World Changemaker Podcast

What if the thing you’ve been putting off is actually the thing you’re meant to do? In this episode of the World Changemaker Podcast, Cinnamon sits down with author, speaker, book proposal expert, and creator of The DEB Method, Debra Eckerling , for an insightful conversation about goal setting, overcoming overwhelm, building confidence, and turning big ideas into books that matter. Debra shares h...

In this episode of the World Changemaker Podcast, I sit down with civil engineer Steve Henderson — a leader in an industry where mistakes aren’t just inconvenient, they can be life or death. Steve shares what it means to operate under a “Beyond Zero” standard — a commitment that no one should ever be injured or die just for coming to work. We explore leadership accountability, building a culture o...

Cinnamon sits down with Monica Robles , founder and president of Asociación de Emprendedor@s, an organization created by Hispanics for Hispanics to educate, motivate, and empower entrepreneurs, especially within the monolingual Spanish-speaking community. Monica shares how her work is helping individuals build more than income. She is helping people build confidence, leadership, opportunity, and g...

What does it really mean to change the world? In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Glenn Nance —speaker, educator, and advocate—to explore how meaningful impact often begins much closer to home than we think. Grounded in her lived experience and work in communication and neurodiversity, Ashley shares how the way we listen, respond, and show up for others can reshape relationships in powerful w...

In this episode, we sit down with Dennis Sonney , a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and longtime advocate for American manufacturing. With a background spanning organizational leadership, supply chain management, robotics, automation, and advanced technology systems, Dennis has spent more than two decades helping manufacturers strengthen their operations and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global...

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Mauricio Arellano , Superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, to explore leadership, purpose, and the power of community-rooted service. Mauricio shares his full-circle journey — from growing up in San Bernardino as the son of immigrant parents, to starting his career as a bilingual teacher, to now leading the very district...

What if we treated the inside of our organizations with the same care we give our best customers? In this conversation, Melissa Fackler of One Team Partners shares how an inside-out hospitality mindset creates cultures of trust, belonging, and aligned teams. We talk about culture by design (not default), why “when people thrive, so do the businesses that we work with,” and how a hospitable workpla...

What does it mean to raise children—neurodivergent or not—who feel truly seen, heard, and happy? In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Ashley Nance , autism education teacher, communication strategist, and founder of ReVoice , a consultancy helping autistic professionals, founders, and parents communicate with confidence and compassion. Drawing from her experience teaching in China and Taiwa...

How do we move from awareness of bias to building true belonging? In this episode, we sit down with David Mix , Director of Development at Anthesis , a lifelong advocate, educator, and community builder whose journey from the Inland Empire to Indigenous communities across the U.S. reveals the power of empathy, equity, and action. David’s work spans housing justice, cultural preservation, and urban...

What if the greatest talent your company is overlooking is hidden in plain sight? In this episode, we sit down with Leslie Morales , Chief Operating Officer of The Competitive Edge Group in Newport Beach, to explore how businesses can overcome biases in HR practices and tap into overlooked talent pools. With deep expertise in operations, sales, and culture transformation, Leslie has built a career...

In this episode, we’re joined by Pamela Deans , Executive Director of the Microenterprise Collaborative of Inland Southern California , whose leadership is transforming the small business landscape across Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. Since 2022, Pamela has been connecting entrepreneurs with essential resources, training, and capital—fostering economic growth and res...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Reggie Thomas, President of PeakePotential , to explore how meaningful relationships and emotional intelligence form the foundation of exceptional leadership. With a doctorate in organization development and decades of experience as a national speaker and leadership coach, Reggie shares how cultivating healthy connections can transform workplace cult...

Robbie is a powerhouse in entrepreneurship, leadership, and connection-building. As an author, TV & radio host, and certified national speaker, Robbie has spent decades empowering women in business. She is the President and Founder of the Global Society for Female Entrepreneurs (GSFE), a nonprofit she established in 2017 to uplift and support female entrepreneurs worldwide. With 25 years of ex...

