Palante Nonprofits

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Andrea Ortega and Representative Dr. Anna Eskamani discuss the vital role of nonprofits in advocating for community needs, the importance of nonprofit professionals in public office, and strategies for staying grounded amidst political challenges. They explore how to build authentic connections in advocacy, the significance of crisis communication, and the power of effective community engagement. The discussion emphasizes the need for proactive communication and the importance of understanding the political landscape to better serve constituents.

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Dr. Andrea Ortega and Kate Sheahan McElroy delve into the critical role of prospect research in philanthropy. They discuss the importance of understanding donor relationships, the tools and techniques for effective research, and the significance of data-driven fundraising strategies. The conversation emphasizes building long-term relationships with donors through stewardship and ethical practices, and explores the role of research in grant applications and nonprofit leadership.

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Dr. Ortega and Dr. Yanira Hernandez explore the themes of healing, identity, and resilience within immigrant families. They discuss the challenges faced by first-generation professionals, particularly in academia, and the feelings of imposter syndrome that often accompany their journeys. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and recognizing the systemic issues that contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Ultimately, they advocate a shift in mindset from viewing oneself as an imposter to recognizing the strength of being an infiltrator in spaces not designed for them.

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Dr. Andrea Ortega interviews Stephanie Luzoro, a dedicated member of the Junior League of Greater Orlando (JLGO). They discuss the mission of JLGO to empower women as civic leaders and create lasting community impact through volunteerism. Stephanie shares her experiences and insights on the importance of human capital in nonprofit work, JLGO's diverse initiatives, and the organization's commitment to addressing issues such as food insecurity. The conversation underscores the importance of partnerships, diversity, and JLGO's future goals in promoting community engagement and support.

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In this conversation, Dr. Ortega and Virginia Peña explore the multifaceted aspects of leadership, focusing on the importance of co-creating vision within organizations, the intersection of strategy and execution, the role of diversity in fostering innovation, and the principles of servant leadership. Virginia shares her experiences and insights on how to empower teams and create lasting impact in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors.

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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 underscores the need for inclusive education and the role of community support in empowering the next generation of technology leaders.

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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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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 discusses the emotional labor of the work, the importance of meeting mothers where they are (literally, at parks or in their homes), and the deep personal rewards—like a mom telling her, "Because of you, I didn’t feel invisible." This episode celebrates 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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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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