What happens to students when they don’t see themselves reflected in the teachers and administrators around them? How can associations foster belonging for members who often feel like the “only one” in their professional environment?

 In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Edgar Palacios, Founder and CEO of the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC). Edgar discusses:

• The founding vision of LEC: to dramatically increase Latino educator representation to better serve Latino students in Kansas City and beyond.
• How Edgar was inspired to start LEC after visiting a school that had 99.9% Latino students and zero educators of color.
• Why representation matters: students experience stronger identity, engagement, and academic performance when they see themselves in their educators.
• The challenges Latino educators face as often the sole representative of their community in a school, taking on unofficial roles like translator, cultural broker, and emotional support provider.
• The alarming gap between student and educator demographics: 25% of K-12 students are Latino, yet only about 2% of teachers are Latino nationally (and closer to 1% in Kansas City).
• LEC’s Expresión program, which helps Latino educators build identity-based storytelling skills to empower themselves and inspire their students.
• LEC’s Futuros initiative, aimed at bringing 50 new Latino educators to Kansas City by 2027 — a significant boost from the current ~300 educators.
• How LEC provides community and mental health affirmation for isolated educators who may be questioning whether they belong in the profession.
• The importance of collecting both quantitative data and qualitative stories to document impact and secure funding.
• Edgar’s strong belief in leaning into joy, identity, and authenticity even amid a challenging political climate.

References:

• LEC Website

What if your leadership style is deeply influenced by your cultural values, but you've never been taught to recognize it? How can an organization unlock hidden leadership potential across an entire community?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Linda Akutagawa, President and CEO of Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP). Linda discusses:

• How LEAP was founded over 40 years ago to grow and develop leadership among the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities.
• The classic origin story: leaders sitting around a kitchen table, wondering why the same people kept showing up in leadership roles.
• How LEAP’s signature workshop, Understanding and Leading from Your Cultural Values, helps participants recognize how culture shapes leadership styles.
• How Linda’s own journey with LEAP began as a volunteer, and how she intentionally pursued her CEO appointment by insisting on a formal, competitive search.
• The tension in Linda’s leadership style between the value of harmony and the need to engage in difficult conversations.
• LEAP’s cross-sector programs for students, early career professionals, mid-career leaders, and executives in corporate, nonprofit, and higher education sectors.
• The national (and growing international) reach of LEAP’s leadership programs.
• LEAP’s one-on-one executive coaching model and its impressive roster of Asian American certified coaches.
• LEAP’s annual fundraiser, the Leadership Experience and Celebration, which includes new learning and caucusing opportunities.
• LEAP’s vision to expand globally, bringing its cultural leadership model to diasporas in Australia, Europe, and beyond.

References:

• LEAP Website
• Leadership Experience and Celebration

Are our communities really prepared for modern public safety threats? And what role do accreditation and credentialing play in building resilient fire departments?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Preet Bassi, CEO of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). Preet discusses:

• The reasons fire departments pursue accreditation: to showcase excellence, correct operational failures, or continuously improve.
• Why CPSE’s model works best for medium to large fire departments — big enough to implement a structured management model but small enough to pivot strategically.
• The challenges faced by rural volunteer fire departments, including lack of resources, equity of service, and training gaps amid increasing environmental and societal threats.
• The growing importance of fire departments defining and meeting "standards of cover" — performance metrics for different emergency scenarios.
• CPSE’s internal commitment to strategic planning: transitioning from a “fix it” plan to their current “grow it” plan, with a people-first focus.
• How CPSE manages and celebrates its volunteers, and contractors, whose contributions amount to 28.5 full-time equivalents annually.
• The launch of the CPSE Center for Innovation, a new subsidiary to support evidence-based decision-making and broaden CPSE’s impact in the field.
• Creation of the CPSE Community Experience to keep departments and credentialed individuals engaged between accreditation cycles.
• The shift in public safety from public administration to public policy — requiring departments to address homelessness, addiction, mental health, and affordable housing.
• Preet’s Sikh heritage and how the value of seva (selfless service) influences both her career and personal life.

References:

• CPSE Website
• What is Seva?

