Episode 13:
Workforce Development
Justin Arnold - Director of Workforce Development, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
Dr. Arnold is the Director of Workforce Development at the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, in Illinois. As the Director, he collaborates with governing boards to oversee a $2.4 million dollar WIOA grant for a five-county service area. Justin serves on the executive committee of the Illinois Workforce Partnership, a professional development and advocacy organization for Illinois’ 23 workforce development directors. He has been involved in workforce development since 2002 beginning at a faith-based nonprofit where he worked with economically distressed young adults and families who had barriers to employment. Justin earned an undergraduate degree in public administration at Grand Valley State University, a master's degree in career and technical education at Ferris State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in workforce development at Western Michigan University.
Justin Arnold
Episode 14:
Leadership
Angela Barnard - Communications Consultant, Career Coach, and Keynote Speaker
Angela Barnard is a communications consultant, career coach, and keynote speaker. She has a Master's Degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University and is a Certified Professional Coach through the International Coach Federation. She is known for her expertise in helping people get clear on what they really want, shift their energy and communicate more effectively. As the host of the Intentional Mind Podcast, Angela shares valuable insights and strategies for designing a life with purpose and intention. Angela has personally coached over 2000 purpose-driven professionals to help them enjoy their work more and make a meaningful impact. With a background as a public affairs veteran and former communications consultant to governmental, corporate and nonprofit leaders during national crises, Angela has honed her skills in navigating complex communication challenges. As a speaker, Angela inspires and educates audiences on how to lead more effectively through effective communication strategies. She also coaches thought leaders to deliver compelling and impactful messages on stages like TEDx. Beyond her professional endeavors, Angela enjoys relaxing at her lake home in Indiana, indulging in outdoor adventures, and traveling with her family. Driven by her motto of "one life, no regrets", Angela is passionately dedicated to empowering individuals to get clear on what they really want for their careers and intentionally communicate in ways that positively influence themselves and others. Leveraging her experience in public and nonprofit leadership, Angela strives to make a meaningful difference in her community and encourages others to do the same.
Angela Barnard
Episode 9:
Local Government
Kathryn Beemer - City Administrator, City of Fennville,MI
Before taking the helm at the City of Fennvile, Michigan, Katie was chosen by the Michigan Municipal Executives (ICMA state chapter) as the 2020 Next Generation Management Fellow. There she prepared new wage and benefit scales, new employee handbook language, a pension sustainability study during labor negotiations, and created a 5 year recreation plan for the City. Katie earned her MPA at GVSU.
Katie Beemer
Episode 12:
Community Foundations
Kevin van Bronkhorst - Executive Director, Community Foundations National Standards
Kevin is the Executive Director of Community Foundations National Standards (CFNS), a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations. Kevin has overseen the CFNS transition to an online platform, the three-year accreditation period, and several other critical process improvements. Before joining the Council, Kevin was editor for a nuclear non-proliferation blog and worked as a system administrator for a home health firm. Kevin has an MSc in Crisis and Security Management from Leiden University’s Faculty for
Governance and Global Affairs in The Hague, Netherlands - where he researched international security policy and implementation. He has a BA in Psychology from Oregon State University.
Kevin van Bronkhorst
Episode 7:
Fundraising
Jeff Brooks - Fundraisingologist, Moceanic
Jeff was named "Americas top fundraising writer" by the legendary Tom Ahern, and has been serving the nonprofit community for more than 30 years. He has worked with organizations large and small around the world, and has served in many charity sectors, including international development, health and hospitals, social services, faith-based, and arts and culture. He blogs at the popular Future Fundraising Now and Moceanic blogs and is the author of three books: The Fundraiser's Guide to Irresistible Communications, The Money-Raising Nonprofit Brand, and How to Turn Your Words into Money. He lives in Seattle.
