S1 E68 - Harness Ecosystem Innovation for Impact: 'Do Bigger Things' - Jennifer Wilde Dan McClure
"Discover How Ecosystem Innovation Can Transform Complex Challenges Into Opportunities for Meaningful Change, As Shared by Experts Jennifer Wilde and Dan Mcclure
http://s4g.biz/02apr24
AI Episode Summary
1. Devin Thorpe introduces his guests, Jennifer Wild and Dan McClure, authors of Do Bigger Things, on his show ""Superpowers for Good.""
2. Jennifer explains that the book they co-authored focuses on solving complex problems by helping those who tackle significant issues such as homelessness, gender-based violence, and climate change by providing innovative tools and practices.
3. Dan highlights the importance of innovating ecosystems instead of individual elements by considering the interconnectedness of people, organizations, governments, and technology when addressing complex issues.
4. Jennifer shares her background in humanitarian emergencies, discussing her experiences with scaling up services in crisis situations and determining what specific help can make an impactful difference in people's lives.
5. Dan shares his personal journey from being an engineer to finding his niche in reimagining and innovating in deregulated environments, enjoying the challenge of creating change where constraints have been removed.
6. Jennifer gives an example from the book where she worked on connecting Syrian refugees with opportunities for higher education, illustrating the complex ecosystem needed to transform lives even with existing resources.
7. Dan provides his own example of ecosystem thinking applied on a different scale, showing how even a local bakery owner can utilize the concept to innovate and improve their business.
8. When asked about their superpowers, Dan identifies his ability to view the big picture and see how systems fit together, while Jennifer states hers is her drive to address inequality and run through metaphorical walls.
9. Jennifer highlights her current project, an AI assistant for busy parents, explaining her motivation to create tools that address inequalities in parenting burdens and how focusing on what she deeply cares about helps guide her through the chaos of tech innovation.
10. Jennifer and Dan conclude by inviting viewers to engage with them through various platforms such as LinkedIn, Innovation Ecosystem, and Jennifer's website and express their eagerness to support others in doing bigger things.
http://superpowers4good.com "
S1 E71 - The Resonance of Jazz for Peace: Harmonizing Humanity and Artistry - Rick DellaRatta
"In a Stirring Conversation, Rick Dellaratta Shares How Jazz For Peace Offers a Universal Language for Healing and Unity, Echoing the Timeless Call for Peace and Creativity
http://s4g.biz/11apr24
AI Episode Summary
1. Rick DellaRatta is a guest on the ""Superpowers for Good"" show hosted by Devin Thorpe.
2. Rick is the founder of Jazz for Peace and is recognized for his musical talent and dedication to peace.
3. During the show, Rick recites a poem and performs a piece of music that convey his message of peace and empathy.
4. Jazz for Peace is a response to the tragic events of 9/11, aligning Rick's music with a mission to make a difference and support causes.
5. Rick has performed internationally, including in countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Ghana, to spread the message of peace through jazz.
6. Audiences worldwide, regardless of their familiarity with jazz, react positively to Rick's music, demonstrating the universal appeal of the art form.
7. Rick's work has evolved to include providing solutions to social issues and conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
8. Rick's superpower is his ability to stay positive, see adversity as an opportunity, and now share solutions to significant challenges based on his experiences.
9. To develop the ability to solve big problems, Rick advises embracing humanity's greatest qualities collectively, such as humanity, creativity, artistry, and intellect.
10. People can learn more about Jazz for Peace and connect with Rick through the generic email address info@jazzforpeace.org, and his work focuses on empowerment grants and growing an ""empowerment tree.""
http://superpowers4good.com "
S1 E98 - The Power of Napping- How Khaliah O. Guillory's Restful Revolution is Changing Lives
"Discover How Restorative Sleep and Napping Drive Productivity and Wellness
http://s4g.biz/16jul24
tl;dr:
1. Introduction of Khaliah O. Guillory and Nap Bar: Devin introduces Khaliah O. Guillory, the CEO and founder of Nap Bar. Despite being a very high-energy person, Khaliah emphasizes the importance of sleep and naps for maintaining her energy levels.
