On this episode of Civic Warriors, host Brad Caruso speaks with David Sobel, Executive Director, and Meg Boyce, Vice President of Programs and Services, from the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley and Northeastern NY Chapters. They discuss the organization’s work supporting individuals, families, and caregivers, as well as advancements in Alzheimer’s research, treatment, early detection, and brain health. Tune in to learn about potential risk factors, important warning signs, the future of care and research, and how the community can get involved through initiatives like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Support the show

In this episode of Civic Warriors, host Brad Caruso sits down with Jennifer Owens, President and CEO of the Arlington Community Foundation, to discuss how community foundations help donors maximize the impact of their charitable giving and strengthen local communities. The conversation explores the growing importance of legacy planning, the ongoing transfer of wealth and how individuals, families and organizations can create lasting philanthropic impact. Jennifer also shares how community foundations work alongside professional advisors, support planned giving efforts and serve as connectors between donors, nonprofits and community needs in Arlington, Virginia.

Support the show

In this episode of Civic Warriors, Brad welcomes Katie Palenzuela and MyLinh Shattan of The Night Stalker Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the soldiers and families of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Together, they discuss the Foundation’s mission, the unique culture of the Night Stalkers and the programs that help strengthen military families, including scholarships, resiliency initiatives, spouse support and youth camps. Katie and MyLinh also share stories about the Foundation’s growth, the impact of its work and how supporters can help preserve the legacy of those who serve.

Support the show

Join us for this episode of Civic Warriors as we sit down with Carlos Bosques, CEO of the Food Allergy Science Initiative (FASI), a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating breakthrough discoveries that improve the lives of those living with food allergies. Listen in as Carlos discusses the growing prevalence of food allergies, current treatment options, the science behind allergic reactions and how FASI is driving innovative research through collaboration with leading laboratories across the country. Carlos also shares his personal journey to FASI, what fuels his passion for the mission, and how individuals can support the organization’s work to advance food allergy research and strengthen the community it serves.

Support the show

In this episode of Civic Warriors, Brad sits down with Burton Li, CEO and Founder of Sutro Li, a professional services firm dedicated exclusively to serving nonprofit organizations. They discuss his journey into the nonprofit sector, the firm’s mission-focused approach to accounting and finance, and the evolving challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations today. Burton shares insights on purpose-driven leadership, practical advice for nonprofit leaders and the personal passions that influence his work, offering a thoughtful perspective on helping mission-based organizations grow and thrive.

Support the show

In this episode of Civic Warriors, we speak with Scott Jackson, President and CEO of Global Impact, and Abdechafi (Chafi) Boubkir, Director of Programs at Geneva Global. Both organizations are part of Global Impact Ventures — a family of mission-driven entities working across the philanthropic ecosystem.

Scott and Chafi share their personal journeys into the not-for-profit sector and their work with Global Impact Ventures, while exploring the current landscape of international giving. They discuss the key challenges facing the global relief and development space, along with encouraging areas of progress, and highlight the effectiveness of the Speed School model. The conversation concludes with reflections on their legacies and hopes for the next generation of leaders in charitable giving.

Support the show

In this episode of Civic Warriors, we sit down with Steve Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Sustainable Media Center (SMC), to explore how the organization is empowering Gen Z to take an active role in shaping today’s digital world. SMC serves as a catalyst for change by partnering with young people and giving them agency over the platforms and technologies they navigate every day—from social media to generative AI.

Steve shares the journey that led him to found SMC, the mission and passion driving its work, and the evolving landscape of social media regulation. He also dives into SMC’s programs and how they’ve adapted over time, introduces his new book How AI Reshapes Reality, and reflects on Gen Z’s unique relationship with digital platforms in an increasingly AI-powered world. 

Support the show

Join us for this episode of Civic Warriors, where we speak with Michael Pearson, President and CEO of Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a not-for-profit organization and one of the nation’s largest public health institutes.

Michael shares insights from his career, discusses his passion for PHMC’s mission to create and sustain healthier communities and highlights the wide range of programs the organization offers. He also provides advice for emerging nonprofit leaders, discusses trends shaping nonprofit mergers and acquisitions, and emphasizes the importance of strong board communication and balancing mission, strategy and execution in leadership.

Support the show

Join us for this episode of Civic Warriors, where we speak with Anne Grey, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.  The conversation highlights how fulfilling wishes for children with critical illnesses goes far beyond a single moment of joy—these experiences can inspire hope, strengthen families, and even encourage kids to better engage with their medical treatment. Anne shares her personal journey, insights into how the organization operates, and behind-the-scenes stories of creating meaningful wishes, while also emphasizing the broader impact on communities and how others can get involved. 

Support the show

In this episode of Civic Warriors, we sit down with Alik Hinckson, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that helps donors create thoughtful, effective philanthropy. 

Alik shares his professional journey, offers his perspective on what philanthropy means today, and explains how RPA accelerates impact through advisory, management and implementation services. The conversation also explores current trends shaping the philanthropic landscape, the role and benefits of fiscal sponsorship, and how RPA’s “Philanthropy Roadmap” helps support aspiring philanthropists.

Support the show