Chezuba talks: Impact stories

Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Deki, a nonprofit organization founded by Etyang Fred in northern Uganda. Against a backdrop of economic hardships and historical challenges, Deki is reshaping the destinies of rural communities by providing free access to quality education. Discover how Deki's innovative approach is not only building schools but also nurturing a generation of st...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF), headquartered in Houston. MBF is dedicated to sustainable healthcare solutions in Africa and other developing regions. Join us as Sherri Jones, MBF's dynamic Director of Marketing, discusses their mission, achievements, and future plans for healthcare in marginalized communities. Discover how MBF's innovativ...

In this episode of Chezuba Talks, Tej engages with Laura Chez, the passionate Executive Director behind a groundbreaking initiative in San Diego. Learn how their organization, rooted in compassion and community, has revolutionized support for homeless individuals. Through weekly dinner gatherings and personalized recovery programs, they offer not just meals and shelter, but a lifeline to those str...

Explore the inspiring journey of Barefoot College, as told by Cassie Piccolo, as they empower rural women worldwide through innovative programs like solar engineering, drone technology, and digital literacy. From bringing sustainable electricity to remote communities to fostering entrepreneurial skills in Zanzibar and Guatemala, Barefoot College champions women's empowerment, education, and en...

Join host Tej on Chezuba Talks as she welcomes Spela Novak, President of the Society of Atopic Dermatitis, to delve into the complexities of this often misunderstood condition. Spela shares her personal journey as a mother of children with atopic diseases and discusses the critical symptoms, challenges, and misconceptions surrounding atopic dermatitis. Learn about the genetic factors, common trigg...

In this inspiring episode of Chezuba Talks, host Tej sits down with Dr. Leanna Cinquanta, a philanthropist, motivational speaker, and founder of We Ignite Nations (WIN) and WIN Life. Based in Colorado, USA, WIN has made a global impact by addressing issues such as child trafficking, poverty alleviation, and access to education and clean water. Dr. Cinquanta shares her journey from pursuing an eque...

Join host Tej and guest Anna Umansky on "Chezuba Talks" . Anna, the Executive Director of Friends of Sochi Dogs speaks about the organization's passionate efforts in rescuing and rehoming stray dogs from Sochi, Ukraine, and beyond. Discover the challenges and triumphs of this incredible journey, from navigating international regulations to finding loving homes for rescued dogs. Learn...

Explore the transformative journey of the Shepherds Mentors Program in this insightful podcast episode. Join host Tej as she delves into conversation with Tim McGee, Executive Director of Shepherds Mentors, discovering how this remarkable initiative empowers underprivileged students with the opportunity to access private college preparatory education. Hear inspiring stories of resilience and succe...

Join Tej on Chezuba Talks as she dives into the critical topic of teen mental health with Elliot, a passionate advocate and founder of A Brighter Day. Through personal tragedy, Elliot shares his journey and insights on navigating depression and stress among teenagers. Discover how A Brighter Day provides essential resources, from counseling to survival toolkits, supporting thousands of families mo...

In this eye-opening episode of Chezuba Talks, Tej welcomes Laura Carfang, the co-founder of Surviving Breast Cancer. Laura shares her personal journey, from a shocking diagnosis at age 34, despite leading a healthy lifestyle, to co-founding a nonprofit that supports breast cancer patients worldwide. Discover how Surviving Breast Cancer offers crucial resources, peer-to-peer support, and a sense of...

In this episode, we delve into Siobhan's incredible story, from her corporate career at Amazon and Google to her life-changing encounter with Mama Jira, a traditional midwife. Discover how their partnership has built a sustainable clinic, blending traditional herbal medicine with modern healthcare, and empowering impoverished communities through innovative social programs. Tune in to hear abou...

Join us in this enlightening episode of Chezuba Talks as we welcome Gisele Garraway, founder of Thrive Funds, a technology-based nonprofit dedicated to investing in the infrastructure of America's working families. Discover how Thrive Funds is making a tangible difference by providing critical support to families living paycheck to paycheck and striving for economic prosperity. Gisele shares e...

