Chicks Who Give a Hoot

In this episode, they chat about:

• what it really looks like to run a growing literacy nonprofit behind the scenes

• the overlap between nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving

• common misconceptions about nonprofit staffing and operational costs

• why literacy and childhood wellbeing are deeply connected

• how trauma-sensitive learning environments impact student success

• building emotional safety and confidence before academic progress

• the realities children in foster care and low-income communities face in school systems

• why small nonprofits often have deep community relationships and impact

• how businesses and entrepreneurs can support nonprofit organizations beyond donations

• creating human-first spaces where children feel safe enough to learn and grow

Resources + Links:

Learn more about the Azura Literacy at www.azuraliteracy.org Follow Allyse on LinkedIn: Allyse Hazeltine

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

This episode features Allyse Hazeltine, Executive Director of Azura Literacy, recorded live at the 2026 Chicks Who Give a Hoot Live Event as part of a special three-episode nonprofit leadership series. Allyse shares what it really looks like to build and lead a growing literacy nonprofit focused on serving children in low-income and foster communities across Arizona.

In this conversation, Allyse opens up about the day-to-day realities of nonprofit leadership, balancing tutoring logistics, curriculum development, partnerships, fundraising, grants, and volunteer coordination while leading a small but deeply committed team. She also addresses common misconceptions about nonprofit work, including the idea that meaningful organizations should operate entirely on volunteer labor or without operational overhead.

The episode also dives into the deeper "why" behind Azura Literacy's mission. Allyse shares a powerful story about a young foster student struggling with reading confidence and how creating emotional safety, trust, and individualized support completely transformed her relationship with literacy. Through that experience, Allyse explains why Azura Literacy centers a trauma-sensitive, human-first approach to learning rather than treating children like one-size-fits-all students.

Azura Literacy is a Mesa-based nonprofit focused on helping children in low-income and foster communities build literacy skills, confidence, and long-term academic success through personalized reading support and trauma-informed tutoring.

00:00 About Allyse Hazeltine

00:42 Welcome to the Show

01:59 Why Allyse Does This

02:52 Nonprofit Reality Check

04:42 How Entrepreneurs Can Help

06:40 Mary's Literacy Breakthrough

08:57 Human First Tutoring Model

10:00 Applause and Closing

In this episode, they chat about:

• the realities of nonprofit leadership and problem-solving

• misconceptions about nonprofit work and staffing

• how the YMCA supports communities beyond fitness programs

• balancing leadership, boundaries, and community care

• supporting nonprofits through time, talent, and treasure

• values-based leadership and learning when to say 'no'

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Lighthouse for Hope at www.lighthouseforhope.org

Follow them on Instagram:

Learn more about the Valley of the Sun YMCA at www.valleyymca.org

Follow them on social media:LinkedIn Blake ZickafooseValley of the Sun YMCAInstagram | @vosymca

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

This episode features Blake Zickafoose, recorded live at the 2026 Chicks Who Give a Hoot Live Event as part of a three-episode panel series. Blake is a nonprofit executive who has served communities through the YMCA since 2013 across three different states. Known for her values-first leadership style and commitment to community impact, she shares the realities of leading mission-driven organizations while balancing constant problem-solving, team leadership, and community care.

The conversation explores the misconceptions people often have about nonprofit work, the importance of boundaries in leadership, and what it really means to "wear all the hats" inside a nonprofit organization. Blake also shares how the YMCA goes far beyond being just a gym, offering programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living, childcare, aquatics, and community support.

Blake discusses the importance of supporting nonprofits through time, talent, and treasure, as well as the value of community involvement through advisory boards and volunteering. She also reflects on values-based leadership and why saying "no" is sometimes necessary to protect both staff and the communities nonprofits serve.

The Valley of the Sun YMCA is a nonprofit organization rooted in Christian principles that has served communities across Arizona since 1892. Its mission is to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA provides a wide range of services including childcare, health and fitness programs, youth sports, camps, and community engagement initiatives designed to strengthen individuals and families.

