Spotlight on the Community

James Zanewicz, CEO of Connect, discusses his journey from Tulane University to Connect, a nonprofit supporting San Diego County entrepreneurs. Connect focuses on mentorship, access to capital, and programs like Springboard and Cool Companies. Zanewicz talks about the need for more investment in our region, while shouting out the importance of university partnerships, military innovation support, and the potential for AI and healthcare integration. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Gil Alvarado, Chief Financial and Investment Officer of the Prebys Foundation, is joined by Mike Krenn, Managing Director of Prebys Ventures, to chat about medical research, healthcare and the arts, along with its investment of $50 million in early-stage tech and life sciences companies. Alvarado and Krenn discuss the importance of diversification within San Diego's defense, tech, and tourism sectors. The foundation also supports small businesses and nonprofits, addressing housing challenges through innovative investments. The goal is to create a sustainable, inclusive economy that benefits future generations.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Hugo Villar, Dean of UCSD's Division of Extended Studies, and Josh Shapiro, the division's Chief Impact and Strategy Officer, highlight the division's role in providing lifelong learning opportunities, including pre-college programs, workforce upskilling, and post-retirement courses. They emphasize the importance of skills over degrees, citing a report showing 60% of jobs don't require a formal degree. The conversation touched on the rapid pace of technological change, the need for continuous upskilling, and the significance of essential skills like communication and creative thinking in the evolving job market.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Jeff Forbes, Founder and CEO of The Patriot Group, discusses the organization's mission to support veterans and military families. Formed in 2016, the Patriot Group helps veterans buy homes and provides innovative logistics solutions. The Patriot Group have around 60-70 clients.. Jennifer Cortes, VP of Strategic Partnerships for the organization, highlighted the importance of workforce readiness and partnerships with organizations such as the Center for Energy Workforce Development. Forbes and Cortes emphasized the need for legislation to keep veterans in California and the significance of supporting the trades. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Stephanie Ortega, COO of Promises2Kids, and two Promises2Kids Guardian Scholars -- Monica Quintero and Laura Hernandez.-- chat about creating a brighter future for foster children in San Diego County through programs such as Guardian Scholars, Camp Connect, Foster Futures, and mentoring. Guardian Scholars provides advocacy and professional development for former foster youth. The organization's holiday gift drive seeks new gifts for foster children, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate items. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Colleen Ster, CEO and founder of Reflections Publishing Company, talks about the company's mission to create global change makers through educational resources. Ster discusses the company's focus on equipping students with tools for mental health and resilience, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues such as self-harm and anxiety. She highlights the Resilience Game Plan, which includes versions for various age groups, and its cognitive behavior therapy framework. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Majors Rob and Amy Reardon, both Divisional Secretaries of the Salvation Army San Diego, chat about the organization's 160th anniversary, whose mission is to serve communities without discrimination, providing essential services like food banks, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, and senior lunches. They emphasize the importance of belonging and community, with initiatives such as the Pathway of Hope program for families and summer camps for children. The organization relies heavily on volunteers and donations, particularly during their iconic bell-ringing campaign starting in November. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Liz Bui, CEO of Yulex Brands Corporation, discusses the company's mission to replace petroleum-based materials like neoprene and spandex with plant-based natural rubber. Yulex collaborated with Patagonia to develop natural rubber foam for wetsuits. Bui highlighted the challenges of transitioning from petroleum-based products, including the need for new manufacturing processes and the reluctance of brands due to costs. She emphasized the environmental impact of microplastics and the importance of sustainability. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Eric Thompson, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Alzheimer's Association of San Diego and Imperial Chapter, and Julia Chang, a volunteer community educator for the Association, discuss the challenges faced by the 600,000 caregivers in San Diego County, the importance of early intervention and the Association's $20 million in research funding. Julia shares her personal experience as a caregiver for her grandmother and highlights the "Empowered Caregiver" program. Eric emphasizes the significance of the FDA's approval of the first Alzheimer's blood test and the need for continued support and awareness.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Sandy Young, CEO and owner of J. Walcher Communications, chats about her journey and the evolution of PR. Sandy discusses her transition on June 1, 2025, and her 16-year tenure with the company. She highlights significant changes in PR, including the shift to digital, the rise of social media, and the impact of AI. She also shares insights on crisis communication, advising clients to avoid "no comment" and to prepare key spokespeople. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of PR and AI's role in shaping communication strategies.