Explore the vital realm of maternal mental health with Michelle Lacy, Executive Director of Women's Health Innovations of Arizona. Discover insights on navigating perinatal mood disorders, breaking stigma, and promoting equitable mental health care. Learn how WHI provides specialized support for families through trauma-informed therapies and accessible services. Join the conversation to empowe...

Listen to this interview with Colleen Fitzpatrick of Drifters Hearts of Hope. The discussion covers various aspects of horse rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and the challenges faced by horses in need. Colleen Fitzpatrick, from Drifters Hearts of Hope, discusses their mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome at-risk horses in Colorado. They rescue horses from auctions, owner surrenders, and re...

Explore the Baobab Home in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, founded by Terri in 2008. Initially an orphanage, it has grown into a sustainable educational center with a 12-acre regenerative farm. Emphasizing environmental education and community integration, The Baobab Home fosters resilience and awareness among children. Their innovative practices include biogas and solar energy systems, aimed at sustainabilit...

Mugala Dervile is the founder of Skills Change Lives, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through vocational training in Uganda's Nakivale refugee settlement. His organization focuses on skills like computer literacy, soap making, and entrepreneurship to create sustainable opportunities and improve livelihoods in the community. His inspiring story reflects resilience, compassion, and a c...

Explore "The Good Life and Plant-Based Living" with host Tej and guest Nicole Brecht, founder of The Good Life Refuge. Discover the impact of plant-based diets on health and the planet, alongside stories of animal rescue and sanctuary. Nicole shares her journey from animal lover to sanctuary founder, advocating for compassion and sustainability. Each episode offers expert insights, perso...

No two zebras have identical stripes, and a group of zebras is called a dazzle. But what does this have to do with today’s podcast? In this episode, we delve into the world of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), where individuals often identify as "zebras." Join us as we speak with Lara Bloom, President and CEO of The Ehlers-Danlos Society, to uncove...

In this episode of Chezuba Talks, host Tej welcomes Mandy Jones-Fischer, a Certified Theraplay® Practitioner, Trainer, and Supervisor, and the Executive Director at The Theraplay Institute. Theraplay is an evidence-based, child and family therapy recognized by the Association of Play Therapy for its significance in play therapy approaches. Mandy explains how Theraplay differs from traditional ther...

Explore the world of animal rescue with Jennifer Angelucci, President, CEO, and Director of Paws Crossed Animal Rescue. This episode delves into Jennifer's journey founding the rescue, the deep bonds between humans and rescue animals, and the resilience these creatures demonstrate. Discover the challenges and rewards of animal rescue, dispel myths about rescue animals, and learn how you can su...

Join us in this episode as we explore the inspiring journey of Pei Su, founder and CEO of Act Asia. Pei shares her experiences and challenges, highlighting the transformative work Act Asia is doing to promote compassion, cultural understanding, and sustainable change across Asia. Discover how animal welfare, education, and community development intersect to create a global impact. Tune in to learn...

Andrea shares the deeply personal story of her sister Adrienne's battle with liver cancer, which began when Adrienne was just a teenager. Andrea, who became her sister's primary caregiver, recounts the emotional and challenging journey they endured together. After Adrienne's passing, Andrea channeled her grief and determination into creating Blue Faery, an organization dedicated to pro...

Join us in this insightful episode of Chezuba Talks as we delve into the delicate balance between accountability and grace with Vanessa Bright, Executive Director of the Maryland Reentry Resource Center. Vanessa shares the critical role MDRRC plays in supporting returning citizens and their communities, offering individualized case management, life skills education, and innovative programs like st...

Maggie Doyne is the co-founder and CEO of BlinkNow, a nonprofit organization focused on educating children and empowering women in Nepal. Maggie shares her incredible journey from a typical suburban kid in New Jersey to a global changemaker. Discover how a chance encounter with a young girl breaking stones in Nepal ignited her passion for creating sustainable change and building a thriving communi...

Dive into the revolutionary approach of Crossroads School with Barbara Bulthuis, Executive Director. Barbara unveils how they're defying traditional norms in education. Discover gripping stories of students thriving in personalized, mastery-based learning environments. From a high-functioning autistic student turned YouTube sensation to a social media-addicted teen finding passion in equine ma...