We're Good

In this uplifting episode of the We're Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee speaks with two outstanding Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington “Youth of the Year” participants. Discover how Nola transformed personal trauma into strength through her powerful brand, "Strong as a R.O.C.K.," and how Vera stepped boldly out of her sisters' shadows. Hear how these neighborhood-based clubs foster resiliency, leadership, and family becoming cherished second homes for countless youth. Find us at www.weregood.net

In this inspiring We're Good episode, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee speaks with Dr. Minnie Annan from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Dr. Annan shares success stories, from BGCGW alumni thriving in careers on Capitol Hill and at Amazon, to young people overcoming adversity and discovering new pathways through club opportunities. Dr. Annan shares her personal journey, and highlights the Youth of the Year leadership program that is helping prepare tomorrow’s leaders today. Listen in! Find us at www.weregood.net

In Part II of We’re Good at the Durant Center, Wanda Durant—mother of NBA star Kevin Durant and President of the Durant Family Foundation—gets deeply personal. She opens up about overcoming self-doubt, the power of faith, and a young girl’s words that reignited her purpose. Hear how the Durant Center builds lasting impact through trust, mentorship, and love. This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy starts with showing up. Watch and listen now—you’ll leave inspired. Find us at www.weregood.net

What happens when a $10 million dream meets unstoppable determination? In this inspiring episode of We're Good, hear how NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s gift launched College Track in Suitland, Maryland—transforming the futures of first-generation college students. President of the Durant Family Foundation, Wanda Durant, shares her powerful reflections, Executive Director James Williams breaks down the life-changing support model, and alum Mamadi Diallo reveals a surprise that will move you to tears. Don’t miss this story of hope, impact, and generational change. Listen now! Find us at www.weregood.net

What happens when you mix purpose-driven nonprofits, inspiring students, and generous donors? Magic! In this special We’re Good pop-up podcast with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, hear how SPARC and Our Minds Matter are changing lives—and meet two remarkable scholarship recipients whose dreams are now within reach. From overcoming obstacles to building legacies, this episode is packed with heart. Find us at www.weregood.net

Military moves, mental health, and mission‑driven community all come together in our newest We’re Good episode. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee chats with Blue Star Families Program Manager- Krysti Pereira and a military spouse Lesley Rose about the vital support Blue Star Families provides our military and their families.  Hear how Coffee Connect meet‑ups, 2,000+ free Blue Star Museums, and the Emmy‑winning Combat the Silence campaign turn isolation into empowerment for service members, veterans, and loved ones. Discover how simple acts to welcome our military families into “the neighborhood” help us all thrive. 

Tune in to learn how civilians, neighbors, and businesses can make a difference—and why supporting military families isn’t just appreciated, it’s essential.

In this uplifting episode of the We’re Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee takes you inside Dog Tag Bakery in the heart of Georgetown, D.C. As Hillary Richonne, Communications Director will warn, don’t be fooled by the sweet smells and cupcakes. While the cupcakes are on point, this is not just a bakery. It’s a launchpad for military veterans, spouses, and caregivers to rebuild their futures through entrepreneurship, education, and an unshakable community.

You’ll meet Nerissa Alford, an Air Force spouse who shares how Dog Tag became her “year of me” after decades of moving with her military family.. With little business background, Nerissa learned everything from budgeting to pitching—plus she crushed her fear of public speaking. Her story is one of many—real people pivoting, rediscovering their purpose, and dreaming big.

And the alumni network? It’s “next level.” These graduates don’t just leave with a business certificate from Georgetown University—they gain lifelong friends, cheerleaders, and collaborators. From WhatsApp group chats to networking events, they continue to show up for each other. Many even launch nonprofits that support other veterans, proving that the ripple effect is real.

You’ll hear touching stories of transformation, like a fellow who traded her dream of a bakery for a thriving career in writing and advocacy due to health challenges—thanks to Dog Tag’s honest, personalized support.

With a stage as vital as the oven, this fellowship is where confidence rises, stories are owned, and futures are built. And the best part? That latte or cookie you buy at Dog Tag helps fund the mission.

✨ Whether you're a veteran, a supporter, or just love a good comeback story—this episode will uplift, inspire, and make you want to get involved. Press play—you’ll leave believing in second chances.

