Chezuba talks: Impact stories

Join us for a compelling conversation with John Woods, a seasoned orthopedic spine surgeon whose life took a transformative turn during a medical mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this episode, John shares his journey from the operating room to the heart of humanitarian work in one of the world’s most resource-rich yet impoverished nations. John delves into his work with Upright Afri...

In this episode of Chezuba Talks, host Tej welcomes Bryan Ware, the founder of The Crayon Initiative, a nonprofit that brings color and joy to children in hospitals across the U.S. Bryan shares how a dinner out with his family sparked the idea to collect and refurbish used crayons, giving them a second life in the hands of young patients who need them most. He discusses the challenges of transform...

Join us on this inspiring episode of Chezuba Talks as we sit down with Michelle Khol, founder and director of M K9 Service Dogs. Michelle, one of only six globally certified service dog trainers by the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), shares her incredible journey of supporting veterans through her nonprofit. Discover how M K9 Service Dogs, founded in 2019, matches veteran...

In this insightful episode of "Chezuba Talks," host Tej sits down with Asad Lilani, a visionary leader from The Access Challenge, to explore the power of synergy in driving sustainable healthcare in East and Southern Africa. Asad shares his journey of working alongside influential figures like the former President of Tanzania, His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete, and how The Access Challenge h...

In this compelling episode of Chezuba Talks, we sit down with Dr. Anne Merewood, a founding member of CHEERing Greece, an ISO-certified, international NGO dedicated to transforming maternal and child health in refugee communities. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Merewood shares her journey from Boston University to the refugee camps of Greece, where she and her team tackle immense challenges...

Host Tej welcomes Dr. Jessica Shore, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of The Nava Center. With over a decade of experience in trauma therapy, Dr. Shore has dedicated her career to providing high-quality mental health services to those often overlooked by the healthcare system. Discover how The Nava Center empowers individuals through trauma-informed, anti-racist care, offering a slidin...

In this episode, we delve into the awe-inspiring efforts to protect and preserve one of America’s most iconic symbols: the wild mustang. These magnificent creatures, once roaming the plains in vast numbers, now face an uncertain future due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and other modern challenges. But hope is far from lost. We meet the passionate individuals and organizations working tirele...

In this episode of Chezuba Talks, we dive deep into the heart of equitable healthcare with Vanessa Vergara, the dedicated Medical Director of Clinica Colorado. Since its founding in 2011 by Dr. Jim Williams, this nonprofit has been a beacon of hope for Colorado's uninsured and underserved communities, particularly those facing linguistic, financial, and systemic barriers. Vanessa shares the in...

We welcome William "Bill" Miller, CEO of Kean University Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about transforming education through strategic philanthropy. As Kean University celebrates its 40th anniversary, Bill takes us behind the scenes of the Foundation’s journey, sharing how they’re navigating the complexities of modern fundraising to ensure students and faculty can continue to...

Sonam Singh, the Director of Marketing and Insights at Watsi, discusses how Watsi , an innovative health tech nonprofit is transforming the landscape of accessible healthcare globally. Sonam delves into Watsi’s mission of providing life-saving surgeries to those in need, especially in underprivileged regions, by connecting patients with a community of compassionate supporters. Learn how Watsi leve...

This nonprofit organization is on a mission to revolutionize classrooms by integrating thoughtfully curated films into the curriculum. Jennifer sheds light on how Journeys in Film selects impactful movies and crafts accompanying curriculum guides, discussion materials, and learning resources that make complex subjects accessible and engaging for students of all ages. Through stories of collaborati...

In this episode,we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Erin Willis, the Executive Director and Founder of ParticipAid. Driven by a passion for healing and a love for the mountains, Dr. Erin established ParticipAid to bridge the gap between ancient healing practices and modern medicine in the remote villages of the Himalayas. Discover how this unique organization empowers local communities by revi...

In this episode of "Chezuba Talks," we sit down with Mary Jo Strobel, Executive Director of the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED), to discuss the complexities of eosinophilic disorders. These rare conditions involve an elevated presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in various parts of the body, leading to challenging symptoms and diagnosis. Mary Jo sh...

