Changemakers and Champions

In Episode 10 of Changemakers & Champions , host Gerald sits down with longtime friend and community leader Mickey Bakst for a candid conversation about the heart behind his giving. Mickey shares the personal journey — from a service-driven upbringing, to overcoming addiction, to nearly losing his life — that shaped him into one of Charleston's most impactful philanthropists. His message i...

Host Jermaine Husser sits down with Navy veteran, wealth manager, and community leader Michael Cole for an honest conversation about faith, service, and living with purpose. Michael reflects on the God-ordained path that brought him to Charleston, how Rotary helped shape his life after the military, and why serving others doesn’t end when one chapter closes — it simply takes on a new form. Togethe...

In this episode, we sit down with two of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach's most dedicated long-term volunteers — Ron and Maryanne Su. Originally from New Jersey, Ron and Maryanne made Johns Island their home in 2018 and haven't stopped giving back since. From staffing the front desk and carrying food boxes to seniors, to teaching financial literacy to elementary schoolers and caring f...

Host Jermaine Husser sits down with Parker Smith, Board Member of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach and Executive Vice President of McAlister-Smith Inc. Parker shares his journey from corporate life in Fort Lauderdale back to Charleston, where he joined his family’s funeral home business and deepened his commitment to community leadership. In this conversation, Parker reflects on servant leader...

Building Food Oases in Food Deserts Join host Jermaine Huser in conversation with Ron Pringle, CEO of the Interfaith Food Shuttle in Raleigh, North Carolina, for an inspiring discussion about transforming communities through food access and empowerment. In this 30-minute episode, Ron shares his deeply personal journey into food security work—from losing his mother as a child and watching his grand...

Join host Jermaine Husser for an inspiring conversation with Maryalice Morro, Board Chair of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, on this episode of Changemakers and Champions. Maryalice shares her powerful journey from Navy officer to healthcare leader to community champion, revealing how a simple family tradition of Sunday dinners sparked a lifelong commitment to service. From organizi...

Meet Lauren Villavasso: Teaching Kids to Change the World Through Service 🌟Welcome to Change Makers and Champions! In this inspiring episode, host Jermaine Huser sits down with Lauren Vasso, a community newcomer from the Baltimore area who's making waves with her family-driven mission to serve others. Lauren shares the powerful story behind THREE incredible initiatives she started with her ch...

Join host Jermaine Huser in conversation with Yajaira Bess of Berkeley Electric Co-op as she shares her 20-year journey of community leadership. Discover why consistency matters in leadership, how mentoring children sparks lasting change, and practical ways to start giving back in your community. Yajaira reveals the organizations making a difference in the Lowcountry and shares her vision for insp...

In this inspiring episode of Change Makers and Champions, host Jermaine Huser sits down with Dean and Sherry Goodwin—philanthropists and community leaders—to explore the true meaning of giving back. Discover how building genuine relationships, thoughtful philanthropy, and a commitment to leadership can transform organizations and communities. The Goodwins share personal stories from their journey,...

In this inaugural episode of Changemakers & Champions , we sit down with Shawn Jenkins from MUSC Children’s Hospital for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation about what it truly means to be a community changemaker. Shawn shares insights on leadership, compassion, and giving back, as well as the personal values that drive his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children and familie...