Jenna Hermans is Co-founder and COO of Be Courageous a transformation agency, a busy mom of 4, a high-performance coach, and the author of Chaos to Calm: 5 Ways Busy Parents Can Break Free From Overwhelm.
Episode 44: Michelle Valiukenas, Hope for Families
Michelle is a dedicated mom, storyteller, and advocate. She is the Co-founder of the Collette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, whose mission it is to improve outcomes of pregnancy, prematurity, and infancy as well as aid in the grieving process through financial assistance, education and advocacy.
Episode 43: Glen Carnahan, Littleton Youth Soccer
In this episode, we talk to Glen Carnahan. Glen is on the board of the Littleton Youth Soccer Club where he has volunteered the past 5 years.
Episode 42: Natalie Silverstein, Youth and Family Advocate
In this episode, we talk to Natalie Silverstein. Natalie is an author, speaker, award-winning podcast host, nonprofit founder and passionate advocate for family and youth service.
Episode 41: Eric Goodman, CEO of MVS
In this episode, we talk with Eric Goodman, President and CEO of MVS, Inc. Eric also serves on the boards of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Junior Achievement, and more. Learn how Eric got started in philanthropy and how he found his purpose.
Episode 40: Holly Morrell, Founder and CEO of Heartfelt
In this episode, we talk to Holly Morrell, the Founder and CEO of Heartfelt. Heartfelt provides cardiac screening in order to save lives from preventable tragedies due to Sudden Cardiac Death.
Episode 39: Leoma Gilley, Translating the Bible
In this episode we talk to Leoma Gilley. Leoma is a retired Wycliff Bible Translator. Tune in to hear more about what she has to say about her work translating the Bible in Sudan, where she lived for 20 years.
Episode 38: Haley Cooper, Lead With Heart Podcast
In this episode, I share a podcast interview I had with Haley Cooper on the Lead With Heart podcast.
Episode 37: Vinnie Cappetta, Coach and Licensed Counselor
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Vinnie Cappetta. Vinnie is a Counselor in Residence at Crossroads Community Church and at Check Your Compass counseling ministry. Listen in to hear how he gives back to his church, as a counselor, and as the leader of Positive Intelligence coaching groups.
Podcast Season 3 is Coming!
And, this is how we work together to spread the good news that giving is fun, enjoyable, and even scientifically proven to benefit your mental and physical health!
The Selfish Art of Giving Course
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to uncover the joy in generosity and elevate your health. Join “The Selfish Art of Giving” today and embark on a 12-week journey to a healthier, happier you!
When Mommy Grows Up Podcast Guest
It was a pleasure to be a guest on the When Mommy Grows Up podcast. I shared about finding my “career sweet spot.”
Giving is Selfish Book Announcement
My book is out! There has been so much to share my perspective on philanthropy. Truly, you can make a difference right where you are now.
Episode 36: Richard Ward, Certified Financial Planner
In this episode, we talk with Richard Ward. Richard is a Certified Financial Planner and philanthropist. Listen in to hear how he has learned through speaking with his clients about how finding a richer life is so much more rewarding than growing your net worth.
Episode 35: Queen Allotey-Pappoe, Sustainable Fashion Designer
In this episode, we talk with Queen Allotey-Pappoe. Queen is a Sustainable Fashion Designer at Queen Adeline. Tune in to hear more about why she is passionate about sustainable and ethical design.
Episode 34: Tim Wilson, Fundraiser and Podcaster
In this episode, we talk with Tim Wilson. Tim is the inaugural Prospect Management and Research Manager at Weber State University. He is also a host of the philanthropy webcast, “People in Fundraising.” Tune in to hear more about why he loves his career in fundraising and what he’s learned through interviewing fundraisers.
Episode 33: Chris McLaughlin, Animal Rescuer
Chris McLaughlin is the Founder and Executive Director of Animal Rescue Front. She is an animal lover and this episode will inspire you to do more for animals.
Episode 32: Chris Baiocchi, Fundraiser of the Year
Chris Baiocchi who is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), nonprofit consultant, and was awarded Fundraiser of the Year from the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Episode 31: Mark Chamberlin, Give Back Advocate
Mark spent his career in high-tech traveling the world for companies such as Cisco and PolyCom. Today, Mark calls himself a “give back advocate.”
