Success isn't always about following a perfectly planned path. Sometimes it's about embracing unexpected opportunities, taking calculated risks, and using your talents to make a lasting impact.

In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Jennifer Surgalski, Senior Director of Strategic Project Development for the Dallas Cowboys, Chief of Strategy for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, and Trustee of the Delta Gamma Foundation. Jennifer shares lessons from more than two decades in sports, leadership, philanthropy, and strategic innovation while offering practical advice on mentoring others, building strong brands, leading through uncertainty, and defining success by the impact we leave behind.

Whether you're leading an organization, growing your career, or looking to inspire others, this episode is full of insights you can immediately apply.

Topics Covered

• Jennifer's journey into the sports industry
• Building innovative business ventures with the Dallas Cowboys
• Lessons learned from creating the National Medal of Honor Museum
• Why purpose becomes more important than titles
• The power of mentorship and paying it forward
• Leadership lessons from managing people, not just projects
• How great organizations balance tradition with innovation
• Why nonprofits must become better storytellers
• Building resilient brands that stand the test of time
• Embracing calculated risk and career opportunities
• Defining success through service and lasting impact
• Jennifer's thoughts on leadership, legacy, and developing future leaders

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Meet Jennifer Surgalski and her unique leadership journey

03:40 – From internships to the NFL: finding a career in sports

05:03 – Balancing billion-dollar business ventures with meaningful nonprofit work

08:25 – How Jennifer's definition of success has evolved

10:27 – Stories of courage from Medal of Honor recipients that changed her perspective

13:13 – The mentors who shaped Jennifer's life and why paying it forward matters

16:30 – Why Delta Gamma continues to impact generations of women leaders

19:10 – Jennifer's best advice for young professionals

21:25 – Saying yes to opportunities that feel bigger than you

23:00 – What the business world can learn from professional sports

27:00 – How visionary organizations evaluate risk

29:20 – Why the Dallas Cowboys remain one of the world's strongest brands

33:20 – Why nonprofits must become better storytellers

39:05 – Jennifer's definition of legacy

39:45 – Leadership lessons: moving from doing the work to leading people

43:20 – Why celebrating others' success is the true mark of leadership

46:20 – Heather's closing challenge: What's your vision?

Jennifer's story is a powerful reminder that meaningful careers are built through curiosity, courage, and a willingness to serve others. Whether you're just beginning your professional journey or leading an established organization, her insights will inspire you to embrace opportunity, invest in people, and leave every place better than you found it.

What does it take to turn groundbreaking science into healthier lives? In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes longtime colleague and friend Dr. Radhika Rajgopal Singh, Senior Vice President of Science and Medicine at the American Heart Association. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of healthcare, from prevention and clinical research to artificial intelligence, collaboration, and whole-person care.

Along the way, Dr. Singh shares her personal career journey, the mentors who shaped her leadership, and why building trust, investing in prevention, and empowering patients are essential to improving health outcomes. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked connection between cardiovascular health and vision, reminding us that our health is deeply interconnected.

Topics Covered

• Dr. Singh's journey from international health to executive leadership
• How science strategy shapes the future of healthcare
• Turning research into real-world patient care
• Why lifelong learning is essential for leaders
• Managing uncertainty and overcoming career anxiety
• Mentorship and the leaders who influenced her career
• How the American Heart Association prioritizes research and clinical guidelines
• The opportunities and limitations of AI in healthcare
• Why prevention deserves greater investment
• Whole-person care, precision medicine, and predictive healthcare
• The critical connection between heart health and vision health
• Collaboration across healthcare organizations
• Women's heart health and the importance of self-advocacy
• Defining success through purpose, relationships, and impact

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Dr. Radhika Rajgopal Singh

02:15 – Her journey from international health to nonprofit leadership

05:45 – What "science strategy" means at the American Heart Association

08:10 – Why curiosity and lifelong learning fuel great leadership

09:45 – Finding purpose through personal loss and prevention

13:20 – The career lesson she wishes she'd learned sooner: managing anxiety and embracing uncertainty

16:20 – Mentors who shaped her leadership journey

22:00 – How research priorities and clinical guidelines are determined

25:20 – Bridging the gap between scientific discovery and patient care

29:20 – AI in healthcare: opportunities, risks, and why human judgment still matters

32:05 – Why prevention and personalized medicine are transforming healthcare

35:00 – The powerful connection between heart health and vision health

41:15 – Why collaboration is essential for improving public health

43:30 – The biggest misconception about heart disease—especially for women

49:55 – How her definition of success has evolved throughout her career

52:15 – Reflections on leadership, friendship, and building meaningful careers

Healthcare is changing rapidly, but one message remains clear: prevention, collaboration, and compassionate leadership have the power to transform lives. We hope this conversation inspires you to think differently about your own health, advocate for yourself and others, and remember that every part of our wellbeing is connected.