Jeff Brooks
Episode 10:
Philanthropy
Aaron Dorfman - President and CEO, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP)
Aaron Dorfman is president and CEO of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), a research and advocacy organization that works to ensure America’s grantmakers and wealthy donors are responsive to the needs of those with the least wealth, opportunity and power. Dorfman, a thoughtful critic, frequently speaks and writes about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy, the benefits of funding advocacy and community organizing, and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the philanthropic sector. Before joining NCRP in 2007, Dorfman served for 15 years as a community organizer with two national organizing networks, spearheading grassroots campaigns on a variety of issues. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Carleton College, a master’s degree in philanthropic studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and serves on the boards of Capital & Main, The Center for Popular Democracy and re:power.
Aaron Dorfman
Episode 5:
Libraries
Ana Drown - Branch Manager, Grand Rapids Public Library
Ana Drown holds a Master of Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Psychology, both from Grand Valley State University. In her current role at the Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL), Ana serves as Branch Manager of the Madison Square Branch. She believes that public libraries are uniquely positioned to be catalysts for social change and community transformation. Guided by this belief, she strives to advocate for services and programs that increase community access, awareness, and engagement. Ana’s professional background includes a diverse set of experiences ranging from healthcare to higher education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, binging her favorite true crime podcasts, and of course, reading.
Ana Drown
Episode 2:
Nonprofit Advocacy
Adrienne Goodstall - Chief Engagement and Advocacy Officer, Mel Trotter Ministries
Adrienne Goodstal is currently the Chief Engagement and Advocacy Officer at Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM), a large nonprofit in Grand Rapids, Michigan serving individuals experiencing homelessness and hunger. She is responsible for building relationships with key diverse partners and stakeholders working towards the common goal of helping end homelessness and poverty in West Michigan. In her eight years with MTM she has developed innovative solutions for addressing the many complexities that surround homelessness, most recently bringing medical outreach to those individualsthat are living unsheltered. Through her advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal level she ensures that those experiencing homelessness have a voice at the table. She is a two-time GVSU Alum earning her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration focusing on Nonprofit Leadership and Management. In 2022, she began as Adjunct Professor at Cornerstone University in the Professional Graduate Studies Program.
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Adrienne Goodstall
Episode 9:
Local Government
Jason Grant - Director of Advocacy, International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Jason worked for over 17 years at Prince William County government, in Virginia as Communications Manager then Communication Director before becoming ICMA’s Director of Advocacy in 2020. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Maryland and his master’s in communication at the University of Washington.
Jason Grant
Episode 2:
Nonprofit Advocacy
Tracey Hamlet - Executive Director, MOKA
Tracey Hamlet is the Executive Director of MOKA, a nonprofit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in West Michigan. She has dedicated most of her 35-year career to serving people with disabilities, starting as a direct care worker in an adult foster care home after receiving her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. Prior to stepping into her current role, Tracey served as MOKA’s Director of Programs. During this time, she earned her Master’s in Public Administration at Grand Valley State University with an emphasis on Nonprofit Leadership. Her focus as the executive director is on shaping and improving organizational culture – including advocacy for the front line workforce. The organization’s compassionate culture and the uplifting support for the direct care workforce serve as the foundation for supporting people with disabilities.
Tracey Hamlet
Episode 12:
Community Foundations
Jocelyn Hines - Senior Community Investment Officer, Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Jocelyn currently serves as the Senior Community Investment Officer for the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. She serves in various capacities, not only in her organization but in the community as well. Jocelyn was integral in starting the Community Empowerment Small Grant Program to better support grassroots and black-led organizations. She currently serves on Muskegon Civic Theatre DEI Committee, United Way of the Lakeshore board, Muskegon County Health Equity Council, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority INC, and is the Founder/Chair of Muskegon Young Black Professionals. Jocelyn has also won several awards including 2022 Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 under 40, 2022 West MI Works 20 under 30, 2019 Governor’s Service Award for Youth Volunteer of the Year and Class of 2018 Future 15. She also just recently completed her master’s degree from Grand Valley State University in public administration. Jocelyn still lives in Muskegon and likes to spend her free time volunteering, trying new recipes or watching Marvel movies.
