Do Good on Purpose

Dorothy Stuehmke

Do Good on Purpose is a narrative interview podcast exploring the defining social challenges of our time, and the leaders working to solve them. Hosted by Dorothy Stuehmke, former U.S. diplomat and social impact leader, the show features thoughtful conversations with changemakers across philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and global social innovation. Each episode connects listeners to the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle, creating a direct pathway for listeners to support the solutions discussed on the show. This is a podcast about modern generosity, social impact, and turning insight into action. Because change rarely happens by accident.It happens when people decide to Do Good on Purpose. Learn more about the Giving Circle:  https://tinyurl.com/DoGoodonPurposeGivingCircle

Episodes

  1. How Comfort Cases Is Replacing Trash Bags with Dignity for Foster Kids | Rob Scheer, Comfort Cases

    Jun 16

    How Comfort Cases Is Replacing Trash Bags with Dignity for Foster Kids | Rob Scheer, Comfort Cases

    When a child enters foster care, the first message they often receive is delivered not in words - but in a trash bag. It says: your belongings don't deserve a suitcase. And for too many children, that message stays with them long after the bag is gone. In this episode, Dorothy Stuehmke speaks with Rob Scheer, Founder and CEO of Comfort Cases, about what it truly takes to restore dignity to children in foster care - and why something as simple as a backpack can be the first signal a child receives that they are worthy of love and care. Rob shares his own story of growing up in foster care, aging out at 18, and becoming homeless - and how decades later, watching his adopted children arrive at his home carrying trash bags moved him to build a national movement. Together, Dorothy and Rob explore: Why dignity from day one matters - and how a backpack communicates love when words fall shortHow Comfort Cases has grown from 500 cases in its first year to more than 250,000 delivered across all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the UKWhat Rob's personal experience in foster care taught him about resilience, belonging, and what children actually need to feel safeHow communities, volunteers, and donors can join the #NoMoreTrashBags movement and make a direct impact for children entering careThis episode connects to the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle, where you can directly support Comfort Cases and its mission to ensure every child entering foster care receives a case filled with essentials, comfort items, and the quiet message that they matter. 🤝 Support Comfort Cases through the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle: https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/LjPhN5M/Do-Good-on-Purpose-Giving-Circle 🔗 Connect with Dorothy Stuehmke:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothystuehmke/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothystuehmke/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothystuehmke/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dorothystuehmke

    36 min
  2. How Glasswing International Stops Youth Violence and Crises Before They Start | Celina de Sola

    Jun 2

    How Glasswing International Stops Youth Violence and Crises Before They Start | Celina de Sola

    When we talk about solving youth violence, the conversation usually starts after crisis has already hit. But what if the most powerful - and most underfunded - work happens long before that? In the daily relationships, mental health supports, and safe spaces that help young people feel seen, connected, and capable of building a future? In Episode 6, Dorothy Stuehmke speaks with Celina de Sola, co-founder and President of Glasswing International, about what it truly takes to support young people before crisis takes hold - and why prevention-focused community investment is one of the most powerful levers we have for building safer, more resilient societies. Celina shares how growing up in El Salvador shaped her profound understanding of inequality and led her to co-found Glasswing International, an organization now working across 12 countries to strengthen youth wellbeing and community resilience through mental health, education, and grassroots partnership. Together, Dorothy and Celina explore: • Why mental health, trusted relationships, and safe spaces are the true foundation of violence prevention • How Glasswing partners with schools, healthcare workers, volunteers, and community leaders to build environments where young people feel supported and empowered • What prevention-focused community work looks like in practice — and why it outperforms crisis intervention • How communities across Latin America and the United States are building resilience from the inside out This episode connects to the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle, where you can directly support Glasswing International and its work strengthening mental health support, youth development, and violence prevention across 12 countries in Latin America and the U.S. 🤝 Support Glasswing International through the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle – https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/LjPhN5M/Do-Good-on-Purpose-Giving-Circle 🔗 Connect with Dorothy Stuehmke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothystuehmke/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothystuehmke/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dorothystuehmke

    37 min
  3. Why Tennis Is More Than a Game - And How It's Changing Lives | John Borden, Tennis Memphis

    May 19

    Why Tennis Is More Than a Game - And How It's Changing Lives | John Borden, Tennis Memphis