2. Importance of Napping and Rest: Khaliah highlights the benefits of naps and restorative sleep, citing a NASA study that supports increased productivity and alertness from even short naps. She shares her personal routine of scheduling naps and the impact it has had on her success.
3. Founding and Success of Nap Bar: Khaliah explains the inception of Nap Bar and its growth, including securing a ten-year contract to open a luxury sleep suite at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. She discusses the challenges and successes in the journey of establishing Nap Bar, including MVP testing and adapting during the pandemic.
4. Expansion and Business Models: Khaliah details various business models for Nap Bar beyond airport rest stops, including partnerships with West Elm and Lululemon and potential collaborations with airlines, hospitals, college campuses, and sporting venues. She mentions efforts to scale Nap Bar through innovative solutions like the Metasnooze virtual reality experience.
5. Crowdfunding Campaign on Wefunder: Khaliah talks about the ongoing crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder, emphasizing its importance in making the company visible and accessible even in the context of limited VC funding for black women founders. Devin provides details on how viewers can participate and support the campaign.
http://superpowers4good.com "
S1 E66 - Unbreakable Spirit: Minda Dentler's Journey from Polio Survivor to Ironman Finisher
"Minda Dentler's inspirational journey reveals the power of determination and the human spirit in overcoming life's toughest challenges.
http://s4g.biz/26mar24
AI Episode Summary
1. Devin Thorpe hosts the ""Superpowers for Good"" show and introduces his guest Minda Dentler, an author, triathlete, Ironman competitor, and polio survivor.
2. Minda shares her origin story. Born in India and paralyzed by polio at six months old, which led to being adopted and growing up in Spokane, Washington, where she overcame challenges with her parents' support.
3. She reflects on her athletic journey, starting hand cycling at 28 and triathlons at 30, leading to her competing and eventually completing the Kona Ironman World Championship after failing on her first attempt.
4. Minda discusses how her parents raised her with high expectations, which led her to internalize the belief that her disability shouldn't hold her back.
5. She touches upon her motivation for maintaining rigorous athletic training alongside her full-time job and the importance of setting goals and having a supportive community.
6. Minda became involved in polio awareness, partially inspired by vaccinating her daughter and witnessing firsthand the impact of vaccine accessibility in India.
7. Through her speaking engagements, including a TED talk, she raises awareness for polio eradication and shares her story to inspire others.
8. Minda has written a children's book titled The Girl Who Figured It Out inspired by her own experience growing up with a disability and wanting to provide representation and inspiration for children today.
9. She enjoys sharing her story with children in schools and is motivated by helping the next generation both perceive differently abled individuals positively and pursue their own dreams.
10. Minda concludes with an invitation to connect with her and follow her work through her website (mindadentler.com) and on various social media platforms, where she is available for speaking engagements and to share her story more widely.
http://superpowers4good.com "
S1 E67 - Transforming Recycling: A Mission of Empowerment and Environmental Stewardship - Michael M
"Michael Maggio Shares His Inspiring Journey From Corporate Ambition to Global Impact, Spotlighting The Crucial Role of the Informal Recycling Sector
http://s4g.biz/28mar24
AI Episode Summary
1. Michael Maggio is the CEO and founder of iWrc (Informal Waste Recycling Consortium), a company focusing on recycling and poverty alleviation.
2. Michael’s journey with iWrc began during his tenure at Johnson & Johnson, where, tasked with sustainability goals, he aimed to use recycled material in packaging.
3. On a trip to Brazil, after proposing the use of recycled material, Michael was taken to a local recycling co-op, where he was confronted with poor working conditions for those sorting recyclables.
4. The conditions prompted the creation of Project Phoenix to train and certify recycling cooperatives to become part of Johnson & Johnson’s supply chain.
5. When Michael decided to leave J&J and pursue this full-time, J&J supported him and became iWrc's first client on the condition he involved other companies.
6. iWrc operates by forming a consortium of corporations aiming to use recycled materials responsibly, addressing the entire supply chain for both social and environmental impact.
7. iWrc's model ensures that current workers in recycling co-ops are trained and integrated into improved processing streams rather than replaced.
