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Sherah Alaimo from Coach Across America shares how she builds a mission-driven organization like a real business without losing the human side.This is the story of going from burnout and disaster recovery work to leading a national coaching platform - and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it.
Sherah is the COO of Coach Across America, where she helps place and train coaches in communities across the country. In this conversation, she breaks down the leadership lessons that shaped her path, the mistakes that changed how she sees work, and the operating principles behind an organization serving thousands of young people.
You'll discover:
This episode is for mission-driven leaders, nonprofit operators, and people managers who need to scale impact without burning out their team or losing sight of the mission.Sherah also shares the reality behind her work in New Orleans after Katrina, including the challenge of leading as a young woman in a city rebuilding from trauma. She talks honestly about the tension between good intentions and cultural understanding, and why experience, humility, and time can completely change how you see leadership.We also get into the business side of nonprofit leadership - fundraising, government funding, staffing, and why nonprofits have to think like the safety net they are. Sherah makes the case that strong mission work depends on strong operations, and that the best organizations do not separate purpose from performance.Perfect for anyone who leads people, builds programs, or wants a clearer view of how community impact actually scales. If you care about leadership that is practical, honest, and built to last, this one is worth your time.
ABOUT SHERAH ALAIMO:Sherah Alaimo is the COO of Coach Across America, where she helps lead a national network that places and supports coaches in communities across the U.S. She has deep experience in nonprofit leadership, disaster response, youth development, and operational strategy.
Coach Across America: https://coachacrossamerica.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherah-alaimo-2434a411/
ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization.Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact.
CONNECT WITH US:#NonprofitLeadership #MissionDrivenLeadership #YouthDevelopment
Stacie Eastman from Eastern Iowa Health Center shares how she helps turn mission into real access, real trust, and real care.
This episode is for mission-driven leaders, healthcare operators, and nonprofit teams who want to expand impact without losing the human side of the work.
Stacie Eastman is the Director of Development at Eastern Iowa Health Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she raises awareness and resources for a federally qualified health center serving a five-county region. She also co-hosts the PowerPosse podcast, where she helps women tell the stories that shape who they are and what they've overcome.
What you'll hear in this episode:
0:00 - Why Iowa has more food stories than people expect
3:34 - What Stacie actually does as Director of Development
4:14 - Serving a community where many patients live below the poverty line
5:21 - How a nonlinear career path becomes a strength
8:50 - Why liberal arts and writing sharpen grant strategy
11:47 - Building confidence through podcasting and voice work
18:24 - The PowerPosse podcast and the power of reinvention
21:01 - Expanding care through pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy
24:12 - A dental emergency that helped protect sobriety
27:34 - How EIHC communicates through texting, Facebook, and bus-route outreach
31:35 - Stacie's question for the next leader
The bigger lesson here is simple: sustainable impact comes from clarity, not noise. When an organization knows who it serves, how those people actually communicate, and what barriers they face, it can stop guessing and start building something that truly lasts.
If you care about healthcare access, nonprofit growth, or leading with more authenticity, this one is worth your time. Stacie's perspective is practical, thoughtful, and deeply grounded in service.
Organization Website: www.easterniowahealthcenter.com
Stacie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacie-eastman-2197b711b/
The PowerPosse Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-posse-podcast/id1830925840
ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:
Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization.
Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact.
Connect with us:
FRANSiS Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis
#NonprofitLeadership #HealthcareAccess #MissionDrivenLeadership
Derryck Fletcher from the Y in Central Maryland shares how he helps scale a mission-driven organization without losing the human connection that makes it matter.
This is the story of building community at scale, leading with people first, and turning data, talent, and trust into real impact, and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it.
Efrain and Derryck get into the realities of operating a $115 million organization serving hundreds of thousands of people across Central Maryland, from early childhood and school-age programs to health, workforce development, and community belonging. Derryck also opens up about how a banking and call-center background taught him the kind of leadership skills he still uses today, even if the mission is very different now.