00:00 About Blake Zickafoose

00:34 Welcome to the Show

01:51 Nonprofit Reality Check

02:50 Wearing 100 Hats at the Y

04:11 TTT: Treasure, Time, and Talent

06:10 Values Based Leadership

06:36 When 'No' Is Best

07:43 Serving Community Not Ego

08:18 Support and Closing

In this episode, they chat about:

• the day-to-day realities of running a nonprofit as a small two-person team

• common misconceptions about nonprofit work, staffing, and fundraising

• the emotional and financial realities families face during childhood cancer treatment

• how Hannah's own cancer journey inspired Lighthouse for Hope

• why community support can change the trajectory of a family's experience

• providing practical support through grocery cards, household essentials, and peer connection

• supporting siblings, parents, and caregivers alongside pediatric patients

• the impact of the Hope Families and Holidays for Hope programs

• creating transformative experiences through the Illuminate Retreat for young women in treatment

• how entrepreneurs and communities can support nonprofits beyond donations

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Lighthouse for Hope at www.lighthouseforhope.org

Follow them on Instagram:Hannah Cobley @hannahdcobLighthouse for Hope @lighthouseforhope

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

This episode features Hannah Cobley, Founder and Executive Director of Lighthouse for Hope, recorded live at the 2026 Chicks Who Give a Hoot Live Event as part of a three-episode panel series. Hannah shares the realities of leading a small but growing nonprofit organization, from balancing fundraising, events, volunteer coordination, and family support to navigating the misconceptions people often have about nonprofit work and staffing.

The conversation also dives deeper into the personal story that inspired Lighthouse for Hope. After facing leukemia as a young adult, Hannah witnessed firsthand how many families navigate cancer treatment without adequate support, community, or financial stability. She opens up about seeing children attend treatment alone, families living out of their cars, and parents forced to choose between work and being present during treatment.

Hannah shares how those experiences shaped Lighthouse for Hope's mission to ensure no family fights alone through practical, emotional, and community-based support. She discusses the organization's core programs, including Hope Families, Holidays for Hope, sibling support events, peer support gatherings for moms, and the Illuminate Retreat for young women undergoing cancer treatment.

Lighthouse For Hope is a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders. What began as Hannah's deeply personal mission has grown into a trusted organization providing financial assistance, emotional support, peer connection, and hope to vulnerable families across Arizona and beyond.

00:00 About Hannah Cobley

00:35 Welcome to the Show

01:52 Nonprofit Reality Check

03:42 Funding and Support Gaps

04:44 Hannah's Cancer Story

07:15 Lighthouse Programs

09:56 Applause and Call to Give

In this episode, they chat about:

• why grief is a universal human experience and nothing to be ashamed of

• the difference between therapy and grief mentorship

• how somatic or body-based practices can help process stuck emotions

• the biggest misconceptions people have about grief

• why feeling your emotions will not trap you, but avoiding them might

• the importance of having your grief witnessed

• how to identify a safe person to share your emotions with

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Desiree and her work. Visit her website at www.desireedoucet.com

Follow Desiree on Social Media: Instagram | @desiree.doucetLinkedIn | Desiree D.

Download "Understanding Grief: 12 Essential Insights" here: www.desireedoucet.com/understanding_grief

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode, Sara speaks with Desiree Doucet, a grief mentor and coach based near Atlanta, who helps people take actionable steps to move forward after loss. Desiree shares how her own experiences with sudden and long-term parental loss, job loss, and divorce shaped her work, and explains how grief mentorship differs from therapy through education, forward-focused support, somatic movement techniques, and a secular "bring your own belief system" approach. She addresses stigma and fear around grief, emphasizing that healing is helped when grief is witnessed, and advises finding a safe person who listens without "should" statements or trying to fix.

Desiree Doucet is a grief mentor and coach who helps individuals take actionable steps toward healing after loss. Drawing from her own experiences with different forms of grief, she guides clients in understanding their unique journey and finding a path forward that aligns with their beliefs and needs. She offers 60-day support, occasional groups, remote or in-person sessions, and a free grief insights download.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Desiree Doucet

02:30 Her Grief Story

03:35 Therapy vs Mentorship

05:13 Somatic Grief Work

06:43 Grief Misconceptions

08:01 Find Safe Support

09:02 Work With Desiree

In this episode, they chat about:

• what nervous system regulation really means and what it does not mean

• why imposter syndrome is rooted in biology, not just mindset

• how your body responds to perceived threat in business and life

• simple tools to calm your system before high stakes moments

• the power of breath and sensory input

• how to build internal safety so you can show up fully and confidently

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Emily and her work. Visit her website at www.emilyjacobson.com

Follow Emily on Social Media: Instagram | @emilyjacobsoncoaching LinkedIn | Emily Jacobson

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode, Sara sits down with Emily Jacobson to explore what nervous system regulation actually means and why it is becoming such a powerful tool for entrepreneurs, creatives, and high achievers. They unpack the connection between imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, and your body's built-in survival responses. You will learn how working with your nervous system instead of against it can unlock clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth. Emily also shares simple and practical tools you can use in real time, from breathwork techniques to subtle sensory shifts, to help you feel grounded and safe even in high pressure moments.