What happens when your members are some of the world’s most powerful data-driven companies, and they rely on you to protect their interests, guide policy, and create best practices across vastly different industries? How do you unite and serve these members while remaining agile in a fast-changing digital landscape?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Chris Mohr, President of the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA). Chris discusses:

• How SIIA represents 360 companies, including major players like Google, Meta, Amazon, and Thomson Reuters, all involved in data and information services.
• How SIIA is organized into verticals (market data, B2B media, and policy) to focus advocacy and engagement around shared interests.
• How information has shifted from being sold “by the copy” to being sold as a service, necessitating new regulations and best practices.
• The advocacy work SIIA undertakes to ensure the protection of the First Amendment, protects the dissemination of lawfully procured data, even as global privacy laws tighten.
• SIIA’s work in creating best practices for “alt data”—non-public data used in trading, including web scraping and sentiment analysis.
• The importance of one-on-one conversations with members to understand sensitive policy positions and emerging issues.
• SIIA’s role in guiding members through today’s rapidly changing policy landscapes, including artificial intelligence and federal procurement thresholds.
• How SIIA’s Market Insights initiative gathers industry data to deliver valuable research requested directly by members.

References:

• SIIA Website

Are associations doing enough to take care of their chief staff executives? What happens to an organization when its leader is burned out?

In this special episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda sat down with Lindsay Currie, Adam Levy, and Tara Puckey, the association leaders behind the Sustaining Mental and Physical Health as a Chief Staff Exec survey. They discuss:

• Why they created a mental and physical health survey for association chief staff executives (CSEs).
• The stark gap between private conversations about leadership struggles and the public “everything is fine” narrative that chief staff execs face every day.
• How 85% of surveyed executives reported negative impacts on their health from their role, 60% reported sleep struggles, and nearly 25% reported depression.
• Why boards need to care about their chief executive's health and how organizations should recognize CSEs as critical investments.
• The importance of building a trusted CEO peer network early in a leadership journey.
• Ways to transform association culture to better support the mental health and physical wellbeing of leaders and staff.
• How leadership vulnerability and destigmatizing mental health conversations can actually  strengthen an organization’s culture.
• Practical ideas for safeguarding CEO wellness, from better vacation policies to board coaching and sabbatical programs

References:

• Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
• CUR Website
• Adam Levy, Executive Director of The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA)
• ACPA Website
• Tara Puckey, Executive Director of The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
• RTDNA Website
• Silvia Quevedo, Executive Director of Lamaze International
• Lamaze Website
• Sustaining Mental and Physical Health as a Chief Staff Exec survey
• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
• License code: M2POPMBVFCE0RIPZ

How can a simple giveaway at a trade show create lasting emotional impact and brand loyalty? In an age where digital impressions dominate, can a physical product still create a meaningful connection? In such an environment, how can associations help members understand and elevate the true power and value of their work? 

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Drew Holmgreen, President and CEO of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Drew discusses:

• The vast promotional products industry ecosystem—from manufacturers to decorators.
• PPAI’s global membership of over 15,000 corporate members, reaching into the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, and beyond.
• Why branded merch is unique in its ability to create an active relationship with consumers.
• PPAI’s work on a new economic impact study, to quantify the industry's reach and influence.
• The importance of advocacy at both the federal policy level and in educating the public and brands about the promotional products industry.
• PPAI’s massive Expo, attracting 16,000+ attendees annually in Las Vegas, featuring a tradeshow, education, and a Shark Tank-style innovation showcase.
• Innovations in the industry, including digital-embedded merch and sustainability-forward products that can be recycled.
• PPAI's end-user advocacy campaign to elevate the perception of promotional products and underscore their emotional impact.
• The Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF), which has awarded over $4 million in scholarships to industry members and their families.
• Creating a culture of joy at the office—through space redesign, fun events, and leading with positivity.

References:

• PPAI Website

How do you create gathering spaces that feel welcoming, engaging, and deeply aligned with your organization’s mission? In a time of rapid change, how can associations foster innovation and maintain their relevance for diverse and evolving member needs? And how do you rebrand a brand that is steeped in history and tradition?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Debra Wilson, President of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Debra discusses:

• The diverse landscape of independent schools, from rural to urban, large to small, and secular to religious, all grounded in a student-centered mission.
• What makes a school “independent,” including governance by a board and financial independence, even among faith-affiliated schools.
• How NAIS fosters unity across its diverse membership through shared values and a deep commitment to students’ developmental needs.
• NAIS’s transformation of its annual conference into “Thrive,” a reimagined, branded experience focused on creativity, learning, and community.
• Turning the traditional exhibit hall into “The Quad,” a vibrant, interactive space with coaching, activities, student performances, and more.
• Shaking up the keynote speaker model with non-traditional presenters like a spoken word poet and a school leader who broke a board on stage!
• Moving into a new, flexible, and welcoming office space that doubles as an event venue, complete with student art, rooftop access, and flexible gathering rooms.
• Their recent rebrand, which didn’t just update NAIS’ colors and logo, but realigned the association’s goals to better reflect what members need now.
• Plans for a strategic planning process informed by member voices.
• NAIS’s commitment to hosting more members in their space, and their strategy of gathering and community-building.