Jocelyn Hines
Episode 6:
Prison Reform
Rob V Howard - M.Sc. Supervisor, Kent Parole
Rob graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice in 2012 and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice in 2020. He started with the Michigan Department of Corrections in 2013 as a Corrections Officer at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility. Since then, he has served as a Prison Counselor at Muskegon Correctional Facility, a Probation Agent at Kent Probation, and currently as a Supervisor at Kent Parole. Rob believes that offender success is key to public safety. Providing the tools individuals need to be successful is one of the main purposes of the Department of Corrections. To promote success, we must meet clients where they are at and help them grow and establish themselves as they reintegrate into society.
Rob Howard
Episode 10:
Philanthropy
Yah-Hannah Jenkins - Senior Program Manager, MillerKnoll Foundation
Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys currently serves as Senior Program Manager with MillerKnoll Foundation. As a member of the Foundation team, Yah-Hanna supports the delivery and management of grants, philanthropic partnerships, and global programs. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Prior to joining the Foundation, Yah-Hanna served as the Director of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area in 2020. Additionally, Yah-Hanna held several roles in the lakeshore nonprofit sector includingInterim-Executive Director at Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, Faith in Youth Partnership Director at Good Samaritan Ministries, and Development Director at the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. Yah-Hanna left her home country of St. Kitts in 2008 to pursue studies at the City College of the City University of New York, where she graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and English Literature. She then went on to pursue her graduate degree at the City College in Public Administration. However, after marrying her husband in 2013, she decided to continue her graduate career at Grand Valley State University where she focused on nonprofit leadership and management, receiving a Master of Public Administration degree in 2015. Yah-Hanna is a Co-founder and President of Women of Color Give, a giving circle with a fund housed at the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area. Yah- Hanna received the Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award established by the Councilon Michigan Foundations and the Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) Michigan Chapter.
Yah-Hannah Jenkins
Episode 4:
People with Disabilities
Jeanette Johnson - Director of Communications, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf,Inc. - BS – Public and Nonprofit Administration
Born and raised in West Michigan, JJ holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University. They previously worked at the Michigan Department of Civil Rights doing cultural competency and disability rights training and communications work. JJ is now the Communications Director of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc, a national organization that certifies sign language interpreters.
Jeanette Johnson
Episode 1:
Museums
Kimberly Kelderhouse - Executive Director, Leelanau Historical Society
Kim Kelderhouse grew up in Leelanau County, MI and studied nonprofit administration at Grand Valley State University. She began her career at the Leelanau Historical Society in 2013 as the Museum Assistant. In July 2020 Kim became the Executive Director. During her time with the Society, she has championed efforts to digitize over 125 years’ worth of historical newspapers, convert over 200 oral history recordings to accessible digital formats, and increase partnership and cooperation amongst other history organizations in the region. Kim’s passion stems from her own connection to the peninsula as a 6th generation resident. She is very honored to serve her community in
the role.
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Kim Kelderhouse
Episode 14:
Leadership
Dr. Theresa Ricke-Kiely - Executive Director at the Center for the Common Good, University of St. Thomas
Dr. Theresa Ricke-Kiely, an academic and nonprofit practitioner, currently holds the position of Executive Director at the Center for the Common Good, University of St. Thomas. Her role entails steering initiatives for community engagement throughout the university and serving students, faculty, and staff under various departments such as Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and the Office for Mission. Dr. Ricke-Kiely's extensive leadership experience includes serving as the Executive Director of the Kroc Institute of International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, where she was also an Associate Clinical Professor. She taught nonprofit and NGO leadership for the Keough School of Global Affairs and the Mendoza College of Business and continues to teach transformational and mindful leadership for local and global nonprofits and NGOs. She has also been a faculty member at the University of South Carolina (Spartanburg), where she directed the nonprofit major and minor as the inaugural director of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership. In her previous nonprofit career, she championed civil rights issues for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, oversaw 250 staff, and managed a multi-million dollar budget. She also serves as an inaugural book review editor of the Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership and has contributed immensely to the growth of nonprofit organizations throughout her career. As an active member of different professional communities, including ARNOVA and C-Mind, Dr. Ricke-Kiely has published papers on nonprofit leadership in various national and international journals. She is currently writing a book on mindful nonprofit leadership scheduled to be published in the next year. She holds a BA from SUNY New Paltz, an MPA from Marist College and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Sarasota. Dr. Ricke-Kiely possesses a wealth of experience in managing and advising national and regional nonprofits. Her lifetime commitment to advocating for equity for all populations remains unwavering.
