Visual Eyes - Community & Collaboration Podcast

Visual Eyes - Community & Collaboration Podcast

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Visual Eyes - Community & Collaboration Podcast episodes

  • S2 Ep 24 - Peter Leighton on Altruism, Mental Health, and Building a Legacy of Service

    What happens when a seasoned business development strategist blends corporate expertise with an unwavering passion for community service? You get Peter Leighton—a visionary professional who has spent over two decades turning altruism into action, and business into a vehicle for deep social impact.

    In this episode of the Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker welcomes Peter Leighton, Client Relationships Specialist at Palermo, Landsman & Ross (PLR), for a truly transformative conversation. Peter's path has taken him from the halls of higher education and senior care centers to nonprofit boards and strategic CPA leadership. But behind his professional titles lies a deeply personal story of resilience, gratitude, and service.

    Listeners will hear how Peter:

    • Mobilized thousands of college students to engage in hands-on service across the country.
    • Built a multi-generational knitting project to provide comfort to hospitalized children.
    • Differentiates between philanthropy and altruism—and why the latter is the future of community engagement.
    • Turned personal adversity and mental health challenges into fuel for transformation and deeper leadership.
    • Is helping PLR integrate service into its brand DNA, driving real change across South Florida’s nonprofit ecosystem.

    This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, community advocates, business owners, and anyone who believes in leading with empathy and leaving a legacy that goes beyond metrics.

    🔊 Whether you’re leading an organization or seeking inspiration to give back in your own way, Peter’s story is a powerful reminder that showing up—with heart and intention—matters more than ever.

    Guest Bio:
    Peter C. Leighton is the Client Relationships Specialist at Palermo, Landsman & Ross and a 26-year veteran in the fields of business development, adult education, nonprofit leadership, and client advocacy. He has served on boards for Alzheimer’s Association, Impact Broward, and the Broward County Guardianship Association. He is also a mental health advocate and public speaker.

    📌 Learn more about PLR: www.plrcpas.com
    📞 Contact Peter: (954) 290-3488
    🔗 Connect with him on LinkedIn: Peter C. Leighton


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    28 min
  • S2 Ep 23 - Tim Davis on Fighting Loneliness Through Theater & Building New City Players

    In this compelling episode of the Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker sits down with Tim Davis, Producing Artistic Director and founder of New City Players, a nonprofit theater company dedicated to building authentic community through transformative storytelling.

    Tim walks us through his personal journey—from starting out as a passionate actor to becoming an award-winning leader in South Florida’s nonprofit arts space. Learn how his company evolved from a grassroots production team into a beacon of collaboration, belonging, and purpose.

    This episode dives deep into:

    • The connection between theater and mental health
    • Combatting the epidemic of loneliness with live storytelling
    • How New City Players adapted and grew post-pandemic
    • Building a sustainable nonprofit with mission alignment
    • Creating meaningful collaborations in the arts sector
    • Why mentorship, inclusion, and artistic integrity matter

    🎭 Whether you're a nonprofit executive, an artist, or a community leader, Tim's story offers practical inspiration and proven strategies for using the arts as a tool for social healing.

    🗣 About the Guest:
     Tim Davis is a theatre and film producer, director, and actor. He is the Producing Artistic Director of New City Players, an award-winning Broward-based nonprofit. With over 25 productions since 2014, Tim has received numerous accolades, including the 2017 Silver Palm Award, the 2019 Remy Service Award, and the 2020 Carbonell Award for Best Actor.
    📍 Website: https://newcityplayers.org
    📷 LinkedIn: Timothy Mark Davis
    📧 Email: [email protected]

    🎧 Be sure to follow, rate, and share this episode with your network. Let’s continue building communities that thrive—through connection, creativity, and collaboration.

    🎙️ Subscribe to the Visual Eyes Podcast for more powerful conversations on leadership, nonprofit strategy, and storytelling for impact.


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    26 min
  • S2 Ep 22 - Jason Hughes on How ArtServe Builds Safe, Creative, and Collaborative Communities

    In this powerful episode, Jason R. Hughes—CEO of ArtServe and a longtime leader in nonprofit innovation, media, and community advocacy—shares his journey from Atlantic Records to leading one of South Florida’s most dynamic arts organizations.

