People. Real Impact. Follow Impact Play with Dr. J on Instagram: @impactplaydrj Connect with Dr. J: Find Dr. Franceska Jones on Instagram. Subscribe to Impact Play for conversations at the intersection of leadership, philanthropy, nonprofit impact, community, faith, sports, business, and social change.
