In this episode of Beyond Giving, Zac sits down with Alix Mane von Broock from the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative (TFII) to explore how the organization is shaping the future of fashion in Texas.

Alex shares her journey from teen model and actress, mentored by Selena Quintanilla, to becoming a successful entrepreneur, salon owner, and now TFII’s Education Director and Fresh Faces Director. She delves deeply into her passion for helping new talent break into the fashion world and the importance of mentorship, professionalism, and perseverance in a challenging industry.

Host: 

Zac Brown: “The Non-Profit Guy”

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guests: 

Alix Mane von Broock: TFII’s Education Director and Fresh Faces Director

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thealixmane/

Texas Fashion Industry: https://texasfashionindustry.org/

Texas Fashion Industry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/texasfashionindustry/

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Alex’s early beginnings in fashion and the pivotal role Selena played as her mentor.
  
  
• How her career in modeling and acting evolved into launching her own salon and beauty business.
  
  
• The mission of the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative and the programs they run to support creatives across the state.
  
  
• Inside the Fresh Faces program, designed to mentor aspiring models with no prior contracts or agency backing.
  
  
• How to handle criticism, rejection, and changing beauty standards in the fashion industry.
  
  
• The power of education, consistency, and adaptability in building a career.
  
  
• The community can get involved, including through mentorship, volunteering, or sponsorship.
  
  
• The role of AI and innovation in the future of fashion.
  
  

Why Listen

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how a nonprofit is strengthening Texas’s creative economy by empowering models, designers, and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re in fashion, beauty, or simply passionate about supporting creatives, Alex’s story offers inspiration on resilience, mentorship, and building opportunities for others.

Connect with TFII on social media.

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/texasfashionindustry/
• https://www.instagram.com/TexasFashionIndustry/
• https://www.facebook.com/TexasFashionIndustry
• https://twitter.com/TexasFashionInd

Subscribe to Beyond Giving for more inspiring nonprofit stories on the Boost Network.

In this eye-opening episode of Beyond Giving, Zac dives deep into how artificial intelligence is becoming more accessible and why nonprofit leaders, executives, students, and everyday people need to start paying attention. He’s joined by Mihir and Aryan, the dynamic duo behind Learn2AI, a San Antonio-based nonprofit on a mission to make AI literacy mainstream by 2030.

Host: 

Zac Brown: “The Non-Profit Guy”

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guests: 

Guests: Mihir (Founder, Learn2AI) & Aryan (Co-Founder, Learn2AI)

Mihir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihirshahh/

Aryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryan-prajapati-783046369/

Learn2AI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn2ai/

We talk about:

• What Learn2AI is and why it was founded
• How AI can empower non-technical users
• Real-world AI use cases for youth, executives, and businesses
• Ethical AI practices and data privacy
• Why prompt engineering is the key to unlocking AI's potential
• The difference between AI assistants and AI agents
• What their AI cohorts actually look like and who should join

Get Involved

Want to support or learn with Learn2AI?

• Trainers & Volunteers Needed: If you’re passionate about AI and education, reach out to help lead or support future cohorts.
• Schools, Orgs & Businesses: Host a cohort customized to your team or community's needs.
• Spread the Word: Recommend Learn2AI to anyone who could benefit — especially those afraid to ask.
  
  

Visit: https://learn2ai.org/

Follow on LinkedIn: Learn2AI

Host’s Take

Zac reflects on the importance of AI literacy for the nonprofit sector and opens the door to future collaborations between Nonprofits HQ and Learn to AI. He challenges listeners to volunteer and support the mission to make San Antonio the most AI-literate city by 2030.

“If you’re afraid of AI replacing your job, it might not be the AI — it’s the person who knows how to use it.” – Mihir

What’s Next for Learn to AI?

• A Demo Day next week where current cohort participants present AI agents they’ve built.
• Expansion plans into universities, schools, and businesses across Texas.
• New cohorts launching soon — stay tuned.

Subscribe & Follow for More:
 Stay updated with Beyond Giving for more stories at the intersection of nonprofits, innovation, and impact.

🎙️ Beyond Giving – The Best Nonprofit Podcast on the Boost Network.

In this inspiring episode of Beyond Giving, host Zac sits down with Jacqueline and Joseph from Y.E.S! (Youth Entrepreneurship Services) to spotlight a San Antonio-based nonprofit that’s shaping the future of youth entrepreneurship. Learn how Y.E.S! blends business mentorship, mental health support, and real-world education to help middle and high school students launch their own business ideas—all while addressing deep-rooted community and family challenges.

From mock business simulations to real VC pitch sessions, Y.E.S! empowers youth to not only dream big but also build the skills, mindset, and resilience necessary to execute those dreams.