8. Michael highlights the critical role that seeing hope plays in his leadership and approach to business, using hope to transform perspectives and inspire changemaking efforts.
9. Through storytelling, Michael and his team sustain morale by highlighting ""People First"" moments that celebrate successes and learn from challenges.
10. Interested individuals or companies can get involved with iWrc or learn more about their work by visiting their website, checking out iWrc University for training videos, or connecting with Michael via LinkedIn.
http://superpowers4good.com "
S1 E97 - Reviving Traditional Farming with Modern Tech: A Journey with Usha Devi Venkatachalam
"Merging High-Tech Solutions with Age-Old Practices to Empower Smallholder Farmers
http://s4g.biz/11jul24
tl;dr:
1. Overview and Mission: Usha Devi Venkatachalam, CEO and founder of Krishi Janani, discussed her initiative that applies high-tech solutions to smallholder agriculture in less developed regions, focusing on regenerative agroecology, which aligns with the traditional farming methods of previous generations.
2. Background and Inspiration: Usha's background as a computer engineer with experience in over 20 countries, combined with her family's multi-generation farming heritage, led her to this venture. She emphasized the decline in soil quality and nutrition since the Green Revolution and the need to return to more sustainable farming practices.
3. Technological Integration: Krishi Janani is developing a comprehensive ecosystem—consisting of an agritech platform, regional labs, and farmer training events—to support and promote regenerative agriculture. Farmers can access digital knowledge, on-ground training, and product marketplaces through this integrated system.
4. Revenue Model: The company generates revenue through paid training sessions for farmers, commissions from sales facilitated through their platform, corporate partnerships for climate resilience and sustainable sourcing, and collaborations with startups for scaling innovative agricultural solutions.
5. Vision and Scale: Usha aims to expand their model internationally by licensing their software and ecosystem approach, supported by ongoing fundraising efforts. She stresses the importance of combining technology with traditional farming practices to create sustainable agricultural solutions.
http://superpowers4good.com "
S1 E6 - The Story of Tampon Tribe From Endometriosis to Crowdfunding - Jennifer Eden
"CEO Jennifer Eden Shares the History of the Rapidly-Growing Company That Is Changing the World
http://230817.s4g.biz
AI Episode Summary
Jennifer Eden is the co-founder and CEO of Tampon Tribe, an organic cotton period product company.
Tampon Tribe started after Jennifer experienced pain from endometrial endometriosis and wanted to create healthier and environmentally-friendly products.
The company started with tampons and expanded to include pads, liners, menstrual cups, and period underwear.
Tampon Tribe has experienced significant financial success, with an average year-on-year growth of 486% for the first four years.
The company has also found success in the B2B space, supplying products to co-working spaces, businesses, and hotels.
Tampon Tribe has a strong community and has utilized crowdfunding to support its growth and impact.
Jennifer sees her superpower as a combination of tenacity and resilience.
Her biggest accomplishments are the support and belief from people who have invested in and supported Tampon Tribe.
Jennifer emphasizes the importance of balance, taking rest, and having a sense of humor while building a company.
To learn more about Tampon Tribe, visit their website, sign up for their direct mail program, and follow them on social media. They are also available on Amazon and in local grocery and boutique stores.
http://superpowers4good.com"
S1 E23 - This New American Born in Bangladesh Is Empowering a Fundamental Change to Impact Measurem
"Cyrus Kazi’s Quantibly Provides a Tool for Tracking and Measuring Impact in Nonprofits, Social Enterprises and CSR Departments
http://17oct23.s4g.biz
AI Episode Summary
Quantifiable strives to standardize impact reporting for organizations to demonstrate and improve their social impact. Cyrus Kazi's superpower is empathy.
The Superpowers for Good Show is hosting Cyrus Kazi, the CEO and founder of Quantibly, a company that focuses on impact data gathering for nonprofits, social enterprises, and corporate social responsibility departments.
Quantibly is the first platform to collect and report impact data, standardizing the process and making it presentable for stakeholders to see the real impact of their investments.
The platform incorporates an impact framework that tracks resources, benchmarks, and outcomes to provide a holistic view of an organization's impact.