    Sport can build far more than athletic skill - it can build confidence, resilience, belonging, and a sense of what's possible. But only when young people actually have access to it. What happens when you bring tennis into communities where that access has historically been limited? In Episode 5, Dorothy Stuehmke speaks with John Borden, CEO of Tennis Memphis, about why access to sport is really access to opportunity - and how tennis is creating lasting change in young people's lives far beyond the court. John shares his journey from childhood tennis enthusiast to leading youth programs in Washington D.C. and now Memphis, offering a grounded, personal perspective on youth development, community-building, and the power of sport to shape who young people become. Together, Dorothy and John explore: • How Tennis Memphis uses tennis to help young people build confidence, resilience, self-reliance, and essential life skills • Why safe spaces, trusted mentors, and a sense of belonging matter as much as athletic development • What John's path from D.C. to Memphis revealed about community, opportunity, and what young people really need • Why investing in young people through sport pays dividends for entire communities - on and off the court This episode connects to the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle, where you can directly support Tennis Memphis and help expand opportunity for young people through sport. 🤝 Support Tennis Memphis through the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle – https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/LjPhN5M/Do-Good-on-Purpose-Giving-Circle 🔗 Connect with Dorothy Stuehmke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothystuehmke/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothystuehmke/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dorothystuehmke

    37 min
  4. One Leader's Journey: From Struggle to Global Youth Movement | John Valverde, YouthBuild Global

    May 5

    One Leader's Journey: From Struggle to Global Youth Movement | John Valverde, YouthBuild Global

    Too many young people never get a fair chance - not because of lack of potential, but because of systemic barriers that limit their opportunities before they ever begin. What does it look like to truly dismantle those barriers, and build pathways that give young people a real shot? In Episode 4, Dorothy Stuehmke speaks with John Valverde, President and CEO of YouthBuild Global, about his powerful personal journey from incarceration to leading one of the world's most impactful youth development organizations - and what that experience has taught him about opportunity, community, and what real systemic change requires. John offers a deeply grounded perspective on positive youth development, second chances, and why investing in young adults isn't just the right thing to do - it's essential to building stronger, more equitable communities everywhere. Together, Dorothy and John explore: • Why so many young people are left behind - and the systemic forces that make it so • How YouthBuild creates pathways through education, job training, mentorship, leadership development, and community-building • The transformative power of second chances - and what it means to be truly believed in • Why investing in young adults is one of the most powerful levers for long-term community change This episode connects to the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle, where you can directly support YouthBuild Global's work helping young people build skills, strengthen communities, and create brighter futures. 🤝Support Youthbuild Global through the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle - https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/LjPhN5M/Do-Good-on-Purpose-Giving-Circle 🔗 Connect with Dorothy Stuehmke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothystuehmke/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothystuehmke/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dorothystuehmke

    44 min
  5. AI Is Changing Who Gets a Tech Career - Here's How to Close the Gap | Bertina Ceccarelli, NPower

    Apr 21

    AI Is Changing Who Gets a Tech Career - Here's How to Close the Gap | Bertina Ceccarelli, NPower

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping the nature of work across every industry - but who actually gets access to the careers it creates? As the tech workforce evolves faster than ever, the risk isn't just disruption. It's that economic opportunity becomes even more concentrated among those who already have access. In Episode 3, Dorothy Stuehmke speaks with Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower, about how AI is transforming the digital economy - and what it takes to ensure that transformation expands opportunity rather than narrows it. Bertina brings a grounded, practical perspective on how the tech workforce is evolving and why lasting success in this landscape requires far more than technical skills alone - including the growing importance of adaptability, confidence, and the distinctly human capabilities that no algorithm can replicate. Together, Dorothy and Bertina explore: • How AI is changing the skills, pathways, and expectations that shape tech careers • Why companies that define talent too narrowly are missing out on their best potential workforce • How NPower is expanding access to careers in the digital economy for young adults and military-connected individuals • The human capabilities that technology cannot replace - and why they're more valuable than ever This episode connects to the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle, where you can directly support NPower's work to expand access to opportunity in the age of AI. 🤝 Support NPower through the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle – https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/LjPhN5M/Do-Good-on-Purpose-Giving-Circle 🔗 Connect with Dorothy Stuehmke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothystuehmke/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothystuehmke/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dorothystuehmke

    41 min
  6. How to Fund Early-Stage Social Innovators Who Can Change the World | Cheryl Dorsey, Echoing Green