    With over 25 years of experience spanning journalism, LGBTQ+ media, public broadcasting, and nonprofit strategy, Jason discusses how ArtServe operates as a creative incubator, a safe space, and a collaborative hub for changemakers, artists, and social advocates in Fort Lauderdale.

    You’ll hear firsthand how ArtServe:

    • Offers accessible resources to underserved artists and emerging talent
    • Collaborates with nonprofits like Mission United, Hope South Florida, and even brands like Tito’s Vodka
    • Tackles community challenges such as mental health, housing instability, and representation
    • Fosters authentic conversations by putting lived experiences at the center of its programming
    • Recognizes unsung community heroes through the Impact Awards Gala

    Jason’s leadership model is both compassionate and data-driven—focused on growth, healing, and storytelling through art. Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, philanthropist, community builder, or cultural strategist, this episode is a masterclass in using the arts to fuel social progress.

    🎧 Subscribe and listen in as we uncover what it takes to lead with purpose, build lasting partnerships, and inspire a thriving arts ecosystem.


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    42 min
  • S2 Ep 21 - From Plastic Waste to Purpose: Noelia Suarez’s Mission to Heal The Planet

    What if cutting up a six-pack ring or planting a milkweed could actually change the world?

    In this episode of the Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker sits down with Noelia Suarez, Executive Director of Heal The Planet, to explore how small, daily decisions can spark global environmental change. From her early days as a mentor and international volunteer to launching a sustainable store and teaching mindfulness in Title I schools, Noelia has spent her life turning eco-conscious values into action.

    You’ll learn how Heal The Planet delivers environmental education through their SEED Program, engages kids with biodiversity lessons (yes, even ladybugs!), and fosters leadership through sustainability. Noelia also shares the nonprofit’s challenges post-COVID, their creative solutions—including digitizing feedback—and why legacy is about empowering youth, not just stats and data.

    Whether you're a nonprofit leader, educator, policymaker, or eco-curious listener, this conversation will inspire you to lead with intention and recognize the power of one person, one act, one ripple.

    🔑 Topics Covered:

    • The link between personal lifestyle and nonprofit leadership
    • The truth about plastic pollution and ocean waste
    • Why biodiversity education matters more than ever
    • How empowering youth creates a sustainable legacy
    • The role of community collaboration in lasting impact

    🎧 Listen in and be inspired to take the next small step—because change starts with you.

    🔗 Learn more at: www.healtheplanet.com
    📲 Subscribe for weekly episodes on purpose-driven leadership and impact


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    32 min
  • S2 Ep 20 - Hope, Healing & Impact: Dustin Forman’s Journey with WestCare The Village South

    What happens when a former tennis coach discovers his true calling in community engagement? In this episode of the Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker sits down with Dustin Forman, Director of Community Engagement at WestCare The Village South, to uncover how behavioral health, family support, and community partnerships are driving transformative change across South Florida.

    🎧 From coaching to community care, Dustin shares his deeply personal journey into the nonprofit sector and how his work now centers around building trust, creating impact, and restoring hope for individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges.

    Listeners will hear about:

    • WestCare’s one-of-a-kind residential recovery program that allows women to bring all of their children
    • A new 83,000 sq. ft. crisis stabilization and detox center launching soon in Pembroke Pines
    • Powerful partnerships with Florida Blue, local banks, and Leadership Broward
    • How small acts of kindness—like holiday toys and community yoga—leave lifelong impressions
    • The importance of legacy, joy, and connection in building sustainable nonprofit systems

    Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, philanthropic investor, behavioral health advocate, or community builder, this episode offers powerful insights into purpose-driven leadership, trauma-informed care, and the human side of recovery.