Theresa Ricke-Kiely
Episode 2:
Nonprofit Advocacy
Pat Libby- Author and Consultant
Pat Libby is one of the nation’s leading experts on citizen lobbying campaigns. A long- time nonprofit leader, change management consultant, and self-described “recovering academic”, she is author of The Empowered Citizens Guide, The Lobbying Strategy Handbook, and Cases in Nonprofit Management. Pat has made it her mission to teach people how to create change through the legislative process. Her 10-step lobbying model – which she created while leading a nonprofit organization – has been used by novice citizen activists throughout the country to pass new laws, including many in California where she resides. Pat was the Founding Director and Professor of Practice, Institute for Nonprofit Education at the University of San Diego. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Tufts University and her Master’s in Urban Studies and Planning, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Pat Libby
Episode 3:
Public Relations
Jason Manshum - Principal, 45th Parallel Strategies, LLC
Jason Manshum is a Principal at 45th Parallel Strategies, LLC. He also teaches as part- time faculty for Grand Valley State University’s School of Communications Media Relations Writing, Fundamentals of Advertising and Writing Corporate Communications. Jason earned his BS and MS degrees in Communications at Grand Valley State University. He previously worked for Nestle Waters and Enbridge Energy, and has served as the Treasurer; Program Chair of the West Michigan Public Relations Society of America.
Jason Manshum
Episode 11:
Higher Education
Liz McMillen - Executive Editor of Chronicle Intelligence, Chronicle of Higher Education
As executive editor of Chronicle Intelligence, Liz McMillen brings more than 30 years of experience covering higher education. She is a sought-after speaker who frequently addresses college leaders in the United States and overseas about big-picture trends in higher education. From 2011 to 2018, she served as the editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education, supervising a newsroom of 65 reporters, editors, data journalists, and designers who produce a daily news report, weekly print edition, special supplements, and in-depth reports. Under her leadership, the Chronicle newsroom received awards from the Online News Association, the Society for News Design, and the Education Writers Association. In her career at The Chronicle she has served as a reporter covering faculty issues, research, and business; a section editor; and editor of The Chronicle Review. In 2013 she was selected to deliver the Graham Hovey Lecture at the University of Michigan. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and was a recipient of the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan.
Liz McMillen
Episode 12:
Community Foundations
Wes Miller - Director of Philanthropic Services, Fremont Area Community Foundation
Wes is the Director of Philanthropic Services at Fremont Area Community Foundation. In his role at the Community Foundation, he serves the place his family has called home for seven generations. Wes is a graduate of Central Michigan University and holds a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University where he studied nonprofit management and leadership. Before joining the Community Foundation in 2011, Wes worked at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy and The Right Place, Inc., a regional economic development agency in Grand Rapids.
Wes Miller
Episode 11:
Higher Education
Ashley Nickels - Associate Professor, Kent State University
Ashley Nickels is an associate professor in the School of Peace and Conflict Studies (SPCS) at Kent State University. Working at the intersections of urban affairs, nonprofit and voluntary studies, and public policy and administration, Dr. Nickels' research focuses on issues of power, social equity, and democratic participation. Her area of specialization is community development. Dr. Nickels is the Chair of the Public Administration Theory Network, Co-Leader of the Growing Democracy Project and Growing Democracy Lab, and Co-Host of the Growing Democracy Podcast. Dr. Nickels holds a PhD in Public Affairs, with a specialization in Community Development, from Rutgers University-Camden. She received her M.P.A., with a concentration in nonprofit leadership, from Grand Valley State University in 2006.
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Ashley Nickels
Episode 7:
Fundraising
Steven Nicolet - Director of Development, Home Repair Services of Kent County
Steven has nearly 30 years of experience working in the areas of development, volunteer management, programming and training. Before his current role at Home Repair Services of Kent County he served as as the Campus Director of Ross Medical Education Center, the Director of Annual Giving at Trine University, Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Ferris State University and as Director of Development at Community Action House in Holland, MI. Steven has also ran annual fund programs at University of North Carolina, Grand Valley State University and Florida International University. He is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in public and Nonprofit Administration and earned a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. Steven was awarded the Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM) through The FundRaising School at Indiana University.