In this conversation, you'll learn why leading people first is a leadership skill, not a soft skill, how the Y uses data and continuous quality improvement to make better decisions, why AI should buy back time for back-office work rather than replace human service, what most people get wrong about the Y, from swim and gym assumptions to nonprofit money myths, and how hiring people smarter than you can become a real operating advantage.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Derryck Fletcher, COO of the Y in Central Maryland
1:13 How a random job search turned into a 13-year career
3:37 What the COO role looks like across a large mission-driven system
6:51 Banking, call centers, and lessons from the corporate world
10:20 Leading people first and building trust on your team
12:05 Learning from a CEO who shifted the organization's trajectory
14:29 Why deep expertise beats generalist hiring
16:19 The role of data in a $115 million operating budget
17:45 How AI is changing back-office work without replacing people
20:08 What makes the Y in Central Maryland different
22:48 The biggest myths people believe about the Y
26:59 How to find the right program, class, or service for your needs
28:17 Three ways to support your local Y
30:23 Legacy, leadership, and what matters most at home
ABOUT DERRYCK FLETCHER
Derryck Fletcher is the Chief Operating Officer at the Y in Central Maryland, where he helps oversee a broad portfolio that includes early childhood education, youth development, community health, and talent strategy. He brings a rare mix of operational discipline, people-first leadership, and hard-won perspective from earlier roles in banking and call-center management.
ABOUT HART & HUSTLE
Hart & Hustle brings you conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Hosts Efrain and the Hart & Hustle team sit down with nonprofit executives, operators, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can use to strengthen your own organization.
The Y in Central Maryland: https://ymaryland.org/
CONNECT WITH US
FRANSiS Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis
#NonprofitLeadership #MissionDrivenLeadership #CommunityImpact
Erin Snell from Charting Careers reveals how a wandering, exploratory approach to career and community work creates deeper, more meaningful connections - and why it's essential for leaders aiming to scale their impact. This is the story of resilience, relationship-building, and effective community investment - and what mission-driven leaders can learn from navigating the unexpected.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - The transformational power of an entrepreneurial, wandering career path in community service
1:02 - The importance of long-term relationship building and supporting the whole child
2:34 - Personal stories of giving back and how seeds of encouragement shape future success
3:41 - A behind-the-scenes look at navigating education innovation and community partnerships
4:48 - Why early mentorship is critical for middle schoolers' confidence and independence
5:17 - How Charting Careers invests in family units and community collaborations
6:37 - The power of grassroots, flexible community work outside traditional systems
9:14 - Lessons learned from detours, rejections, and trusting the process
10:10 - The implications of indirect paths for leadership growth and organizational resilience
13:01 - Building sustainable organizations through diverse funding and authentic relationships
16:50 - Overcoming the challenge of fundraising and maintaining donor partnerships
18:56 - The importance of marketing and self-promotion in nonprofit growth
24:35 - Visionary thinking: how to create a truly sustainable impact and personal goals
26:50 - The daily practice of self-care and the power of nature in leadership longevity
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
ABOUT ERIN SNELL:
Erin is the Executive Director of Charting Careers, an Annapolis-based organization dedicated to supporting young people and their families through long-term mentorship and community partnerships. Under her leadership, the organization emphasizes relationship-centered, sustainable impact, making a difference in hundreds of lives since 2018.
Connect with Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-snell-ph-d-m-p-a-056a684/
Visit Charting Careers: http://www.chartingcareers.org
ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:
Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real-world problems in education, community, and healthcare. Hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain dive into practical strategies for scaling impact, sustaining growth, and leading with purpose.