    🔗 Learn more about WestCare The Village South:
     Website: https://villagesouth.org
    Contact: 954-477-9349 | Email: [email protected]
    Connect with Dustin: LinkedIn


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    30 min
  • S2 Ep 19 - Saving Mothers & Babies: Dawn Liberta on Breaking Cycles & Community Impact

    🚀 Maternal health, nonprofit leadership, and breaking generational cycles—Dawn Liberta shares how prevention, community collaboration, and social services are shaping a brighter future for families.

    🔎 What does it take to save lives, support mothers, and create real change in underserved communities?

    In this powerful episode of Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker sits down with Dawn Liberta, the Executive Director of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, to explore the critical work being done to prevent infant mortality, support vulnerable families, and transform communities.

    With over 25 years in social work and child welfare, Dawn has seen firsthand the impact of both reactive crisis intervention and proactive prevention strategies. She shares her personal journey, from working in foster care and social services to now leading a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

    🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

    📌 Guest: Dawn Liberta - Executive Director, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies
    🌍 Website: https://www.hmhbbroward.org/
    📞 Phone: (954) 765-0550
    📘 LinkedIn: Dawn Liberta
    📷 Facebook: HMHB Broward

    🔔 Subscribe to Visual Eyes Podcast for more insights on nonprofit impact & leadership!

    🎙️ Follow Us:
    🌍 Website: https://www.VisualEyesPodcast.com
    📷 Instagram: @VisualEyesPod
    📘 LinkedIn: Visual Eyes Podcast
    🎥 YouTube: Visual Eyes Podcast Channel @VisualEyesPodcast

    🎬 More episodes available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts & Buzzsprout

    📢 Support Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies here: https://www.hmhbbroward.org/
    🔔 Follow & Subscribe for more impactful conversations on leadership & social change!

    #HealthyMothersHealthyBabies #MaternalHealth #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #DawnLiberta #SocialWork #InfantMortalityPrevention #PodcastInterview #NonprofitFunding #GriefSupport #FosterCareAwareness #WomenEmpowerment #PreventiveCare #ChildWelfare #Philanthropy


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    32 min
  • S2 Ep 18 - Saving Haiti’s Children: How Dr. Andis Tamayo Is Changing Lives

    In this powerful episode of Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker speaks with Dr. Andis Tamayo, founder of the Renand Foundation, about his mission to combat child slavery, poverty, and lack of education in Haiti. 

    Originally from Cuba, Dr. Tamayo’s journey to humanitarian work was inspired by his fascination with Haiti’s history and his own experiences with adversity. After witnessing the devastating Restavek system, where over 400,000 children are forced into domestic and sexual slavery, he knew he had to take action. 

    💡 In this episode, we discuss:
    ✔️ The shocking reality of child slavery in Haiti
    ✔️ How the Renand Foundation provides education, healthcare, and meals to vulnerable children
    ✔️ The impact of partnerships with Starlink, medical teams, and nonprofits
    ✔️ Challenges facing Haiti & the foundation’s vision for expanding schools and trade programs
    ✔️ How YOU can get involved and help make a difference! 

    🌍 Support the Renand Foundation:
    ✅ Website: www.RenandFoundation.org
    ✅ Email: [email protected]
    ✅ Phone: 954-558-8895
    ✅ LinkedIn: Renand Foundation
    ✅ Facebook: Renand Foundation
    ✅ YouTube: @RenandFoundation3917 

    🎧 Listen now and join the movement to change lives in Haiti! 


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    25 min
  • S2 Ep 17 - From Stroke to Startup: Dan Fitzgerald’s Journey with Rosi Giving

    What if a single life-changing moment inspired a platform that could revolutionize charitable giving? In this episode, we sit down with Dan Fitzgerald, the founder of Rosi Giving, to explore how his personal story led to a groundbreaking solution for local, transparent, and community-driven philanthropy.

    After suffering a stroke in 2011, Dan experienced an outpouring of support from his local community, which opened his eyes to the true power of giving at the grassroots level. This transformative experience led him to create Rosi Giving, an app designed to make nonprofit donations easier, more personal, and more impactful.

