Mission Matters

Kimberly White is the Executive Director of the Career & Networking Center (CNC), a company that provides diverse resources to empower individuals to achieve fulfilling employment. She is a visionary leader who champions career transformation and community service. Having begun her journey assisting military personnel in career transitions, Kimberly brought her expertise to CNC in 2005. Her leadership skills flourished as she expanded CNC's services and community outreach, leading the organization to new heights. An influential leader dedicated to advancing equity, Kimberly serves as director on boards of the Naperville Neighbors United, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. In 2020, she was nominated as Chairperson of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce in 2020.

What does it take to make a difference in someone's life, especially when facing professional uncertainty? Genuine support and mentorship can help others create a sense of purpose, fostering a resilient and inclusive community. How do life experiences shape our ability to serve others in meaningful ways?

Career expert Kimberly White delves into her commitment to fostering positive changes and empowering individuals throughout their career journeys. She shares how her decision to support transitioning military personnel sparked a profound realization about an individual's impact on a community. She discusses the satisfaction of helping job seekers secure employment, which is more than just an occupation for many — it's an identity. Kimberly also describes how the Career & Networking Center supports individuals holistically through their career transitions, touching on her historic role as the first black president of her local Rotary Club and reinforcing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Kimberly White, Executive Director of the Career & Networking Center (CNC), about transforming lives through community engagement and career empowerment. Kimberly shares her journey with CNC, her creative approach to helping soldiers with their career transitions, how the 2007 economic downturn expanded CNC's networking groups to support the community, and her journey as the first black president of the Rotary Club focusing on DEI.

Nina Menis is the CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting youth and fostering community engagement. In her role, she leads efforts to provide youth with opportunities for personal growth, mental health support, and career exploration. For over 30 years, Nina has worked in advancement for public and private P-20 educational institutions, association management, and area not-for-profits. Her experience includes serving as the Director of Community Relations at Naperville School District 203, the Executive Director at the National School Foundation Association, and leading various educational programs. She is passionate about mentorship and youth development, creating programs that help young people say no to destructive choices and yes to endless possibilities.

Unlocking the potential of today's youth is crucial for creating a thriving society. With rising challenges like social media pressures and mental health concerns, it's essential to help young people navigate these hurdles for a better tomorrow. But how can young minds be nurtured to develop resilience and a positive sense of self in today's complex world? How can community leaders, organizations, and data-driven programs pave the way for creating a brighter future for the next generation?

Nina Menis, a proponent of empowering young people with a sense of purpose and identity, delves into these pivotal questions. Drawing from her extensive experience in education and nonprofit sectors, she discusses how initiatives like KidsMatter actively respond to the shifting dynamics in youth needs, especially post-pandemic. She stresses the importance of collective impact, community collaboration, and proactive approaches in addressing mental health and fostering a sense of purpose among youth. Nina's leadership exemplifies how adaptability and dedication to mission-driven goals can enhance community relations and build solid foundations for the leaders of tomorrow.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Nina Menis, CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter, about empowering youth and nurturing their mental well-being. Nina shares the journey that led her to KidsMatter, how KidsMatter pivoted to address the emerging challenges in youth mental health, the shift towards proactive conversations about mental health among young people, and KidsMatter's funding model and program development.

Marc Kalan is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School. As a seasoned marketing and sales executive turned award-winning educator, Marc leverages his over 30 years of experience in the corporate world to train future business leaders. He also has an extensive background in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and brand management, working with prominent companies such as Procter & Gamble and Unilever. His fortes include digital marketing and understanding consumer behavior, reflected in the innovative courses and programs he's developed.

Have you ever stopped to consider the true nature of your business when selling a product? What are the big companies doing to excel? How could this understanding transform your marketing strategies?

Marc Kalan, a marketing veteran and distinguished educator, delves into facets of marketing beyond mere product focus. He discusses his extensive background in the marketing industry and how he leverages that experience in his role as an educator at Rutgers Business School. Marc elaborates on the importance of understanding consumer behavior and using that insight to create relevant marketing solutions, emphasizing the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the market. His approach focuses on prioritizing the human element, blending tech with timeless marketing techniques like storytelling, and addressing unmet consumer needs to elevate your marketing. With anecdotes and years of wisdom, he underscores the fundamental need for marketers to evolve with technological and societal shifts while maintaining the essence of their marketing strategies.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Marc Kalan, Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School, about the unalterable core of marketing principles. Marc shares the dynamic, diverse environment of Rutgers Business School and his educational contributions, the constant evolution of marketing, the critical role of solving customer needs in successful marketing, and the importance of adapting to the dynamic marketing environment.

Luke Greeley is the Associate Dean of the undergraduate program at Rutgers Business School in Newark, leading all aspects of the student lifecycle from recruitment, advice, student experience, retention, and career preparation to graduation. He boasts 15 years of experience in higher education administration, leading diverse projects and initiatives to improve academic offerings and the student experience. As a researcher, Luke studies the intersections of education and the economy from historical and philosophical perspectives. He pursued a PhD at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education.

