Mission Matters

Paul Feith
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Mission Matters

This is the Mission Matters podcast, where we feature successful, mission-driven leaders committed to creating a positive change in the world. Our mission with this channel is to inspire other leaders by providing industry insights, new ideas, and inspiring stories from the pros!

  1. NOV 11

    Chad Pedigo - DuPage Pads

    Chad Pedigo is the Vice President of Development at DuPage Pads, a nonprofit organization focused on ending homelessness in DuPage County by offering comprehensive services, including health resources, education, and food assistance. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit management and community leadership, he has been integral in transforming the organization's shelter model and expanding its support services. Chad has held leadership roles in various organizations, including North Central College, Naperville Jaycees, Bridge Communities, and many more, focusing on growth, innovation, and donor stewardship practices. He is a former singer and dancer who advocates for humanizing the experience of those facing homelessness. In this episode… In a community often seen as affluent, could there be a pressing homelessness issue lurking beneath the surface? What innovative solutions can truly make a difference in ending this cycle of homelessness? Chad Pedigo, a community leader in the nonprofit sector, explores a revolutionary approach to helping individuals and families find stability. He outlines the transformation from temporary shelters to offering dignity and permanency through their Interim Housing Center model that repurposes hotels. Chad delves into the strategic funding and partnerships vital to their mission and the importance of seeing people, not labels, when assisting. With heartfelt stories and insightful strategies, he paints a compelling picture of proactive community support. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Chad Pedigo, Vice President of Development at DuPage Pads, about innovative homelessness solutions. Chad introduces DuPage Pads' mission and innovative approach to tackling homelessness, the transformation from temporary shelters to permanency, DuPage Pads' funding sources and their strategic allocation, and the partnerships it fosters to address complex issues associated with homelessness.

    41 min

  2. NOV 4

    Mary Kerbs - Naperville Elderly Homes

    Mary Kerbs is the Executive Director at Naperville Elderly Homes and the nonprofit Owner of Martin Avenue Apartments in Naperville. Martin Avenue is a unique, affordable community of nearly 200 lower-income seniors who value independence. With over 25 years of corporate experience at Amoco Corporation and BP America, Mary brought her finance and real estate expertise to the nonprofit realm to make a significant community impact. Her focus includes not-for-profit management, business development, and strategic planning, and she has played a pivotal role in the recent expansion and renovation of Martin Avenue. She is also an entertainer, crafting music shows with themes that resonate with the senior population. In this episode… What if there was a community where seniors not only find a place to live but also experience a profound sense of belonging and empowerment? This vision transcends the basics of affordable housing, focusing instead on enriching the lives of residents through thoughtfully designed amenities such as fitness centers, movie theaters, and serene courtyards. By fostering an environment that prioritizes quality of life, organizations can transform the narratives of countless seniors, creating vibrant, supportive spaces that cater to their needs. But how can we convert this inspiring vision into a concrete reality for our aging population? Mary Kerbs, an experienced professional in the not-for-profit and corporate business sectors, delves deep into senior independent living. She shares her remarkable transition from a corporate career to leading a mission-focused nonprofit, bringing to life the Martin Avenue Apartments, where seniors can lead fulfilling lives. Through a significant renovation project and community partnerships, Mary and her team have developed an environment that offers beautiful living spaces, safety, and rich social connections while maintaining affordability. From volunteer service to sharing her musical talents, she demonstrates her dedication to making the senior community feel like an extended family for its residents. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Mary Kerbs, Executive Director at Naperville Elderly Homes, about creating purposeful and affordable senior living communities. Mary discusses Naperville Elderly Homes' history and its relation to Martin Avenue Apartments, the vital importance of affordable senior living in Naperville, how Martin Avenue goes beyond housing to offer dignity and a sense of home for the seniors, and the challenges of maintaining a thriving senior community.