In this episode of Chezuba Talks, host Tej engages with Rebecca Merritt, President and Chairman of the Nicholas Fund for Education, to discuss the organization's transformative work in Guatemala's Ixil region. Rebecca delves into how the Nicholas Fund is breaking generational cycles of poverty by providing comprehensive educational opportunities to indigenous Mayan youth. The conversation...

Join us on this insightful episode of "Chezuba Talks" as we delve into the complexities of eczema with Korey Capozza, founder and executive director of Global Parents for Eczema Research (GP). Korey, a passionate advocate and mother to a child with moderate to severe eczema, shares her journey and expertise in navigating this prevalent yet often misunderstood skin condition. Eczema, also...

Discover how Green's Do Good is transforming lives through sustainable agriculture and fostering neurodiversity in the workplace. Jennifer Faust, Operations Director at Green's Do Good, shares insights into their innovative programs benefiting individuals with autism. From their educational initiatives starting at age three to vocational training in hydroponic farming, Green's Do Good...

Explore the transformative efforts of the Sonder Project, an organization dedicated to improving lives in Burkina Faso and Malawi. Both countries struggle with educational barriers, exacerbating their developmental challenges. The Sonder Project steps in as a beacon of hope, addressing these multifaceted issues with sustainable solutions. Founded in 2015 by a group of visionary entrepreneurs inspi...

Gail Showalter, the visionary behind SMORE (Single Moms Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, and Empowered). Gail shares her journey as a single mother for 16 years, overcoming challenges and later founding SMORE to support single mothers in achieving educational and career goals. SMORE focuses on empowering single mothers by providing them with opportunities to earn degrees in fields such as social work, nurs...

Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of Theater Tuscaloosa, one of Alabama's largest community theaters, in partnership with Shelton State Community College. Adam Miller, Managing Director, shares insights into their rich history dating back to the 1980s and their mission to enrich West Alabama through vibrant performances and educational workshops. Discover how theater fosters community...

Welcome to "Chezuba Talks," where we highlight remarkable nonprofits making a difference in our world. Today we dive into the inspiring story of Con Mi Madre, based in Austin, Texas. In this episode, we're joined by Johanna Fabregas, the Executive Director of Con Mi Madre, which translates to "With My Mother" in English. Founded in 1992 as a project of the Junior League of...

In this heartfelt episode of Chezuba Talks, we delve into the profound and challenging experience of losing a child. Join us as we welcome Beth and Bob, the compassionate founders of Healing Through Hope U, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting parents coping with the loss of a child. Listen to their poignant stories of their sons, Sean and Jared, and discover the powerful coping mechan...

On this episode of Chezuba Talks, host Tej engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Matthew Hinsley, the executive director of Austin Classical Guitar. With a deep passion for the arts, Dr. Hinsley has dedicated his career to using music as a catalyst for change, reaching individuals in schools, shelters, prisons, and social service centers across Central Texas. Discover how his innovative gui...

In this episode of Chezuba Talks, Tej sits down with Martha Day, co-founder and secretary of The Vitamin Bridge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing prenatal vitamins to underserved pregnant women. Discover how The Vitamin Bridge is making a crucial difference by ensuring early prenatal care, which is essential for reducing preterm births, low birth weights, and birth defects. Martha s...

In this episode of "Chezuba Talks" podcast, we welcome David White, the founder and CEO of Fostering Great Ideas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the foster care system in the United States. David shares insights on the challenges faced by children in foster care, including startling statistics and the critical need for community involvement. He delves into the mission...

Join Tej on this enlightening episode of Chezuba Talks as she dives deep into the story of Chris Jones, the passionate founder behind Village Projects Foundation. From teaching monks to swim in remote monasteries to establishing sustainable educational initiatives across Kenya, Ghana, Nepal, and beyond, Chris shares his inspiring journey and the challenges he's overcome. Discover how Chris and...