Philanthropy in Phocus

Tommy DiMisa (“Tommy D,” the Nonprofit Sector Connector) kicks off episode #240 of Philanthropy in Phocus from his office (not the attic!) with a message he lives by: if you’ve got an idea—try it. What started as a campaign he launched on January 8, 2021 has become a weekly platform spotlighting nonprofits and the people behind the mission. This episode takes an unexpected but perfect turn when To...

Tommy “Tommy D” DiMisa is back “in the attic” for Episode 239 (recorded January 16th), and he’s joined by Marit Molin of Hamptons Community Outreach (HCO) —an organization proving that the Hamptons are far more than the “white parties and yachts” stereotype. In between the mansions are pockets of families living with food insecurity, kids without coats, and homes in dangerous disrepair—and Marit s...

Tommy DiMisa is back for the first Philanthropy in Phocus episode of 2026 with his trademark “day-in-the-life” energy—ringing in the new year, celebrating his 48th birthday, and broadcasting not from the attic this time, but from the worldwide headquarters of Vanguard Benefits. Along the way, he shares highlights from a packed week: supporting a Queens Chamber of Commerce nonprofit needs assessmen...

In this powerful episode of Philanthropy in Phocus , Tommy D, the Nonprofit Sector Connector, sits down with Kavita Mehra , Executive Director of Sakhi for South Asian Survivors of Gender-Based Violence , for an honest, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation about what it means to build a life of service and stand with survivors. From her working-class Jersey roots and 100-hour weeks in her mother...

In this inspiring episode of Philanthropy in Phocus , Tommy D – the Nonprofit Sector Connector – sits down with his longtime friend Dr. Joy DeDonato, Executive Director for the Metro New York region of Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). Joy shares how a lifetime of service began with a simple feeling of wanting to help others, and evolved into more than two decades...

In this episode, Tommy D sits down with Marie Davis and Matthew Epperson from the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership (GACEO) to unpack how business owners can use succession planning to keep companies, jobs, and legacies in their communities. They outline the three major models of broad-based employee ownership—ESOPs (a regulated retirement trust invested in the company), worker cooperatives (d...

• Discover how Smile Farms connects agriculture with advocacy • Learn how meaningful employment creates lifelong impact • Be inspired by Steve’s personal and professional journey—from global brands to grassroots change 🍽️ This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic We’re planting seeds of purpose and possibility with Steve McDermott, Managing Director of Smile Farms, an org...

✨ Why listen? • Learn how QCP supports individuals across all stages of life • Hear what’s changing—and what must change—in the field of disability services • Be inspired by a legacy of advocacy, inclusion, and hands-on leadership 🍫 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic We’re joined by Terri Ross, Executive Director of Queens Centers for Progress (QCP), a pioneering...

• Learn how grassroots action became a full-service hub serving 2,500+ people a month • Hear the real talk on leadership, burnout, and building from nothing • Be inspired by a survivor-led movement that puts compassion into action 🍫 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic We’re joined by Jennifer Hernandez, Co-Founder and Executive Director of ECLI-VIBES, an organizati...

- Learn how culturally appropriate services are transforming senior care - Hear about the unique needs of South Asian elders in NYC - Be inspired by Dr. K’s journey from medicine to movement-making 🌸 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic 🌸  Join us for a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, affectionately known as Dr. K, the Executive...

- Discover how entrepreneurship can empower people with disabilities - Learn about the challenges and triumphs of creating inclusive employment - Be inspired by the Cupcake Crew’s commitment to mentoring the next generation 🧁 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic 🧁 Join us for a heartwarming and empowering conversation with Patty Castrogiovanni, founder of Special S...

- Discover how aviation is being used to support neurodiverse families - Learn how sensory-friendly experiences reduce fear and spark empowerment - Be inspired by Antonio’s mission to create an inclusive future in flight ✈️ This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic Join us for an inspiring flightpath into inclusion with Antonio Ferrara, founder of Aviators for Autism, a n...