    32 min

  3. OCT 28

    Jenifer Fabian - People's Resource Center

    Jenifer Fabian is the CEO of People's Resource Center, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, IL, that provides essential services for low-income and disadvantaged communities in DuPage County. Under her leadership, PRC has grown to engage over 2,300 staff and volunteers, serving 25,000 to 30,000 residents annually. With a microbiology and public health background, Jenifer has dedicated over 20 years to nonprofit leadership, driven by her passion for helping others and improving community systems. Her work at PRC reflects her commitment to neighbor-to-neighbor support, with innovative partnerships and programs designed to meet both immediate needs and long-term goals for community members. In this episode… What qualities define an organization's impact on its community? Is it the number of people served, the range of services provided, or the dedication of its leaders to their mission? These thought-provoking questions prompt us to examine an organization’s evolution into a vital source of support for thousands of residents as they navigate life's challenges. Jenifer Fabian, an experienced mission-oriented nonprofit executive, shares how this remarkable organization addresses community challenges. She reveals how PRC has grown from distributing groceries through a basement window to serving almost 30,000 residents annually. The nonprofit now offers diverse programs, from emergency aid such as food and clothing to career-building resources like job coaching and literacy programs. Jenifer emphasizes the importance of partnerships, agility in responding to crises, and the pivotal role of volunteers in expanding PRC's mission across DuPage County. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Jenifer Fabian, CEO of People's Resource Center, about community impact and evolution. Jenifer discusses PRC’s origin story and its powerful mission, the nonprofit’s transition from challenge to agility during the pandemic, its expansion plans, and the importance of community partnerships to its service delivery.

    26 min

  4. OCT 21

    Molly Beck Dean – WeGo Together for Kids

    Molly Beck Dean is the Director of WeGo Together for Kids, a nonprofit organization collaborating with over 60 community partners to support West Chicago families and their children from birth to 12th grade. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has excelled in program development, networking, and event planning, contributing significantly to the organization's efforts to address issues like housing, food insecurity, and literacy in the community. Molly's dedication to working with young people is evident in her faith-based work, where she has served as a speaker, teacher, and preacher.  In this episode… A united community where diverse services and resources converge can create a transformative impact. Picture a central hub, a nexus of collaboration, enhancing the lives of children from infancy to high school graduation. How can such an approach change the lives of children, from birth to high school seniors? Molly Beck Dean, a nonprofit director with a heart for justice, discusses how WeGo Together for Kids has grown over 20 years to become a collaborative force in the West Chicago region. With over 60 community partners, she highlights how the organization acts as a central point to maximize resources and impact for children facing economic need, food insecurity, literacy challenges, and the effects of trauma. Molly shares the story of the organization's origins, its mission to work with youth, and the constant evolution of its services to meet changing community needs, exemplified by the recent initiative of increasing physical health opportunities for children. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Molly Beck Dean, Director of WeGo Together for Kids, about building collaborative networks for community impact. Molly talks about WeGo Together for Kids and its 20-year impact, the challenges of sustaining a nonprofit organization, WeGo Together for Kids’ engagement and outreach strategies, and advice for other nonprofit directors.

    21 min

  5. OCT 14

    Kendra Connor - Treasure Chest Foundation

    Kendra Connor is the Executive Director of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides toys and gifts to children and teens undergoing cancer treatment. Since joining in July 2023, she has leveraged her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, having previously worked at CASA of River Valley and DuPage County Area Project and obtained her master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Grace College. Kendra is an innovative leader who strives to preserve the core of the Treasure Chest Foundation while stimulating progress for the next generation of donors and supporters. In her free time, she enjoys being the Lead Instructor at the nonprofit martial arts school, C3 Martial Arts, leveraging her 2nd-degree black belt in Combat Hapkido and a 1st-degree in TaeKwonDo. In this episode… Imagine a world where every painful procedure for a child with cancer comes with a silver lining — a treasure chest full of toys to bring a little joy. But can this heartfelt initiative sustain growth and reach even more children? And how does one lead an organization through such an ambitious expansion? Nonprofit management expert Kendra Connor exemplifies leadership that combines innovation with empathy. Upon stepping into her role, she shares how she has expanded the Treasure Chest Foundation’s reach, building on the solid groundwork laid over the past 27 years by its founder. Her approach to addressing the challenges includes leveraging her extensive background in the nonprofit sector and formal education in nonprofit management. Kendra discusses her leadership style, focusing on deepening one-on-one relationships with her team and ensuring that each member aligns with the organization's heartfelt mission of providing joy and distraction to children undergoing cancer treatment. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Kendra Connor, Executive Director of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, about leading a nonprofit with passion and purpose. Kendra discusses how the Treasure Chest Foundation helps children undergoing cancer treatment, its funding model, tips on leadership and nurturing a team with a mission-focused mindset, and her vision for expanding the foundation sustainably.