Host: Zac Brown “The Non-Profit Guy”

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guests: 

Jacqueline N. Hernandez (Founder & President Y.E.S.! Youth Entrepreneurship Services)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/consult-jacqueline/

Joseph Trevino (Community Engagement Lead Y.E.S.! Youth Entrepreneurship Services)

Guest Organization: Y.E.S! Youth Entrepreneurship Services 

What You’ll Learn

• What Y.E.S! Does: A breakdown of Y.E.S!'s 5-month mentorship academies, Saturday tutoring, mental health integration, and pitch-based funding competitions (“Y.E.S! Tank”).
  
  
• Their Mission: Bridging the gap between potential and access for underrepresented youth.
  
  
• Why Mental Health Matters: How trauma, disrupted homes, and lack of family support impact young entrepreneurs—and how Y.E.S! addresses it head-on.
  
  
• Community Impact: Stories of transformation, from students who lacked belief to youth now building parks, smart lawnmowers, and scalable startups.
  
  
• How They Built Their Team: Why passion alone isn’t enough, and how influence, commitment, and community ties matter in nonprofit leadership.
  
  
• The Power of Support: The role entrepreneurs, mentors, and sponsors can play in shaping the next generation of changemakers.
  
  

Featured Quotes

“We want to close the gap between potential and access.” – Jacqueline
 “Mental health has to be addressed—because you can’t grow a business when you’re silently struggling.” – Joseph
 “We give them tools, not just hope. When they fall, they know how to get back up.” – Jacqueline
 “We’re teaching youth how to take something from seed to sprout.” – Joseph

How You Can Help

Y.E.S! is actively seeking:

• Entrepreneur Mentors
• Business Owners for Site Tours & Shadowing
• Program Sponsors & Financial Supporters
• Youth Participants (ages 12–18)
   If you’ve ever said, “I wish I knew this earlier,” here’s your chance to give that knowledge to the next generation.

Connect with Y.E.S!

•  Website: yesnonprofit.org
• Instagram: @yes.nonprofit
• Want to become a mentor or sponsor? Reach out through their website or DM them on Instagram.

Episode Overview

In this episode of Beyond Giving, we sit down with Jesse Garcia, the dynamic founder of DEVSA, a nonprofit uniting San Antonio’s fragmented tech scene. Jesse opens up about his unconventional journey from sales rep at USAA to self-taught developer and tech community leader.

From launching a Discord server to now facilitating over a dozen active tech groups, Jesse’s mission with DEVSA is clear: make it easy for tech professionals and learners to connect, learn, and grow.

We explore the evolution of DEVSA, its creative roots in Digital Canvas, the cultural transformation happening in San Antonio’s tech ecosystem, and what’s next—including DEVSA TV, Dev South Texas, and a bold vision for empowering developers to solve real-world problems.

Host: 

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guest: 

Jesse Hernandez: Founder of DEVSA

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessebubble/

Website: https://devsanantonio.com/

Find Us: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

Key Highlights!

• How Jesse transitioned into tech at nearly 40 years old
• The origin story and mission behind DEVSA
• Why traditional tech meetups weren’t cutting it post-pandemic
• How DEVSA brought structure, collaboration, and inclusivity to San Antonio’s tech scene
• A deep dive into the 14+ tech groups now thriving under the DEVSA umbrella
• The launch of DDEVSA TV and its role in showcasing community voices
• Plans for expansion into Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley, and Monterrey, Mexico
• How DEVSA’s free coworking space is empowering the next generation of coders
• Why focusing on real community pain points (like in healthcare and small biz) is the future of local tech innovation

Resources & Links

• DEVSA Website: https://devsanantonio.com
• Year-in-Review: https://devsanantonio.com/replay2024

Follow DEVSA:

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/devsa/
• https://www.instagram.com/devsatx
• https://x.com/devsatx

Special Thanks
Thanks to our friends at Nonprofits HQ and The Boost Network for making this podcast possible.

How You Can Support

• Attend a DEVSA meetup
• Share posts from DEVSA and its partner orgs
• Jump into the Discord and connect with fellow tech enthusiasts
• Got a problem in your industry tech can solve? Reach out to be featured on DDEVSA TV’s new “Call to Action” series!
  
  
  

Host: 

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guest: 

Dax Patton, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Spirit Oceano Foundation

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dax-patton/

Find Us: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of Beyond Giving, Zac is joined by environmentalist and marketer Dax, founder of Spirit Oceano, to dive deep into the topic of sustainable burials at sea. Together, they uncover the often-overlooked environmental costs of traditional burials and explore how ocean-based alternatives can provide a more eco-conscious farewell.

