Join Matthew from the University of South Alabama as he shares insights from his journey through five institutions, revealing transformative strategies for leaders in higher education. Discover how to deepen student belonging and engagement, balance family involvement, and leverage data for success.

In this episode, you'll learn:
- ✅ How belonging can revolutionize student retention
- ✅ The role of family in student success
- ✅ Using data and AI to meet students' needs
- ✅ Sustaining growth with a clear end-in-mind philosophy
- ✅ Creating lifelong alumni through campus culture

Ideal for visionaries in higher education, this episode offers strategies to foster relationships, improve program reach, and adapt to change.

**⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:**
- 0:00 – Career beginnings in higher education
- 1:00 – Journey across states and institutions
- 1:53 – Balancing passions with growth
- 2:44 – Relocation decisions and cultural shifts
- 3:33 – Family involvement in college choice
- 4:26 – Parenting and leadership lessons
- 5:51 – Kids' work ethic and leadership
- 6:36 – Secrets to long-lasting relationships
- 7:50 – Building community in higher ed
- 8:54 – Impact of COVID and data-driven decisions
- 10:12 – Authentic campus visits
- 11:20 – Evolving role of parents in decisions
- 12:25 – Focusing on purpose and belonging
- 13:42 – Leadership and enrollment advice
- 14:50 – Supporting diverse backgrounds
- 16:02 – Involving families in student journeys
- 17:33 – Overcoming barriers with empathy
- 18:36 – AI and data in recruitment
- 19:58 – Prioritizing relationships over numbers
- 21:00 – Parent’s perspective on college search
- 23:09 – Fostering belonging through culture
- 25:54 – Supporting financial diversity
- 28:01 – Clarity in application process
- 30:42 – Marketing and authentic conversations
- 32:12 – From data to belonging
- 34:41 – Staying mission-focused

**👤 ABOUT MATTHEW:**
Matthew Cox, with over three decades in enrollment and student affairs, exemplifies authentic leadership at the University of South Alabama.

🔗 Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-cox-37048b97/
🔗 University of South Alabama: [https://southalabama.edu](https://southalabama.edu)

**🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:**
Hart & Hustle features conversations with leaders breaking barriers in healthcare, education, and community service. Hosted by Keenan Hart and Efrain, each episode offers strategies to elevate leadership and impact.

🔗 Connect with us:
- Website: https://fransis.ai
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis

#HigherEdLeadership #StudentBelonging #MissionDrivenLeadership

Transforming youth programs through authentic leadership — Craig Baker, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, shares how intentional relationships and innovative fundraising are expanding program reach and impact. This is the story of turning a personal passion into a community-wide movement.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

✅ How a childhood experience at the Boys & Girls Club inspired Craig to lead with purpose

✅ Strategies for creating a welcoming environment where every kid feels seen and supported

✅ Innovative fundraising approaches, including community events and local donor relationships

✅ Why viewing youth as infrastructure is key to future societal growth

✅ How authentic leadership and resilience fuel long-term impact

This episode is for visionary executives and mission-driven leaders who want to scale their programs and deepen community impact.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – Craig Baker's Journey with the Boys & Girls Club

1:03 – How Attending the Club Shaped Craig's Mission

2:41 – Creating a Sense of Belonging in Youth Development 3:48 – Building a Culture of Inclusion and Support

5:22 – Running a $5 Million Nonprofit: Challenges & Focus 6:54 – Customizing Programs to Community Needs

8:36 – Innovative Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits

10:00 – Partnering with Local Influencers & Corporate Supporters

12:14 – Overcoming Rejection: Resilience in Fundraising

13:08 – Success Stories: Youth Who Flourished

14:17 – Leadership Lessons Learned from Parenting

15:38 – Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

16:08 – Youth as Infrastructure: Addressing Societal Challenges

19:21 – Evolving Parental Involvement & Community Support 21:17 – Mentorship, Growth & Lessons from Craig's Mentors 23:07 – Facing Challenges with Resilience

28:16 – Future Plans: Expanding Services & Meeting Demand 29:12 – How to Support the Boys & Girls Club

📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Long-term mentorship transforms lives — as seen in Tatiana's journey from shy member to college leader
• Intentional staff behaviors (smiling, greeting by name) create truly welcoming environments
• Fundraising success hinges on authentic relationships, not just events or grants
• Viewing youth as infrastructure means investing in tomorrow's societal leaders
• Resilience through rejection is what enables sustained mission-driven impact

👤 ABOUT CRAIG BAKER: Craig Baker is CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, with 30+ years in youth development and nonprofit leadership. His work focuses on building inclusive, supportive communities where every young person can thrive.