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Jamie Moraga, CEO of Franklin Revere, hosts a special edition of Drew Schlosberg's Spotlight on the Community podcast at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Jim Wheyland, Veteran of the Year, shares his background, including his service in the Marine Corps and his involvement with the memorial since 2018. Wheyland discusses the memorial's history, its significance, and the unique experiences of visitors and docents. He highlights the memorial's inclusivity, the challenges of space, and the community's role in its evolution. Wheyland encourages veterans to volunteer and visitors to explore the memorial, emphasizing its importance in honoring individual veterans.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Jamie Moraga, CEO of Franklin Revere and author of "Revered: The Power of Female Leadership," hosts a special edition of the "Spotlight on the Community" podcast at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Miles Bower, a 2004 Naval Academy graduate and Marine Corps officer, discusses his involvement with the Memorial Association, highlighting its unique role in honoring both living and deceased veterans. Bower emphasizes the importance of volunteers and the need for infrastructure growth due to the increasing demand for plaques. He encourages community support through visits, events, and donations to sustain the Memorial's impact.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Jamie Moraga, CEO of Franklin Revere, hosts a special edition of the "Spotlight on the Community" podcast at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Nathaniel Donnelly, a Marine Corps veteran and trustee of the Mount Soledad Memorial Association, shares his journey from joining the Marines to founding the student veteran organization at San Diego State in 2006. Donnelly discusses the creation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and his role as a trustee since 2016. He emphasizes the importance of community support through donations and memberships to maintain and expand the memorial, which honors over 6,000 veterans, many of whom are still living.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Jamie Moraga, CEO of Franklin Revere, hosts a special edition of Drew Schlosberg's Spotlight on the Community podcast from the Mount Soledad National Veteran Memorial. Denise Larkins, Director of Operations, discusses her 18.5-year tenure and the memorial's mission to honor veterans from all wars. She recounts the memorial's evolution, including the purchase of land in 2015, which ended legal disputes. The memorial, which honors both living and deceased veterans, is preparing for a significant Veterans Day celebration. Larkins emphasizes the importance of community support and invites visitors to engage with the memorial's stories and history.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Jamie Moraga, CEO of Franklin Revere and guest host of Drew Schlosberg's Spotlight on the Community Podcast, interviews Marcus Chischilly, a Marine Corps veteran and new trustee of the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Marcus shares his journey from service in Afghanistan to his current role, highlighting the memorial's significance in bridging community and military connections. He discusses the memorial's 250th anniversary celebrations and its role in honoring veterans. Marcus emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the need for younger generations to participate. The podcast is sponsored by Mission Fed Credit Union, which supports local causes in San Diego.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Jamie Moraga, CEO of Franklin Revere, hosts a special edition of Drew Schlosberg's Spotlight on the Community podcast at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Hannah Morton, the Business and Membership Administrator, discusses the memorial's inclusivity and unique features, such as honoring living veterans. Hannah shares her journey to the memorial through a Hiring Our Heroes internship and describes her daily tasks, which include processing plaques and answering inquiries. The event celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps, with plaques for Pendleton and Ellison. Hannah encourages community involvement through visits, memberships, and donations to support the memorial.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Chris Cate, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, discusses the mission of Chamber, which has more than 2,000 member businesses.  Cate emphasizes the economic impact of small businesses, which constitute 98% of San Diego's businesses. The Chamber collaborates with local chambers, universities, and organizations such as the EDC to support economic growth. The Chamber also manages LEAD San Diego, a leadership development program. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Andy Soler and Fran Basson, Co-Chairs of the Invictus Games San Diego, talk about San Diego's bid to become a finalist to host the 2029 games. San Diego is one of six finalists for the 2029 games, competing against cities like Dijon, South Korea, and Kiev, Ukraine. Soler and Basson discuss the local support they have received from business, community and military leaders to bring the Inviticus Games to San Diego.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Adam Osorio, Associate Director of Communications at Bayside Community Center, and Kimberly Kustenmacher (KK), a community garden volunteer, discuss the center's mission to empower communities through services, education, and advocacy. KK shares her journey to volunteering through a QR code. Adam and KK talk about the Linda Vista Community Garden, addressing food deserts, and the importance of community engagement. Diana Gonzalez, a resident Leadership Academy graduate, joins Adam and Kimberly, to chat about the program's role in fostering community leadership. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Ian Solomon, a senior at San Diego State University majoring in Leadership Studies, shares his journey from film production to leadership, inspired by a Levi's pop-up event. Ian chats about a company he launched -- Apali Productions -- focused on experiential marketing and creating immersive experiences. Ian plans to expand his brand into media and clothing, aiming for a comprehensive creative experience. The podcast highlights the value of leadership studies and entrepreneurial spirit in fostering community impact.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/