Emily Jacobson is a neuro-somatic coach and nervous system educator who helps people create lasting change by working with the body as well as the mind. Her approach is grounded in neurobiology and somatic practices, offering simple and practical tools to support clients through anxiety, overwhelm, and patterns rooted in survival responses. After nearly two decades in public service and communications, she transitioned into coaching to pursue more aligned and meaningful work. Today, she works with individuals through coaching, programs, and workshops to help them build a sense of internal safety and show up more fully in their lives and work.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Emily Jacobson

02:32 What Regulation Means

04:33 High Stakes Moments

06:28 Imposter Syndrome Biology

08:20 Vagus Nerve Reset

09:53 Where To Find Emily

In this episode, they chat about:

• how singing can be used as a tool for personal growth, not just performance

• Lauren's holistic approach to voice coaching and creativity

• the connection between the voice and challenges like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and stress

• why striving for perfection creates tension and leads to more mistakes

• letting go of outcomes and focusing on breath, presence, and process

• the "high note" example and how fear directly impacts performance

• building self-trust and resilience through creative expression

• why mistakes are part of the process and how to recover in real time

• tapping into creativity to feel more aligned and fulfilled in everyday life

Resources + Links:

Lauren will be hosting a creative retreat in Austin, Texas, alongside her one-on-one coaching and creative work. Visit her website at www.yourauthenticvoice-studio.com

Follow Lauren on Social Media: Instagram | @your_authentic_voice

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode, Sara talks with Lauren Urso Gray, a Dallas-based voice teacher, creative coach, and founder of Your Authentic Voice. Through her work, Lauren helps women tap into their creative energy and reconnect with their true selves, primarily through singing. Her clients range from professional vocalists and actors to doctors, marketing executives, and accountants, reflecting her belief that everyone is inherently creative and can use that creativity to feel more fulfilled in all areas of life.

Lauren shares her holistic approach to voice coaching, explaining how challenges like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, emotional suppression, and stress-induced tension show up in the voice and can be worked through in real time. She breaks down how obsessing over outcomes, like fearing a vocal crack, actually creates the tension that leads to mistakes, and how shifting toward breath, relaxation, and a more open mindset often leads to better results.

Together, they explore how singing becomes a powerful tool for building self-trust, resilience, and creative confidence, both on stage and in everyday life.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Lauren Urso Gray

02:21 Singing as Self Work

04:58 Let Go of Perfectionism

07:25 Resilience Through Mistakes

09:35 Connect With Lauren

In this episode, they chat about:

• rethinking skincare beyond the face

• caring for often-overlooked areas (like underarms & inner thighs)

• confidence, body awareness, and skin acceptance

• breaking stigma around "taboo" skin concerns

• building a purpose-driven beauty brand

• creating inclusive, intentional skincare products

Resources + Links:

Want to learn more about Texture? Visit their website at www.textureskin.com

Follow them on Social Media: Instagram | @textureskincare

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode, Sara talks with Aïda Touré, founder of Texture, a body-care skincare brand focused on "beauty beyond the face," inspired by her own underarm discoloration and the confidence impacts she calls "emotional friction." Aïda explains that skin is a highly sensorial organ that communicates with the brain and reflects stress, emotions, and lifestyle, so real self-care starts beyond topical products. She emphasizes basics like diet ("eat your skincare"), hydration, sleep, sunshine, and movement, and describes her underarm serum as supporting skin function by addressing odor-causing bacteria, healing irritation from shaving or waxing, and gently brightening.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Aida Toure

01:57 Beauty Beyond Face

03:44 Skin and Emotions

05:21 Underarm Serum Explained

06:31 Deeper Self Care

08:17 Back to Basics

09:14 Natural Ingredients

09:36 Where to Find Texture

In this episode, Sara talks about:

• the idea that business and impact shouldn't exist in separate lanes.

• the origin of Chicks Who Give A Hoot as a podcast amplifying purpose-driven women entrepreneurs.

• why it later transitioned into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on community impact.

• the advocacy and impact gap she noticed in traditional entrepreneurial spaces.

• how women-led businesses can act as "impact engines" that benefit their communities.

• the success of the first Chicks Who Give A Hoot Live event.

• this year's event theme, "Bloom Where You're Planted."

• how the event connects entrepreneurs, sponsors, and nonprofit partners to support community initiatives.

Resources + Links:

Want to be part of the impact? Join us at Chicks Who Give A Hoot Live this March 28 and connect with women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and nonprofits working to create meaningful change. Grab your ticket here: https://chickswhogiveahoot.com/live-event-2026

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this solo episode, Sara shares the story behind Chicks Who Give A Hoot and how the podcast evolved into a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurship with community impact. Reflecting on conversations with women founders, she discusses the "advocacy and impact gap" she noticed in traditional entrepreneurial spaces and why she believes women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change in their communities.