Steven Nicolet
Episode 8:
Local News
Tom Norton - Executive Director, WKTV Community Media
Tom Norton is the Executive Director of WKTV Community Media for the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Michigan. Part of the greater Grand Rapids area, WKTV was formed in 1974 and has served the entire region for nearly 50 years and today is one of the largest community media facilities in the US. Tom’s background has been entirely television for the last 31 years. Working for the local NBC affiliate and then for Speed Television in Los Angeles in the late 90’s, Tom became Executive Director for WKTV in 2000. Over the last 23 years WKTV has initiated new ways of creating community media, beginning with the construction of a 10,000 sf production facility in 2002.In 2013 with diminishing local print news service, WKTV launched a new hyper local newsroom that daily publishes the WKTV Journal to provide local news service for an area classified as a “news desert.” Since then the WKTV Journal has continued to grow and expand with regular full time personnel and freelancers. In 2012, WKTV launched full motion picture production providing an extensive array of equipment and gear to filmmakers which have since garnered three state Emmy Awards and one nomination. In 2017 WKTV launched a mobile oral history initiative called Voices which continues to travel West Michigan collecting stories from the community. Additionally, WKTV launched a full podcasting service that continues to grow in popularity. Currently Tom is stewarding WKTV toward its 50th anniversary as one of the oldest in the nation by developing new media initiatives that can resource new opportunities for everyone in the communities they serve and surrounding metro area.
Tom Norton
Episode 1 :
Museums
Jennifer Parks Strack - Associate Director of Development, Minnetrista Museum and Gardens
Jennifer Parks Strack is the Associate Director of Development at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, home of the Ball jar and Bob Ross. With 14 years of experience in the non-profit sector, she landed a career in fundraising on accident. Prior to her current role, she worked for human service organizations working to connect people with resources. She is a proud graduate of the MPA program at Grand Valley State University, where she learned from her peers and professors alike. Jennifer lives in Muncie, Indiana with her husband and 5-year-old daughter, who makes sure that there’s never a dull moment at home.
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Jennifer Parks-Strack
Episode 3:
Public Relations
Timothy Penning - Professor, Grand Valley State University
Professor Tim Penning, APR teaches courses in public relations. He has worked as a staff writer and editor for Traverse Magazine and Advance Newspapers. Following his career in journalism, he was communication director for an international mission agency, media relations manager for Grand Valley State University, and public relations director for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. As a professor, he continues to practice public relations as a consultant with his own business, Penning Ink. He was won several awards for his public relations work and was named "Distinguished Practitioner" by the West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 2001 and 2005. He is active with the Public Relations Society of America, having served as president of the West Michigan chapter in 2004 and on its board for seven years. He also advises the GVSU student chapter of PRSSA. Dr. Penning is a founder and past board member of Interchange: The Association for West Michigan Communication Professionals and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society. He writes a blog about advertising and public relations in West Michigan. He is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows, both groups of professionals and educators with a significant level and amount of experience in public relations.
Timothy Penning
Episode 5:
Libraries
Lessa Pelayo Lozada - President, American Library Association
Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada is the 2022-23 President of the American Library Association and Adult Services Assistant Manager at the Palos Verdes Library District in Southern California. She was the 2019-2022 Executive Director and 2016-2017 President of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA). In 2022 she received the American Library Association Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award and was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker in the advocacy category. Much of her work focuses on advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion in libraries and librarianship. She lives in San Pedro, California with her poet husband, Chrisitan Hanz Lozada and their menagerie of pets. Find out more about her at lessaforlibraries.com
Lessa Pelayo Lozada
Episode 6:
Prison Reform
David Pitts - Interim Associate Vice President, Justice Policy at the Urban Institute
David Pitts is the Interim Associate Vice President for Justice Policy at the Urban Institute, where he is also a Senior Fellow and Director of the Prison Research & Innovation Initiative. David is a senior policy researcher with over 20 years of experience in the academic and nonprofit research sectors. He uses evidence-based strategies to promote prison reform that benefits both incarcerated people and correctional staff, and toward that end, he has partnered with an array of advocacy organizations, nonprofit service providers, and departments of corrections. His work has addressed a variety of topics in this area, including restrictive housing, prison education, visitation, and correctional staff well-being. In addition to his current work, David has written extensively on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public administration and policy. He is an adjunct instructor at John Jay College and has taught courses in a variety of areas, including applied research methods, corrections policy, strategic planning, and organization theory.