🔗 Organization: https://bgcastamford.org

🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services — with practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders scale impact with integrity and purpose.

🔗 CONNECT:

• FRANSiS™: https://fransis.ai
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis

#NonprofitLeadership #YouthDevelopment #CommunityImpact #BoysAndGirlsClub #MissionDriven

Sarah Lundin from Freeport Community Services shares how a simple, human connection can create profound community impact.
This is the story of how genuine engagement shifts organizational purpose — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it.



In this episode, you'll learn:


✅ How empathetic conversations build trust and strengthen programs for community impact
✅ The importance of storytelling to reinforce purpose and inspire action among stakeholders
✅ Practical ways to foster authentic connections in community outreach and organizational cultureThis episode is perfect for mission-driven leaders who want to deepen their impact by cultivating real, human-centered relationships.



⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – The power of storytelling in community service leadership
1:21 – The impact of a homeless man's story on higher education students
2:48 – Building community programs that break barriers and access basic needs
5:05 – The significance of visibility and human connection in community engagement
7:45 – Pivoting during crises: collaborative strategies for nonprofit resilience
8:52 – Serving hundreds of households monthly: a model for mission-driven outreach
10:05 – The role of authentic storytelling in overcoming imposter syndrome and inspiring staff
11:38 – The roots of Sarah’s heart for service—family influences and early volunteer experiences
15:27 – Combining passions: from stained glass to animal rescue and community programs
16:41 – How personal love for animals shapes leadership and community outreach initiatives
18:30 – Overcoming challenges: from science classes to sociology—finding your true calling
20:41 – The deeper meaning of caring for pets and how loss teaches resilience and compassion
21:06 – Reflecting on the evolution of leadership through personal stories and community impact
25:26 – Connecting passions with organizational missions through innovative engagement approaches
27:06 – How to get involved: volunteering, donations, and social media outreach at FCS👤



About the Guest:
Sarah Lundin is the Executive Director at Freeport Community Services, dedicated to serving her local community for over a decade. Her leadership is rooted in authentic connection, storytelling, and a mission to ensure everyone feels seen and heard.



Freeport Community Service: https://fcsmaine.org/

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lundin-33596396/



About Hart and Hustle:


Hart & Hustle hosts weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real-world challenges in healthcare, education, and community services. These practical insights help leaders amplify their impact and build capacity in meaningful ways.



Connect with Us:

* FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis

#MissionLeadership #CommunityImpact #AuthenticConnections

Andrew Lovewell from Columbia Orthopedic Group shares how strategic growth and authentic leadership helped navigate healthcare’s pandemic challenges.This is the story of agile adaptation — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from Andrew’s approach to healthcare innovation and resilience.

⚠️ In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ How to leverage private practice agility for rapid expansion during times of crisis

✅ The importance of humility and honest mentorship in executive leadership

✅ Practical ways to integrate AI and digital content into patient education and outreach

This episode is for visionary executives and mission-driven leaders committed to scalable, patient-centric growth in healthcare or community services.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – Strategic leadership during COVID: How Columbia Orthopedic Group expanded amid crisis

2:00 – Pivoting operational models: From hospital-based to outpatient care

4:00 – Building a comprehensive musculoskeletal platform for holistic patient care

6:30 – Embracing AI: Practical applications and limitations in healthcare

8:00 – Lessons from failure: The value of humility and honest mentorship

10:00 – Growth during uncertainty: Navigating industry shifts in outpatient and outpatient setting

12:00 – Creating patient-centric content: The power of educational videos in health promotion

14:00 – The future of healthcare: Digital transformation and operational agility

16:00 – Leadership in the next generation: Grit, resilience, and innovation

👤 ABOUT ANDREW LOVEWELL:

Andrew Lovewell is CEO of Columbia Orthopedic Group, a regional leader in high-value, patient-centered musculoskeletal care. With over a decade in healthcare leadership, Andrew is recognized for his innovative approach to growth and operational excellence.

🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewlovewell/

🔗 Organization Website: https://columbiaortho.com

🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle delivers weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems across healthcare, education, and community service. Hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain explore practical strategies with nonprofit executives, healthcare innovators, and community builders committed to scaling impact.Subscribe now for insights into nonprofit leadership, operational growth, and mission-driven success.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US:

• FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis

#HealthcareLeadership #MissionDrivenGrowth #HealthcareInnovation

Sarah Lundin from Freeport Community Services shares how a simple, human connection can create profound community impact.
This is the story of how genuine engagement shifts organizational purpose — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ How empathetic conversations build trust and strengthen programs for community impact
✅ The importance of storytelling to reinforce purpose and inspire action among stakeholders
✅ Practical ways to foster authentic connections in community outreach and organizational cultureThis episode is perfect for mission-driven leaders who want to deepen their impact by cultivating real, human-centered relationships.

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – The power of storytelling in community service leadership
1:21 – The impact of a homeless man's story on higher education students
2:48 – Building community programs that break barriers and access basic needs
5:05 – The significance of visibility and human connection in community engagement
7:45 – Pivoting during crises: collaborative strategies for nonprofit resilience
8:52 – Serving hundreds of households monthly: a model for mission-driven outreach
10:05 – The role of authentic storytelling in overcoming imposter syndrome and inspiring staff
11:38 – The roots of Sarah’s heart for service—family influences and early volunteer experiences
15:27 – Combining passions: from stained glass to animal rescue and community programs
16:41 – How personal love for animals shapes leadership and community outreach initiatives
18:30 – Overcoming challenges: from science classes to sociology—finding your true calling
20:41 – The deeper meaning of caring for pets and how loss teaches resilience and compassion
21:06 – Reflecting on the evolution of leadership through personal stories and community impact
25:26 – Connecting passions with organizational missions through innovative engagement approaches
27:06 – How to get involved: volunteering, donations, and social media outreach at FCS👤

About the Guest:
Sarah Lundin is the Executive Director at Freeport Community Services, dedicated to serving her local community for over a decade. Her leadership is rooted in authentic connection, storytelling, and a mission to ensure everyone feels seen and heard.

Freeport Community Service: https://fcsmaine.org/

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lundin-33596396/

About Hart and Hustle:

Hart & Hustle hosts weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real-world challenges in healthcare, education, and community services. These practical insights help leaders amplify their impact and build capacity in meaningful ways.

Connect with Us:

• FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis

#MissionLeadership #CommunityImpact #AuthenticConnections

In this episode, Susie Gallo, Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance shares inspiring stories from her 30 years, emphasizing the profound impact long-term mentorship has on young lives. She explains how sustained relationships foster resilience, confidence, and community integration, especially for kids facing trauma or social challenges.

• The incredible longevity and impact of mentorship ties, with some relationships lasting over nine years
• How one mentor’s support can help a young person process trauma, such as immigration fears or past abuse
• The unique community dynamics in Sonoma and how local funding keeps mentorship programs thriving
• Why consistency, authenticity, and emotional support are core to effective mentorship
• The importance of mentors supporting social and emotional skills, beyond academic tutoring
• Strategies for nonprofit leaders to stay motivated amid fundraising challenges
• Personal stories of growth, vulnerability, and the importance of authenticity in leadership
• The role of community, volunteers, staff, and boards in sustaining successful programs
• The practical advice mentors give about showing up every week and building trust

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance and its mission
02:23 - The journey of long-term mentor-mentee relationships
05:12 - Impact stories of mentors supporting trauma and life milestones
09:01 - The significance of authenticity and showing up as your true self
12:25 - Mentorship as a tool for resilience in communities facing socio-political challenges
16:11 - The importance of emotional connection over academic support alone
19:08 - Fundraising challenges in nonprofits and community support
22:23 - The value of consistency and community-funded models
29:15 - How social media showcases real mentorship stories and activities
31:24 - The enriching experiences of mentorship outings and activities
32:02 - What motivates nonprofit leaders and the power of community and kids

Connect with Susie:

• Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance
• Susie’s LinkedIn

Connect with FRANSiS:

• FRANSiS website
• FRANSiS LinkedIn

How Alison Black shifted her nonprofit focus from social work to youth sports and community empowerment — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from her journey.