What does leadership look like when it's rooted in service?

In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Melissa Simon, MSW, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer of Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos. Drawing on more than 34 years of experience in social services and nonprofit leadership, Melissa shares lessons learned from working directly with at-risk youth, transitioning into fundraising and executive leadership, and leading an organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening families.

Together, Heather and Melissa explore servant leadership, mentorship, organizational culture, collaboration across the nonprofit sector, and the importance of staying connected to mission. Their conversation offers practical leadership insights while reminding us that meaningful impact often starts by investing in the people around us.

Topics Covered

• Melissa's journey from chemical dependency counseling to nonprofit leadership
• How frontline experience shaped her approach to fundraising and executive leadership
• The evolution and impact of Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos
• Leading founder-driven organizations through change and innovation
• Staying grounded while managing the demands of executive leadership
• The importance of self-care, resilience, and organizational culture
• How definitions of success evolve throughout a career
• Mentorship, teaching, and developing future leaders
• What servant leadership looks like in practice
• Challenges facing nonprofit organizations today
• Funding, sustainability, and collaboration in the social service sector
• Why relationships, belonging, and community matter
• Melissa's hopes for the future of nonprofit leadership and collective impact

Timestamps & Highlights

0:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring

0:12 – Introducing Melissa Simon and today's leadership-focused conversation

1:48 – Melissa's career journey: criminal justice, counseling, and social work

4:20 – Falling into fundraising and discovering nonprofit leadership

6:31 – Finding purpose through mission-driven work and helping people belong

6:49 – Casa de Esperanza's mission and evolution over four decades

11:11 – Leading founder-driven organizations and balancing tradition with innovation

13:01 – Staying grounded as a nonprofit CEO

16:21 – How Melissa's definition of success has changed over time

17:58 – The joy of teaching, mentoring, and developing future leaders

19:39 – Leadership beyond titles: anyone can be a leader

21:24 – What servant leadership really means

25:13 – The biggest challenges facing nonprofits today

28:50 – Competition, collaboration, and building stronger organizations

31:22 – Why lifelong learning matters in leadership

32:32 – Staying connected to mission and those you serve

35:11 – Reflections on legacy, relationships, and impact

37:08 – Melissa's vision for the future of the nonprofit sector

39:13 – Closing thoughts and ways to get involved with Prevent Blindness Texas

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn't about titles, it's about service, relationships, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Melissa's insights remind us that while we may not change the entire world, we can change someone's world through compassion, mentorship, and a commitment to meaningful impact.

Thank you for listening to Eyespiring. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend or colleague, and join us for future conversations that inspire, inform, and empower.

Celebrating One Year of Eyespiring

In this special one-year anniversary episode of Eyespiring, host Heather Patrick, CEO of Prevent Blindness Texas, is joined by Monica Guerrero, VP of Programs and Strategic Relationships, to reflect on the conversations, stories, and lessons that have shaped the first year of the podcast.

Together, they revisit powerful guest moments, explore how eye health connects to overall health, and discuss the growing impact of Prevent Blindness Texas across communities. From children’s vision and early detection to advocacy, access to care, and leadership in public health, this conversation highlights the many ways vision health influences learning, independence, and quality of life.

They also look ahead to the organization’s future, including a new strategic plan focused on more intentional outreach, stronger care coordination, and expanding access to services for individuals and families across Texas.

Most importantly, this episode is a celebration of the people, patients, partners, educators, and healthcare professionals, who make this work meaningful.