She also looks back on the success of the first Chicks Who Give A Hoot Live event and previews this year's gathering on March 28, themed "Bloom Where You're Planted." Designed as a bridge between entrepreneurship and philanthropy, the event brings together women founders, nonprofit organizations, and aligned sponsors to mobilize business influence for community good.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Episode Premise

02:00 Why Impact Matters

03:24 From Podcast to Nonprofit

03:57 Live Event Momentum

04:44 Business as Impact Engine

05:47 Bloom Where Planted

06:17 Nonprofit Partner Bridge

07:35 Sparkle Bar Activation

08:51 Bigger Than Growth

09:28 Get Your Ticket

10:14 Conclusion

In this episode, they chat about:

• why visibility still matters for purpose-driven businesses

• the unfair access gap in traditional PR

• how DIY PR evolved into a scalable tech solution

• what makes Pitch Well different from a simple AI copy tool

• how the platform helps you pitch podcasts, media, and publications

• turning one thought leadership idea into PR + content assets

• affordable access to journalist and podcast databases

• gamifying outreach so PR becomes consistent and sustainable

• the Pitch for Good initiative offering free access to nonprofits

• a special 7-day trial for listeners

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Rebecca and her work at www.rebeccacafiero.com

Start your visibility journey with PitchWell at www.gopitchwell.comUse code REBECCA7 for a 7-day trial (for non-nonprofits).

Follow Rebecca on Social Media: Instagram | @rebeccacafieroLinkedIn | Rebecca Cafiero

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, Sara Chambers welcomes mentor Rebecca Cafiero to discuss PR and why visibility matters for purpose-driven businesses. Rebecca shares her background in journalism, sales, and PR and explains PitchWell, a SaaS "visibility operating system" that uses AI plus built-in processes to help users create pitches in their voice, match with relevant podcasts, and manage outreach without needing PR expertise. The platform includes access to a large contact database (3.8 million podcasts and nearly 10,000 media contacts, with more being added) and is designed to be used in about an hour a week for $97/month. They also highlight Pitch for Good, providing free access for verified nonprofits and veterans, plus live weekly and monthly trainings. A 7-day trial code "REBECCA7" is offered for non-nonprofits.

Rebecca Cafiero is a strategic communications expert, media contributor, and founder of a global PR and visibility firm. She helps entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders amplify their message through high-impact media placements and authority-building strategies. With a background in international business and years of experience working with global brands and founders, Rebecca is known for blending sharp positioning with authentic storytelling to elevate influence and credibility.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Rebecca Cafiero

01:47 Rebecca's Background and Values

02:38 Why PitchWell Exists

04:31 PitchWell Platform Walkthrough

06:29 Contacts Database and Daily PR

08:10 Pitch for Good Free Access

09:35 Trial Code and Final Wrap

In this episode, they chat about:

• building a values-led vegan business rooted in personal conviction

• why authenticity matters when speaking out as a brand owner

• handling criticism and standing firm in your beliefs

• using business as a platform for advocacy and community impact

• creating a safe, supportive space for employees and customers

Resources + Links:

The Coronado Address: 2245 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006 Website: www.thecoronadophx.com

Dark Hall Coffee Address: 2243 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006 Website: www.darkhallcoffee.com Follow Liz on Social Media: Instagram | @liztavarez

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, Sara Chambers chats with Liz Tavarez, co-owner (with her husband Juan) of The Coronado and Dark Hall Coffee in Phoenix, Arizona. Liz shares that they became owners when The Coronado opened in 2015 with partners, and since 2022 she and Juan have been sole owners, with Liz handling much of the behind-the-scenes work. She explains why both businesses are vegan, tracing it to their shift to vegetarianism after rescuing and rehoming dogs and realizing the inconsistency of protecting some animals while eating others, and wanting to save more animals by serving plant-based meals. Liz also discusses the importance of genuine values-based communication, especially on social media, and how authenticity helps when responding to challenges. The conversation touches on their public stance regarding ICE presence in central Phoenix, including posting signage about rights and warrants, marking employees-only areas, and aiming to protect employees and help customers feel safe. Liz notes community support and reciprocity as reasons for standing with the oppressed.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Liz Tavarez and Why They Went Vegan

02:15 Authentic Advocacy Online

04:32 Standing Up to ICE

06:33 Community Safety and Solidarity

07:42 Visit The Coronado and Dark Hall Coffee