Episodes

April 9, 2025

Sierra College Foundation's Novel Support in Advancing Student Success.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What if the key to sustaining community colleges lies within our own communities? Join me as I explore the critical role of local support in the enduring success of institutions like Sierra College, featuring insights from Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. With over half of Sierra College's students eligible for aid, discover how the foundation bridges the financial gap through commun...
April 2, 2025

Aspire Kids El Dorado Removes Barriers and Builds Resilience with Dignity and Compassion.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Growing up in foster care, Jodi Mottashed's childhood was anything but ordinary. Her experiences sparked a passion to change lives, leading her to establish Aspire Kids El Dorado, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth in rural communities. Join us as Jodi shares how her personal journey fueled a mission to break down barriers for children in El Dorado County, providing scholarships for transformative experiences, cl...
March 26, 2025

Placer SPCA: Volunteers and Visionaries Shaping the Future of Animal Care.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What are the secrets to creating a thriving animal welfare community? How about one that has celebrated a 50-year journey in Placer County? The Placer SPCA is all that. I'm speaking with Leilani Fratis, CEO of the organization, this episode. From its humble beginnings with volunteers outside grocery stores with tin cans to evolving into a key pillar of compassion in Roseville, you'll discover how dedication and innovati...
March 19, 2025

SMUD MOSAC Inspires Discovery In Science, STEM and Sustainability for All Ages.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... How did a humble Discovery Center transform into a bustling hub of scientific exploration? Join me, Jeff Holden, as I chat with Andrea Durham, Executive Director of SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) in Sacramento. Andrea shares engaging stories of how MOSAC captivates its visitors with sensory-rich exhibits, offering a space for families and friends to foster lifelong curiosity and learning in STEM. Imagine m...
March 12, 2025

Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship & Boundless Futures: Junior Achievement Prepares Our Youth.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What if your child could gain the entrepreneurial mindset they need for lifetime success before even finishing high school? Susan Nelson, the driving force behind Junior Achievement, Sacramento joins us to explore how this pioneering organization equips young minds with the skills needed for financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. With a rich history dating back to 1919, Junior Achievement has transfor...
March 5, 2025

A Merged Masterpiece: The Harmony of Sacramento's Philharmonic and Opera

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What led the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera from a state of chaos to becoming a cultural icon in the city? Meet Giuliano Kornberg, CEO of the organization who shares the remarkable transformation of this unique organization that merges the best of both the philharmonic and opera worlds. Together, we explore the historic 2013 merger that created one of the most innovative cultural institutions in Sacramento, providing...
Feb. 26, 2025

How Los Rios Colleges Foundation Empowers Student Success

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Paula Allison, President of Los Rios Colleges Foundation joins me, Jeff Holden, on the Nonprofit Podcast Network to share her fascinating insight into the Los Rios College District, an extensive community college system enhancing accessibility for students across four main campuses and several additional centers, including a unique collaboration with UC Davis. We explore how these strategically placed campuses are pivot...
Feb. 19, 2025

Flight Paths to Futures: The Aerospace Museum of California Inspires Change for Generations.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What makes Sacramento the perfect home for an aerospace museum? Join me as we welcome Tom Jones, President and CEO of the Aerospace Museum of California to the program where we'll explore how over a century of aviation history has shaped this vibrant hub of education and inspiration. From the strategic roles of McClellan and Mather air bases during wartime to the museum's STEM-focused programs and interactive simulators...
Feb. 12, 2025

CalMatters' Neil Chase on the Future of Journalism: Collaboration, Innovation and Technology.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... How is nonprofit journalism transforming the media landscape? Explore this intriguing shift with my guest, Neil Chase, CEO of Cal Matters, as we unpack how organizations like his are stepping up amidst the decline of traditional newspapers. Discover how CalMatters' innovative nonprofit model collaborates with local news outlets, NPR stations, and public television to deliver reliable, free access to information on state...
Feb. 5, 2025

Women Building Businesses by Fostering Community: The NAWBO Story.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Ever wondered how the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) brings together a community of women entrepreneurs to support and inspire each other? Join me as I chat with Christina Dixon about NAWBO’s vibrant Sacramento chapter, a standout in California with its innovative initiatives. Discover how they're fostering the next generation of businesswomen through partnerships with schools and organizations li...
Jan. 29, 2025

Soaring Ambitions From Inspiration in the Skies: The California Capital Airshow

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What role does an air show play in shaping the future of aviation... or simply shaping the future for our youth? Uncover the fascinating journey of the California Capital Air Show as I speak with Darcy Brewer, Executive Director, who has been instrumental in its evolution over the past 16 years. Join us as we trace the roots of this iconic event back to Mather Airport's inception in 1918, exploring how a simple communit...
Jan. 22, 2025

3Strands Global Foundation Fights Human Trafficking Through Education and the Power of Partnership.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Discover how one organization is leading the charge against human trafficking with the inspiration of Ashlie Bryant, Co-Founder, President and CEO of 3Strands Global Foundation. Did you know the size of this business? The staggering reality is a $256 billion industry that affects 50 million people worldwide. Through personal stories and a three-pronged strategy focusing on education, employment, and engagement, we'll he...
Jan. 14, 2025