Topics Discussed

• Reflections on one year of the Eyespiring podcast
• Why eye health is deeply connected to overall health
• Early detection and the importance of dilated eye exams
• Children’s vision and the impact of school screenings
• Barriers to accessing eye care in Texas
• Advocacy, leadership, and community collaboration
• The role of Prevent Blindness Texas in care coordination and education
• Highlights and memorable guest conversations
• The future of vision health initiatives in Texas

Episode Highlights

• Why “eye health is whole health” is more than a phrase
• The life-changing impact of glasses for children
• How Prevent Blindness Texas helps families navigate care
• The importance of trust and community partnerships
• What leadership and advocacy look like in public health
• Reflections on meaningful guest stories from the first year
• The organization’s evolving focus on intentional impact

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & one-year reflection begins
02:00 – Eye health as part of whole health
06:30 – Children’s vision and school learning
10:30 – Supporting parents and navigating care
13:00 – Community connection and trust building
15:30 – Leadership, advocacy, and collaboration
19:00 – Using your voice to create change
22:30 – Heart vs strategy in nonprofit work
24:30 – Favorite moments from the podcast year
34:30 – Workforce development and training impact
37:00 – Audience response to the podcast
39:30 – Looking ahead: strategic plan and priorities
44:00 – Full scope of Prevent Blindness Texas work
47:30 – Why this mission matters deeply
50:00 – Barriers to eye care access in Texas
55:00 – The people behind the mission
56:30 – Future episode ideas and health connections
59:00 – Closing reflections and gratitude

Closing Reflection

This anniversary episode reflects on more than just a year of conversations, it reflects a growing movement around eye health, prevention, and access to care. As Prevent Blindness Texas looks ahead, the mission remains clear, to prevent blindness and preserve sight, while helping individuals across Texas see a clearer path forward.

In this deeply insightful episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes executive leader and strategist Elizabeth "Liz" Thompson, a mentor, changemaker, and one of the most influential leaders in Heather’s career journey.

Liz reflects on her path from rural South Dakota to national leadership roles in healthcare and philanthropy, where she helped transform organizations, work alongside U.S. presidents, and raise billions for life-changing causes. Together, Heather and Liz discuss what truly defines leadership: emotional intelligence, courage, data-driven decision-making, mentorship, and knowing when to evolve.

This conversation is full of practical advice for nonprofit professionals, women leaders, and anyone seeking to create impact through purpose-driven work.

Topics Covered

• Liz’s unique leadership journey from publishing to nonprofit healthcare
• Why storytelling is essential to fundraising and mission success
• The myth of work-life balance and embracing trade-offs
• Building remote teams and empowering talent early
• Why leaders must get comfortable with “good enough” instead of perfection
• Working with presidents and creating global health impact
• Leadership legacy and knowing when a mission is complete
• Why nonprofit organizations must invest in systems, technology, and operations
• The role of AI and data in healthcare and mission work
• Advice for women leaders on negotiation, risk-taking, and visibility
• How mentorship changes careers and creates future leaders

This episode is a masterclass in courageous leadership, mission-driven innovation, and empowering others to rise. Liz Thompson reminds us that great leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact, service, and helping others see what’s possible. If this conversation inspired you, share it with a leader, mentor, or colleague who needs to hear it.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring
00:11 – Heather introduces Liz Thompson and their leadership connection
01:47 – Liz’s early career in medical publishing and learning storytelling
03:10 – Leadership blessings, mentorship, and investing in people
05:16 – How Heather was identified as a future leader
08:34 – Why “balance” doesn’t exist for working women
12:07 – How remote work leadership prepared teams for COVID
14:04 – What Liz wishes she knew earlier: perfection isn’t real
17:23 – What still motivates Liz after decades of leadership
20:24 – Taking calls from presidents and leading legacy organizations
23:37 – The creation of Pink Ribbon, Red Ribbon and raising $85M in 6 months
27:06 – Who inspires Liz today
29:40 – Leading turnarounds, navigating ego, and hard decisions
34:06 – “Hire slow, fire fast” leadership advice
35:29 – The power of combining mission + development storytelling
36:28 – Childhood roots of storytelling through Weekly Reader
41:19 – How data should shape nonprofit and healthcare decisions
46:42 – Heather on the funding gap in nonprofit innovation
52:25 – Liz’s advice for women leaders: take appropriate risk
55:23 – Why women need to be seen and heard in leadership rooms
01:01:34 – Heather’s advice: learn to negotiate earlier
01:02:39 – A defining confidence-building moment from Liz
01:04:03 – Closing thoughts and ways to support Prevent Blindness Texas

In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Brooke Campbell, CNP, CVA, Director of Community Outreach and Disaster Recovery at United Way of Greater Houston. Brooke shares her journey into nonprofit leadership, discusses disaster preparedness and recovery, and explores the critical role volunteers play in building resilient communities. The conversation also highlights leadership strategies, collaboration across sectors, and how organizations can prepare during “blue sky days” before disasters strike.

This episode offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and anyone interested in strengthening communities before, during, and after disasters.

