ChangeMakers

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Justin Levy , Executive Director of Conscious Alliance , who shares some of his powerful and inspirational story of managing through hardships, including Cerebral Palsy, enduring 14 surgeries, being in and out of wheelchairs, having to learn how to walk four times before graduating high school, and severe dyslexia, to seek out his purpose and become the...

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Mark Melson , President and CEO of Gladney Center for Adoption , who shares some of his personal story in growing up in Euless, Texas, attending Texas A&M and the University of North Texas, moving to Louisiana and meeting his wife, and aligning his passions and purpose as both a "Gladney Dad" and leader of the nonprofit based in Fort Worth, Texas, that f...

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMakers, Tom and Ellen Harris , Co-Founders of The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation , who share their story of meeting in college, living in Massachusetts and moving to Texas, starting their family, getting involved in the community and playing an important role in the development of Ft. Worth with Tom’s role as an executive with Hillwood, A Perot Company. Tom...

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Michael Graber , Managing Partner of Epic Pivot , who shares his story of growing up in Memphis, Tennessee with both mother and father being entrepreneurs and being surrounded by the musical influences of the city, and how those experiences helped shape his future. During the interview, Michael talks about his work and efforts with Epic Pivot, a transformation, insig...

During the interview, Beverly talks about her time with Holiday Inn Worldwide and how it paved the way for her to grow into her role as a corporate executive, sharpening her skills for marketing, branding, communication, and leadership training and development. She talks about becoming an entrepreneur and small business owner with her husband, and then her stepping into the role of President of Th...

About Dr. Elizabeth Brands: Elizabeth R. Brands, Ed. D., is a dedicated, strategic, and passionate leader. She brings a wealth of organizational leadership experience from occupying key roles in education institutions, nonprofits, and foundations across the region. Elizabeth’s early career experience as a classroom teacher informed her approach that successful community investment must coordinate...

During the interview, Kris describes how she left her hometown in Wisconsin and became an entrepreneur at an early age, how the military helped prepare her for success, how she shattered glass ceilings and led a global luxury hotel company, some of the leadership lessons learned while leading the global company Rock Springs Retreat Center was founded by Kris Intress, a mother, entrepreneur, Army R...

Deb is an acclaimed communicator, connector, and strategist adept at uncovering potential in individuals and groups, strengthening their abilities to optimize their impact within their organization and the community.   Deb believes that disrupters talking across industries and interests to collectively impact social challenges will cause deep sustainable change. Her work experiences here and abroa...

During the interview, Dwania talks about her parents, the important role her mother and women played in the Civil Rights Movement, seeing a cross burning in their yard, and how she approaches healing and leading with love to take the lessons of her past to become a spark for building community and connectedness through her efforts today with The Memphis 13 Foundation. Visit https://thememphis13.co...

Visit www.slingshotmemphis.org to learn more.   About Jared Barnett: Jared joined Slingshot Memphis in October 2019. Prior to Slingshot, Jared worked at McKinsey & Company for six years. Several years of his career were based in Sub-Saharan Africa, including in South Africa with McKinsey, in Ghana as CEO of a manufacturing company and VP of a financial advisory firm, and in Kenya working in privat...

During the interview, Heidi discusses her roots in Montana, moving to Texas and what inspired her to join The Cowtown Marathon. She talks about the business of hosting marathons, the mindset of event production and tips for success, starting a nonprofit to focus on helping youth and encouraging health and fitness, some of the secrets to their success and growth over the years, tips for fundraising...

About Jen Alessandra:  Jen Alessandra joined Frontdoor, Inc. in March 2019 as senior vice president and chief people officer. Alessandra brings significant depth and breadth of experience as an HR leader in both public and private companies, has an impressive track record for helping businesses and employees navigate change, and in implementing strategies that positively affect business performanc...

Ed also talks about forming the Gillentine Group in 2008 to focus on legacy planning and philanthropic strategies to help families have a more significant impact on the world. He shares the story of writing his book,  "Journey to Impact: A Practical Guide to Purpose-Driven Investing," and talks about some of the lessons and steps that have helped him align his values, expertise, and finances in a...

Chris and Elaine moved from St Louis, MO to Franklin, TN in 2004 to start a church. Little did they know that in the process of pastoring a church that One Generation Away would be birthed. In 2013 One Generation Away was established and in the first year distributed 400,000 pounds of food from the back of the Whitney’s car. It has now grown to serve over 4.4 million meals to those in need all ove...

Michael shares his story of traveling the world, how he was able to finance his adventure, some of his favorite moments, many lessons along the way, and what advice he would pass along to others who want to pursue a dream. He also talks about his next chapter with Mindful Media and how he is taking the experiences learned working with media companies to now help organizations gain valuable exposur...

During the interview, Rusty talks about growing up in Texas, graduating from the University of North Texas and getting into the insurance business. He discusses being named President and CEO of Higginbotham in 1989 at the age of 27, and implementing the firm’s defining “single source” service model whereby customers can obtain all their insurance and financial services under one roof, as well as H...

From challenging stereotypes of girls in her Catholic school more than 40 years ago, to her first job after college convincing nonprofits to engage with youth volunteers, or her role as board chair of a global nonprofit transforming the way we do international development, Nancy has experienced the challenges of leading big change within established organizations.  During the interview, Nancy talk...

Recently, Joel co-founded Kosan, a travel clothing company. The company launched one of the most successful Kickstarter apparel products of all time - reaching over $1M in sales in 30 days. He appeared on CBC's hit show Dragon's Den, was one of the inaugural BCBusiness 30 Under 30 entrepreneurs and is also an author and award-winning documentary filmmaker.   As a former world-class runner, Joel re...

Joseph A. Michelli, Ph. D., C.S.P., is an internationally sought-after speaker, author, and organizational consultant who transfers his knowledge of exceptional business practices in ways that develop joyful and productive workplaces with a focus on customer experience. His insights encourage leaders and frontline workers to grow and invest passionately in all aspects of their lives. Dr. Michelli...

Matine now serves as Executive Director of EEqual, a youth-led nonprofit, raising $100,000+ for students in need. Matine has been featured in People Magazine, ABC News, and has won the President’s Volunteer Service Award three times. EEqual’s mission is to level the playing field for students in poverty. The organization provides scholarships and micro-grants to homeless students to go to college....

His teaching career spans nearly 40 years and includes instruction in English, speech and drama, theater arts, and speech communications. Since his retirement in 2016, Dr. Sennett stays busy writing, speaking, serving on the boards of several non-profits, and offering encouragement and expertise to those in need.    HERB'S BACKGROUND AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Professional Standing Author and pub...

During the interview, Owens talks about her efforts, lessons learned and so much more. Learn more about Summer Owens by visiting www. SummerOwens.com . The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services .   Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

During the interview, Yancy and Jason both talk about how they got into their respective careers, lessons learned, how they approach their creative process, and more. To learn more about Yancy Villa-Calvo visit www. YancyArt.com. To learn more about Jason Jackson and brg3s visit www.brg3s.com.   The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial...

Andre Jackson Founder & CEO For more than a decade Andre has performed extensively in award-winning theatrical productions nationwide. He is a noted alumnus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA). As an actor, Andre has been awarded the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, NAACP Theatre Award, Los Angeles Ovation Award, and was nominated for the BroadwayWorld Best Lead Actor Award for...

Our friend Kellie Turnage, @kturnage121 , is bravely sharing her story of #addiction , which almost cost her everything, including her life, so she can help others and walk them from the darkness she personally experienced then to the light she enjoys now with her beautiful family and career. It’s critically important that we better understand addiction and that we have these conversations, especi...