Cyrus has been working with nonprofits, NGOs, governments, and philanthropies for 25 years, leading him to develop Quantibly as a solution for the lack of standardized and verifiable impact data in the sector.
The Quantibly platform simplifies data entry and allows organizations to track outcomes over time, even if the data is collected years later.
The platform also helps foundations and philanthropies monitor the impact of their investments in real time, enabling them to intervene and support grantees as needed.
Quantibly can connect with other data formats, making it easy for organizations to import existing data and avoid double work.
Empathy is Kazi's superpower, which drives his work and motivates him to create value and make a positive impact.
Kazi believes that looking at the world through a value creation lens, rather than a transactional one, enhances empathy and leads to meaningful actions.
Kazi's personal and professional experiences in child welfare influenced his work on Quantibly, as he aimed to use data to protect children from abuse and neglect.
http://superpowers4good.com"
S1 E24 - This Nonprofit Is Proving Lives of Troubled Women Are Worth a Hill of Beans - Tamra Ryan
"Women’s Bean Project CEO Tamra Ryan Shares Stories Illustrating How Women Struggling With Addiction, Incarceration or Homelessness Regain Self-Esteem and Social Standing With Patient Employment
http://19oct23.s4g.biz
AI Episode Summary
Tamra Ryan is the CEO of the Women's Bean Project in Denver, which employs women in difficult circumstances through a nonprofit social enterprise.
The Women's Bean Project hires women experiencing chronic unemployment and teaches them the skills needed to move to mainstream employment.
The women work in food manufacturing, producing a variety of food items distributed across the US.
The purpose of the Women's Bean Project is to help women overcome barriers to employment.
Women spend 70% of their paid time working in the business and 30% of their paid time in classes focused on personal development.
The Women's Bean Project works with other organizations to provide additional support, such as housing, legal services, and counseling.
The women in the program typically have histories of addiction, incarceration, and homelessness.
The Women's Bean Project aims to address the whole person and help women become great employees who can then find jobs in the community.
The program has had many success stories, with women blossoming into confident individuals who can support themselves and their families.
By changing a woman's life, the Women's Bean Project also has a positive impact on her family and the community as a whole.
http://superpowers4good.com"
S1 E96 - Empowering Doctors to Rediscover Their Passion and Purpose
"David Tamale-Sali Of Okay Doctor Works to Transform Healthcare by Helping Medics Find Fulfillment Beyond the Medical Profession
http://s4g.biz/240709
tl;dr:
1. Introduction and Guest Background: The episode features David Tamale-Sali, the founder of Okay Doctor. David discusses his unconventional career path, including studying medicine, getting expelled, traveling to Uganda, and ultimately creating Okay Doctor, a platform aimed at helping medics manage career frustrations and find fulfillment.
2. Mission of Okay Doctor: Initially an app idea, Okay Doctor evolved into a platform providing counseling and support for medics. Its primary mission is to empower doctors to explore their identities beyond their profession, mitigating issues like burnout, frustration, and mental health challenges by providing alternative career options and support forums.
3. Challenges in the Medical Field: David describes significant challenges faced by medical professionals, including administrative burdens, long hours, lack of fulfillment, and mental health crises. He emphasizes that some doctors feel trapped in their careers, contributing to high rates of burnout and even suicide.
4. Empathy as a Superpower: David talks about his superpower, empathy, which was developed through personal struggles, including being kicked out of med school and working various jobs. This empathy allows him to see beyond professional titles and understand the human behind the role, helping him connect with and support other medics effectively.
5. Future and Support for Medics: David's goal for Okay Doctor is to give medics the confidence to follow their true passions, whether that means staying in medicine with a better work-life balance or pursuing entirely new careers. He hopes Okay Doctor will eventually become unnecessary as medics learn to navigate their careers and identities independently. He encourages those interested to visit OkayDoctor.net/SOS to access resources and join the discussion.
http://superpowers4good.com "
S1 E22 - Rising From the Slums of Kampala, Uganda, This Young Social Entrepreneur Employs 1,800 Peo
"Era92 Creative Founder and CEO Emmanuel Trinity Has Hired People Like Himself From the Slums of Kampala to Do Web and Graphic Design
http://12nov23.s4g.biz
AI Episode Summary
Emmanuel Trinity is the founder of era92 Creative, a social enterprise providing affordable graphic design services.