Topics Covered

• Brooke Campbell’s nonprofit journey and AmeriCorps experience
• Disaster preparedness and community resilience
• The role of relationships in disaster response
• Volunteer management during disasters
• Common myths about volunteers
• Investing in volunteer engagement
• Leadership during crisis and recovery
• Disaster communication challenges
• Supporting vulnerable populations
• Work-life balance in disaster response roles

Brooke emphasizes that strong communities are built through relationships, preparation, and collaboration. Whether during calm "blue sky days" or in times of crisis, volunteers, leaders, and organizations working together can make all the difference in recovery and resilience.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

01:23 – Brooke’s Nonprofit Journey

04:04 – What Inspired Brooke’s Career Path

07:05 – AmeriCorps Experience

11:05 – A Day in Disaster Recovery

12:02 – The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance

13:10 – Preparing for Hurricane Season

14:42 – Houston’s Collaborative Spirit

16:10 – Unplugging & Personal Time

18:39 – What Disaster Readiness Really Looks Like

21:03 – Disaster Fatigue & Mental Health

29:18 – Vision Health in Disaster Planning

31:01 – Supporting Nonprofits in Disaster Preparedness

33:13 – Learning from Other Cities

35:21 – Getting Everyone Moving in the Same Direction

37:43 – Volunteer Management in Disaster Recovery

39:56 – What Drives Volunteer Engagement

42:43 – Myths About Volunteers

45:32 – Investing in Volunteers

52:02 – Advice for New Volunteer Managers

53:18 – Certification & Professional Growth

55:25 – Leadership & Work-Life Balance

58:14 – Recognizing Volunteer Leadership

01:02:14 – Leadership During Disaster Recovery

01:05:13 – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Kim Schuy Greenberg, a strategic leader with more than 20 years of executive experience across consulting, consumer brands, healthcare, and the optical industry. Kim shares her journey from global corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, offering insights on growth mindset, branding, innovation, and the future of consumer engagement in eye care. The conversation also explores leadership resilience, technology trends, and how finding joy and purpose can shape long-term career success.

Topics Covered

• Kim’s career journey from consulting to optical leadership
• Branding and innovation lessons from Procter & Gamble
• Reinventing the Verilux brand and driving global impact
• Leading digital transformation with HELIX
• Navigating leadership challenges and change
• Transitioning from corporate executive to entrepreneur
• Personalization and consumer engagement in eye care
• Growth mindset and lifelong learning
• The future of technology, AI, and augmented reality
• Building community and meaningful connections
• Leadership resilience and avoiding burnout 

Kim shares thoughtful reflections on leadership, innovation, and personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace change, take risks, and prioritize meaningful connections. Her journey demonstrates how curiosity, resilience, and purpose can shape a fulfilling career and lasting impact.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Introduction
01:36 – Career Motivation & Growth Mindset
04:23 – Early Career Lessons from Bain & P&G 
08:33 – Reinventing the Verilux Brand 
10:45 – Toughest Leadership Moment
17:08 – Leadership Inspiration & Women in Leadership 
23:53 – Reinventing Yourself as an Entrepreneur 
29:53 – Personalization & Consumer Engagement 
31:05 – Technology Driving Vision Care Demand 
35:32 – Social Media & Practice Growth 
39:24 – Growth Mindset & Career Development 
42:27 – Future Consumer Trends 
49:25 – Finding Joy and Purpose 
50:40 – Closing & Prevent Blindness Texas Mission

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, Heather Patrick sits down with Dr. Layla Lohmann to explore what it means to live, and thrive, with a chronic condition. From childhood diagnosis to becoming a national patient advocate, Dr. Lohmann shares how she turned fear, frustration, and isolation into empowerment, connection, and purpose. This conversation highlights the importance of using your voice, embracing vulnerability, and understanding the powerful connection between eye health and overall wellness.

