Mission Matters

Paul Feith
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. HACE 1 DÍA

    Alison Paul - The Conservation Foundation

    Alison Paul is the Vice President of Community Conservation at The Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at improving the health of communities by preserving and restoring natural areas and open space, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting environmental stewardship. She is a passionate environmental advocate with decades of experience in environmental science and social justice. Alison has worked in human rights and community-based conservation and has spent over a decade with the Field Museum in Chicago before joining The Conservation Foundation. She is pivotal in fostering partnerships and programs that connect people to land, health, and community, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable practices. In this episode… The intricate relationship between our local environments and societal well-being is often underestimated, yet it is key to fostering healthier communities. By recognizing the profound impact of nature on public health, how can we unlock innovative strategies for enhancing community resilience? Could embracing our environmental roots ignite a journey to unite individuals for the greater good? An experienced environmental advocate and nonprofit leader, Alison Paul delves into the inspiring world of creating positive change through environmental efforts. She shares her compelling narrative of growing up with a profound connection to nature and how this evolved into a lifelong commitment to social justice and conservation. She discusses The Conservation Foundation's initiatives, efforts to make healthy, locally-grown food accessible, and the challenge of staying true to a mission of inclusivity in a world of ever-changing demographics. With her passion and expertise, Alison illustrates how environmental work is linked to fostering healthier communities and individuals. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Alison Paul, Vice President of Community Conservation at The Conservation Foundation, about connecting communities with the environment. Alison discusses the linkage between social issues and environmental conservation efforts, The Conservation Foundation's mission to protect green spaces through community engagement, and the challenges of remaining inclusive, relevant, and impactful in changing demographics.

    28 min
  2. 13 ENE

    Kay McKeen - SCARCE

    Kay McKeen is the Founder and Executive Director of SCARCE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing environmental education and promoting sustainability in communities through recycling and composting initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, SCARCE has reached over 2.3 million people, helping educate and inspire action in 112 countries while spearheading significant legislative changes for environmental protection. Kay's passion for environmentalism was influenced by her upbringing, nature-loving family members, and her hands-on experience in nursing homes where resource conservation was necessary.  In this episode… In a world increasingly burdened by waste, the fate of discarded items raises compelling questions about value and sustainability. What if the items deemed as trash by one person could transform into essential resources for another, fostering a circular economy? Can small positive actions by individuals lead to large-scale environmental and social benefits? Kay McKeen, an experienced nonprofit leader, is the embodiment of how one can make a significant impact through networking, creative thinking, and sustainable actions. She shares how her organization has transformed the concept of waste by rescuing and redirecting resources like books, musical instruments, and even laboratory equipment to those in need. From educating communities on environmental issues and fostering green practices to inspiring global initiatives, her mission transcends local boundaries, promoting the welfare of both people and the planet. Together with her organization, Kay has touched the lives of over 2.3 million individuals and operates under the belief that every positive action contributes to a greater collective good. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Kay McKeen, Founder and Executive Director of SCARCE, about environmental education and resource rescue. Kay discusses how her family values and career led her to environmental advocacy and SCARCE, the nonprofit’s unique approach to rescuing resources and promoting reuse before recycling, how its rescue program gives new life to resources and helps those in need, and how SCARCE overcomes operational challenges.

    38 min
  3. 6 ENE

    Vicky Joseph - Families Helping Families

    Vicky Joseph is the Founder of Families Helping Families, a nonprofit organization based in Naperville that provides housing and volunteer mentors to homeless families in DuPage County as they work towards self-sufficiency through education. Over the past 30 years, she has grown the organization to support 12 families, showcasing a strong community-driven impact. Vicky's inspiration stems from her family's history, particularly her Holocaust survivor mother, which instilled in her a sense of responsibility to give back. She previously served as a Community Outreach leader at Bridge Communities, a dynamic, grassroots, nonprofit organization committed to transforming the lives of homeless families. In this episode… Bringing a newborn home to a warm and loving environment is filled with joy and gratitude. However, there are other people in a situation where there is no home awaiting the child's arrival. How does one find the strength and resources to transition from instability to a future filled with hope? Vicky Joseph, a passionate leader and organizer in the nonprofit realm, delves into what it takes to turn vulnerability into victory. She shares her journey from a personal epiphany to launching a nonprofit that offers apartments and volunteer mentorship to homeless families. Throughout the discussion, Vicky emphasizes the power of personal connection, financial literacy, and the defining impact of mentor relationships that often extend beyond the program's duration. She also touches on the recent strategic decisions aimed at ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of her organization. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Vicky Joseph, Founder of Families Helping Families, about tackling homelessness through community support and mentorship. Vicky shares the origins of her lifelong dedication to social work, the start of Families Helping Families, the services the organization offers, and the program’s challenges and successes.

    20 min
  4. 30/12/2024

    Amy Rasmussen - Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education

    Amy Rasmussen is the Executive Director of Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE), a nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to enhancing student learning through the arts by partnering with over 40 Chicago public schools. Under her leadership, CAPE has made significant strides in arts integration, collaborating with professional teaching artists and educators to create innovative curriculum projects that combine arts with academics, benefiting thousands of students. Amy's passion for arts education stems from her experiences in intensive music programs, which inspired her to advocate for high-quality arts access in schools. She holds a music degree from DePaul University and a graduate degree in arts entertainment and media management from Columbia College. In this episode… The arts possess a unique ability to inspire, educate, and foster connections that extend beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Integrating creativity into the structured curriculum can profoundly enhance students' learning experiences, igniting their passion and enthusiasm for knowledge. So, how can we empower students through arts to lead a richer and more holistic educational journey? Amy Rasmussen, an experienced nonprofit leader, uncovers the remarkable effects of integrating the arts into the academic curriculum. She traces her journey from a musician to a champion of arts education, illustrating how a background in both art and management can equip one to influence positive change in the education system. Amy highlights their unique approach of collaborating with professional artists and teachers to co-create curriculums that harness the arts to spark student engagement and understanding. The challenge, she notes, is prioritizing arts education amidst an environment often dominated by stringent academic frameworks. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Amy Rasmussen, Executive Director of Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE), about the importance of arts in educational enhancement. Amy shares her musical beginnings and how they fueled her journey in nonprofit management and arts education, CAPE's mission to intertwine the arts with academic goals in the classroom, and the challenges and realities of sustaining arts programs in structured school systems.

