BeCause & Effect

Roger Berrington is making a massive difference in the lives of youth in our city. As Founder and Executive Director of CanU, Roger and his team have made nutrition, health, academia, and leadership their focus, in the hopes that students in grades 5-12 can live up to their potential. 

I sat down with Roger Berrington, to talk about CanU and how it got started, the value of mentorship and leading by example, and what we can do to inspire actual equity in the world.

Welcome to BeCause & Effect, a podcast from the Winnipeg Foundation, where we talk to people about the Causes they care about, and the Effect that it has on their lives. 

We are continuing to talk to guests on the show in the cause area of Arts and Culture, to see how they’re dealing with COVID-19 and what changes have been made to their programming. 

Today’s guest is Uyen Pham, Executive Director of Artbeat Studio.

Artbeat Studio continues to prove, every day, the intrinsic connection between mental health and creating art.

Artbeat is a studio space for people that provides a creative opportunity for those living with mental illness to improve their lives through community, and improve their health and well-being through their art. 

As executive director of Artbeat, Uyen is a strong advocate for people with mental illness and the arts in general. 

I sat down with Uyen, to talk about Artbeat Studio, the connection of creativity to mental health, how the team at Artbeat is dealing with COVID-19, and how they’re keeping people artistic during the pandemic.

Our first guest in a series of conversations in the post-covid era, is Thomas Morgan Jones, artistic Director of Prairie Theatre Exchange.

Over the next few episodes we’re going to talk to different people that support the various causes in and around Winnipeg, and today we’re starting with Arts and Culture.

PTE, like most charities and non-profits that represent Arts and Culture in our city, has not been immune to the challenges that COVID-19 presented. Although things are slowly starting to get back to normal, it will still be awhile until audiences feel comfortable attending live shows in and around Manitoba. 

I sat down with Thomas Morgan Jones, to talk about Prairie Theatre Exchange and their plans in the post-COVID-19 world, how his team is staying connected with their audience, and the value of theatre, and art in general, to people around the world.

Rick Frost became CEO of the Winnipeg Foundation back in 1997. Now, 23 years later, he is leading the organization into its monumental 100th year.

Last year, In 2019, the Winnipeg Foundation distributed over $57.5 million to the community, thanks in large part to Rick’s vision and leadership.

Now, dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic means Rick’s team is responding to community need in an unprecedented fashion, while practicing social distancing and working primarily from home.

I sat down with Rick Frost over video chat, to talk about Covid-19 and the Foundation's response, how the world is changed and will continue to change, and what plans and strategies are in place moving forward.

*** Trigger warning for this episode, as it deals heavily with child abuse. ***

My guest today, Christy Dzikowicz has been helping to keep vulnerable children safe for over 25 years.

As the Executive Director of Snowflake Place, Christy is helping to lead the way by changing systems, challenging norms, and advocating for the rights and comforts of abused kids.

Christy was also the winner of The Winnipeg Foundation’s Fast Pitch 2020, where 12 non-profit organizations presented their stories in the hopes of winning 10,000 dollars.

I sat down with Christy, to talk about her experience at Fast Pitch, her incredible career helping children in their biggest time of need, and how we can have tough conversations with our kids that might just save their lives.

Kristy McFee gave up her life as a real estate agent, and completely shifted her focus to helping Children, Youth, and Families, through the Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association. As Executive Director, Kristy continues to fight for inclusion and equality, while giving kids the experience of a lifetime.

Kristy participated in the Winnipeg Foundation’s Fast Pitch, where she honed her presentation skills and competed against 11 other non-profits here in our city for a $10,000 grand prize.

I sat down with Kristy McFee from the Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association, to talk about her experience at Fast Pitch, the power of inclusion, and her her deeply personal connection to the organization that’s helping these kids learn, grown, and live their best lives.

Diane Roussin is making the lives of children and families better. Diane is the Project Manager of the Winnipeg Boldness Project, and she uses her platform to empower and encourage the leaders in our community to live their best lives.

I sat down with Diane Roussin, to talk about empowerment, equity, and vulnerability, her strong indigenous female roots, and what needs to happen to help the children and families in our city that need a hand.

Spencer Duncanson is a champion for the arts. He fell in love with opera as a child, and has been obsessed ever since. As founder and Artistic Director of the Little Opera Company in Winnipeg, Spencer has built his career on making opera approachable, enjoyable, and digestible to as many people as possible.

As a lifelong educator and mentor to countless young artists, Spencer is guiding the next generation of top tier singers, and helping create strong, capable adults.

I sat down with Spencer Duncanson, to talk about the importance of art in our culture, the value of mentorship, and how to recognize the value of artistic expression.

Connie Newman knows seniors’ issues. As the Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of Seniors Centres, Connie has been devoting her life to advocating for the needs of seniors here in our province for nearly 15 years.

As a retired highschool teacher, Connie’s ability to bring people together and solve problems makes her perfect in this role. 

I sat down with Connie Newman, to discuss generational issues, mental and physical health in seniors, and the importance of staying connected to one another.

Janine Stephens is a Winnipeg-based Olympian-turned coach, who was recently awarded the Rowing Canada’s President’s Award for her dedication to the sport.

After winning Silver in the 2012 London Olympics, Janine is now focused on coaching and helping the next generation of athletes compete, grow, and thrive.

We sat down with Janine Stephens, silver medalist in the London Olympic Games in 2012, talks about sport psychology and the mindset of a champion, her transition into coaching and the lessons she's learned through sport, and her devotion to Manitoba.