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In this episode, Dr. Andrea Ortega speaks with Willy Orozco, an advocate for education and technology, about the intersection of these fields and their impact on social equity. They discuss Willy's journey from teaching in underfunded schools to leading tech education initiatives, emphasizing the importance of diversity, support systems, and representation in tech. The conversation highlights the need for inclusive education and the role of community support in empowering the next generation of leaders in technology.

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In this powerful conversation, Marcos Vilar shares the story behind Alianza Center and the movement-building that drives its dual mission: community service and civic action. From confronting myths about immigration to leading with lived experience, Marcos reflects on what it means to build systems rooted in ethics, abundance, and cultural accountability.

Together, they unpack tough questions about nonprofit governance, fundraising strategy, and political advocacy—offering an honest look at what it takes to lead grassroots organizations with scale and purpose.

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, policy advocate, or community builder, this episode is a call to act with clarity, intention, and power.

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In this heartfelt episode of the Palante Nonprofits Podcast, Dr. Andrea Ortega sits down with Mama Yata, founder of Melanin Mothers Meet (M3), a grassroots nonprofit rooted in Tallahassee, Florida that provides postpartum empowerment, wellness support, and a culturally grounded community for Black mothers. Mama Yada shares how her own joyful but rare postpartum experience inspired her to create a space where rest, care, and sisterhood could become the norm—not the exception. What began as intimate healing circles in a bookstore evolved into a robust organization offering virtual sessions, empowerment strategy coaching, and community-centered events.

The conversation dives into the realities of building a nonprofit as a one-woman show, the learning curve of navigating funding, and the challenges of integrating data and evaluation in a space built on trust and lived experience. Mama Yada opens up about the emotional labor of the work, the importance of meeting mothers where they are (literally, at parks or homes), and the deep personal rewards—like a mom telling her, "Because of you, I didn’t feel invisible." This episode is a celebration of grassroots leadership, healing justice, and the power of showing up, even without perfect resources or roadmaps.

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In this episode of the Palante Nonprofits Podcast, Dr. Andrea Ortega speaks with Eric Camarillo, founder and executive director of SALT Outreach, about his journey in building a nonprofit focused on serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The conversation explores Eric’s early challenges—from hesitating to file for 501(c)(3) status to navigating the complexities of nonprofit leadership and scaling services. Eric shares how staying focused on a core mission, turning down misaligned funding, and preparing organizational infrastructure before funding arrived were key to SALT's growth, especially during COVID-19 when new opportunities emerged rapidly.

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I’m your host, Dr. Andrea Ortega, and today, we’re diving into the startup journey of nonprofits—the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the way.

Joining me in this episode is Daniel Ratchford, the President of Broreavement, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing loss. Daniel has been in the trenches of starting and growing a nonprofit, and today, he’s bringing his firsthand experience to the conversation. But in a fun twist, he’s also flipping the script and asking me some of the toughest questions every nonprofit founder should consider.

If you’re in the early stages of building your nonprofit—or even just thinking about starting one—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. Let’s get into it!

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In this solo episode, I speak candidly from the heart about the current state of the nonprofit sector — a space I’ve dedicated my life to.

I share why I’m proud of the work we do, why I’m frustrated with the systemic barriers we face, and why I still believe in the power and promise of nonprofit leadership.

From filling critical gaps in public services to holding up communities that are too often overlooked, nonprofits are not just supporting — we’re leading.

But as funding becomes more uncertain, expectations rise, and political pressure mounts, we need to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes.

This is more than a sector. It’s a movement.
Let’s talk about where we go from here.

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What should first-time nonprofit founders know before diving in? Samí Haiman-Marrero brings her wealth of experience to share the essential do’s and don’ts for launching a successful nonprofit. From avoiding common mistakes to cultivating a strong foundation, Samí provides actionable insights and advice for aspiring founders. Whether you’re just starting or looking to fine-tune your approach, this episode is packed with value.

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How do we empower women, minorities, and youth to become active participants in civic engagement? In this episode, we sit down with Maria Revelles, Co-Director of La Mesa Boricua, to explore how grassroots movements drive change and create opportunities for underrepresented communities. Maria shares her experiences in fostering civic engagement, mobilizing diverse groups, and building inclusive spaces for leadership and advocacy. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of representation, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives in shaping a more equitable future.

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In this episode of the Palante Nonprofits Podcast, Dr. Andrea Ortega and Angelica Suarez discuss the vital role of generosity in the nonprofit sector. They explore the differences between charity and generosity, emphasizing the importance of a mindset shift from scarcity to abundance. The conversation highlights the need for strategic planning in nonprofits, the significance of connection, and how these elements contribute to the success and sustainability of nonprofit organizations.

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, and the nonprofit sector is no exception. Join us for a fascinating discussion with Maritza Concha on how nonprofits can leverage AI to improve efficiency, expand their reach, and measure impact. From ethical considerations to practical applications, this episode offers an in-depth look at the intersection of AI and social good. Get ready to explore the future of nonprofits with this insightful conversation.

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