In this inspiring episode of the We're Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee spotlights Compass Pro Bono, a powerful nonprofit that strengthens communities by empowering other nonprofits. CEO  Bethany Henderson and longtime volunteer—and now board chair—Cathy Bernasek share the compelling story of how Compass was born from a desire to serve after the September 11th attacks, founded by Harvard Business School alumni seeking to give back in a meaningful, strategic way.

Bethany breaks down how Compass delivers pro bono consulting, nonprofit board matching, and training to address the biggest challenge facing nonprofits today: lack of time and resources to be strategic. By connecting business professionals with nonprofits in their own communities, Compass helps solve organizational “pain points” so nonprofits can focus on what they do best, serving their mission.

Cathy shares how Compass projects have transformed organizations like Horton’s Kids and The River School, helping them double their reach or clarify their future direction. Along the way, she shares how volunteering shaped her own philanthropic path.

The episode also tackles the current challenges nonprofits face, from staff burnout to funding uncertainty—and how Compass is innovating, including new services and AI-driven strategies.

Perfect for nonprofit leaders, aspiring volunteers, or anyone passionate about social good, this episode reveals how Compass Pro Bono is creating ripple effects of impact by enabling changemakers to do more, better.

Listen in to discover how your business skills could be the missing piece that helps a nonprofit thrive—and how one act of service can grow into a lifetime of impact.

In this heartening episode of the We’re Good podcast, listeners are invited into the impactful world of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA), a powerhouse of local philanthropy that’s quietly shaping the region for the better. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee welcomes CFNOVA CEO Renée Yancey and donor-turned-volunteer Benton Fisher to unpack the vital role community foundations play in times of crisis and calm alike.

From mobilizing over $1 million through the DCA Together Relief Fund in response to the tragic airline and helicopter collision at Reagan National Airport in January, to building long-term philanthropic relationships grounded in trust, CFNOVA exemplifies what it means to show up for a community. You’ll hear how their rapid-response model during COVID—raising $2 million in just three months—drew in donors like Fisher, who found not just a giving outlet but a trusted partner.

This episode beautifully breaks down what a community foundation is and why it matters. With vivid metaphors (think “elephant” to explain their multi-faceted structure), Yancey explains CFNOVA’s roles: leader, grantmaker, connector, researcher, and fundraiser. They support everything from food pantries and mental health services to the arts and scholarships—proving philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy. Whether you’re passionate about military families, STEM education for girls, or public art, there’s a place for you to have an impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how to give back meaningfully or how philanthropy can meet real-world needs, this episode is your invitation. With personal stories, concrete examples, and hope as the foundation, We’re Good makes it clear: doing good is closer than you think—and anyone can be part of it. Tune in to be inspired by everyday brilliance in action.

Talent for Tomorrow: Transforming Youth Futures Through Nonprofit Collaboration in the DMV

In this episode of the We’re Good podcast, the spotlight is on Talent for Tomorrow, a powerful nonprofit alliance transforming the futures of young adults across the Washington, D.C. metro area. This coalition—comprising Genesis Works, Year Up United, New Futures, Spark the Journey, and PerScholas—works collaboratively to provide Opportunity Youth with career training, internships, mentorship, scholarships, and wraparound support, from high school through college, certifications and into careers.

The episode features firsthand insights from Axel Orellana, a program alumnus and now current UDC student, whose success story embodies the initiative's impact. Axel recounts how he discovered Genesis Works in high school and how each organization in the alliance played a pivotal role in guiding him to college and into a computer engineering major. His journey highlights how Talent for Tomorrow turns goals into actionable game plans, especially for students facing barriers to higher education and career access.

Selvon Waldron of Genesys Works and Lia Jones of Capital One, the alliance's founding funder, discuss the complexity and value of the collaboration. They emphasize the important and intentional steps TFT took to align on leadership, funding, and program strategy to meet their stated goal of bridging gaps in racial and economic mobility. Capital One’s involvement since 2018 has provided not just financial backing, but also pro bono branding, volunteerism, and long-term strategic support.

Now serving over 600 students in the DMV area, Talent for Tomorrow is proof that nonprofit collaboration is stronger together providing greater impact and stronger outcomes for the people they serve. This episode is a must-listen for educators, funders, and families looking to empower youth through coordinated, community-driven workforce development programs.