Mission Control is in it's third season so journey with us as we talk with local, statewide and even national non-profit executive directors and how they are out there making positive impacts in their communities. The new season starts mid-May and will continue bi-weekly from there. Check it out on our website or wherever you like to get your podcasts.

In this episode of Mission Control, Paul has a conversation with co-executive directors Suzi Wyman and Barb McKessy of It's a Breast Thing. They talk about the journey to becoming a true non-profit,  how their volunteers are their biggest advocates, and facing the difficult job that they have by knowing that what they do truly helps others in their time of need.  

The mission of It's a Breast Thing is to enhance the lives of breast cancer patients through financial grants, and provide support to survivors and families, all while establishing strong partnerships with care providers.  

 For more on It's a Breast Thing: https://www.itsabreastthing.org/ 

Subscribe to Mission Control on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-control/id1541380912 

If you are interested in being a guest or if you would like to hear the story of a non-profit leader that you know, please connect with us at [email protected]

In this episode of Mission Control, Paul has a conversation with Dr. Farhan Bhatti, CEO and Medical Director of Care Fred Medical Center. They talk about why he fell in love with the mission, how he got collaborations from both major hospital systems to work,  and finally getting a federal designation to provide more resources.   

The mission of Care Free Medical Center is to provide quality and compassionate medical, dental, and optometry services to people with limited access to the health care system.  

For more on CAre Free Medical Center: https://carefreemedical.com 

Subscribe to Mission Control on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-control/id1541380912 

If you are interested in being a guest or if you would like to hear the story of a non-profit leader that you know, please connect with us at [email protected]

In this episode of Mission Control, Paul has a conversation with Pam Miklavcic, the executive director of The Davies Project. They talk about starting a non-profit from the kitchen table, why she chose kids as the community they serve, and the benefits of starting a non-profit in the Lansing community.   

The mission of The Davies Project is to connect families to resources and the community by providing reliable transportation for seriously ill children and pregnant women to essential healthcare.  

For more on The Davies Project: https://thedaviesproject.org/ 

Subscribe to Mission Control on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-control/id1541380912 

If you are interested in being a guest or if you would like to hear the story of a non-profit leader that you know, please connect with us at [email protected]

In this episode of Mission Control the conversation with Ozay Moore executive director of All of the Above Hip Hop Academy revolves around developing a first-time non-profit, gaining traction and legitimacy, and creating a legacy.   

All of the Above Hip Hop Academy is a non-profit organization made up of artists, educators, and advocates that mentor youth, support artistic expression and serve communities as a Hip Hop Cultural resource for the purpose of youth development.  

For more on All of the Above Hip Hop Academy: https://www.alloftheabovehiphop.org/ 

Subscribe to Mission Control on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-control/id1541380912 

If you are interested in being a guest or if you would like to hear the story of a non-profit leader that you know, please connect with us at [email protected]

On this episode of Mission Control the conversation with Tashmica Torok one of the co-directors of the Firecracker Foundation revolves around founding a non-profit, having time for self-care and knowing when to give up control.   

The Firecracker Foundation's mission is honoring the bravery of children who have survived sexual trauma by building a community invested in the healing of their whole being.  For more on The Firecracker Foundation: https://thefirecrackerfoundation.org/ 

Subscribe to Mission Control on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-control/id1541380912 

If you are interested in being a guest or if you would like to hear the story of a non-profit leader that you know, please connect with us at [email protected]

n this episode, the conversation revolves around how she came to be CEO, merging with another agency that had an identical name and similar mission and beginning a capital campaign as they are out growing their space  

Child and Family Charities' mission is to strengthen and support children, families, and individuals as they evolve and grow in a changing community.  For more on Child and Family Charities: https://www.childandfamily.org/ 

If you are interested in being a guest or if you would like to hear the story of a non-profit leader that you know, please connect with us at [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with CJ of Living Water Ministries and we talk about him being the longest tenured client, his ties to camping ministry from a young age, dealing with no camp for two years and offering camp free for everyone gong forward.   

Living Water Ministries' mission is  to bring together all of God’s children to experience Christian community, grow in faith, develop leadership skills, and serve others. 

 For more on Living Water Ministries: https://elcalivingwater.com/ 

If you are interested in being a guest or if you would like to hear the story of a non-profit leader that you know, please connect with us at [email protected]

In this episode, we have a repeat conversation with Lysne Tait who we interviewed last year. We felt that due to all of the publicity around the article in Oprah's Magazine and the legislation she helped spearhead there was a lot to talk about since the beginning of the year. So join us for that as well as her journey into solo executive director leadership over the past couple of years. 

Helping Women Period's Mission is to  provide no cost menstrual products those experiencing homeless or low-income disparity.

For more on Helping Women Period: https://www.helpingwomenperiod.org/

If you are interested in being a guest or if you would like to hear the story of a non-profit leader that you know, please connect with us at [email protected]

JUST TO NOTE: Since the recording of this interview in earlier in the year, Melina has taken a new position as Director of Public Policy of the NASW-MI.

In this episode, Melina and I talk about diving into the deep end in being an Executive Director and finding support from the community and how she has expanded her art beyond just a way to unwind. 

For more on the Women's Center of Greater Lansing

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