Ryan is an educator-turned-entrepreneur who spent 21 years in public education—seven of those as an elementary school principal, where he transformed his campus into a hub of career academies and makerspaces. Believing that students thrive when given the opportunity to explore, create, and innovate, Ryan launched Enchanted Education in 2023 to bring robotics, coding, engineering, and the arts to s...

Mike is a Board Certified Health Coach (NBC-HWC) and the visionary founder of Avantia Health Optimization. With an MS in Exercise and Health Promotion and years of experience as a personal trainer, he has dedicated his career to transforming lives through health and wellness. As the host of the Healthy & Awake Podcast , Mike explores the intersections of health, medicine, and the hidden forces...

Samantha is a small business and intellectual property lawyer who’s breaking boundaries with her 100% virtual law firm, InLine Legal. After spending five years in Beirut, Lebanon, she returned to the U.S. in 2018 to launch her firm, which is dedicated to keeping creative service providers focused on their craft and out of the courtroom. From Brasilia, Brazil, to Hampton Roads, VA, Samantha support...

Kellina is a dynamic advocate, coach, and international speaker who’s passionate about empowering the deaf community. After losing her hearing completely at just 4 years old, Kellina’s resilience and determination propelled her to become a best-selling author and thought leader. She holds a Psychology degree from York University, a diploma in Mental Health and Addiction, and is a certified life co...

Dr. Kirk Adams, a renowned speaker and founder of Innovative Impact LLC, is dedicated to accelerating the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce, helping companies tap into an often overlooked talent pool while driving business success. With a PhD in leadership and change, he’s a master connector who brings together decision-makers from government, corporate America, the nonprofit...

Laura is a passionate advocate for women business owners, executives, and leaders, who is dedicated to helping her clients build spectacular financial futures. With a rich background in both international business and personal financial planning, Laura shares her unique journey from working in the specialty coffee industry for 14 years to her current role at TriCord Advisors, Inc. We explore how h...

Shea Belsky is an autistic self-advocate and Chief Technology Officer of Mentra, joins us to share his journey and insights on neurodiversity in the workplace. Dedicated to empowering neurodivergent job seekers, Shea has been instrumental in connecting 50,000 individuals with inclusive employers like Microsoft, Auticon, and Wells Fargo through Mentra, an innovative hiring platform backed by Sam Al...

Jen Fontanilla is a Money Mindset Coach for Creative Professionals, dedicated to reshaping how they view their finances and breaking free from the "Starving Artist" stereotype. As a TEDx and international speaker and bestselling author, Jen recently published her 7th book, The Creative Code: A Creative Professional's Way to Happiness, Wealth, and Joy , which became an Amazon #1 Bests...

In this episode, we talk with Ernie, who brings over 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry, having served in various leadership roles, including as CEO of an internal engine components manufacturer. Ernie also shares insights from his time as a full-time faculty member in the School of Entrepreneurship and Director of Graduate Programs at the Jack H. Brown College. Currentl...

Gillian was a contestant from Season 46 of the hit TV show Survivor that aired in over 25 countries. At 61, she defied expectations, proving that age is no barrier to success in one of the world's most challenging reality competitions. Gillian's mantra, 'dream it, believe it, prepare for it, do it,' has guided her through life's challenges and onto the global stage. Her message...

Alex never imagined his legal career would lead him to become a champion for mental health in the justice system. In this episode, we sit down with Alex Friedman, a Deputy Public Defender from Southern California, who's making waves by advocating for justice-involved individuals struggling with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. From his roots in the San Francisco Bay Area t...

Jason has emerged as a prominent voice in emotional poetry. A four-time published poet, his work delves into the depths of love, life, grief, and mental health. Jason's raw and honest approach to these themes has recently catapulted him into the spotlight, garnering significant media attention and amassing over 100,000 Instagram followers. Drawing from his personal struggles with mental health...