Despite over half its students coming from low-income backgrounds, a premier business school has maintained a record-breaking job placement rate for its students post-graduation. Leading a diverse and dynamic student population toward professional triumph in today's fast-paced, tech-infused world is challenging but not impossible. So, how can a university achieve such profound social mobility?

Luke Greeley, a veteran in higher education administration, reveals how Rutgers Business School has become a beacon for transformative education. He discusses how the university is an anchor institution, fostering social mobility for a diverse and often underserved student body. The strategies he shares revolve around creating a practical, human-centric curriculum infused with AI to address the skills gap. Luke also emphasizes the school's dedication to providing students with real-world, experiential learning opportunities to ensure career readiness upon graduation.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Luke Greeley, Associate Dean for the Rutgers Business School Undergraduate Program, about transforming the educational experience and social mobility. Luke discusses the role of Rutgers Business School in driving its students' success, how the institution emphasizes social mobility, achieving an 85-90% job placement rate for its postgraduates, and strategies to incorporate AI effectively into the learning process while guarding against dependency.

Kara Murphy is the President of DuPage Health Coalition, a nonprofit organization helping people access high-quality healthcare. With a vast history in the hospital and healthcare industry, she channels her experience into leading purpose-driven healthcare efforts. Kara has led the Coalition through economic crises and pandemic challenges, emphasizing collaboration and resourcefulness to keep doors open to those in need. Dedicated to enriching lives, she has been instrumental in developing comprehensive healthcare access for the underinsured and uninsured residents of DuPage County.

Many counties in the US are looking to develop and sustain a system for effectively and efficiently managing the health of low-income populations across the continuum of care. However, most don't know how to deal with these healthcare needs. Can collaborative innovation be the key to crafting a healthcare safety net that leaves no one behind?

Experienced nonprofit leader Kara Murphy delves into healthcare accessibility and philanthropy. She shares her twenty-year journey crafting solutions to some of the most pressing health access challenges faced by residents of DuPage County. Reflecting on DuPage Health Coalition's evolution from a single program into a multifaceted organization, Kara highlights how the nonprofit adapts to its community's needs, particularly with the challenges arising from the 2007 economic crisis and the pandemic. She also shares the importance of confidence in leadership, and the impactful decision to focus on meeting community needs as they arise rather than limiting initiatives to available funding.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Kara Murphy, President of DuPage Health Coalition, about leading a purpose-driven healthcare organization. Kara talks about the countywide impact of Access DuPage and DuPage Health Coalition services, the collaborative models in the nonprofit sphere, the funding models that support DuPage Health Coalition, and the strategy for community outreach to spread awareness about healthcare resources.

Kandice Henning is the Founder and Executive Director of the Alive Center in Naperville, Illinois, an organization that offers inclusive experiences in learning, sharing, and discovery to help individuals connect with their passions. Since merging with NaperBridge in January 2015, Alive has enhanced its teen program.

Kandice is also a Life Coach and Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT). After over 25 years as an executive at Accenture and IBM, she pursued her true passion: helping people create their desired lives. She graduated from Coach for Life, a life coaching school, and is a certified Heal Your Life Workshop Leader, following the teachings of Louise Hay. Kandice holds a 200-hour CYT from Moksha Yoga in Chicago and is currently completing her 500-hour CYT through ParaYoga with Rod Stryker. She earned a BA in Communications from the University of Illinois.

Aligning personal passion with professional endeavors leads to profound fulfillment. How does encouraging young people to pursue and integrate their interests into their career paths foster a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction?

Teen advocate Kandice Henning has developed a compelling blueprint for youth empowerment emphasizing respect, accountability, and passion. She asserts that treating teens with respect and holding them accountable are key factors in shaping them into future leaders. This philosophy is a guiding principle and deeply embedded in the mission and practices of the Alive Center, where these values are actively cultivated and reinforced. Through this approach, Kandice aims to inspire and equip young people to take on significant roles in their communities, driving meaningful change and fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Kandice Henning, Founder and Executive Director of the Alive Center in Naperville, about teens leading change and her blueprint for youth empowerment. Kandice delves into the inception of the Alive Center, shares her career trajectory that led to an unexpected calling, and her dedication to teen empowerment — emphasizing confidence building, leadership skills, and the freedom to fail — underpinning the center's success in nurturing the next generation of compassionate leaders.

Rebecca Malotke-Meslin is the Owner and Coach at Pleasantly Aggressive, an organization offering leadership consulting for women in schools and nonprofits by fostering inclusivity. As a leader in independent schools, Rebecca saw smart, capable women doubting themselves, getting frustrated, and burning out before reaching their personal and professional goals. She identified rampant imposter syndrome, a lack of leadership development programming, and outdated structures as key barriers holding women back from achieving their potential. Driven by a desire to make a difference, Rebecca now dedicates herself to empowering women to overcome these challenges and succeed. In addition to her work as a leadership coach and consultant, she is a keynote speaker, podcast host, and writer.