The company employs young people from slums in Uganda, giving them training in design and web development.
Era92 Creative serves clients in the United States, particularly small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits.
The company offers a suite of web development and design services at a flat rate price.
Emmanuel's inspiration came from his personal experience of being rescued from the streets and a desire to address youth unemployment in his community.
Through era92 Creative, Emmanuel has created 1,800 skilled jobs for young people.
The work of era92 Creative has transformed the lives of many individuals, including Megan, who went from being on the verge of selling her body to leading a department of designers.
Emmanuel's superpower is his ability to say yes to opportunities and act on his inner voice.
He believes that everyone has the potential to make positive changes in their communities and should act upon their inner calling.
Anyone interested in working with era92 Creative can visit their website (era92creative.com) to learn more about services and engagement options.
http://superpowers4good.com"
S1 E21 - Business Done Right Is Key to Eliminating Poverty and Other Social Problems
"Author Melanie van de Velde Shares Insights for Impact Through Business
http://231010.s4g.biz
AI Episode Summary
The guest on the show is Melanie van de Velde, CEO and founder of Big Tree Global and author of Lead Like a Genius.
Melanie's background is in business, but she has always been passionate about addressing poverty in the world.
She ran an impact enterprise in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, which taught her about the challenges of balancing commercial sense and making a difference.
Melanie spent years researching projects and companies that make a difference and wanted to share everything she learned, leading to her book, Lead Like a Genius.
Businesses have a role to play in solving the world's problems by addressing the root causes rather than dealing with symptoms.
Examples include the TOMS buy one give one model, which alleviates poverty-related issues but doesn't fix the root cause, and SoleRebels, an African footwear brand that provides jobs and addresses poverty structurally.
Business models that have a strong commercial sense while pursuing an impact mission are more successful in driving change.
An example is the Brigade Bar and Bistro in London, which provides an excellent dining experience while training and empowering apprentices facing homelessness or mental health challenges.
Melanie's superpower is her belief in the inherent goodness of people and their ability to make a positive impact on the world.
To learn more about Melanie and her work, her book Lead Like a Genius is available on Lulu.com and Amazon, and she can be reached on LinkedIn or through the website Big Tree Global.
http://superpowers4good.com"
S1 E95 - Leveraging Faith for Financial Impact: A Conversation with Tom Bassford of EquityVest
"EquityVest’s Mission to Mobilize Faith-Based Investments For Social Good
http://s4g.biz/04jul24
tl;dr:
1. Tom Bassford, CEO and founder of EquityVest, discussed the platform's mission to mobilize the faith-based community to invest in businesses that promote social good, create sustainable solutions, and lift people out of poverty.
2. EquityVest operates without a strict religious or business-type vetting process, allowing companies to highlight their faith-driven motivations and social impact goals to attract like-minded investors.
3. Bassford shared examples of current offerings on EquityVest, including a ridesharing alternative focused on driver welfare, a faith-based organization creating affordable housing on church land, and a streaming service for the deaf community.
4. EquityVest is unique in being owned by a not-for-profit, with start-up costs covered by program-related investments and donor-advised funds aimed at creating an economic engine for launching businesses without ongoing charitable support.
5. The platform encourages the faith-based community to integrate tangible actions with spiritual beliefs, promoting the idea that addressing physical and emotional needs is as important as the faith-driven message of salvation.
http://superpowers4good.com "
"Jonny Helps Us Understand How Substack Could Raise $5 Million in One Day on Wefunder While Others Don’t
http://09nov23.s4g.biz
AI Episode Summary
Devin Thorpe interviews Jonny Price, VP of Wefunder, on the topic of investment crowdfunding.
Jonny has been with Wefunder since 2018 and has witnessed the growth of the company and the industry.
Jonny reflects on the progress made in the industry, citing the increase in the cap, new SEC regulations, and the rise of community rounds.
