OPO Insights

OPO Insights

We are chatting with professionals in the OPO world!

  1. Sep 28

    Interview with Tenaya Wallace (Episode 011 - OPO Insights Podcast)

    Today we are talking with the very passionate Tenaya Wallace! About Tenaya: Tenaya Wallace is the CEO of Crowd Advocacy, a social impact firm that designs campaigns to create lasting change. Tenaya launched her career developing communication and policy campaigns promoting sustainable development at the state and local level, leading initiatives for the Irvine and Hewlett Foundations, the State of California, and the City of Santa Monica, before becoming a national leader in the organ donation community. She joined OneLegacy, where she built and managed the communications and outreach team for the nation's largest organ procurement organization. She co-founded the Rose Dedication Program on OneLegacy's iconic Donate Life Rose Parade Float, created and launched national Donate Life Blue and Green Day, and served as a national board member of Donate Life America. She went on to design Donate Life Hollywood, an entertainment education campaign that nearly eliminated organ donation myths on television and helped drive the largest single-year increase in the public's willingness to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Currently Crowd Advocacy provides policy and communications support to Science in Donation & Transplant (SID&T) and Tenaya writes regularly about the special interest disinformation campaign against OPOs, which is eroding public trust. Crowd Advocacy produces Women with Purpose, an annual summit gathering audacious women who are sparking change in their organizations, communities and lives. Crowd Advocacy is also launching Hollywood Saves Lives, helping causes and companies connect with the greatest storytellers on earth to advance their missions. In 2017, Tenaya ran for Congress in Los Angeles, deepening her belief in the power of purpose-driven leadership. Alongside co-creator Ava Kaufman, she is a frequent keynote speaker helping women harness the power of purpose. A native Los Angeleno, she lives with her family in the Silver Lake neighborhood of L.A. Tenaya's Seminar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S5FNx4BqSROo0C7X08pdqg#/registration or https://x.com/scnceindonation/status/2100705981801934861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Contact Tenaya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenayawallace/ ------------------------ OPO Insights is a podcast where we talk to OPO professionals each week. Everyone has different ways they do things, so the goal is to learn something from others! If you, or someone you know, would like to be on the show, please reach out to our host, Sean Jordan!

  2. Sep 14

    Interview with Jennifer Clingingsmith and Amy Kennedy (Episode 009 - OPO Insights Podcast)

    Today we are speaking with Jennifer and Amy! They are both traveling family services coordinators! Contact Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-clingingsmith-b25219327/ Contact Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kennedy-ms-rrt-nps-1b54843b3/ About Jennifer: I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist with more than 20 years of critical care experience, dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and supporting families through some of life’s most challenging moments. My career in critical care fostered a deep appreciation for compassionate communication, end-of-life care, and the profound impact of organ and tissue donation. In 2021, I transitioned into the role of Organ Donation Family Advocate with my local Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), where I discovered my passion for guiding families through the donation process with empathy, honesty, and respect. Supporting families during these conversations has become one of the most meaningful aspects of my career. Driven by a desire to expand that impact, I founded Final Act LLC, providing experienced organ donation family advocacy services to Organ Procurement Organizations across the United States. Through Final Act LLC, I partner with OPOs to deliver compassionate family support, help strengthen donation outcomes, provide approach coaching both onsite and remotely, and ensure every family receives the dignity, guidance, and care they deserve while honoring their loved one’s legacy. My mission is simple: to combine decades of critical care experience with compassionate advocacy to help families find hope, create lasting legacies, and support the lifesaving gift of organ and tissue donation. About Amy: Experienced healthcare and family support professional with more than 20 years of clinical expertise as a Registered Respiratory Therapist specializing in neonatal and pediatric critical care, complemented by nearly three years as a Family Support Coordinator providing compassionate care and guidance to donor families across multiple Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs). Holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Management and Administration, combining strong clinical knowledge with leadership, healthcare operations, and strategic management expertise. Passionate about supporting donor families during their most difficult moments while advancing community awareness and education on the life-saving impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Recognized for executive presence, compassionate communication, and a steadfast commitment to service, collaboration, and excellence in healthcare.  To find out more about our Best Practices Summit, visit our website! https://bestpractices.researchplan.com/ OPO Insights is a podcast where we talk to OPO professionals each week. Everyone has different ways they do things, so the goal is to learn something from others! If you, or someone you know, would like to be on the show, please reach out to our host, Sean Jordan!

  3. Apr 13

    Why Listening Wins (Episode 006 - OPO Insights Podcast)

    Listening is not just something useful in sales, it translates so well to the OPO world! Today, we are listening to the words and recordings of Cecil Puvathingal. Contact Cecil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilpuvathingal/ About Cecil: I genuinely believe that a world of opportunity awaits us all every day. It’s about anticipation, perspective, and the joy of discovery. As a seven-year-old moving from India to the States, that perspective started with discovering the English language. Every day opened up a new possibility. I received a book chronicling every baseball World Series and a Batman comic book that first Christmas, and that joy of discovery created in me a lifelong passion for learning and embracing new opportunities. Many years later, my mindset has not changed. This same feeling emerges each time I advocate for personal and professional growth. And the gift doesn’t have to be for me – I get just as much satisfaction from helping those around me tap into this joy of discovery and become the best version of themselves. In all things, I anticipate the good, take a positive perspective, and tap into the energy that comes from the joy of discovery. WITH MY WORK My passion lies in empowering individuals to boost their self-confidence, contribute effectively to their teams, and nurture a positive team culture, ultimately driving revenue for the organization. As a leader, nothing is more gratifying than witnessing people discover their inherent talents and harness them to impact the world positively. WITH MY EDUCATION With a background in engineering, I have a natural inclination for problem-solving, but my true calling lies in unlocking potential and collaborating with people to achieve tangible results. WITH MY CAREER Across various industries through various SaaS platforms, including healthcare, the gig economy, recruitment, professional services, the performing arts, and now market research, I still see the value in anticipating the next great opportunity. My leadership style creates environments that consistently surpass targets in every business unit I've had the privilege to lead. WITH MY COLLEAGUES I've consistently worked with incredible people throughout my career, mentoring them and broadening their horizons all while learning more about myself. I’ve fostered vibrant organizational cultures, optimized operational efficiency, and leveraged key performance metrics to deliver exceptional results and drive revenue. WHAT’S NEXT Those Batman comics would eventually contribute to meeting my own Wonder Woman – marrying a nurse who is a true superhero working the behavioral health unit. I think there will be an actual puppy under this year’s Christmas tree. Just you wait and see. OPO Insights is a podcast where we talk to OPO professionals each week. Everyone has different ways they do things, so the goal is to learn something from others! If you, or someone you know, would like to be on the show, please reach out to our host, Sean Jordan!

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We are chatting with professionals in the OPO world!