Associations Thrive

How does a community health center support its patients beyond medical care? In times of crisis, communities rely on trusted institutions to provide essential services. But how can an association or nonprofit ensure they are prepared to meet the vast and varied needs of their members?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Eloisa Perard, President and CEO of Gracelight Community Health. Eloisa discusses:

• How Gracelight is a federally qualified community health center serving over 24,000 underserved, uninsured, and low-income patients in Los Angeles.
• The role of community health centers in providing care regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
• The devastating impact of wildfires on their community and how Gracelight responded with a fire relief fund, mobile support units, and essential supplies like food, water, and masks.
• How their mobile health program ensures access to care, even for displaced individuals.
• The importance of community partnerships with food banks, shelters, and utility assistance programs to create a safety net for patients.
• Gracelight’s comprehensive care approach, including primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, optometry, OB-GYN, and pharmacy services—all within the same facility.
• The role of care coordinators in ensuring seamless, holistic healthcare and avoiding duplicate tests or unnecessary procedures.
• The expansion of Gracelight with a new health center in East Hollywood, funded through a capital campaign.
• How they address the challenges of homelessness and substance use disorders in Los Angeles, meeting people where they are to provide care and resources.
• The importance of proactive community outreach, including education campaigns, food demonstrations, and working with school officials to promote preventive care.

• Gracelight Community Health Website

How can we ensure that behavioral health is fully integrated into overall healthcare? How can associations lead the way in advocating for better mental health and substance use disorder policies?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Debbie Witchey, CEO of the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW). Debbie discusses:

• How ABHW represents health plans that provide behavioral health and substance use disorder benefits to over 200 million Americans.
• The disparities in behavioral health coverage across different health plans and why some plans choose not to offer these benefits.
• The need for better data and outcomes measurement in behavioral health programs to ensure effectiveness.
• The challenges in data sharing and interoperability, particularly due to the exclusion of behavioral health providers from federal electronic health record initiatives.
• The importance of the Mental Health Parity law and why implementation has been challenging over multiple administrations.
• The role of primary care physicians in behavioral health, as most patients first seek mental health treatment through their primary care doctors.
• ABHW’s advocacy efforts, including priorities like telehealth flexibility, workforce expansion, and improving access to coordinated care.
• The Behavioral Health 101 initiative to educate policymakers and ensure informed decision-making in Congress.
• Debbie’s top goals for 2025, including advancing coordinated care, advocating for value-based behavioral healthcare, and ensuring ABHW remains a thought leader in the field.

References:

• ABHW Website

How does an industry association create a tradeshow that transforms the industry? What does it take to balance the needs of large corporations and small family businesses within the same membership?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Larry Graham, former president of the National Confectioners Association (NCA). Larry discusses:

• How NCA represents about 500 candy companies, as well as brokers, machinery companies, and ingredient suppliers.
• The association’s history, dating back to 1884, and its move to Washington, DC, during the 1960s to better advocate for industry interests.
• The growth of NCA’s tradeshow, from a modest beginning to becoming a major industry event now known as the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
• How NCA’s tradeshow helped shape the U.S. candy market and attract international exhibitors.
• How "candy" is defined in the industry as chocolate, gum, and mints.
• NCA’s advocacy efforts, including challenges around sugar and health, child labor in cocoa farming in Africa, and food labeling regulations.
• How candy remains a recession-resistant industry due to its affordability and association with celebrations and indulgences.
• NCA’s role in promoting candy as an occasional treat and combating negative perceptions around sugar.
• Larry’s pride in fostering a strong team and mentoring future association executives, with several former staff members now leading major trade organizations.
• The creation of NCA’s in-office candy store, which delighted visitors and served as a fun and effective promotional tool.

Resources:

• NCA Website

International conferences are back and they’re bigger and better than ever! What do conferences and tradeshows of the future look like?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Sven Bossu, CEO, of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC). Sven discusses:

• How AIPC represents 200 convention centers across 60 countries.
• AIPC’s membership growth in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, which is driven by economic expansion and changing market dynamics.
• Sven’s journey to becoming CEO of AIPC in May of 2020 during the pandemic, when 95% of members were shut down.
• How during the pandemic, convention centers pivoted to support communities as hospitals, testing centers, vaccination hubs, and even creative spaces like drive-in cinemas.
• AIPC’s “Future Shapers” leadership program, focused on cultivating top talent through leadership training, mentorship, and real-world challenges. Participants present innovative solutions at the annual conference.
• AIPC’s “Regional Academies,” which are globally accessible, five-day boot camps for middle management, emphasizing practical skills like crisis management and conflict resolution.
• AIPC’s “Quality standards” certification program, which helps convention centers in developing regions overcome perceptions of being “inferior” markets.
• AIPC’s upcoming annual conference in Shenzhen, China will highlight cutting-edge technology and ambitious practices in the convention space. The conference will be held in the world’s largest conference center, covering 400,000 square meters, and with two separate subway stations underneath.
• How events are shifting from traditional formats to unique, immersive experiences with flexible layouts, natural light, and a focus on sustainability.

References:

• AIPC Website
• Future Shapers
• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarity

The food service industry offers unparalleled opportunities for people looking for a creative, hands on career that doesn’t necessarily require a college degree. Learn how one nonprofit is promoting careers in food service through vocational training AND helping to address workforce shortages in the field.