Episode 30: Danielle Judd, Founder of Farmhouse Rescue
Danielle is the Founder of FarmHouse Rescue, a virtual farm and workable farm for adults with special needs and children in hospitals.
Episode 29: Haley Cooper, Certified Fundraising Executive
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business.
Episode 28: Kevin Thai, Photographer for the Unemployed
Kevin supports the unemployed by giving them professional headshots to restore their sense of dignity.
Episode 27: Daphne Birdsinger, Ronald McDonald House Giver and Receiver
Daphne serves at her local Ronald McDonald House, which she benefited from when her son was born in the NICU.
Episode 25: Philanthropist Jenn Klein, Life Updates
Surprise! I’m writing a book. Come hear more about my new book being released in January 2023 called “Giving is Selfish” is about.
Episode 26: Kevin Bjerke, Leukemia & Lymphoma Man of the Year Nominee
Kevin is currently writing a book about his life, which will be released in January 2023. Listen to this inspiring episode to learn how you can make a difference no matter what your circumstances are!
Episode 24: MaryFran Mitrano, From Harvard to the Arts
MaryFran is a fundraiser and together chat about the challenges and ups-and-downs of fundraising and nonprofits. She gives insight into why we shouldn’t be afraid to fundraise.
Episode 23: Evy Amato, A Woman’s Guide
Evy’s heart for supporting women and their spiritual care abounds. She invites us to listen to our intuition in order to lead a life of intention. This episode will guide you on your journey to your best self.
Episode 22: Erin Morrissey, Volunteer for the Elks
Erin encourages us to be involved in The Elks to meet friends, plug into our communities, and to serve others.
Episode 21: Jessi Znosko, Women in Philanthropy
Her best advice is to listen to people, be open-minded and listen to your inner voice. She also doesn’t want to you neglect your own mental health, because this world is a struggle especially in a pandemic!
Episode 20: Howie Hutchison, HopeKids Colorado
In this episode, we talk with Howie Hutchison who is the Executive Director at HopeKids Colorado. HopeKids in a nonprofit started originally in Arizona to create community for families with a child with a life-threatening condition
Episode 19: Ken Holderman, Serving Missionaries
They are passionate about the mental health of the missionaries they serve through Globe International. Listen to this episode to learn how difficult it can be to live a life of service to others.
Episode 18: Chris Gilbert, Fighting to Flourish
Chris is honest that it’s a fight within all of us to chose to give. He believes if we all desired to give to others and acted on those desires then we would solve the worlds problems.
Episode 17: Marc Rosenblum, Running for a Cure
Marc Rosenblum who has raised thousands of dollars running for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Marc is passionate about finding a cure for cancer. Running the Boston Marathon as a charity runner allows him to raise awareness of the good work…
Episode 16: Season Recap & Lessons
Tune in for Jenn’s countdown of her top 5 favorite lessons from season 1.
Episode 15: Jay Foss, Raising Your Inner Voice
Jay is passionate about having better conversations, seeing the good in others, and actively listening to those with different opinions. His career in radio has positioned him to grow where he is planted and sow seeds of good
Episode 14: Jason Dobbs-Hyer, Inspiration Officer
Jason shares his love of Jesus as a source of inspiration for his servant leadership. He has overcome great obstacles and continues to stay positive, thankful, and motivated to help others despite his personal circumstances.
Episode 13: Noah Chesnin, Ocean Advocate
Noah will spend a lifetime to help us all breath easier, enjoy a dip in the ocean, and help us consume healthy protein from the ocean.
Episode 12: Ron Dudley, Street Sense Media Newspaper Seller
Ron is a man with little financial means, but because of his generous heart is a man rich in wisdom and goodwill. He shares his passion for sharing a smile, being non-judgmental, and building community wherever you are planted.
Episode 11: Philanthropist Audrey Blankenship, 9 Year Old Giver
Audrey Blankenship is a 9 year old 3rd grader currently attending a fully remote remote elementary school. Her self identifies religion is Kindness. Audrey began her life as a ‘philanthropist’ by smiling at everyone in her path.
Episode 10: Philanthropist Paul Ott, Spreading Joy
In this episode, I talk with Paul Ott. Paul shares his values of smiling at everyone he meets and telling a good joke to break the ice. Paul doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, is quick to lighten the mood, and never met a stranger. He cares deeply about community, bringing his neighbors…
Episode 9: Philanthropist Melissa Prendergast, Professional Volunteer
Melissa explains, no one can wake up and be a scientist, psychologist, archeologist, or sociologist, but everyone can wake up and say, “I am a philanthropist!”
