PWRD by Purpose with Brandi DeVries

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What does it actually mean to serve on a nonprofit board, and how do you know if it’s right for you?

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about serving on a nonprofit board or volunteer committee. Dr. Abbie Miller breaks down common misconceptions about board service, explains how boards identify and leverage diverse skill sets, and offers practical advice for getting started—even if you don’t think you’re “qualified.” You’ll walk away understanding how board service can be both deeply fulfilling and powerfully effective when done with intention.

💡 Key Takeaways

• You don't need to have a high-paying job to serve on a nonprofit board—organizations value skills, experience, and passion.
• Board service is more than attending meetings; it requires energy, engagement, and belief in the mission.
• Serving on a committee can be a powerful first step before joining a full board.
• Sharing your personal “why” is often the most effective way to inspire others to support a cause.
• Nonprofits need diverse expertise—from healthcare and finance to marketing, governance, and storytelling.
• Seed funding and early support can create a ripple effect that leads to large-scale impact.
• The right board role should align with both your values and your capacity.
• Taking the first step—even a simple email—can open doors to meaningful leadership opportunities.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Dr. Abbie Miller. 

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In this episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Karri Seland—former Miss Minnesota Galaxy 2025, United States of America’s Miss Wisconsin 2024, marketing professional, and founder of the STAR initiative. Karri shares how her own experience with loneliness inspired her to create real, tangible change for children through Buddy Benches and her children’s book, A Seat for Friendship.

Through STAR Karri is helping elementary school students build friendships, practice kindness, and feel seen. From fundraising and installing Buddy Benches to empowering educators, parents, and kids to take action, Karri proves that meaningful impact often starts with one simple idea and the courage to follow through.

⭐ Takeaways

• The STAR initiative helps foster inclusion and kindness in elementary schools.
• Buddy Benches serve as a visible signal that a child is looking for friendship or support.
• Small, intentional actions can create lasting ripple effects in communities.
• Pageantry helped Karri build confidence, leadership skills, and the drive to act.
• Children (and adults) thrive when they feel seen, included, and supported.
• Your personal experiences can become powerful platforms for change.
• Knowing and using your strengths is key to making a meaningful impact.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Karri's Book: A Seat for Friendship

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Karri Seland. 

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IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries
Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now.
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When a family is facing childhood cancer—or grieving the loss of a child—many of us want to help but don’t know what to say. In this episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Abby Breyfogle, a mom, advocate, and nonprofit leader whose family has experienced both survivorship and unimaginable loss.

Abby shares her journey as the mother of identical twins diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as infants, the heartbreak of losing her daughter Kendal at just two years old, and the joy of celebrating her twin Kenedi as a survivor. Together, Brandi and Abby have an honest, compassionate conversation about grief, community, and the real do’s and don’ts of supporting families facing childhood cancer.

This episode equips listeners with practical, meaningful ways to show up—what to say, what not to say, and why actions often matter more than words. Abby also shares how her family turned pain into purpose by creating a childhood cancer journal to help other families navigate diagnosis and treatment, and how her children continue Kendal’s legacy through advocacy and fundraising.

Whether you’re supporting a friend, a classmate, a neighbor, or simply want to be more confident showing compassion in hard moments, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to act.

💡 Key Takeaways

• You don’t need the perfect words—presence and action matter more than speeches
• Simple phrases like “I’m so sorry” and “I’m here” are often enough
• Avoid minimizing grief or trying to “fix” the pain with platitudes
• Asking permission before using a child’s name can be deeply respectful
• Showing up with meals, notes, or quiet support can mean everything
• Grief doesn’t go away—it changes, and families carry both joy and sadness
• Children can play a powerful role in supporting classmates with cancer
• Advocacy often begins with lived experience and small acts of courage
• Creating space to talk about loss helps families feel less alone
• Everyone has a role to play in supporting the pediatric cancer community

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

My Childhood Cancer Fight - A Journal

Teagan's Twice the Fight Fundraising Page

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Abby Breyfogle. 

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IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries
Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now.
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Focus: Your light doesn’t end on Christmas — it’s just beginning.
Action Prompt: Write one commitment for how you’ll keep making an impact in 2026.

Subscribe and Follow Act to Impact: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

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IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries
Watch every episode of Act to Impact on YouTube? Watch now.

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Focus: The greatest gift you can give is yourself — your time, love, and light.
Action Prompt: Be fully present with someone you love today.

Subscribe and Follow Act to Impact: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

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IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries
Watch every episode of Act to Impact on YouTube? Watch now.

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Focus: You’re writing a story of love through your actions.
Action Prompt: Share your favorite “impact moment” from this year.

Subscribe and Follow Act to Impact: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

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IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries
Watch every episode of Act to Impact on YouTube? Watch now.

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Focus: Impact isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress.
Action Prompt: Reflect: What has brought you joy this month?

Subscribe and Follow Act to Impact: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries
Watch every episode of Act to Impact on YouTube? Watch now.

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Focus: Your hope might be the miracle someone’s waiting for.
Action Prompt: Send an encouraging message to a friend who’s struggling.

Subscribe and Follow Act to Impact: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries
Watch every episode of Act to Impact on YouTube? Watch now.

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Action Thought: When you feel the focus is on you, act with purpose to be an example for others.
Action Prompt: Share one impact story that has inspired you recently.

Subscribe and Follow Act to Impact: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries
Watch every episode of Act to Impact on YouTube? Watch now.

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Action Thought: You don’t need money to make a difference — you need heart.
Action Prompt: Use a personal skill to help someone else today.

Subscribe and Follow Act to Impact: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries
Watch every episode of Act to Impact on YouTube? Watch now.