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Catherine De Orio, Executive Director of the Foundation for Culinary Arts (F4CA). Catherine discusses:

• Her journey, transitioning from an attorney to a TV personality, and now an Executive Director.
• F4CA’s mission to support underserved communities in Chicago by providing educational opportunities in the culinary arts.
• The importance of vocational training and hands-on learning in many fields, including culinary careers.
• Even if students do not pursue culinary careers, they gain valuable life skills by learning how to cook for themselves and their families.
• F4CA’s YES Chef! Culinary Camp teaches students the fundamentals of culinary arts, cultural history of food, and practical skills.
• 75% of YES Chef! Culinary Camp campers go on to culinary school or careers in the field.
• F4CA programs are free for students, fully funded through donations and sponsorships.
• F4CA’s impact on the community, and the ripple effect of F4CA programs

References:

• F4CA Website

What do you do when your organization’s name is well known, but what you actually do is NOT well known or understood? How do you educate the public and the healthcare community for greater awareness and support?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Silvia Quevedo, Executive Director of Lamaze International. Silvia discusses: 

• That Lamaze is so much more than a breathing technique. Lamaze is a philosophy, education, advocacy, and practices that foster healthy labor, delivery and early parenting.
• The maternal health crisis in the US, especially among women of color and women in rural communities.
• The six healthy birth practices that are supported by the World Health Organization.
• How being an association executive is Silvia’s second career, and how being an executive director for the first time is like drinking from a fire hose.
• Her biggest piece of advice to other association CEOs: listen more and listen to what’s being said and NOT said.
• How Lamaze expanded membership categories so that anyone working with pregnancy and birthing can join.
• How Lamaze is a brand and the organization licenses its name to products, including clothing and toys. The processing for vetting licensees is very thorough.
• Lamaze’s advocacy work includes supporting the Medicaid expansion in states, and support for workforce development programs.
• The member toolkits and resources Lamaze has developed, enabling members to better communicate the organization's mission and services.

References:

• Lamaze International website

What was on the minds of association and nonprofit CEOs in 2024? What themes and trends came through?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda checks back in with Leah Monica, Director of Marketing, and Ray Stankiewicz, Director of Client Solutions at Matrix Group International. They look back on another year of Associations Thrive podcast episodes. They discuss:

• Storytelling for the Industry, and how associations feel a responsibility to tell the story of their members and industries.
• How associations are leveraging multi-month programs that combine education, community building, and mentorship.
• How leaders are adapting to remote and hybrid models in a post-pandemic, hybrid and AI-driven world.
• The looming membership cliff and how many associations face significant member retirements within the next 5-10 years.
• Their favorite tips and insights from a year of Associations Thrive episodes.

How do you train under-represented leaders so they have the skills, experiences and relationships to truly move up in their careers? Read about The Surge Institute’s 12-month program that is truly making an impact!

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Ulric Shannon, ED of the Surge Institute. Ulric discusses:

• How the Surge Institute was created to elevate leaders of color and create transformative change in the K-12 schools in Chicago Public Schools.
• The Surge Fellowship Program, a 12-month program targeting education and youth-serving professionals. 
• How Surge Fellowship participants learn through courses on negotiation, communication, project management, and leadership, while engaging with historical and cultural studies (e.g., readings from Martin Luther King Jr.).
• The Power Surge Program, a shorter version of the regular Fellowship Program; Power Surge is designed for leadership roles like superintendents and chief equity officers.
• The Black Principals Network, a program that supports Black principals across the country through free virtual programs and the Leadership Collaborative fellowship.
• How the Surge Institute's events are both celebratory and strategic, fostering alumni engagement and collective learning.

References:

• The Surge Institute Website
• The Surge Institute’s Progams
• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
• License code: M2POPMBVFCE0RIPZ

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda sat down with fellow association podcasters:

• Dave Coriale, Delcor Technology Solutions and host of Reboot IT
• Kiki L’Italien, Association Chat and host of Association Chat
• Ben Muscolino, Breezio and AMSGeek and host of The Association Podcast
• Dave Will, PropFuel and host of Association Strong

After checking in about what’s been happening in their lives, these five podcasters, who call themselves DC’s Podcast Angels, discuss:

• What’s got them worked up and it’s a big and important list that includes: AMS implementation going way over budget, return to office, time poverty, project timelines, missing seeing our teams, and cell phone addiction.
• How to create connections and culture over Zoom.
• Efficiency vs effectiveness.
• Carving out time to focus on our businesses.
• Being there for the people we care about.
• Incremental change that will help us be better versions of ourselves.

What role can technology play in improving access to mental health and substance use services, particularly in underserved communities? How can the stigma surrounding mental health act as an obstacle for mental health support providers?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Blanca Campos, CEO of the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association (CBHA). Blanca discusses:

• How CBHA represents community-based mental health and substance use support providers, primarily working with Medicaid-eligible clients of all ages.
• How member agencies are nonprofits contracting with the state of Illinois.
• How the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for behavioral health 
• The historical underfunding of behavioral health systems.
• How agencies face challenges in competitive funding and staffing due to inadequate reimbursement rates.
• The importance of maintaining strong partnerships with the government and stakeholders.
• CBHA’s efforts to address the need for competitive salaries and supporting providers to strengthen the behavioral healthcare workforce.
• How Blanca’s mentor, Marvin Lindsey, exposed her to all facets of CBHA’s operations, including political dynamics, stakeholder relationships, and administrative responsibilities.
• How CBHA’s annual conference is growing alongside the association.
• How CBHA is tackling mental health and substance use stigma and creating a dialogue around them.
• CBHA’s advocacy for mental health parity: viewing mental health as equally important as physical health.
• The importance of leading by example in supporting staff’s mental health by encouraging vacations and mental health breaks, and creating a safe space for employees to express needs without fear of judgment.

References:

• CBHA Website