Women in leadership often face complex challenges and barriers that hinder their confidence and effectiveness. How can understanding and addressing these issues foster more confident, authentic, and unapologetic leadership?

A surprising paradox exists in many organizations: women are well-represented in staff roles but underrepresented in leadership positions. Leadership coach Rebecca Malotke-Meslin emphasizes that overcoming systemic barriers, like imposter syndrome and male-dominated environments, is essential for women to become stronger leaders. She offers solutions such as developing delegation and negotiation skills. By finding clarity in their leadership journey and focusing on their unique strengths, women can unlock their full potential and create lasting change within their organizations.

In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Paul Feith interviews Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, Owner and Coach at Pleasantly Aggressive, about empowering women to lead with confidence, authenticity, and conviction. Rebecca explores the common challenges women leaders encounter, the disparity between women in staff versus head roles, and strategies for gaining clarity in leadership to unleash potential beyond conventional titles.

Bob Kopach is the Founder and Executive Director of The Eco-Friendly Mobile Farm Stand Project, a nonprofit on a mission to set up and provide gas-free and emissions-free transportation to organizations that reach out to underserved communities. Bob has dedicated his career to making a positive impact for over thirty years. As a senior executive for various global companies, he spearheaded innovative cause marketing programs that forged partnerships between corporate philanthropy and organizations like The Nature Conservancy, Big Brother Big Sisters, and the Illinois Restaurant Association Education Foundation. While consulting for an electric shuttle company, Bob proposed repurposing street-legal, low-speed electric vehicles into mobile farm stands, which led to the creation of the EFMFSP.

Imagine a bustling city filled with people but lacking fresh, healthy food options. Convenience stores outnumber grocery stores, making nutritious produce a rare luxury. Is there a more effective method to bridge the gap to those in need?

Bob Kopach, an advocate for underserved communities, explores the pressing issue of urban food insecurity and how the Eco-Friendly Mobile Farmstand Project is changing the game. This innovative approach provides food and promotes environmental stewardship through carbon-neutral farming and electric vehicles. Additionally, these mobile farm stands are a vital link between urban growers and community members, turning city corners into hubs of hope and health.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Bob Kopach, Founder and Executive Director of the Eco-friendly Mobile Farmstand Project, about how electric mobile farm stands are revolutionizing the urban farming approach to food insecurity. Bob articulates the issue of food deserts in low-income neighborhoods, the benefits of electric mobile farm stands and fresh produce delivery, and the significance of community involvement in the project's success.

Dylan Ladd is a school leader, music educator and the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts. With experience in teaching grades 6-12 and leading an arts magnet program in an urban school district, he has developed skills in educational leadership and arts curriculum and instruction.

Dylan is currently pioneering a new independent arts school for grades 6-12 in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, leading an incredible team of visionary educators and artists to create innovative arts education that brings the arts and academics to the same level of rigor.

Have you ever imagined a world where the arts and academia coexist and thrive together? In Chicago's western suburbs, a new independent art school for grades six through twelve is being established, aiming to elevate arts and academics to the same level of rigor. Leading this transformative venture is a visionary team of educators, leaders, and artists dedicated to redefining arts education and creating a nurturing environment for young artists.

Dylan Ladd, the Co-founder of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts, envisioned a mission to intertwine academics and the arts, providing students with a holistic education that values both equally. This innovative approach is designed to resonate with students who are passionate about the arts but uncertain about how to pursue their interests. Recognizing this gap, the school aims to provide robust guidance and skill development for students, whether they aspire to become artists or simply want to support the arts in some capacity. The belief is that while society values the arts, there is a lack of understanding about cultivating and supporting young talent effectively.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Dylan Ladd, the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts, to discuss his journey as an educator and leader in the arts community. Dylan shares his experiences as a mission-driven leader, the roadblocks faced by a new nonprofit in fundraising, and insights into his creative process for maintaining effective operations despite the challenges of leading a startup.

Janell Robinson is the Executive Director at Hope's Front Door, a mission-focused organization providing resources like food, medication, and educational programs in DuPage County. With over 18 years of experience in human services and management in the nonprofit space, her expertise lies in fundraising and advocating for civic engagement. Through volunteer work and community outreach on boards like Giving DuPage, Janell enhances the quality of life for those in need.

Many communities try hard to maintain a facade of prosperity. Yet beneath this affluence, individuals and families struggle with basic needs like food and transportation. How can nonprofit organizations provide immediate relief and empower long-term sustainability?

With a rich history in nonprofit and community service, Janell Robinson emphasizes the importance of volunteering locally to address immediate community needs. Nonprofit organizations like Hope's Front Door can provide direct aid and educational programs on financial literacy, career development, and workforce training. They can also drive policy changes to advocate for affordable housing and healthcare access for underprivileged individuals. By supporting and donating to these organizations and programs, you can amplify community impact and resources.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Janell Robinson, the Executive Director of Hope's Front Door, to talk about how everyone can contribute to society through nonprofit organizations. She explains how small actions can make significant differences, Hope's Front Door's service offerings and programs, and how generational philanthropy has influenced her career.