This week on TNC Talks Non-Profit with Mercedes & Scott, we sit down with Katie Wilson, Executive Director of Close to Home, for a deep dive into how San Antonio is tackling homelessness through collaboration, coordination, and compassion.

Katie shares her inspiring journey—from dance team captain to leading a community-wide movement ensuring everyone has a place to call home. Learn how Close to Home brings together 77 partner organizations, aligns local and federal efforts, and turns data into real impact for our unhoused neighbors.

🎧 Tune in to hear how systems thinking, advocacy, and heart are reshaping what it means to serve our community.

💙 Special thanks to our sponsor, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, for supporting TNC Talks Non-Profit and helping us shine a light on the change-makers building a better tomorrow.

When a child is fighting cancer, the battle goes far beyond the hospital. 🎗️ On this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes & Scott sit down with Jason Massiatte president of Hope at Heart Foundation, to talk about covering the non-medical essentials—rent, utilities, fuel cards, even end-of-life support—so families can focus on their child. Hear how partnerships across South Texas, relentless advocacy, and community micro-events are filling a critical gap for kids and young adults up to 26. It's candid, moving, and a powerful call to action.

In this inspiring episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Dona Kotzur, CEO of The Arc of San Antonio, to explore her incredible journey from a 25-year career at H-E-B to leading one of San Antonio's most impactful organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Dona shares how her heart led her from corporate success to nonprofit service, the challenges families face navigating IDD care systems, and the joyful, purpose-filled community The Arc creates every day. ❤️

👉 Tune in to hear how Dona found her calling — and how The Arc helps others live their best lives. 🎧 Presented by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas.

What do Guam, English literature, and a 5K full of cheering girls have in common? They're all part of Minka Misanji's incredible journey to founding and leading Girls on the Run Bexar County.

In this uplifting episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit with Mercedes & Scott, Minka shares how a magazine blurb sparked a movement that's helped thousands of girls build confidence, connection, and courage. From teaching emotional literacy and leadership skills to crossing the finish line (literally), Girls on the Run is much more than an after-school program—it's a life-shaping experience.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.gotrsanantonio.org

How do you go from part-time nonprofit staffer to CEO of one of Texas' fastest-growing child and family well-being organizations?

In this powerful episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Mercedes & Scott sit down with Tara Roussett, CEO of SJRC Texas / Belong, to hear how she helped transform a small residential program into a region-wide movement reshaping foster care across South Texas. With 800+ staff and a new contract to serve Bexar County, Tara shares the behind-the-scenes story of splitting from a national brand, embracing community-based care, and building a future where kids don't just survive — they belong.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, systems change, and the heart behind the hustle. 🔗 Learn more: https://sjrcbelong.org

How does someone go from running a barbecue joint and working at Six Flags… to leading one of the most beloved nonprofits in Texas?

In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes & Scott sit down with Vincent Ferris, CEO of Meals on Wheels San Antonio, to unpack his journey from food service to frontline advocacy — and what it takes to feed thousands of homebound neighbors every single day.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation that's equal parts leadership, laughter, and legacy. 🔗 Learn more at: https://www.mowsatx.org

From fountains and food trucks to family picnics and meditation gardens—Hemisfair is becoming the gathering place for San Antonio. In this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes & Scott sit down with Susan Thompson, President of Hemisfair Conservancy, to explore how visionary park development, historic preservation, and philanthropic investment are transforming 40 acres into a vibrant, inclusive downtown oasis.

🌳 Hear how Civic Park, Yanaguana, and Tower Park each tell a different story 🏀 Learn about the Spurs-backed community court and age-inclusive fitness zones 🌆 Discover how Hemisfair's economic model is building toward long-term sustainability

🎧 Tune in for a conversation about leadership, legacy, and making public space personal. 🌐 Learn more: https://hemisfair.org

In this candid behind-the-scenes episode, Mercedes & Scott reflect with producer John Largent on the unexpected joy (and chaos) of launching a podcast, why "winging it" works, and how storytelling is reshaping how the nonprofit sector connects. From mimosas in the studio to surprise CEO stories and future episodes "on the road," it's a relaxed, insightful peek into the heart of a podcast that's all about people first.

🎧 Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a little behind-the-curtain magic.

#TNCtalks #NonprofitLeadership #PodcastHosts #BehindTheScenes #StorytellingMatters #NonprofitCouncil #PodcastRealTalk #CommunityVoices

From a small-town upbringing to leading one of Texas' most unique shelters, Rebecca Helterbrand shares how faith, resilience, and mentors shaped her unexpected journey to the helm of Respite Care of San Antonio. Hear how this one-of-a-kind nonprofit is providing emergency shelter, inclusive education, and wraparound care for children with complex needs and their families — and how dreaming big sometimes starts with just one person believing in you.

🔗 Learn more: https://respitecaresa.org

#NonprofitLeadership #ChildAdvocacy #RespiteCare #SanAntonioNonprofits #TNCtalks

What happens when an oilfield entrepreneur takes the reins of a struggling ballet company? You get Alamo City Arts—a multidisciplinary nonprofit that's 10x'd its size, absorbed multiple organizations, and redefined what community arts can be in South Texas.

In this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit with Mercedes & Scott, we sit down with Executive Director Cory McRae to explore his unconventional path into the arts, how mergers have strengthened the local creative scene, and why leading with abundance—not scarcity—is the key to nonprofit growth.

🎭 Discover how business strategy meets artistic vision 🎶 Learn how earned income, partnerships, and cultural respect fuel their mission 💡 Get inspired by the power of collaboration in sustaining the arts

🎧 Tune in now and visit https://alamocityarts.org to learn more. #TNCtalks #ArtsLeadership #AlamoCityArts #NonprofitStrategy #MergersWithImpact #TexasArts #CommunityCulture #BusinessMeetsArts