Although investment volume in the market has decreased, Wefunder has remained steady and continues to grow, contributing to the vision of expanding the market for crowdfunding.
Jonny acknowledges that while the potential for market growth is significant, it may not reach a thousand-fold increase, but a hundred-fold increase is achievable.
Jonny emphasizes the importance of crowdfunding for small businesses and Main Street SMEs, as they often have limited access to capital and can benefit from raising funds from their community.
Substack's success in raising $5 million in 24 hours on Wefunder is attributed to the company's large and passionate user base.
Jonny suggests that building an incredible product and company with a loyal customer base is the key to successful crowdfunding campaigns.
Jonny believes his superpower is his relentless positive energy and resilience, which has helped him overcome challenges in his career and personal life.
He suggests practicing gratitude and focusing on one's zone of genius to maintain a positive mindset and achieve success.
http://superpowers4good.com"
S1 E94 - Empowering South Asian Beauty- Samreen Arshad's Vision for Inclusivity
"Samreen Arshad of SamreensVanity Shares Her Journey of Creating a Beauty Brand That Champions South Asian Representation and Community-Driven Growth
http://s4g.biz/240702
tl;dr:
1. Introduction and Business Overview: Samreen Arshad, the CEO and founder of SamreensVanity, discusses the inception of her luxury cosmetics line aimed at elevating South Asian representation in the beauty industry. She recognized a market gap and launched her brand during the pandemic with initial products like eyeliners and dual-ended lipsticks.
2. Product Line and Strategy: Samreen explains that her brand currently offers nine SKUs, including innovative products like dual-ended lipsticks. Starting with eyeliners to test market needs, her strategy has been to grow slowly and steadily rather than flooding the market with products. This approach has led to partnerships with QVC and potential opportunities with Costco and Shark Tank.
3. Incubator Program: Samreen is participating in the Tower 28 incubator program, which is a ten-week initiative founded by Amy Liu. The program includes classes led by industry leaders, and it concludes with the opportunity to pitch to major retailers like Sephora and Ulta.
4. Vision and Growth Plans: Samreen envisions international expansion for SamreensVanity, citing interest from regions like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. She emphasizes that her brand, which has a strong customer base and minimal returns, is poised for significant growth once it ramp up marketing efforts.
5. Wefunder Campaign and Investor Relations: To support the community-driven ethos of her brand, Samreen opted for a crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder where individuals can invest. She highlights the backing of Backstage Capital, founded by Arlan Hamilton, and encourages potential investors to participate, emphasizing the collective potential for significant returns.
http://superpowers4good.com "
S1 E29 - This Entrepreneur Represents an Impact Trifecta
"Chef Kenyatta Ashford Is Launching Neutral Ground in Chattanooga to Offer African and Creole Cuisine
http://07nov23.s4g.biz
AI Episode Summary
Chef Kenyatta Ashford is launching his first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, called Neutral Ground.
The restaurant concept was born during the pandemic as Chef Kenyatta was furloughed from his previous job and used the opportunity to pursue his dream of owning his own restaurant.
The restaurant is influenced by Chef Kenyatta's upbringing in New Orleans and his African and Creole culture.
Neutral Ground recently collaborated with a local family-run farm called Sequatchie Cove to host a dinner event showcasing their high-quality products, like grass-fed ribeye and lamb meat lollipops.
Chef Kenyatta's vision for the restaurant goes beyond just serving food and aims to become an integral part of the community, supporting local culinary arts programs and offering opportunities for underserved youth.
Neutral Ground is currently raising $450,000 through a crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder to open their own brick-and-mortar restaurant.
This investment represents a trifecta opportunity for impact investors as it supports a local business, social mission, and a diverse founder.
Chef Kenyatta's superpower is his grit and persistence, which has helped him overcome challenges and reach his current level of success.
He advises others to live in the present, stay focused, and take one step at a time to strengthen their mental resilience.