Topics Covered

• Living with Graves’ disease and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
• The emotional journey of chronic illness and self-acceptance
• Why vulnerability is actually a source of strength
• The importance of patient advocacy and storytelling
• Common misconceptions about TED
• Balancing motherhood, career, and chronic illness
• The connection between oral health, eye health, and whole-body health
• Barriers to care: cost, comfort, and emotional resistance
• How the ASPECT program empowers patient advocates
• The role of community and connection in healing
• Shifting from people-pleasing to self-advocacy
• Learning to set boundaries and embrace discomfort for growth

Dr. Lohmann’s journey is a powerful reminder that while chronic illness can feel isolating, it can also be a catalyst for growth, connection, and impact. By choosing to take action, embrace vulnerability, and use her voice, she’s not only transformed her own life, but is helping others feel seen, heard, and empowered in theirs.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

01:57 – Layla’s Story Begins

03:20 – The Power of Vulnerability

05:48 – Diagnosed at 12

08:05 – Parenting & Chronic Illness

09:39 – Second Diagnosis During Pregnancy

10:27 – Learning to Advocate for Yourself

13:55 – The Art of Listening & Communication

16:11 – Misconceptions About TED

18:40 – You Are Not Alone

21:20 – Choosing Action Every Day

25:25 – Whole-Body Health Connection

29:15 – Finding Advocacy Through ASPECT

32:00 – Why Patient Voices Matter

37:10 – Building Community

41:40 – Take Action

42:45 – Key Takeaways

44:15 – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Dr. Jennifer Deakins, a leader in optometry, education, and legislative advocacy. Dr. Deakins shares her journey into eye care, the mentors who shaped her career, and the passion that drives her work serving underserved communities.

The conversation explores women’s eye health, access to care, advocacy in healthcare policy, and the evolving role of optometry. Through powerful patient stories and professional insight, Dr. Deakins highlights how eye exams can reveal broader health issues and why building stronger connections between providers, communities, and policymakers is essential for improving vision health.

Topics Covered

• Dr. Deakins’ path into optometry and the mentors who influenced her career
• The importance of mentorship and saying “yes” to opportunities
• Leadership challenges women face in healthcare
• Preventing burnout and staying connected to your “why”
• How women’s eye health changes across life stages
• The connection between vision health and systemic diseases
• Real patient stories illustrating the impact of early detection
• Why advocacy matters in protecting patient access to care
• Legislative wins for optometry in Texas
• Barriers to care for underserved populations
• The future of optometry and inspiring the next generation of eye care professionals

Dr. Deakins closes the conversation with two powerful reminders: meaningful change starts with taking the first step, and strong partnerships and relationships make lasting impact possible. Her message highlights the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and continued innovation in ensuring accessible eye care for all.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

01:32 – Dr. Deakins’ Journey into Optometry

05:40 – Career Decisions that Shaped Her Path

07:45 – Challenges as a Woman in Leadership

12:19 – The Power of Mentorship

15:45 – Preventing Burnout in Healthcare

21:38 – Women’s Eye Health Across Life Stages

29:12 – Vision Issues That Often Go Unnoticed

30:54 – Patient Stories That Stay With You

34:12 – Eye Exams as a Window to Overall Health

38:06 – Advocacy and the Power of Storytelling

40:37 – Legislative Wins for Optometry in Texas

44:09 – Why Eye Health Still Needs More Awareness

47:13 – Barriers to Eye Care

51:01 – The Future of Optometry

54:32 – Final Advice for Listeners

In this episode, Heather welcomes Ryane Jackson, Vice President of Community Health Network at Memorial Hermann Health System, to discuss the evolution of leadership, the power of asking “why,” and the future of community health.

From her early start in journalism to becoming a nationally recognized healthcare leader, Ryane reflects on the importance of curiosity, empathy and strategic restraint in building both personal leadership capacity and systemwide impact.

Topics Covered

• Ryane’s path from communications and fundraising to healthcare leadership
• The mentors and champions who influenced her career
• Learning not to “die on every hill” as a leader
• The importance of timing, reading the room and strategic influence
• Letting go without losing your voice
• Addressing non-medical drivers of health (housing, food insecurity, access)
• The evolving challenges facing community health
• Why cross-sector partnerships are essential for lasting impact
• Creating intentional opportunities for the next generation of leaders
• The power of asking “why” with curiosity and empathy

This conversation is a thoughtful reminder that leadership isn’t about winning every battle, it’s about asking better questions, building strong partnerships and staying grounded in purpose. Ryane’s insights challenge us to lead with humility, courage and a deep commitment to community.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
02:15 – Ryane’s early career and unexpected path into healthcare
06:40 – Who influenced her leadership journey
10:25 – Learning not to “die on every hill”
15:10 – Timing, strategy and reading the room
20:30 – Addressing housing, food insecurity & non-medical drivers of health
27:45 – The current landscape of community health funding and access
33:20 – Why healthcare systems and nonprofits must collaborate
39:10 – Creating opportunity and mentorship for emerging leaders
44:05 – Final reflections: Ask “why”