    Apr 7

    How to Fund Early-Stage Social Innovators Who Can Change the World | Cheryl Dorsey, Echoing Green

    Most promising ideas for social change never reach their potential - not because they're flawed, but because they don't find the right support at the right moment. What if the most powerful lever for solving society's biggest challenges is identifying and investing in exceptional leaders much earlier in their journey? In Episode 2, Dorothy Stuehmke speaks with Cheryl Dorsey, CEO of Echoing Green, about how bold ideas become real-world solutions to today's most pressing social challenges - and why the organizations closest to the problem are often best positioned to solve it. Drawing on her experience as an Echoing Green Fellow and decades of leadership in social innovation, Cheryl reflects on the critical importance of identifying and investing in leaders who are proximate to the issues they're working to solve, and why sustained, long-term support is what separates promising ideas from lasting change. Together, Dorothy and Cheryl explore: • Why early-stage investment in social innovators is one of the highest-leverage bets in philanthropy • How Echoing Green identifies exceptional leaders before the world knows their names • The difference between short-term grants and the sustained support that actually transforms communities • What decades of social innovation have revealed about who creates real, lasting change This episode connects to the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle, where you can directly support Echoing Green's work to back the next generation of world-changing social innovators. 🤝Support Echoing Green through the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/LjPhN5M/Do-Good-on-Purpose-Giving-Circle 🔗 Connect with Dorothy Stuehmke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothystuehmke/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothystuehmke/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dorothystuehmke

    38 min
  7. How Dress for Success Is Expanding Economic Opportunity for Women | Joanie Bily, CEO

    Mar 24

    How Dress for Success Is Expanding Economic Opportunity for Women | Joanie Bily, CEO

    Millions of women face persistent, measurable barriers in the workforce - limited access to career resources, systemic inequality, and a lack of community support that holds back long-term economic independence. Clothing can open a door. But what does it really take to keep it open?  In Episode 1, Dorothy Stuehmke speaks with Joanie Bily, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, about what it truly takes to expand economic opportunity for women today - and why the most transformative nonprofit work goes far deeper than what you wear.  Drawing on her expertise in workforce development and her leadership of one of the world's most recognized women's empowerment organizations, Joanie shares why confidence, dignity, and sustained community support are just as essential to economic mobility as job skills - and how Dress for Success has helped more than 1.3 million women across 15 countries take that next step.  Together, Dorothy and Joanie explore:  - The real barriers holding women back in today's workforce - and why they persist  - How Dress for Success builds economic independence through coaching, clothing,  and community - not just career placement  - What Dress for Success's "Success Starts Now" brand refresh signals about the future of women's workforce development  - Why confidence and dignity are foundational to lasting economic mobility  This episode connects to the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle, where you can directly support Dress for Success Worldwide and help more women access the programs and community they need to thrive. 🤝 Support Dress for Success Worldwide through the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle: https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/LjPhN5M/Do-Good-on-Purpose-Giving-Circle 🔗 Connect with Dorothy Stuehmke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothystuehmke/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothystuehmke/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dorothystuehmke  Wearing Anne Woodman Jewelry - 10% of sales support the Giving Circle. Use Link: https://annewoodmanjewelry.com/?utm_source=DoGood&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=givingcircle&shpxid=86c5bf2b-befe-44b8-90d7-96b28eea1451

    38 min

  8. Trailer

    Trailer: Do Good on Purpose Podcast

    Join Dorothy Stuehmke, former U.S. Diplomat and Social Impact Expert, for conversations with leaders tackling the defining challenges of our time -- and discover how you can take action and support the solutions through the show’s Giving Circle. Subscribe so you never miss an episode to Do Good on Purpose.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Do Good on Purpose is a narrative interview podcast exploring the defining social challenges of our time, and the leaders working to solve them. Hosted by Dorothy Stuehmke, former U.S. diplomat and social impact leader, the show features thoughtful conversations with changemakers across philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and global social innovation. Each episode connects listeners to the Do Good on Purpose Giving Circle, creating a direct pathway for listeners to support the solutions discussed on the show. This is a podcast about modern generosity, social impact, and turning insight into action. Because change rarely happens by accident.It happens when people decide to Do Good on Purpose. Learn more about the Giving Circle:  https://tinyurl.com/DoGoodonPurposeGivingCircle

Information

  • Creator
    Dorothy Stuehmke
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Do Good on Purpose
  • Show Website
    Do Good on Purpose