Dax shares how his environmental values and marketing background led to the founding of Spirit Oceano, a company committed to educating the public and providing accessible sea burials. The conversation touches on EPA regulations, the logistics of organizing a sea burial, and the potential for future solutions to make this option more affordable—especially for underserved communities.

Whether you’re curious about eco-friendly end-of-life choices or passionate about ocean conservation, this episode offers a meaningful look at the future of sustainable legacy planning.

Key Topics Covered

• Dax’s Personal Journey
   How his background in environmentalism and marketing led to the founding of Spirit Oceano.
  
  
• The Basics of Sea Burials
   An overview of what burials at sea involve and how they differ from traditional practices.
  
  
• Environmental Consequences of Traditional Burials
   Exploring the adverse ecological effects of embalming, land use, and cemetery maintenance.
  
  
• The Rise of Green Burials
   Why eco-conscious individuals are turning to sustainable burial methods and the benefits they offer.
  
  
• Practical Aspects of Ocean Burials
   Discussing the legal, financial, and logistical considerations for conducting a sea burial.
  
  
• Spirit Oceano’s Vision and Social Impact
   How the organization is working to educate the public and make sustainable options more accessible, especially for underserved communities.
  
  
• Getting Involved and Taking Action
  
  

Resources & Links

Learn more about Spirit Oceano: https://spiritoceano.org/

EPA Guidelines on Ocean Burials: https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/burial-sea

Love what you heard?

Follow Beyond Giving for more conversations that explore meaningful, sustainable ways to give back—even beyond this life.

Share this episode with a friend who's passionate about the planet or planning a greener legacy.

Interested in a burial at sea? Reach out to Spirit Oceano to learn more or get involved in helping families in need.

Join Zac, the nonprofit guy, as he chats with Asantewaa, a chef and the founder of Food Horizons. Discover how Asantewaa merges her culinary skills with her passion for food policy, sustainability, and storytelling. From cultural influences in her cooking to the upcoming Secret Food Stories Festival, Asantewaa shares her journey and how Food Horizons educates communities about food's impact on health and society.

Host: 

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guest: 

Asantewaa E. L., Founder of Food Horizons

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantewaaeloliyong/

Find Us: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

Highlights:

• Asantewaa’s culinary journey from South Sudan, South Africa, and the U.S.
• The mission and purpose behind Food Horizons
• Upcoming events: Panel Discussion on April 24th and the Secret Food Stories Festival on October 25th
• The role of food policy and sustainability in shaping our eating habits
• Asantewaa’s signature dishes, including peanut butter spinach and Malva pudding
  
  
  

Connect with Food Horizons:

• Website: https://foodhorizons.us/
• Instagram: @foodhorizonsus
• Newsletter: Subscribe to the Food Report for industry insights and event updates
  
  
  

Sponsor:
 This episode is sponsored by Nonprofits HQ and The Boost.

Listen & Subscribe:
 Stay connected with Beyond Giving for more stories from inspiring nonprofit leaders and change-makers!

In this inspiring episode, Zac sits down with Carmen Lydia, the powerhouse behind The Madrina Project in San Antonio, TX. Carmen shares her heartfelt journey from receiving a donated dress to building a nonprofit that empowers young women through confidence-building events and access to formalwear for milestone events like prom and graduation.

Carmen discusses the evolution of the project, the creation of the annual Empowerment Conference, and the deep community partnerships that sustain their mission. Tune in to hear how The Madrina Project creates moments of dignity, celebration, and transformation—one dress at a time.

Host: 

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guest: 

Carmen Lidia Fajardo, Founder of The Madrina Project

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-lidia-fajardo-99325723b/

The Madrina Project Website: 

https://www.themadrinaprojectsa.org/

The Madrina Project LinkedIn Page: 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-madrina-project/posts/?feedView=all

Find Us:
YouTube:    / @theboostchannel 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427
Facebook:   / theboostchannel 
Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

Topics Covered

• Origin Story: Carmen’s personal experience that sparked The Madrina Project.
  
  
• Mission in Action: How the organization provides dresses and builds confidence.
  
  
• The Empowerment Conference: Learn to Earn model with education, leadership, wellness, and self-worth sessions.
  
  
• Creative Programming: From pop-up boutiques to musical welcomes and Hot Cheetos with cheese.
  
  
• San Antonio Roots: Why collaboration and community make this city special for nonprofit work.
  
  
• Tech & Tracking: How Nonprofits HQ is helping The Madrina Project grow sustainably.
  
  
• Future Vision: Girl-led conference development days and expanding partnerships.
  
  

How to Get Involved

Donate Dresses: Particularly gray velvet hangers and boutique-quality gowns.