David Pitts
Episode 8:
Local News
Chuck Plunkett - Director, Colorado University News Corps
Chuck Plunkett, a professional journalist for more than 24 years, is the director of CU News Corps, a capstone program for journalism undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Colorado Boulder. Prior to joining the university, he served as the editorial page editor for The Denver Post, where he also served previously as politics editor. Plunkett joined The Post as a reporter in 2003, led coverage of the city's hosting of the Democratic National Convention in 2008, and had a front-row seat to the destruction of the once fine Voice of the Rocky Mountain Empire at the hands of its hedge fund owners, Alden Global Capital. After Plunkett made international headlines for leading a team of writers who called out Alden for its business practices, he was forced to resign. Since then he has been recognized by many in the industry. Prior to his move to Colorado, Plunkett worked at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh.
Chuck Plunkett
Episode 13:
Workforce Development
Melissa Robbins – Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Workforce Development Professionals
Melissa Robbins is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) which provides professional development, resources, and certification credibility to individuals seeking to thrive in the workforce development industry as thought leaders and innovators. Melissa began her career in workforce development as a Fiscal Assistant and through training, received primarily through NAWDP, she became a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP). It was this training,development, and credentialing that led to her role as the Executive Director of a local workforce development board before her current role. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Columbia College and a master’s in business administration at Western Governors University. Melissa is also a Certified Government Financial Manager and Certified Workforce Development Professional.
Melissa Robbins
Episode 13:
Workforce Development
Jordan Baah-Sackey – Program Manager, Jobs For the Future
Jordan is a program manager at Jobs For the Future where she focuses on systems change within education and the workforce to support young people in their college and career pathways. Her skills and areas of expertise include outreach and engagement, partnership development, project management, and administration and logistics. Before joining JFF, Jordan spent two years at the Michigan College Access Network, supporting college access work across the state. Jordan also spent two years in AmeriCorps service as a state and national member and as a VISTA, supporting education programs for students in the West Michigan area. Before her work in Michigan, Jordan spent three years in the International Department at Wellspring International Bilingual Academy in Hanoi, Vietnam, where she managed the International Primary School Department and taught English to students in grades 2 and 3. She holds a Master’s Degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership and a Bachelor’s in International Relations, both from Grand Valley State University.
Jordan Baah-Sackey
Episode 11:
Higher Education
Kasey Stevens - Associate Dean of Integrative Learning, Hope College
As associate dean, Kasey supervises an the Office of Integrative Learning at Hope College. The office provides opportunities for holistic transformation and enrichment through academic and co-curricular community based programs. The programs included in the Office of Integrative Learning include are the First Gen Student Union, the Hope Forward Program, the Phelps Scholars Program, and the Summer Bride Program. He received his Master in Adult and Higher Education from Grand Valley State University.
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Kasey Stevens
Episode 3:
Public Relations
Stephen Szymanski - Program Associate, Great Lakes Political Academy
Stephen graduated from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in 2021 with a major in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Philosophy, he is also a graduate of the Great Lakes Political Academy (GLPA-LEAD). After graduating from GVSU, he worked at a marketing agency before making the jump into politics, managing a successful re- election campaign for an incumbent in the state legislature. He now works as the Program Associate at GLPA-LEAD.
Stephen Szymanski
Episode 4:
People with Disabilities
Maria Town - President and CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities.
