By Spencer Brooks
Are you a nonprofit marketing and communications leader responsible for reaching and engaging people with health issues? Join host Spencer Brooks of Brooks Digital in a series of in-depth conversat
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The podcast currently has 63 episodes available.
In the nonprofit world, marketing and communications teams often face unique challenges with limited resources and growing expectations. In this episode, host Spencer Brooks interviews Lauren Cotter, Marketing Director at Community Tech Network, about her journey from being a solo marketer to leading a team that drives digital literacy initiatives for underserved communities. Listen in for insights on managing marketing in small nonprofits, leveraging digital tools, and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics—ideal for nonprofit leaders, digital marketers, and health communications professionals.
About the guest
Lauren Cotter is the Marketing and Communications Director at Community Tech Network (CTN), with over 30 years of experience in marketing, sales, and communications.
Lauren has been instrumental in promoting CTN's mission and impact and growth. She joined CTN as an Encore Fellow during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has since used her expertise in branding, strategic positioning, media, social media, Google Ads, analytics, content and design, and public relations to further CTN's initiatives.
Lauren is passionate about bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone, especially seniors, the disabled, and marginalized communities, has access to the digital tools they need to thrive in today's world.
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Creating a thriving nonprofit requires leaders who know how to recognize and nurture the unique strengths of their team. Host Spencer Brooks talks with Jennifer Collins from Nexus Family Recovery Center about practical ways to empower team members, even with limited resources and time, and why this is important for nonprofit success. This episode is perfect for nonprofit leaders looking to boost morale, build team unity, and increase organizational impact.
About the guest
Jennifer brings 30 years of nonprofit and retail management experience to the table, focusing on strategy, implementation, and team leadership. Her love of nonprofit work was sparked at Whole Foods Market where she collaborated with nonprofits like the Dallas Museum of Art, the International Rescue Committee, and Whole Kids Foundation. As the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager at the Dallas nonprofit Resource Center, she supported the LGBTQIA+ community for six years. Currently, she serves as the Director of Marketing at Nexus Family Recovery Center, helping women in recovery and their children.
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In a crowded nonprofit landscape, clearly conveying what sets your organization apart is crucial for building connections and support. In this episode of Health Nonprofit Digital Marketing, Spencer Brooks speaks with Shilpa Alva, the founder of Surge for Water, about strategies for communicating unique organizational qualities, such as a women-led approach and specialized programs, in ways that resonate with donors and partners. This episode is packed with insights for nonprofit leaders who want to amplify their message and highlight their impact effectively.
About the guest
Shilpa Alva is the founder and Executive Director of Surge for Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the cycle of poverty through access to safe water and sanitation solutions. Since its founding 15 years ago, Surge has impacted hundreds of thousands of people in 12 countries. Shilpa's journey didn’t start in the International Nonprofit world. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a Chemical Engineering degree, she joined the corporate world and earned her MBA from the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota. After a successful corporate career in Supply Chain Management, she made the bold choice to follow her purpose and live fully in alignment with it. She went from running the organization on nights and weekends to going all the way in!
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In this episode of Health Nonprofit Digital Marketing, we sit down with Marco Winkler, Communications Director at HealthHIV, who shares his journey transitioning from a corporate background to the nonprofit sector. With over 15 years in healthcare communications, Marco brings a fresh perspective on navigating the unique challenges faced by nonprofit marketing teams. We discuss the complexities of managing digital assets, the importance of prioritizing high-impact tasks, and how to maintain focus amidst the noise. Tune in to hear actionable insights on how to leverage your limited resources for maximum impact, and why sometimes, choosing your battles wisely is the key to success.
About the guest
With over 15 years of his career engaged in life sciences and biopharmaceuticals, Marco is an established thought leader in transformative healthcare. Marco’s background spans product launches, brand strategy, corporate communications and media relations. Most recently, he transitioned over to the nonprofit space when he started working for HealthHIV.
Marco’s work is impactful and forward-thinking. Beyond the workplace, Marco is an avid fan of Wagner operas and European history, has traveled from Denver to Dar es Salaam, can be recognized in the background of several television shows and loves his mini bernedoodle Apollo.
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In this episode of Health Nonprofit Digital Marketing, Spencer Brooks talks with Kate Mayne from OLSHF about the unique perspectives that millennial workers bring to the nonprofit sector. Kate shares her journey from the corporate world to finding fulfillment in nonprofit work, the importance of work-life balance, and the evolving expectations around workplace culture across generations. Listen in to learn how understanding these dynamics can help foster a more inclusive and effective workplace for all ages.