Connect with us:
Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis
#CommunityImpact #NonprofitLeadership #MissionDrivenGrowth
Catherine Dempsey from a Denver community health center shares how strategic adaptation and unwavering focus on community impact created exponential growth despite external challenges. This is a story of resilience and purpose in action, showing mission-driven leaders how to build trust, expand reach, and deepen community roots.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How community health organizations can grow patient care and staff without losing sight of core values
The strategic importance of relationship-building in fundraising and community outreach
Practical tactics for communicating effectively in a multilingual environment
Why embracing chaos and flexibility strengthens nonprofit leadership
The role of storytelling in transforming community engagement and fundraising efforts
This episode is for mission-driven leaders who want to turn adversity into opportunity, expand impact, and lead with purpose at every level.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - The Power of Strategic Leadership in Community Health
1:34 - Upcoming Fundraising Gala: Building Unity and Community Support
2:30 - Personal Journey: From Family Servant Leadership to Community Impact
4:53 - Navigating Healthcare Challenges with Compassion and Innovation
6:06 - Three Years With the Organization: A Growth Story
7:03 - The Future of Remote Work in Nonprofits: Balance and Impact
8:03 - The Art of Grant Writing and Building Funders' Trust
9:26 - How Donations Directly Support Patient Care and Community Wellbeing
9:58 - Workforce Development Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare
11:22 - Why This Denver Health Center Is Growing Rapidly
12:47 - Community Outreach Strategies in a Digital Age
23:33 - How Values Shape Purposeful Leadership in Nonprofits
28:31 - The Value of Storytelling and Personal Impact in Fundraising
30:42 - Ensuring Medication Access and Life-Changing Patient Stories
33:00 - Goals for Growth: Building Systems, Skills, and Leadership
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Growth is rooted in community trust, not just expanding services
Successful fundraising hinges on relationship building, not just transactions
Storytelling that highlights tangible impact fuels donor engagement
Flexibility and a growth mindset are vital in navigating healthcare crises
ABOUT CATHERINE DEMPSEY:
As the Director of Development and Communications at a Denver community health center, Catherine is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare regardless of insurance status. Her leadership has helped serve a growing patient population, driven by a belief that healthcare is a human right, not a convenience.
Learn more: https://www.tepeyachealth.org/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-dempsey-msw-2b0b66128/
ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:
Hart & Hustle connects you with frontline mission-driven leaders shaping healthcare, education, and community services. Each week, Keenan Hart and Efrain delve into their stories and strategies to help nonprofit leaders grow impact, scale programs, and lead with purpose.
CONNECT WITH US:
FRANSiS Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis
#NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #MissionDrivenGrowth #HartAndHustle
Shannon Schmitt from First Draft Academy reveals how empowering middle schoolers with writing skills can unlock their potential—and how organizations can shape future-ready youth.
This is the story of a mission-driven leader transforming youth education—showing nonprofit leaders and community organizers how to foster confidence, critical thinking, and independence in young minds.
In this episode, you'll learn:
This episode is for mission-driven organizations and leaders aiming to elevate youth literacy and skills—those dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in education and community.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Introduction and First Draft Academy's mission to boost youth literacy
2:04 – Shannon's journey from entertainment to education
4:13 – How twin parenting shaped her approach to fostering independence
6:23 – Creativity and confidence-building in middle school writing
7:24 – A flexible curriculum that adapts to community needs
8:35 – Supporting teachers and recognizing their role in youth development
9:42 – Expanding impact beyond New Jersey to Indiana and Denver
11:11 – How small class sizes enable personalized mentorship
12:14 – Meeting youth where they are, through phones and social media
13:35 – Incorporating AI into youth programs as a tool, not a replacement
16:17 – Shannon's vision for future community collaborations
20:50 – Guiding students' AI use in their writing
22:20 – How volunteers and community partnerships amplify impact
23:40 – Tips for aspiring writers: practice, passion, and consistent effort
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
ABOUT SHANNON SCHMITT:
Shannon Schmitt is the Executive Director of First Draft Academy, dedicated to strengthening literacy and critical thinking skills among middle school students. With a background spanning entertainment and education, she's passionate about empowering youth through innovative programming and community collaboration.
Organization Website: firstdraftacademy.org
ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:
Hart & Hustle delivers weekly conversations with nonprofit leaders solving real-world challenges in education, community service, and healthcare. Each episode offers actionable insights from executives and innovators committed to scaling mission impact.
CONNECT WITH US:
FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fransis
#NonprofitLeadership #YouthDevelopment #CommunityImpact
How Brooklyn Community Services Transforms Lives — and How Your Organization Can Do the Same
Jodi Querbach, COO of Brooklyn Community Services, shares how meeting people where they are drives real community transformation. This is a story of sustained impact and what mission-driven leaders can learn from her journey of opening doors for resilient families.