    24 min
  5. 23/12/2024

    Navigating Nonprofit Success in a Changing World

    Paul Feith is the President of Paul Gregory Media, a mission-based digital marketing agency that offers services such as branding, marketing campaigns, social media management, SEO, advertising, and fundraising. Paul is a self-described computer and technology nerd who started his first entrepreneurial venture as the owner of Compu-Tech, a database programming company. After a long career in corporate America as a new media manager for various dot-com startups, he founded PGM. Paul uses his passion for volunteering at mission-based organizations by sharing his expertise in technology and marketing at various nonprofit organizations, including serving on the boards for Habitat for Humanity of Illinois, Giving DuPage, The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Social Responsibility Chicago. He is also active with The Rotary Club of Naperville. In this episode… Nonprofit organizations face numerous challenges, including operational issues, changing compliance, workforce planning, and more. These difficulties make it challenging to navigate the nonprofit sector, often leading to failures for many organizations. What valuable lessons can you learn from leading industry experts to unlock a new era of nonprofit success? Paul Feith, an online marketing veteran, and other renowned nonprofit leaders explore the interplay between love, leadership, and the mission-driven nature of nonprofit work. Listeners are afforded a unique opportunity to delve into the transformative potential of love-led leadership, innovative nonprofit business models, and the principles of digital sustainability that propel organizational missions forward. They candidly share the challenges they have encountered and the innovative solutions they have devised, highlighting the critical importance of adaptability, philanthropic effectiveness, and the broader impact of digital initiatives within the nonprofit sector. In this special compilation episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, we revisit some of Paul Feith's most memorable episodes. Featuring Nicki Anderson, Chad Pedigo, Rick Lochner, Dorri McWhorter, and Tim Frick, these experts share operational and leadership tips to thrive as a nonprofit.

    9 min
  6. 02/12/2024

    Kelly Knox - Special Spaces Illinois

    Kelly Knox is the Illinois Director of Special Spaces, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating dream bedrooms for children with cancer. With over a decade of leadership at Special Spaces, she has overseen the transformation of over 400 children's rooms, touching the lives of families throughout Illinois. Kelly's journey to finding her true purpose is inspiring and transformative, having initially pursued a career in interior design before discovering her passion for making a difference in the lives of children with cancer through Special Spaces. She inspires others to give back through her creativity and empathy, creating a lasting impact in her community. In this episode… For kids facing prolonged confinement due to health challenges, the environment plays a crucial role in shaping their mental well-being. A thoughtfully transformed bedroom can serve as a sanctuary, igniting the spark of childhood joy and transforming dreary days into moments of hope and inspiration. But where can they find the help to transform their bedrooms into a dream bedroom that transcends the physical limitations of a hospital room? Kelly Knox, an interior designer, opens up about her path from an uncertain career trajectory to finding her true calling with Special Spaces Illinois, which redecorates a child's room and rejuvenates the whole family. Kelly shares heartwarming stories and insights into the logistical symphony behind orchestrating a bedroom transformation in a matter of hours. Illustrating how her mission statement drives every makeover project, she highlights how self-reflection and adaptability can turn unforeseen challenges into valuable experiences that fuel your growth. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Kelly Knox, Illinois Director of Special Spaces, about transforming spaces for children with cancer. Kelly discusses what Special Spaces does and its impact on families, the one-day transformation journey of a bedroom makeover, the logistics of coordinating thousands of volunteer hours to execute multiple projects simultaneously, and the cost and the financial backbone behind each makeover.

    30 min
  7. 25/11/2024

    Taylor Endicott - Giving DuPage

    Taylor Endicott is the Community Program Manager at Giving DuPage, an organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism and connecting volunteers with nonprofit organizations throughout DuPage County. She has government and nonprofit work experience, including her previous role at Make-A-Wish Illinois. Taylor is committed to serving the community and building a solid foundation that creates a space for connecting volunteers with various impactful opportunities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University and an MBA from Indiana Tech. In this episode… Have you ever wanted to volunteer but didn’t know where to start, or are you a nonprofit looking for committed volunteers? Learn how a platform is transforming the volunteer landscape — from community engagement to supporting local nonprofits’ fundraising. Taylor Endicott, an experienced professional in the nonprofit space, shares her enlightening career path, leading her back home to DuPage County, where she now fosters volunteering and nonprofit collaboration. Her unique path illustrates a deep-rooted passion for community service, propelled by her early experiences in nonprofit work and an academic background in parks, tourism, and business administration. She discusses the challenges and priorities of increasing awareness for Giving DuPage and enhancing the volunteer portal experience. Taylor underscores the organization's integral role in community-building through planned philanthropy, demonstrating how a focused mission can lead to widespread communal support. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Taylor Endicott, Community Program Manager at Giving DuPage, about connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities and supporting nonprofits. Taylor shares her inspiring journey into nonprofit leadership, the biggest challenges facing Giving DuPage today, how it connects volunteers with nonprofits, and how Giving DuPage Days supports local nonprofits’ fundraising.

    20 min
  8. 11/11/2024

    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

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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!

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