💛 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic Join us for an insightful conversation with Noah Eliot Gotbaum, Interim Executive Director of Adam’s House Grief Support for Children and Founder of New Spirit Advisors. Noah brings a powerful blend of entrepreneurial spirit, nonprofit leadership, and lived compassion to the conversation—especially when it comes to supporting g...

The mental health needs of children and teens has been a topic with increased attention and discussion in recent years. SIBSPlace has been providing preventative mental health care to vulnerable children and families for 25 years and our knowledge in how to encourage children to increase self-awareness, promote expression of feelings and develop coping skills can be beneficial to all. 💛 This Frid...

They will learn about The Viscardi Center’s transformative work in education and workforce development. Also they will understand the role of disability in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 💡 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with host Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic Join us for an impactful conversation with Dr. Chris Rosa, President & CEO of The Viscardi Center—a national leader in education,...

Hopefully raised awareness to the affect that fentanyl is having on our nation. 🎙️ This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic This week, we welcome Chris Hennessy, founder of The Raven Is Here, a nonprofit born from personal tragedy and driven by fierce compassion. After losing his brother to fentanyl poisoning, Chris dedicated his life to supporting those battling addicti...

By hearing about Rotary Club impact on local communities, an audience can gain insight into how volunteer efforts can create lasting change, understand the tangible benefits of service-oriented organizations, and be inspired to get involved in their own communities. This can lead to increased awareness of local needs, a stronger sense of civic responsibility, and potential opportunities for person...

This episode offers a powerful, honest look at addiction, recovery, and what it truly means to rebuild a life from the ground up. Through lived experience and real-world solutions, listeners will gain insight into the recovery community, available resources, and how they can be part of the solution. Whether you're in recovery, know someone who is struggling, or simply want to make a difference...

The audience will get a better understanding of the importance of adult education for those individuals traveling through our criminal legal systems. People will listen because there are over 113 million people in our country that have a criminal history or know someone that does. Helping people navigate the next chapters of their lives through education and skill training can (and will) change th...

Saeeda Dunston has served as Elmcor’s chief executive officer since August 2014. Recognized for her leadership in developing culturally competent programs for marginalized communities in New York State, her work focuses on empowering individuals and families to be active change agents in their communities. Before joining Elmcor, Saeeda held several senior management positions throughout her career...

The audience will learn about another gem on Long Island! There is so much to do and learn about right in our own neighborhoods. LIMEHOF celebrates Long Island's musical heritage - which is extensive and exciting! This week on Philanthropy in Phocus, Tommy DiMisa welcomes Judi Veeck from the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF). Judi shares the story of LIMEHOF, a cultu...

They will learn about available services in Nassau and Suffolk Counties for underserved communities. They will learn about the history of the Hispanic Counseling Center and our mission. Claudia M. Boyle serves as the CEO of the Hispanic Counseling Center (HCC), a multi-service agency in Long Island that provides bilingual and bicultural behavioral health and prevention services for underserved com...

Concerned global citizens and philanthropists interested in learning about the issues in Haiti and ways to support a unique, and critical solution to its health care crisis. Haiti Air Ambulance is dedicated to providing life-saving air medical transportation to critically ill and injured individuals throughout Haiti, regardless of their financial circumstances. As the country’s only nonprofit heli...

They will learn about working with the IDD population, what it's like to be a non profit leader and, hopefully have a few laughs. - OUR MISSION - We will enrich the lives of those we serve through quality care, a broad range of services, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. - OUR VISION - To expand our role as Long Island’s center of excellence for providing premier treatment, care, edu...

Participants will discover how to harness the voices and perspectives of our youth to tackle community challenges. While some may feel disheartened by the behaviors of teens, fostering genuine connections can transform them into powerful allies in our efforts rather than seeing them as obstacles. Katrena Perou is a seasoned collective impact strategist with over 21 years of leadership experience i...