In this episode, you'll discover:
✅ How a small-town mindset fuels long-lasting community programs in Brooklyn
✅ The power of storytelling in staff retention and community trust
✅ Strategies to expand program reach without stretching resources thin
✅ Creative outreach like mobile hygiene services reaching the hardest-hit neighborhoods
✅ Why supporting your workforce is key to supporting your community
This episode is for mission-driven leaders looking to deepen community engagement and empower their teams.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Jodi's background and path into community work
1:15 – Childhood roots: resource shortages and opening doors for others
2:56 – Lessons from her first supervisor
4:06 – BCS's growth and evolving community needs
5:44 – Key programs: education, employment, housing, and health services
6:51 – Meeting people where they are, at every stage of life
8:20 – Clients who return as staff and volunteers
9:54 – Stories that fuel resilience through hard times
11:00 – Accessing services: walk-ins and the mobile hygiene bus
12:35 – Intergenerational impact and alumni giving back
14:23 – Supporting staff through fair pay amid growing demand
15:53 – Lessons from her own kids on community and giving back
16:49 – Jodi's hopes for her legacy
17:22 – Working through imposter syndrome
18:12 – Reassurance for young leaders
19:36 – Authenticity and consistency in leadership
20:15 – Jodi's own passion: gardening and patience
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
ABOUT JODI QUERBACH:
Jodi Querbach is Chief Operating Officer at Brooklyn Community Services, an organization celebrating 160 years of serving Brooklyn. A social worker by training, she oversees BCS's administrative operations — finance, HR, facilities, and IT — so frontline staff can stay focused on the families they serve.
🔗 Organization Website: brooklyncommunityservices.org
🔗 Connect with Jodi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiquerbach/
ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:
Hart & Hustle brings weekly conversations with nonprofit leaders solving real-world challenges in community service, healthcare, and education. Hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain uncover practical insights and strategies to scale mission impact.
CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis
#NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #MissionDrivenLeadership #HartAndHustle
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – The turning point: Vince’s personal journey from struggle to service
1:18 – How early life experiences shaped his approach to mentorship
2:47 – The influence of family, faith, and long-term friendships on personal growth
4:11 – The moment that sparked Vince’s decision to focus on helping men
6:38 – Men’s health and mental wellness conversations that are often missing
7:37 – Deep dive into the role of community, faith, and vulnerability in healing
8:55 – How long-standing friendships sustain and challenge us
9:44 – Building an organization with purpose, not just profit
11:01 – The impact of mentorship and believing in young men before they believe in themselves
13:19 – How perceptions of risk and mental health have evolved over 14 years
14:42 – Who seeks out Vince’s organization — broad concerns to social isolation
16:16 – Raising awareness through the book: “Boys Will Be Men”
17:46 – Faith during crisis: the importance of prayer and divine support
18:44 – Miracles and the role of spiritual resilience in overcoming life-threatening challenges
20:09 – Leadership lessons during personal crisis: walking alone and leaning on faith
22:18 – The importance of authenticity in leadership and service
23:47 – Rebuilding faith and embracing spiritual guidance through tough times
24:44 – The profound effect of faith and prayer during his son’s life-threatening illness
27:02 – The entrepreneurial journey: honesty about the road less traveled
28:24 – Lessons from rejection and persistence in building a mission-driven organization
29:44 – The pitfalls of pride and early success in leadership
30:27 – Why authenticity isn’t optional in transformational leadership
31:28 – Words of encouragement for young men seeking emotional and spiritual guidance
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
👤 ABOUT VINCE BENEVENTO:
Vince is a licensed professional counselor and founder of Causeway Collaborative, committed to helping young men recover, grow, and lead meaningful lives. His personal story of overcoming addiction and his son’s health crisis shape his mission to foster authenticity, faith, and community in men’s mental health.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-benevento-008996171/
Website: www.causewaycollaborative.com
ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:
Hart & Hustle delivers weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders tackling real-world hardship across healthcare, education, and community development. Keenan Hart and Efrain explore practical strategies to scale impact and foster authentic leadership.
CONNECT WITH US:
#MissionDrivenLeadership #MentalHealth #AuthenticMentorship
Isaac Abbs from Pima Community College shares how AI is transforming higher education and community engagement.