This is the story of a social worker who transformed her career to lead Cleveland Scores, blending sports, literacy, and community engagement — and what overwhelmed operators can take away to scale their impact.

⚠️ In this episode, Alison Black shares how her background in mental health and social work propelled her into nonprofit leadership, revolutionizing youth development through soccer. Discover how building strategic partnerships, leveraging community assets, and fostering relationships helped her grow Cleveland Scores into a network that reaches 13 cities across North America.

In this conversation, you'll learn:
✅ How to integrate sports and literacy to maximize youth engagement
✅ Practical strategies for expanding a nonprofit network across multiple cities
✅ Proven tactics for fundraising and building partnerships in community-based programs
This episode is for mission-driven leaders and overwhelm operators who want to amplify their program reach and deepen community impact without losing their way.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – Introduction to Alison Black and Cleveland Scores’ mission
1:23 – The transformative power of sports in youth development
2:30 – Building a multi-city nonprofit network: strategies and challenges
4:11 – Incorporating literacy and service learning into youth programs
5:30 – The role of partnerships and community collaboration
6:43 – Transition from social worker to nonprofit executive
7:32 – Balancing leadership with a busy family life
8:06 – Managing community presence and nonprofit visibility
9:28 – Fundraising insights: relationship building and overcoming setbacks
12:30 – Celebrating wins and strategic event planning (One Night One Goal, Inspired Art)
16:12 – Summer camp programming and partnerships with local organizations
17:27 – The impact of sports in underserved communities
21:34 – Personal connection to soccer and youth engagement
23:19 – Leadership lessons: building strong teams and managing strengths
24:32 – Scaling impact across 13 cities: collaboration and consistency
28:03 – How to get involved, donate, and support Cleveland Scores
30:02 – The future of youth sports and community programming

📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Combining sports with literacy enhances youth retention and development
Consistent, community-focused partnerships are key to scaling nonprofits
Celebrating small wins fuels motivation and stakeholder engagement
Balancing leadership and family life requires meticulous boundary setting
Building a network of local leaders fosters resilience and shared strategies

👤 ABOUT Alison Black:

Alison Black is the Executive Director of Cleveland Scores, a nonprofit dedicated to using soccer, literacy, and service learning to empower youth. With a background in social work and mental health, Alison has led Cleveland Scores through strategic growth and community partnerships, impacting over a dozen cities nationwide.

🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-black-a8b2b02a/
🔗 Organization Website: https://www.clevelandScores.org

🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:

Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Hosted by Keenan Hart and Efrain, these dialogues uncover strategies to scale your impact without burnout or overwhelm. Subscribe for practical insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and growth.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US:

FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis

#NonprofitLeadership #YouthDevelopment #CommunityImpact

In this inspiring episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Megan Rose from Better Together shares how her organization is transforming community support by helping families stay intact and avoid foster care—creating a ripple effect of hope and resilience.

This is the story of a mission-driven leader overcoming personal trauma and systemic challenges — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from her journey.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

✅ How leveraging community trust and relationships can prevent family separation
✅ Strategic ways to raise awareness about accessible resources in underserved communities
✅ The role of technology, including AI, in expanding support for vulnerable families

This episode is for mission-driven leaders, nonprofit executives, and community advocates who want to strengthen family preservation efforts and create lasting impact through resource mobilization and partnership.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – How Megan Rose's personal story fuels her commitment to family preservation
1:08 – Juggling leadership, family, and community support: Megan’s rhythm
2:04 – The mission of Better Together: coming alongside families in crisis
2:47 – Strategies to prevent family separation and foster community trust
5:50 – How to effectively raise awareness about local resources and move beyond traditional outreach
6:55 – Leveraging AI for good in community support efforts
8:28 – Building trust with local organizations and integrating technology thoughtfully
10:33 – The importance of remote work in community engagement and outreach
12:12 – Growing national impact through local partnerships and community-based job fairs
13:11 – Mentorship and the importance of community support in leadership development
15:44 – Megan’s advice for new leaders: find mentors, focus on growth, and stay purpose-driven
17:49 – Megan’s personal story of overcoming addiction and systemic barriers to create a new legacy
20:28 – The power of second chances: how resilience and community support transform lives
23:01 – Lessons from childhood resilience and understanding addiction’s impact
25:50 – The importance of hope and second chances in healing and community rebuilding
28:56 – Encouragement for those feeling lost: your story is still being written
30:42 – How to get involved with Better Together and make a tangible difference

📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Trust and community relationships are the foundation for effective family support programs.
Raising awareness requires proactive engagement, partnerships, and authentic community presence.
Technology like AI can enhance, but not replace, genuine relationships in social impact work.
Resilience, second chances, and hope are central to transformational change.
Leadership growth relies on mentorship, vulnerability, and continual learning.

👤 ABOUT MEGAN ROSE:

Megan Rose is the CEO of Better Together, an organization dedicated to supporting families in crisis and preventing unnecessary foster care placements. She brings deep expertise in child welfare, systemic change, and community engagement, driven by her personal journey of overcoming trauma and creating impact.

🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-rose-541b7063/

🔗 Organization Website: https://www.bettertogetherus.org

🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:

Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in community, healthcare, and education. Hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain uncover practical strategies to scale your impact with authenticity and purpose. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling your mission.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US:

FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis
#NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #FamilySupport

Unlock the transformative power of community and resilience with Noah Pickens from Chicago Youth Boxing Club. Noah shares how he transitioned from an educator obsessively focused on individual impact to leading a boxing gym that serves hundreds of youth each year — and the surprising lessons he learned about engagement, trust, and creating lasting change. This is the story of building a space where community magic happens — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. 

⚠️ In this episode, you'll learn: 

✅ How to foster trust and rapport in challenging environments to boost participant retention 

✅ Creative strategies to make content relevant and impactful on everyday life 

✅ Fundraising lessons from running a long-standing community organization 

✅ The importance of meeting young people where they are, especially in underserved areas 

✅ Practical steps to scale a mission-driven community space in a resource-constrained setting 

This episode is for visionaries and mission-driven leaders who want to deepen community impact, expand program reach, and sustain meaningful engagement in high-need areas.

👤 ABOUT NOAH PICKENS: 

Noah Pickens is the Executive Director of Chicago Youth Boxing Club, a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering youth through boxing and community development. With a background in education and a passion for social impact, Noah leads with a focus on rebuilding youth pathways, especially for underserved youth and young adults. 

🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-pickens-05724027b/ 

🔗 Organization Website: https://cybc.com https://chicagoyouthboxingclub.org 

🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: 

Hart & Hustle delivers weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders tackling real-world challenges in healthcare, education, and community services. Hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain explore practical strategies and inspiring stories to help you scale your organization’s impact. 

🔗 CONNECT WITH US: 

FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis 

#NonprofitLeadership #YouthDevelopment #CommunityImpact

Veteran homelessness is a complex challenge—yet organizations like Soldier On show us it's solvable. Casey DiCicco, Communications Director, and Bruce Buckley, CEO/President of Soldier On, share how their mission-driven work over the past 30 years transforms lives, one veteran at a time. This is the story of relentless dedication and innovative support systems—and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it.

⚠️ In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ How to measure impact through personal stories, not just numbers
✅ The crucial role of building trust and meeting veterans where they are
✅ Ways to combat stigma and improve access to veteran resources
This episode is for mission-driven leaders seeking practical strategies to expand program reach and deepen community impact.

👤 ABOUT THE GUESTS: 

Casey DiCicco: Communications Director at Soldier On, leading outreach and advocacy efforts to end veteran homelessness. 

Bruce Buckley: CEO/President of Soldier On, guiding the organization’s mission to provide comprehensive support to veterans. 

🔗 Organization Website: https://wesoldieron.org 

🎙️ ABOUT THE HOST: 

Efrain Lozada hosts Hart & Hustle, delivering weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders in healthcare, education, and community services. Efrain uncovers actionable strategies to solve real-world problems and scale your impact. 

🔗 CONNECT WITH US: 

FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis 

#VeteranSupport #MissionDrivenLeadership #NonprofitImpact