Yolo Food Bank's Collaborative Impact Minimizes Food Insecurity

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... How is it that there are people going hungry when they work on a farm that literally grows the very food they should eat? Join me, Jeff Holden, as I engage with Karen Baker, Executive Director of Yolo Food Bank, unraveling the complexities and triumphs of tackling food insecurity in Yolo County. With roots going back to 1970, Yolo Food Bank has become a vital lifeline, reaching over 30,000 households each month. We disc...
Jan. 8, 2025

The Alliance: Collective Power in Defending the Cause for Kids and Families.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Witnessing the devastating aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti was a turning point for my guest, Tiffany Loeffler, Founder and Executive Director of "The Alliance". She discovered a powerful calling to advocate for vulnerable children, which led her on a heartfelt journey through international adoption and inspired efforts within her Sacramento community. Tiffany's story unfolds as she navigates the emotional and ...
Jan. 1, 2025

Transportation Reimagined: How Paratransit is Transforming Mobility in Our Region.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What happens when transportation goes beyond simply moving people from point A to point B? Join me as I sit down with Tiffani Scott, President and CEO, of Paratransit to explore an innovative approach to community mobility that has been shaping Sacramento for over 45 years. Tiffani unveils the dynamic role Paratransit plays in the community, offering more than just rides—it's about delivering meals, providing travel tra...
Dec. 18, 2024

Champions of Child Care; Child Action Supports Working Parents and Employers Alike.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What if you could transform a workplace, a family, a community, simply by improving access to child care? Join me, Jeff Holden, as I uncover the remarkable journey of Adonai Mack, from his beginnings as a legislative advocate to his current role as the executive director of Child Action. Adonai's story is not just about leadership but about his passion for creating impactful change. He shares how his advocacy work and i...
Dec. 11, 2024

Volunteers of America Wraparound Services Change the Face of Homelessness.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Christie Holderegger, Volunteers of America, Sacramento's President and CEO joins me to share her insights and stories about their mission to combat homelessness and poverty. This faith-based nonprofit has been a providing service in Sacramento since 1911; Essential services like emergency shelters, transitional housing, and support programs across northern California and Nevada. And they've been doing it successfully, ...
Dec. 4, 2024

Securing Nonprofit's Future by Unlocking Planned Giving with Chelsea Fahr.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Unlock the secrets of planned giving and secure your nonprofit's future with my discussion featuring Chelsea Fahr, President of the Planned Giving Forum of Greater Sacramento. Gain valuable insights into the world of planned giving, a crucial fundraising strategy that involves deferred gifts benefiting nonprofits after a donor's lifetime. Chelsea sheds light on the significance of incorporating planned giving into nonpr...
Nov. 27, 2024

David Baker Shares the Legacy and Impact of the Sacramento Children's Home.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Join me, Jeff Holden, for a compelling discussion with David Baker, CEO, as we explore the rich history and evolution of the Sacramento Children's Home, a cornerstone of community support since 1867. Listen in as David shares the transformation of this iconic organization from a simple orphanage to a comprehensive service provider addressing diverse needs such as foster care, mental health, and crisis support. Discover ...
Nov. 26, 2024

ENCORE Episode: Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services AND Run to Feed the Hungry.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, what better way to start the week than with hearing the great work The Sacramento Food Bank does in servicing our local and community food Banks. Blake Young, President and CEO explains it all in this encore episode released November, 2023. And don't forget Run to Feed the Hungry on Thursday as well! You can also hear stories in the queue from River City Food Bank, Yolo Farm to Fork...
Nov. 20, 2024

How One Family's Incredibly Selfless Adoptions Led to XHope Missions, a Nonprofit Serving Children Locally and Internationally.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Discover the incredible journey of Wendi and Rick Cross as Wendi takes us from the heart of Africa to the vibrant communities of Sacramento. Wendy's story began with the adoption of a young boy from Ethiopia, sparking a mission that transcends borders to support vulnerable children. Learn how an eye-opening family trip to Africa inspired the creation of a children's home in Uganda, where local staff strive to empower fa...
Nov. 13, 2024

Striking Chords of Support, G.I.R.L.S Rock Sacramento's Melody is One of Empowerment, Inclusion and Acceptance.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Trailblazer, performing artist, Executive Driector and Co-Founder of G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento, Larisa Bryski joins me to share her inspiring journey behind founding G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento, a dynamic initiative empowering young girls, women and those struggling to be their authentic selves. Through gender inclusion with radical love and support (GIRLS), the organization uses music, performance and other creative ou...
Nov. 13, 2024

Non Profit News Pod: A Few Words with Sacramento's Philanthropy Summit Keynote Speaker, Jane Wei-Skillern.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... If you missed the first ever, Sacramento Philanthropy Summit this past October, you may have heard about the incredible presentation made by Dr. Jane Wei-Skillern. I had the opportunity to catch up with her afterward to share a brief summary of what she presented. If this piques your interest and you would like to see a little more, you can get a summary video in the link HERE. Finally, if you would like to view the sli...
Nov. 6, 2024

Building Safer Communities Through Education, Process and Programs, Sacramento's Safety Center Soars.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... How does a nonprofit like the Safety Center maintain its mission of enhancing community safety over 90 years? Join me, Jeff Holden, as we uncover the remarkable legacy and strategic vision of this organization with insights from CEO, Darell Teat and Chief Operations and Strategy Officer, Kelly Huffman. With divisions spanning DUI education, motorcycle safety, workplace training, and the beloved Safetyville, the Safety C...