    💡 In This Episode, We Cover:
    ✅ The pivotal moment that led Dan Fitzgerald to rethink philanthropy
    ✅ The problems with traditional giving (and how Rosi Giving solves them)
    ✅ Why millennials and Gen Z prefer local nonprofits over big charities
    ✅ The power of collaboration between businesses, donors, and nonprofits
    ✅ How small nonprofits can increase visibility and boost donations with Rosi Giving

    📲 Download Rosi Giving Today:
    🔗 Rosi Giving Website
    📱 Available on the App Store & Google Play

    🎧 Listen now to learn how you can support the causes that matter most—on your terms!


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    37 min
  • S2 Ep 16 - Building Community: Diane Pappafotis on The Pride Center’s Impact & LGBTQ+ Advocacy

    🌈 How can nonprofits create lasting impact in the LGBTQ+ community? In this episode of Visual Eyes Podcast, we sit down with Diane Pappafotis from The Pride Center to explore how collaboration fuels change.

    🏡 Key Topics Discussed:
    ✔ Affordable LGBTQ+ housing & senior support 🏡
    ✔ The importance of safe community spaces 🏳️‍🌈
    ✔ Women with Pride: A program empowering LGBTQ+ women 💜
    ✔ The power of nonprofit partnerships & overcoming competition 🔥
    ✔ How events like Wilton Women’s Week build visibility 🎉

    Diane shares her personal journey into nonprofit leadership, why she believes collaboration is the key to success, and how The Pride Center is making South Florida more inclusive and connected.

    🎧 Tune in now to be inspired by Diane’s work and learn how you can get involved!

    🔗 Watch the full episode on YouTube: [INSERT YOUTUBE LINK]
    🌍 Learn more about The Pride Center: PrideCenterFlorida.org
    📢 Follow Visual Eyes Podcast: https://www.VisualEyesPodcast.com

    🔹 #LGBTQ #Nonprofit #CommunityImpact #PrideCenter #WomenWithPride #SafeSpaces #Collaboration #Inclusion #LeadershipMatters #EqualityForAll


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    37 min
  • S2 Ep 15 - The Power of Horses: How Equine Therapy is Changing Lives | Denise Panariello

    Can horses really heal? 🐴✨ In this episode of Visual Eyes Podcast, host Chris Baker sits down with Denise Panariello, Executive Director of Bit by Bit Therapy, a nonprofit dedicated to equine-assisted therapy for individuals with disabilities.

    From autism and cerebral palsy to emotional healing and sensory integration, discover how horse-assisted therapy is making a difference. Denise shares the science behind equine therapy, the profound bond between horses and humans, and how community partnerships are helping expand access to life-changing treatments.

    🚀 Key Topics in This Episode:
    ✔️ The science behind equine therapy 🧠🐴
    ✔️ How horses help individuals with disabilities improve mobility & confidence
    ✔️ The Meggan Morency Riding Arena: A game-changer for year-round therapy
    ✔️ The challenges & triumphs of running a nonprofit organization
    ✔️ Ways YOU can support Bit by Bit’s mission & make an impact!

    💡 Get Involved with Bit by Bit Therapy:
    🌍 Website: www.bitbybittherapy.org
    📞 Call: (754) 779-7888
    📩 Email: [email protected]

    🎙️ Listen & Subscribe for More Inspiring Stories!
    📌 Follow Visual Eyes Podcast:
    🌍 Website: www.VisualEyesPodcast.com
    📷 Instagram: @VisualEyesPod
    📘 LinkedIn: Visual Eyes Podcast
    🎥 YouTube: @VisualEyesPodcast

    🔖 Hashtags for Discoverability:
    #EquineTherapy #HealingWithHorses #TherapyAnimals #InclusionMatters #DisabilitySupport #SpecialNeeds #MentalHealth #HorseTherapy #NonprofitLeadership


    Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
    Book your Strategy Call


    VISUALS BY MOMO:
    Phone: (954) 745-7922
    Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo


    Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy

    33 min

About Visual Eyes - Community & Collaboration Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Visual Eyes Podcast — Where Nonprofit Stories Come to Life


Hosted by Chris Baker and powered by Visuals by Momo, the Visual Eyes Podcast explores the intersection of…