In this role, she works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. Prior to this she served as the Director of the City of Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities where she advocated for the rights and needs of citizens with disabilities, served as a liaison between the mayor, city council, city departments and other public and private entities on matters pertaining to people with disabilities in Houston, and established
local and national partnerships to advance inclusion. Town is the former senior associate director in the Obama White House Office of Public Engagement where she managed the White House's engagement with the disability community and older Americans. She also managed the place-based portfolio and coordinated engagement across Federal agencies. Town also worked as policy advisor at the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. Town led and coordinated numerous efforts to improve employment outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities. She has particular expertise in areas of youth development and leadership and promoting college and career readiness for all youth. Town is a member of the board of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and is a part of the inaugural class of Ford Foundation Global Fellows. She hails from Louisiana, where her family still resides.
Maria Town Headshot
Episode 1:
Museums
Sonnet Takahisa - Independent Museum Consultant
Sonnet Takahisa currently works as an independent consultant in museums, community- based arts and education organizations and schools, focusing on public engagement, community building, and educational reform. She has held leadership roles at numerous museums, including the Boston Children’s Museum, Seattle Art Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the National September 11 Memorial Museum, the Newark Museum, and the Brooklyn Historical Society. From 1993 – 2003 she was the founding co-director of the NYC Museum School, a groundbreaking public school that engaged secondary school students by providing direct access to the resources of cultural institutions. As part of Arts and Cultural Strategies, she consults with arts, education and philanthropic organizations, focusing on strategic and institutional planning, teaching and learning strategies, and program development and evaluations. Through ongoing work on not-for-profit arts boards, public and academic presentations, articles and online interviews, she continues to support innovative leadership, creative partnerships, and approaches that emphasize the importance of remaining relevant and inspiring to one’s communities.
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Sonnet Takahisa
Episode 7:
Fundraising
Katie VanDoeselaar - Senior Donor Relations Director, Grand Rapids Public Museum
Katie has worked in non-profits her entire career. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, and her Master’s of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Grand Valley State University. In 2020 she was awarded the Graduate Dean’s Citation for Academic Excellence in the MPNL program. Prior to joining the Grand Rapids Public Museum staff iin late 2019, Katie worked at the Lakeshore Museum Center as Development Director and in multiple roles at the Blandford Nature Center, eventually becoming Director of Operations. In her role at the GRPM, Katie enjoys helping donors make a difference in their communities, connecting them with programs they are passionate about.
Katie VanDoeselaar
Episode 9:
Local Government
Patrick Waterman - Deputy County Administrator, Ottawa County, MI
Patrick’s 21 years of local government service also includes City Manager for the City of Hudsonville, Michigan and Community Development Director for Grand Haven Charter Township, Michigan. He earned his MPA from GVSU and also earned a BS - Urban & Regional Planning from Michigan State University.
Patrick Waterman
Episode 10:
Philanthropy
Madeleine Williams - Philanthropic Associate, Strategic Philanthropy Ltd.
Madeleine Williams is a Philanthropic Associate at Strategic Philanthropy Ltd., a boutique philanthropic advisory firm headquartered in Chicago, IL. In that capacity, she works closely with a variety of donors to plan and implement their charitable giving, including: legacy giving, next generation philanthropy, and foundation operations. Madeleine holds a BA in Communications and Business from Calvin University (College) and an MA in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Her experience includes higher education, resource development, and corporate philanthropy. As an innovative and thoughtful practitioner in the field of philanthropy, Madeleine is passionate about walking alongside donors in any context to facilitate meaningful and equitable change. Personal philanthropic interest areas include economic support of women and young girls, mentorship, and immigration issues.
Madeleine Williams
Episode 5:
Libraries
Heather Zeoli - Director of Development and Volunteer Services, the Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County
Heather Zeoli serves as the Director of Development and Volunteer Services for the Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City. In her role, Heather works to raise funds, friends, and advocate for libraries in one of America’s largest metropolitan areas. Her nonprofit management and fundraising experiences serve to help organizations navigate the social, cultural, and sustainability challenges that have been present in recent years and are sure to continue. Heather’s prior roles include Development Manager at the College of Mathematics & Science of University of Central Oklahoma and Director of Annual Giving at Grand Valley State University. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration, focusing on Nonprofit Management and Leadership and her Bachelor’s in Communications and English, both from Grand Valley State University.
Heather Zeoli