This is the story of how a CIO's approach to AI is reshaping student outreach and what it means to lead in education, offering lessons for mission-driven leaders navigating change.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How AI-powered SMS messaging is personalizing student support and engagement
The role of AI in reshaping teaching methods and learning outcomes in higher education
How AI is being integrated into curriculum and digital literacy initiatives
Why security and compliance remain critical as AI advances in educational settings
How leaders can foster a culture of innovation aligned with community impact
This episode is for mission-driven leaders in education and community services who want to use technology to enhance program reach, improve participant support, and stay ahead of change.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Arizona heat and life in Tucson
2:05 - What drew Isaac to Arizona: university, family, and community roots
3:00 - Family and cultural ties across communities
3:47 - Favorite local foods
5:21 - The journey into higher education administration and what drew Isaac back
7:17 - Balancing career growth across public sector and higher ed
8:16 - The role of a CIO today: more than keeping the lights on
8:42 - The impact of AI on IT and higher ed
9:29 - AI as augmentation, not replacement
10:08 - Shifting mindsets toward AI adoption
11:16 - AI applications in student outreach via curated messaging
12:39 - Meeting students where they are: SMS and conversational AI
14:18 - Future trends in teaching and learning
16:07 - The evolving role of a CIO: from infrastructure to strategic partner
18:19 - The ongoing necessity of security and compliance
20:50 - How AI accelerates development work
22:38 - Education foundations and mentorship
29:06 - Encouraging others to stay passionate about higher education
30:41 - Advice for leaders weighing whether to stay in or leave higher ed
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
AI-driven SMS supports personalized student outreach
Integrating AI into curriculum builds digital fluency for a changing workforce
Security remains a top priority as AI adoption grows
The CIO role is becoming more strategic, focused on mission impact
AI accelerates development, but human-centered leadership remains essential
ABOUT ISAAC ABBS:
Isaac Abbs is Chief Information Officer at Pima Community College, where he leads IT strategy and digital transformation efforts across the institution.
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-abbs/
Organization Website: https://pima.edu
ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:
Hart & Hustle delivers weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in education, healthcare, and community service. Through deep dives with nonprofit executives and innovators, we reveal practical strategies you can implement today to scale your impact.
CONNECT WITH US:
FRANSiS Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis
#HigherEdInnovation #AIInEducation #CommunityImpact
Andy Otto from Missouri Western State University reveals how higher education is fundamentally shifting to meet the evolving needs of students—and what mission-driven leaders can learn from this transformation.This is the story of how a lifelong love of literature and a passion for guiding students through change can turn a small-town English teacher into a catalyst for educational innovation—showing how serving others and embracing failure leads to lasting impact.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Timestamps:
0:00 – The transformational power of higher ed and what it means for leaders
1:20 – Andy’s journey from English literature lover to education innovator
2:26 – How technology and AI are reshaping student engagement
3:22 – The importance of trust, authenticity, and personal stories in guiding students
4:40 – Leveraging AI responsibly: insights and pitfalls in student communication
6:15 – The role of parent engagement and evolving communication channels
7:45 – The necessity of flexibility and quick adaptation in today’s higher education landscape
8:50 – Embracing failure as a core part of student and institutional growth
10:00 – Why personal development should stay at the heart of education reform
11:30 – The future of workforce alignment and community-driven programs
About Andy Otto:
Andy Otto is Campus Engagement and Enrollment Strategist at Missouri Western State University. Known for his innovative approach, Andy has a background rooted in literature and a track record of transforming student success through technology and authentic leadership.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-otto-phd-03925640/
Missouri Western State University: https://www.missouriwestern.edu
About Hart & Hustle:
Hart & Hustle connects you with mission-driven leaders in education, healthcare, and community service. Each week, hosts Keenan Hart and Ephraim explore practical strategies for scaling impact, navigating change, and fostering authentic leadership in complex environments.Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership, innovation, and social value.
Connect with us:
Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis
#HigherEducation #LeadershipTransformation #MissionDrivenLeadership
From the publisher's feed
Hart & Hustle delivers real conversations with nonprofit and healthcare leaders who are scaling mission-driven impact through strategic innovation. Hosted by Efrain Lozada, each 45-minute…