About the guest
Kate Mayne is the Marketing & Events Manager at the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation. A dynamic and results-driven professional with a diverse skill set and a passion for making things happen, she is fluent in English, speaks business-level Spanish, and has intermediate skills in Korean.
Known for her efficiency and enthusiasm, she excels in coordinating and managing projects of all sizes. Her expertise lies in planning and executing digital marketing strategies, social media management, and public speaking, ensuring successful outcomes in every endeavor she undertakes.
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In a world where public distrust of health information is at an all-time high, how can nonprofits effectively communicate critical health messages? Spencer Brooks sits down with Kenyon Farrow from AVAC to explore the deep roots of medical mistrust, the critical role of strategic communication in public health, and the importance of community-based messaging. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit health leaders grappling with the challenge of building trust in their communications.
About the guest
Kenyon Farrow (he/him) is the Director of Communications where he leads AVAC’s communications team as well as our narrative change and strategic communications efforts to help influence key stakeholders, policymakers and the media to expand access to HIV prevention, supporting R&D and programs and advancing global health equity.
Kenyon previously served as the Managing Director of Advocacy and Organizing with PrEP4All, where he helped lead a policy coalition on a National PrEP program and led a campaign to make insurance companies accountable to pay for PrEP services. Previously Kenyon served as senior editor of TheBody.com & TheBodyPro.com and US & Global Health Policy Director with Treatment Action Group (TAG).
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Nonprofit organizations are constantly seeking ways to engage younger generations in their causes. Melissa Watkins from the Pacific Autism Center for Education joins this episode to unpack strategies to attract and retain Gen Z and millennial donors through innovative digital marketing and communication techniques. This episode is essential for nonprofit leaders and marketing professionals looking to secure the future of their organizations by tapping into the digital fluency and civic-mindedness of younger donors.
About the guest
Melissa Watkins has over ten years of experience in marketing and over five years of experience in nonprofit development and leadership. She currently heads the marketing and development department at the Pacific Autism Center for Education, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Clara, CA, that provides a range of vital services for autistic children and adults. As a dual marketing and development leader, Melissa brings her expertise to drive impactful initiatives at PACE. Melissa holds a degree in Sociology from the University of California, Davis and is currently working toward her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification. She enjoys serving on the Board of Directors for two Bay Area-based nonprofits, running half marathons, and chasing after her 18-month-old twin daughters.
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Establishing trust and authority is a prerequisite for any nonprofit organization to improve the health of its community through digital communication and education. In this episode, Spencer Brooks and Betsey O'Brien explore the strategies and challenges of crafting reliable, empathetic healthcare content. If you are a nonprofit communicator aiming to enhance your digital presence and build lasting trust with your audience, this episode is for you.
About the guest
Betsey O’Brien is an independent writer, editor and speaker focused on the complexities of human health. Her writing and editing practice covers the full spectrum of health, with special emphasis on mental well-being. She has worked with some of the country’s best-known mental health organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and Inseparable, along with individual experts in brain health, eating disorders and trauma-informed care.
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In this episode, we sit down with Dj Tyson from VOA Alaska to explore practical strategies for mental health communications. Dj shares his journey and role at VOA Alaska, offering insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in promoting mental health in Alaska. We discuss the importance of focusing on hope and positive outcomes in storytelling, and Dj discusses how his personal experiences have shaped his professional approach. Listeners will gain practical advice for improving mental health messaging and hear inspiring stories that highlight the power of positive communication in reducing stigma.
About the guest
Dj Tyson entered non-profit communications after exploring an array of career paths, including four years in the military. A call to serve his community led him to VOA Alaska, a youth behavioral health non-profit, where he is the Director of Communications and Engagement. For over four years, he has used his creative skills and personal connection to the mission to share the organization's story and connect with the statewide community. Dj holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a Professional Digital Marketing Certificate, and is pursuing a Health Non-Profit Leadership and Management Certificate.
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In this episode, Spencer Brooks and Adam Zandman from Thrivable explore the significance of market research in understanding your audience. Join us as we discuss the importance of understanding your audience and building a research-backed marketing strategy, all while navigating budget constraints. Discover how your nonprofit can leverage market research to propel its digital marketing strategy forward.
About the guest
Adam Zandman is a seasoned marketer and team leader with agency, non-profit, Fortune 250, and startup experience. In his current role, he is driving the marketing initiatives over at Thrivable, a healthcare market research startup making it possible for the patient voice to be included in every business decision.
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The podcast currently has 63 episodes available.
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