Spo<

In this episode of Beyond Giving, Zac sits down with Dr. Lizette Goodloe from the Comal Education Foundation to explore how high school students are learning to build real businesses through hands-on incubator programs. From classroom pitches to national competitions, discover how Comal ISD is preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Host: 

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin

Guest: 

Dr. Lizette Goodloe, Executive Director of the Comal Education Foundation

Linkedin

Find Us: 

YouTube

Facebook

Website

Episode Highlights:

• From Classroom to Foundation:
  Dr. Lizette Goodloe shares her journey from being an 18-year classroom teacher and coach to leading innovative programming at the Comal Education Foundation and Comal ISD.
  
  
• Inside the Student Incubator Program:
  Discover how Comal ISD empowers high school students to become entrepreneurs through a hands-on, pitch-driven incubator class across three campuses—culminating in a pitch competition where winning teams may advance to a national stage in Chicago.
  
  
• Beyond the Grades—Real-World Learning:
  Students build business plans, pitch to real audiences, fundraise, create prototypes, and connect with mentors, gaining unmatched communication, marketing, and leadership skills. Dr. Goodloe explains how even non-entrepreneurial students benefit long-term from the experience.
  
  

Foundation-Fueled Support:
 Learn how the Comal Education Foundation supports students and teachers with:

• Grants for classroom innovation
• Startup funds for new schools
• Mock interviews and hiring fairs
• Internships and externship partnerships
• Community engagement and mentorship programs

Events That Make an Impact:
 Hear about two major fundraising events:

• Spring Fling at Knibbe Ranch (April 3rd) – featuring student-made auction items, live music, and more.
• Fall Golf Tournament at Canyon Springs – now with a new Ladies’ Golf Clinic in partnership with First Tee.
  
  

Takeaways:

• Public education needs more than funding—it needs your time and expertise.
  
  
• Mentorship, speaking, and internships can dramatically shape a student’s path.
  
  
• Foundations like Comal's play a critical role in bridging school and community.
  
  

Get Involved:

Visit: Comal ISD Education Foundation Website

Attend upcoming events or volunteer as a mentor, speaker, or site partner.

🎧 Subscribe to Beyond Giving for more inspiring stories of impact, innovation, and community change-makers in the nonprofit world.

Introduction

In this powerful episode of Beyond Giving, host Zac “The Nonprofit Guy” dives into an inspiring conversation with Andrew from the Community of Automotive Professionals, the driving force behind CarFest SA — one of the largest free automotive festivals in Texas.

Andrew shares the heart and hustle behind CarFest, a massive community-driven event where garages and volunteers come together to repair vehicles for families in need, donate cars through raffles, and support local nonprofits — all while creating an unforgettable weekend of fun, food, and giving back.

Host: 

Zac Brown: LinkedIn

Guest: 

Andrew Brooks: LinkedIn

Find Us: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/

We explore:

• The origin of CarFest and Andrew’s journey from ranch life and marketing to community leadership
• The life-changing vehicle repair and donation program for underserved families 
• CarFest, which connects graduating tech students with employers in the automotive industry
• A sneak peek at new programs, including Wrench Wars, MMA Fights, and a Teen Driver Safety Program
• Plans to expand CarFest nationwide and build a scalable playbook for impact in more cities

How you can get involved as a volunteer, donor, or garage partner

📍Event Details:

📅 Event Dates: APRIL 4 – 6TH, 2025 | FRIDAY 6-10PM | SATURDAY 10-8PM | SUNDAY 10-6PM |

📍 Location: Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall, San Antonio, Texas 

🎟️ Get your free ticket here!

🌐 carfestsa.org

🎁 Highlights:

🚗 10 Car Giveaways – Win big on Saturday & Sunday!

🔥 100+ Cars on Display – From stunning classics to jaw-dropping custom builds!

🚙 Friday Night Cruise-In & Friday Night Fights – Nonstop entertainment!

🎡 Family Fun Zone & Kiddie Car Giveaways – A blast for all ages!

🛍 Retail, Artisan & Non-Profit Vendors – Discover unique products & services!

🍔 Food Trucks & Local Eats – Indulge in delicious festival favorites!

🎟 Best of all – It’s FREE! Don’t miss out on this exciting community event!

💥 Get Involved:

📱 Follow CarFest on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (@carfestsa)
 🚗 Donate a vehicle or sponsor: carfestsa.org

Sponsor Shoutouts:

Big thanks to O’Reilly Auto Parts, BG Products, Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Red McCombs, Beluga Air, and all the fantastic local garages and community partners.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired by how something as simple as a car can change a life. And remember — cars, cash, people: that’s how we change the world.

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