TNC Talks NonProfit with Mercedes & Scott

What if the biggest thing holding nonprofits back isn't a lack of funding—but the way we've been taught to think? In this special episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit , Mercedes Alhaj and Scott McAninch welcome bestselling author, TED speaker, and nonprofit thought leader Dan Pallotta for a powerful conversation about why the "overhead myth" still persists, why nonprofits should stop apologizing for inv...

What happens when someone who once lived on the streets becomes a nonprofit leader transforming lives every day? In this powerful episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Hamilton Barton , CEO of Pay It Forward SA , to discuss his remarkable journey from addiction, homelessness, and recovery to leading an organization that helps hundreds of people find stability through so...

What does it take to lead an organization that has been transforming lives for 75 years? In this inspiring episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Simon Salas , CEO of Good Samaritan Community Services , to explore his remarkable journey from growing up in the very neighborhood Good Sam serves to leading one of San Antonio's most impactful community organizations. Simon...

What happens after a life-changing injury—and who helps pick up the pieces? In this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Dawn Dixon of ConnectAbility to explore how communities can step in when individuals and families need it most. From navigating the aftermath of traumatic injuries to creating spaces for connection and long-term support, Dawn shares how ConnectAbili...

What does it take to turn a childhood marked by foster care into a life of purpose and leadership? In this powerful episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Dr. Angie White , President & CEO of Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA). From her deeply personal journey through the foster system to leading one of the most impactful child advocacy organizations in the country, Dr....

Special Announcement from Scott McAninch - April 30th, 2026

What happens when one moment in a classroom turns into a global movement? 🌍 On this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Amir Samandi , founder of Students of Service (SOS), to explore how a simple question—"Can we go there?"—sparked a life-changing nonprofit. From empowering students through leadership, service, and international travel to awarding scholarships and c...

In this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Neale Parker, CEO of the Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society, to explore the powerful impact of a "small but mighty" nonprofit making waves around the world. From supporting families navigating rare genetic conditions to advancing critical research and building a global community, Neale shares how this San Antonio-bas...

What does it take to transform early childhood education across an entire city? In this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Mark Larson, Executive Director of Early Matters San Antonio , to talk about building systems that support children from birth to kindergarten — and the massive collaboration it takes to make it happen. Mark shares: ✔️ What it really means to be...

What if a donated wheelchair could completely change someone's life? On this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with C athy Valdez, CEO of Project MEND , to talk about 20 years of innovation, impact, and restoring independence for Texans with disabilities. Project MEND (Medical Equipment Network for Those with Disabilities) refurbishes and redistributes durable medical eq...

What does it mean to truly serve the least served? In this powerful episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM). Jaime shares the incredible story of surviving stage 4 cancer, discovering his "why," and answering a calling that led him to lead one of the largest charitable healthcare organizations in T...

The 2026 Bexar County Judge Nonprofit Forum hosted by The Nonprofit Council held on February 11, 2026 in San Antonio featuring the two leading Bexar County Judge candidates - incumbent Judge Peter Sakai and former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Moderated by Texas Public Radio broadcaster David Martin Davies.

On this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Chris Martin , President & CEO of United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County , to explore what it truly takes to build long-term community impact. With more than 36 years at United Way, Chris shares his career journey, how United Way uses data-driven impact councils to address everything from early childhood development to c...

On this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit , Mercedes & Scott welcome Charlie Blank , Founder and Executive Director of RiverAid San Antonio , for an inspiring conversation about environmental stewardship, volunteer power, and building a nonprofit that creates real, measurable impact. Charlie shares the story behind RiverAid's founding, how the organization helped revitalize the iconic Basura Bash ,...

Denise Barkhurst didn't set out to lead a nonprofit—she found her purpose through her own story. In this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit , Denise (President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas) shares how growing up with scarcity and responsibility shaped her drive to serve, why mentorship can change a child's entire trajectory, and what 28 years inside one mission teaches you about im...

This week on TNC Talks Non-Profit with Mercedes & Scott , we sit down with Katie Wilson , Executive Director of Close to Home , for a deep dive into how San Antonio is tackling homelessness through collaboration, coordination, and compassion. Katie shares her inspiring journey—from dance team captain to leading a community-wide movement ensuring everyone has a place to call home. Learn how Close t...

When a child is fighting cancer, the battle goes far beyond the hospital. 🎗️ On this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit , Mercedes & Scott sit down with Jason Massiatte  president of Hope at Heart Foundation , to talk about covering the non-medical essentials—rent, utilities, fuel cards, even end-of-life support—so families can focus on their child. Hear how partnerships across South Texas, relentles...

In this inspiring episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit , Mercedes and Scott sit down with Dona Kotzur , CEO of The Arc of San Antonio , to explore her incredible journey from a 25-year career at H-E-B to leading one of San Antonio's most impactful organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dona shares how her heart led her from corporate success to nonpr...

What do Guam, English literature, and a 5K full of cheering girls have in common? They're all part of Minka Misanji's  incredible journey to founding and leading Girls on the Run Bexar County . In this uplifting episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit with Mercedes & Scott , Minka shares how a magazine blurb sparked a movement that's helped thousands of girls build confidence, connection, and courage. Fro...

How do you go from part-time nonprofit staffer to CEO of one of Texas' fastest-growing child and family well-being organizations? In this powerful episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit , Mercedes & Scott sit down with Tara Roussett , CEO of SJRC Texas / Belong , to hear how she helped transform a small residential program into a region-wide movement reshaping foster care across South Texas. With 800+ sta...

How does someone go from running a barbecue joint and working at Six Flags… to leading one of the most beloved nonprofits in Texas? In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit , Mercedes & Scott sit down with Vincent Ferris , CEO of Meals on Wheels San Antonio , to unpack his journey from food service to frontline advocacy — and what it takes to feed thousands of homeboun...

From fountains and food trucks to family picnics and meditation gardens—Hemisfair is becoming the gathering place for San Antonio. In this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit , Mercedes & Scott sit down with Susan Thompson , President of Hemisfair Conservancy , to explore how visionary park development, historic preservation, and philanthropic investment are transforming 40 acres into a vibrant, inclu...

In this candid behind-the-scenes episode,  Mercedes & Scott reflect with producer John Largent on the unexpected joy (and chaos) of launching a podcast, why "winging it" works, and how storytelling is reshaping how the nonprofit sector connects. From mimosas in the studio to surprise CEO stories and future episodes "on the road," it's a relaxed, insightful peek into the heart of a podcast that's a...

From a small-town upbringing to leading one of Texas' most unique shelters, Rebecca Helterbrand shares how faith, resilience, and mentors shaped her unexpected journey to the helm of Respite Care of San Antonio. Hear how this one-of-a-kind nonprofit is providing emergency shelter, inclusive education, and wraparound care for children with complex needs and their families — and how dreaming big som...