References:

• NAIS Website

What if a medical specialty society could drive groundbreaking research, fuel a global movement, and train the next generation of clinical investigators—all while tripling its membership in just five years? In a world of rapidly evolving cancer care, how can associations champion new modalities and build a community around transformative treatment approaches? 

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jena Stack, Executive Director of the Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO). Jena discusses:

• How interventional oncology is emerging as the fourth pillar of cancer care, alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
• How interventional oncologists use minimally invasive, image-guided techniques to target cancer with fewer side effects and faster recovery.
• How SIO has tripled in membership since 2020, growing from a small niche society to nearly 1,500 members globally.
• SIO's impressive governance model, which prioritizes relationship-building and alignment between the board and staff.
• How SIO is leading its own multi-million dollar clinical trials to address gaps in evidence and influence standards of care. Typically, this role has been reserved for pharma companies or academic institutions.
• The creation of the Clinical Trial Collaborative (CTC), a new research community and certificate program that trains and connects principal investigators.
• SIO’s long-term vision to empower more physicians to lead studies and expand access to minimally invasive cancer treatments.
• The importance of "pausing to retreat" during growth, and how SIO balances ambition with sustainability.

References:

• SIO Website

What does the future of live event venues look like in an era of rapid change and evolving audience expectations? How can associations help their members navigate a shifting events landscape?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Trevor Mitchell, President and CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). Trevor discusses:

• How IAVM represents over 8,000 professionals worldwide who manage venues such as arenas, stadiums, performing arts centers, convention centers, amphitheaters, and fairgrounds.
• The definition of a live event and how IAVM is expanding its definition to include new types of venues, such as megachurches and multi-use entertainment complexes.
• The shift in IAVM’s membership structure from individual to group membership, enabling more professionals across different levels of an organization to join IAVM at a lower cost.
• How IAVM is working to create engagement metrics beyond transactional data, focusing on meaningful participation and professional growth.
• The importance of continuous learning and how Trevor immersed himself in the industry by attending IAVM’s Venue Management School before officially starting as CEO.
• The ongoing success of IAVM’s virtual Town Halls, which started during the pandemic and continue to be a valuable forum for member-led discussions on safety, security, and guest experiences.
• IAVM’s research initiatives, including economic impact studies and benchmarking reports, to help venues understand their market position and improve operations.
• The role of advocacy in the venue management industry, such as working with policymakers on ticketing transparency and sustainability regulations.
• The excitement surrounding IAVM’s 100th Annual Conference and how the organization is using this milestone to rethink its events and offerings.
• Trevor’s vision for the future of IAVM, including a focus on strategic growth, data-driven decision-making, and deeper engagement with industry stakeholders.

References:

• IAVM Website
• Trevor Mitchell's Associations Thrive episode from May 2023 when he was Executive Director of American Mensa

What happens to your trash and recycling after it leaves the curb? How can associations rebuild trust with members, sponsors, and stakeholders? And what does it take to launch a brand-new conference?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Amy discusses:

• SWANA’s mission to advance from waste management to resource management and how the organization represents municipalities, private haulers, engineers, and industry professionals across North America, the Caribbean, and Guam.
• The complex logistics of waste and recycling management, including collection, sorting, composting, anaerobic digestion, and waste-to-energy solutions.
• Her transition to the CEO role as the first woman and first leader not from the waste industry, and how she immersed herself in the field through 30+ site visits and chapter meetings.
• How SWANA updated its strategic goals to prioritize safety, improve industry-wide collaboration, and position itself as a leader in resource management.
• The critical role SWANA plays in educating the public and government officials on hazardous waste, lithium-ion battery disposal, and the impact of improperly discarded materials.
• SWANA’s membership growth and efforts to better support and engage its 47 chapters.
• How Amy and her team have worked to rebuild trust with members, sponsors, and exhibitors through active listening, consistent communication, and results-driven changes.
• The decision to sunset SWANA’s existing conferences, SOAR and WasteCon, and replace them with a brand-new, rebranded event: RCon.
• The process of renaming and redesigning RCon, including crowdsourcing the name and focusing on an experience-driven event model that reflects SWANA’s mission.
• How she is helping staff, leadership, and members embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

References:

• SWANA Website
• RCon™ 2025