Wendy Cohen welcomes Mark Ostrom, founder of Joy Collaborative, to Episode 6 of the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast. Mark shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind his nonprofit, which creates life-enriching spaces for kids and youth with life-limiting conditions. From his early vision in college to his impactful role in designing the Rainforest Cafe, Mark’s story reveals how Joy Collaborative came to life.

Discover how Joy Collaborative’s mission aligns with PowerHouse SMART’s focus on luxury design and community impact and learn how their 2025 partnership will amplify the nonprofit’s reach—uniting the luxury design industry to champion humanity. Tune in for insights on gratitude, collaboration, and the transformative power of design.

Plus: Find out about the upcoming April 17 event in Minnesota and how you can support this meaningful cause.

April 17, PowerHouse SMART Event Link: PHS Education + Friend-Raising with Joy Collaborative

About Mark Ostrom

Founder and Executive Director of Joy Collaborative

Mark Ostrom leads Joy Collaborative, a nonprofit that creates environments for youth with life-limiting conditions. Inspired by a passion to advocate for children often isolated due to their circumstances, Mark and his team have designed spaces addressing behavioral and mental health, autism, genetic disorders, homelessness, and more.

Harnessing the power of design, Joy Collaborative creates custom "Joy Rooms" that bring delight, enhance independence, foster community, and improve well-being. These one-of-a-kind spaces are tailored to families and organizations, with 96% of recipients experiencing immediate positive impacts.

As Founder and Executive Director, Mark oversees operations, finance, sponsorship, and marketing, working alongside a dedicated Board of Directors with diverse skill sets. Together, they bring the organization’s mission to life.

Contact Mark Ostrom: Join Joy Collaborative and help transform lives at scale.

About Joy Collaborative

Mission: Joy Collaborative creates "Joy Rooms"—customized spaces designed to bring happiness, independence, and a sense of community to youth facing conditions that limit their mobility or social interactions.

This initiative thrives on collaboration, bringing together volunteer designers, contractors, board members, financial sponsors, and community supporters. United by a shared goal, Joy Collaborative spreads joy and fosters well-being through the power of design.

About the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast

The PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast, hosted by PowerHouse CEO Wendy Cohen, features inspiring leaders in luxury design, building, development, and real estate who exemplify gratitude and give back to humanity. Each episode highlights success stories, philanthropy, and groundbreaking collaborations that make a positive impact on communities and the industry.

Where to Find the Guest:

Website: Joy Collaborative

Instagram: @joycollaborative_

LinkedIn: Mark Ostrom

Facebook: Mark Ostrom

Where to Find the Host:

Website: PowerHouse Companies

Podcast: PowerHouse Podcast

Instagram: @powerhousesmart

Facebook: PowerHouse SMART

LinkedIn: PowerHouse SMART

LinkedIn (PHR): PowerHouse Recruiting

Event Details

Event: PHS Mini Conference + Friend-Raising with Joy Collaborative

Date: April 17, 2025

Location: DOM Interiors, International Market Square, Minnesota

Event Link: Learn More and Register

PowerHouse SMART April 17 event in Minnesota and how you can support this meaningful cause. EVENT Link: https://www.powerhousesmart.com/events/phs-education-friend-raising-with-joy-collaborative