Episode 8: Host Jenn Klein, Lessons Learned
Jenn Klein reflects on what she’s learned from her fundraising career and new insights from her first six guests.
Episode 7: Philanthropist Sherie Schoch, Loving Local Teens
Sherie passionately serves our world’s future leaders by sharing her love for Jesus to local teens.
Episode 6: Philanthropist Amy Tarlow-Lewis, Feeding Her Community
In this episode, I talk with Amy Tarlow-Lewis, Founder of Littleton Community Farm (LCF). Amy had a dream, relentlessly pursued that dream with “laughter and tears” and the support of many friends, family, neighbors, businesses, public entities, and even other nonprofits. She readily admits she did not do this alone and her guiding advice is…
Episode 5: Philanthropist John R. Fisher, Public Servant For Children
John improves the lives of others through balancing budgets, creating dialogue between people with different opinions, and listening to all members of his community.
How To Listen To The Podcast
I don’t want you to miss out on the You Are A Philanthropist podcast, so I’ve created a step by step guide on how to Listen, Subscribe, Rate, andReview the podcast.
Episode 4: Philanthropist MaryJudith Tierney, Serving Through Education
A retired educator passionate about teaching young children the values of service. MaryJudith shares her Christian faith as a foundation for her teaching career and reason for passionately supporting social justice. As she says, “justice doesn’t mean that we all get the same thing. What it means is that we get what we need.”
Episode 3: Philanthropist Jessica Brand, Creating Communities of Love
I talk with socially-minded small business entrepreneur Jessica Brand. We talk about what types of philanthropic values she incorporates into her businesses. And, what she feels the world needs more of. Hint: Love…”brotherly love”. Tune in to hear
Episode 2: Philanthropist Tanya Gauthier, Healing Invisible Wounds
Tanya Gauther who founded a nonprofit for traumatic brain injury survivors, many of them veterans, called TBIncredible. We got personal and talked about her own traumatic brain injury
Podcast Episode 1: Why I am a philanthropist…and you are too!
Let’s be encouraged and inspired to grow our capacity to change the world. Who is one of my greatest philanthropic influences? Listen to learn more.
A 20/20 Reflection
As we reflect on the year, let’s go forward remembering what we learned: we can count on each other. And, when we can count on each other to do the right thing, to make choices that are in the best interests of others, we can accomplish so much more.
Notes from the Founder & CEO
Your personal purchasing power has an impact on what is bought, sold, and marketed. When you purchase your values, its an opportunity to bring more meaning and human connection into your life. Focus on your values and let them guide your decisions.
Time is Capital
Billy Graham said in a 1997 graduation ceremony, “Time is the capital from God that is yours to invest.” What he said goes beyond what society tells us about how we should be striving for power and money. Somehow, we have lost our way.
How to Write My Obit
But I beg you, when they write my obituary, please be sure says it says I was a philanthropist. Please be sure it includes all my volunteer work, my nonprofit career work, and my everyday acts of kindness. I hope my life can be defined as a giver. For me personally, more important than being rich is being generous.
Job Interviewing Failures
I’ve been doing some interviewing for full-time jobs in fundraising. I want to be a part of a team again. I want to give my whole effort in affecting change in society. I want to be an even bigger philanthropist.
Officially a CFRE!
I chased my dreams and worked hard. I’ve had set backs and challenges, but I persevered. I’ve had a goal since I started my fundraising career in 2005 to obtain my CFRE.
The Power of Volunteering
Since I’m in the nonprofit industry, it made sense for me to continue to hone my skills and reflect my passion for nonprofit service. Now, with the global pandemic, volunteering is even more important across all industries.
Creating a Personal Philanthropy Plan
Personal philanthropy is our own unique plan to make the world a better place–even consequently, enjoy the fruits of our labor. It is a plan for our lives that is drawn from our passions and skills.
What I Can Control
And, so, I’ve learned that my own choices are unpredictable. Other’s choices are even more unpredictable. Now, I’d like to double-down and ride the changing tides of life with a zen-like attitude. I’d like to make choices I am proud of. I am the navigator of my life.