    23 min

  6. OCT 7

    Kimberly White - Career & Networking Center

    Kimberly White is the Executive Director of the Career & Networking Center (CNC), a company that provides diverse resources to empower individuals to achieve fulfilling employment. She is a visionary leader who champions career transformation and community service. Having begun her journey assisting military personnel in career transitions, Kimberly brought her expertise to CNC in 2005. Her leadership skills flourished as she expanded CNC's services and community outreach, leading the organization to new heights. An influential leader dedicated to advancing equity, Kimberly serves as director on boards of the Naperville Neighbors United, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. In 2020, she was nominated as Chairperson of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce in 2020. In this episode… What does it take to make a difference in someone's life, especially when facing professional uncertainty? Genuine support and mentorship can help others create a sense of purpose, fostering a resilient and inclusive community. How do life experiences shape our ability to serve others in meaningful ways? Career expert Kimberly White delves into her commitment to fostering positive changes and empowering individuals throughout their career journeys. She shares how her decision to support transitioning military personnel sparked a profound realization about an individual's impact on a community. She discusses the satisfaction of helping job seekers secure employment, which is more than just an occupation for many — it's an identity. Kimberly also describes how the Career & Networking Center supports individuals holistically through their career transitions, touching on her historic role as the first black president of her local Rotary Club and reinforcing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Kimberly White, Executive Director of the Career & Networking Center (CNC), about transforming lives through community engagement and career empowerment. Kimberly shares her journey with CNC, her creative approach to helping soldiers with their career transitions, how the 2007 economic downturn expanded CNC's networking groups to support the community, and her journey as the first black president of the Rotary Club focusing on DEI.

    29 min

  7. SEP 30

    Nina Menis - KidsMatter

    Nina Menis is the CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting youth and fostering community engagement. In her role, she leads efforts to provide youth with opportunities for personal growth, mental health support, and career exploration. For over 30 years, Nina has worked in advancement for public and private P-20 educational institutions, association management, and area not-for-profits. Her experience includes serving as the Director of Community Relations at Naperville School District 203, the Executive Director at the National School Foundation Association, and leading various educational programs. She is passionate about mentorship and youth development, creating programs that help young people say no to destructive choices and yes to endless possibilities. In this episode… Unlocking the potential of today's youth is crucial for creating a thriving society. With rising challenges like social media pressures and mental health concerns, it's essential to help young people navigate these hurdles for a better tomorrow. But how can young minds be nurtured to develop resilience and a positive sense of self in today's complex world? How can community leaders, organizations, and data-driven programs pave the way for creating a brighter future for the next generation? Nina Menis, a proponent of empowering young people with a sense of purpose and identity, delves into these pivotal questions. Drawing from her extensive experience in education and nonprofit sectors, she discusses how initiatives like KidsMatter actively respond to the shifting dynamics in youth needs, especially post-pandemic. She stresses the importance of collective impact, community collaboration, and proactive approaches in addressing mental health and fostering a sense of purpose among youth. Nina's leadership exemplifies how adaptability and dedication to mission-driven goals can enhance community relations and build solid foundations for the leaders of tomorrow. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Nina Menis, CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter, about empowering youth and nurturing their mental well-being. Nina shares the journey that led her to KidsMatter, how KidsMatter pivoted to address the emerging challenges in youth mental health, the shift towards proactive conversations about mental health among young people, and KidsMatter's funding model and program development.

    34 min

  8. SEP 2

    Marc Kalan - The Essence of Marketing

    Marc Kalan is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School. As a seasoned marketing and sales executive turned award-winning educator, Marc leverages his over 30 years of experience in the corporate world to train future business leaders. He also has an extensive background in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and brand management, working with prominent companies such as Procter & Gamble and Unilever. His fortes include digital marketing and understanding consumer behavior, reflected in the innovative courses and programs he's developed.  In this episode… Have you ever stopped to consider the true nature of your business when selling a product? What are the big companies doing to excel? How could this understanding transform your marketing strategies? Marc Kalan, a marketing veteran and distinguished educator, delves into facets of marketing beyond mere product focus. He discusses his extensive background in the marketing industry and how he leverages that experience in his role as an educator at Rutgers Business School. Marc elaborates on the importance of understanding consumer behavior and using that insight to create relevant marketing solutions, emphasizing the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the market. His approach focuses on prioritizing the human element, blending tech with timeless marketing techniques like storytelling, and addressing unmet consumer needs to elevate your marketing. With anecdotes and years of wisdom, he underscores the fundamental need for marketers to evolve with technological and societal shifts while maintaining the essence of their marketing strategies. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Marc Kalan, Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School, about the unalterable core of marketing principles. Marc shares the dynamic, diverse environment of Rutgers Business School and his educational contributions, the constant evolution of marketing, the critical role of solving customer needs in successful marketing, and the importance of adapting to the dynamic marketing environment.

    44 min
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About

This is the Mission Matters podcast, where we feature successful, mission-driven leaders committed to creating a positive change in the world. Our mission with this channel is to inspire other leaders by providing industry insights, new ideas, and inspiring stories from the pros!

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Feith
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mission Matters (c) 2023
  • Show Website
    Mission Matters

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