To learn more about Neutral Ground and Chef Kenyatta Ashford, visit their Instagram and Facebook pages, and consider investing in their Wefunder campaign to support their vision and mission.
http://superpowers4good.com"
S1 E28 - Rotary President Travels the Globe Championing Mental Health Programs - Gordon McInally
"Gordon McInally of Scotland Leverages His Role as Rotary International President to Advocate for Greater Openness Around Mental Health
http://02nov23.s4g.biz
AI Episode Summary
Devin Thorpe interviews Gordon McInally, the President of Rotary International, on the Superpowers for Good show.
McInally shares his passion for mental health and how Rotary has been quietly working on mental wellness for years.
He highlights the challenges that have arisen from the Covid-19 pandemic, especially for young people.
McInally discusses the importance of addressing mental health, which is often treated as a taboo subject.
He mentions Rotary's flagship project, the Global Eradication of Polio campaign, and the progress they have made in reducing polio cases worldwide.
McInally talks about his role as President of Rotary International and the privilege of meeting Rotarians around the world.
He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships in Rotary's work.
McInally shares specific examples of Rotary projects focused on mental health, including initiatives in India and Zambia.
He reflects on his personal experience with Rotary's impact, particularly in helping orphaned children in Rwanda find hope and build better lives.
McInally encourages individuals to activate their desire to help by joining Rotary and participating in acts of kindness.
http://superpowers4good.com"
"Exploring How Southside Blooms Turns Urban Blight Into Blooming Possibilities, Employing and Empowering Local Youth
http://s4g.biz/27jun24
tl;dr:
1. Background and Mission: Quilen and Hannah Blackwell are co-founders of Southside Blooms, a nonprofit in Chicago that transforms vacant lots into off-grid, solar-powered flower farms to employ local youth. The initiative aims to provide job opportunities and skills development within the floral industry.
2. Personal Stories: Quilen, originally from Madison, started the project in 2011 after moving to Chicago for ministry school and encountering inner-city poverty firsthand. Hannah moved to Chicago in 2005, driven by an impactful youth trip at age 15, and later aligned with Quilen’s mission to address poverty and joblessness in the community.
3. Operations and Impact: Southside Blooms operates both farm and flower shop teams. The farm team cultivates flowers in various vacant lots, utilizing sustainable methods like rainwater irrigation and composting. The flower shop team includes youth who learn floral design at different levels, from basic bouquets to wedding arrangements. This holistic approach nurtures creativity, confidence, and environmental stewardship among the youth.
4. Sustainability Efforts: The organization is committed to sustainability, using chemical-free farming techniques and compostable materials. They aim to reclaim urban blight areas and transform them into ecologically sustainable spaces, actively involving youth in every aspect of the operations, thus connecting them to the larger sustainability movement.
5. Superpower Philosophy: Quilen and Hannah attribute their drive and success to profound values—Quilen cites love as his superpower, particularly his enduring love for the community and commitment to the cause. Hannah identifies faith as her superpower, maintaining an unwavering belief in their mission despite challenges. Their deep personal convictions have helped them persevere and inspire change within their community.
http://superpowers4good.com "
S1 E27 - Youth-Led Movement Feeds People and Trains High-Impact Leaders
"Joshua’s Heart Foundation, Founded By a Four-Year-Old and Always Led By Children and Teens, Has Provided 5 Million Meals
http://31oct23.s4g.biz
AI Episode Summary
This is an interview with three young people involved with Joshua’s Heart Foundation: Amanda Aviles, Gavin Poore, and Amogh Baranwal.
Joshua’s Heart Foundation was started in 2005 by a young boy named Joshua who had a passion for feeding the hungry.
The foundation’s primary mission is to fight hunger and engage and empower youth in that fight.
The organization is facing the challenge of keeping its founders and early participants involved while preserving the youth-led nature of the organization.
The organization is split into three parts: core volunteers, a junior advisory board, and a national advisory board.
Amanda Aviles believes her superpower is her ability to connect with people and understand them, particularly younger individuals.
Amogh Baranwal believes his superpower lies in his youth and the ability to empower and inspire other young people.
Gavin Poore sees his superpower as youth engagement, helping other young people find their voice and engage in positive change.
The organization can be supported through donations, and volunteers are accepted, but mainly from the South Florida area.
The best way to stay in touch with the organization is through its website and social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn.
http://superpowers4good.com"