My Secret Email Account
I am so grateful the internet has made our voices accessible and connected.
Equality is a Prerequisite for Philanthropy
Traditionally, the definition of philanthropy is “lover of mankind.” Being a lover of mankind means we must treat all people equal–despite their differences.
Together Apart: Quarantine Generosity Stories
I’ve seen individuals pool their resources to send $1,500 to a local gym employee who hasn’t yet received her unemployment checks. I’ve seen anonymous people drop off diapers at a new mom’s house. I’ve seen children and adults painting rocks for others to find on local trails to bring a simple smile during this lonely and uncertain time.
I Gave to Myself
My anger has dissipated and been removed with just this simple act: to give. Giving must be my best reflex. Love has been replaced by my anger. There is no room for anger and hate when we give—only love.
The Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness Truth
We’ve all heard it before: money doesn’t buy happiness. But, what does? Meditation? De-cluttering? Exercise? Hobbies? Nope. Nope. Nope. Albeit, these have proven to affect your mood and do help you feel better, but do they cause joy? Do they get you motivated to get out of bed? Maybe. For me, I get in a…
Brotherly Philia Love
Celebrating today by small acts of kindness for a family member, a stranger, or a lover, will fulfill an act of agape love. As famous twentieth century Christian author C.S. Lewis writes, “there is another way of giving to God; every stranger whom we feed or clothe.” Giving unconditional love to yourself and to others is empowering and has the ability to change our world.
Grassroots Volunteerism is the Future
The roots of the industry is founded on the premise that people want to help because they enjoy helping. Humans are hardwired for connection. Celebrating and praising all acts of giving will bring about the change our world needs.
Growth Mindset Nonprofits
We’re doing charity work! This isn’t competition. This is teamwork. We need to live the mission in order to fulfill the mission!
Master Every-Day Pleasantries
Become a master of every-day pleasantries; buy Girl Scout cookies; drop off a can in the food pantry bin; or, give the pan-handler a couple coins. These affect at least two people: the recipient—and yourself.
Philanthro-what?
Eighty percent of donations come from twenty percent of people. Does that mean we shouldn’t give? Does that mean we don’t matter? My philanthropic impact on the world matters!
Why We Need A Triple-Bottom Line
Humans are the only caretakers of the earth. And, therefore, what we must also balance in our individual daily life is that special responsibility we each have to making and maintaining our one planet we can (currently) live on as beautiful as it can be.
Stakes In the Ground
This is what I’ve learned in life: don’t ask for permission, don’t complain, just start where you are with what you’ve got!
What do you want to change in your town? In your country? In our world? You don’t have to have gobs of money to make a difference.
My 2020 Goal: Obtain My CFRE
Sometimes I think fundraising should be relabeled: FUN-raising. Yes, I’m THAT into it. In the new year, I hope I will make it official with a CFRE credential.
Thank You For Reminding Me!
I was touched. This was a gift to me; a reminder of people’s pure hearts and intentions of giving. What they were essentially saying to me was: I am grateful that you reminded me so that I can have joy in giving to my friend
Finding Time
Are you able to find the time? What if we stopped saying, “I don’t have the time” and just do it. Think less about it and just say, “Yes!”
How I Wasn’t Qualified To Work With Parents…Because I’m A Parent
A couple weeks ago, a recruiter point-blank told me she would not be moving me forward—because I have taken the last three-and-a-half years off to be a full-time parent. Let that sink in.
Back to School
Where, oh where, will this degree take me? Who will I help next? Who will you help next? How can I help you?
Giving is Selfish!
For more content like this, check out my new book titled “Giving is Selfish” on Amazon here! Academy Award Winning Actor Denzel Washington said, “Giving is selfish,” during a university commencement speech. He said giving is selfish! Selfish! I never heard this before. It doesn’t make a lot of sense—at first. I had to replay…
The Dynamic Duo: Gratitude and Giving
Years ago, it was Oprah who told us first to jot down every night before bed five things we were grateful for. She praised the practice as an instant mood-booster; a gift of a deeper sense of peace for the practitioner; and, as a way for one to think more objectively about their circumstances. Indeed,…
Call Merriam!: Redefining “Philanthropist”
It can’t be for just a select few wealthy individuals. It can’t be an exclusive club to join that shows “you’ve made it.” It’s more than that.