find your cause

As we step into a new year, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of the most meaningful conversations from 2025. This New Year reflection episode revisits standout moments from Find Your Cause, highlighting voices that challenged narratives, strengthened communities, and grounded hope in evidence, culture, and human connection.From rehumanizing youth through hip hop and building economic pathways to prevent exploitation, to redefining resilience after trauma and pushing back against fear driven health misinformation, these conversations continue to offer insight as we move forward.Timestamps00:13 - E180: Marlon Richardson on rehumanizing Black and Brown young people through hip hop arts education00:50 - E181: Dr. Kisha Roberts Tabb on economic intelligence, transferable skills, and prevention pathways02:57 - E182: Khafre Jay on Flow Lounge, hip hop community, and creating spaces for vulnerability and healing05:15 - E183: John Gardner on using music to build respect across cultures and cultural understanding06:03 - E184: Diana M. Canant on resilience as becoming better than bouncing back after trauma07:16 - E185: Spencer Lalk on evidence based health information and empowering qualified medical voices

In this episode of Find Your Cause, Joseph talks with Dr Spencer Lalk, founder of Med Story Studio, about how evidence based medical stories can compete with fear based health influencers.Spencer shares the story of his mom’s cardiology scare, why she left a long awaited visit more confused than before, and how that moment led him to create clearer, more human health education. They dig into rushed appointments, insurance pressure, lawsuits, and why so many people now look to influencers before clinicians.You will hear how Med Story Studio helps doctors become trusted storytellers, where AI fits in, and how patients and clinicians can both share better health stories online.Chapters00:01:19 | What problem is Med Story Studio trying to solve00:01:43 | How did Spencer’s mom’s health scare lead to Med Story Studio00:05:10 | Why do patients leave appointments confused and afraid00:06:13 | How do the system and insurance limit what doctors can do00:11:16 | Why do US health and happiness outcomes lag other countries00:12:18 | What could a better health care model look like00:15:52 | How is AI changing doctor visits and patient prep00:19:30 | How did Med Story Studio actually get started00:20:43 | How does Med Story help doctors become storytellers00:21:26 | Why do human stories matter in a digital health care world00:22:02 | Why is recording doctor visits so complicated00:23:18 | If Spencer could redesign health care, what would he change first00:24:56 | Where is Med Story Studio going next00:27:18 | What does evidence based medicine really mean00:28:23 | How can we tell if a health influencer is dangerous00:32:08 | How can patients vet health information for themselves00:33:25 | How can clinicians get involved with Med Story Studio00:34:05 | What is Spencer’s invitation to patients and doctorsMedStory Media links:Website: https://medstorymedia.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-lalk-dpt-/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/medstory-podcast/id1804185340Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalkhealth/?hl=enSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19UwCxHTbUtH7POBm0HM9LYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MedStoryMediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567995375537#Visit gtzp.org for more info.

In this episode, Diana M. Canant, Executive Director of LifeSpheres, shares how people heal through presence, guided dialogue, and community support rather than advice or isolation. She explains the Peer Community Co Care Program, a process that helps individuals resolve trauma safely, rebuild resilience, and support one another through structured, one-on-one sessions.Diana breaks down the psychobiology of trauma, why presence is more powerful than advice, and how healing becomes possible when people feel seen and understood.Her insights offer a new way to think about trauma and the importance of not facing it alone.Timestamps: 00:02:22 | What does resilience really mean00:05:41 | What kinds of trauma do communities experience00:06:17 | Introduction of the Peer Community Co Care Program00:07:23 | Why Diana focuses on young people and the elderly00:09:46 | How the program teaches presence and listening00:13:14 | Orientation, commitment, and how the program begins00:16:18 | How individual plans are created00:18:46 | How healing sessions work00:21:23 | How participants complete the program00:23:27 | What makes Life Spheres’ method effective00:28:43 | What trauma informed practice really means00:30:46 | How exposure therapy should and should not be done00:35:22 | Why healing should not be done alone00:40:48 | The future of Life Spheres and scaling impact00:48:39 | Where to find Life Spheres00:51:10 | Closing remarksRelevant links from LifeSphere:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifespheres/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningthetideoftrauma/Website: https://www.lifespheres.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningTheTideOfTrauma/

What if music could break down racism?John Gardner, Executive Director of the World Music Foundation, has dedicated his life to proving that it can.In this episode, John shares how music creates real human connection across cultures, dissolves prejudice, and opens doors to understanding that conversations alone often cannot. From global touring to community work in Chicago, his mission is simple and powerful: use music to build respect across cultures.You’ll hear personal stories, community impact, and the practical ways the Foundation is changing lives one performance at a time.Full Episode Highlights01:20 - How lack of exposure fuels prejudice and why the Foundation tackles it02:00 - John’s lived experience with racism and how it shaped his cause06:00 - Creating a multicultural performance space in Chicago07:20 - Why music is the most powerful connector across cultures08:10 - The India story the moment music overcame language and culture barriers11:06 - Founding the nonprofit after witnessing real unity through music15:00 - The Foundation’s measurable impact increasing empathy and reducing intolerance18:40 - From global touring to deep local community work in Edgewater19:30 - Designing events that intentionally foster cross cultural respect21:20 - Everyday cultural exchange Joseph’s Uber playlist22:10 - Future plans monthly concerts, community singing, cultural holidays23:10 - Food as the next bridge the Foundation’s pop up restaurants and hot sauce23:50 - How to attend free events, join the newsletter, and support the mission24:50 - Why finding a cause matters for purpose, community, and mental health26:00 - How anyone can participate talk to people at live events and build human connectionLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgardner-wmfWebsite: https://theworldmusicfoundation.org/Podcast: https://wmfpodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldMusicFoundationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworldmusicfoundationFind Your Cause. Greater Than Zero Percent.Listen, learn, and take one small step toward a more connected world.Visit https://www.gtzp.org/ for more info.

What if hip hop could heal communities?In this episode, Joseph sits down with Khafre Jay, Executive Director of Hip Hop For The Future, to explore how he’s using hip hop to tackle public health, misinformation, and systemic inequity across the Bay Area. From raising nearly $250,000 to fund grassroots health programs, to creating safe spaces like Flow Lounge where people use rap as therapy, Khafre shares how music can restore connection and dignity in communities that have long been overlooked.He breaks down the real impact of representation, the dangers of cultural misappropriation, and what it means to fight dehumanization through art. You’ll also hear about his powerful movement that transforms open mics into spaces for healing and hope.Keypoints of this episode:• The intersection of hip hop, health, and activism• Building community through culture• Black maternal health and grassroots change• Art as a tool for truth and healingLearn more:hiphopforthefuture.orgWant to learn more, donate, or get engaged?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khafrejay/Website: https://www.khafrejay.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khafrejay/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/khafrejay?_rdc=1&_rdr#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgdT-NwYK5DYNLMCAVY-lKwTimestamps:00:22 — Mission Statement01:21 — Why He Took on the Mission01:41 — The Corporate Takeover of Hip Hop02:05 — Building Platforms for Local Artists03:25 — Turning Disillusionment into Action04:50 — Hip Hop as a Weapon for Public Health06:45 — Therapy Through Hip Hop07:12 — Grassroots vs. Corporate10:24 — Dehumanization and Media Portrayal12:18 — Responsibility to Know and Connect15:31 — Doing What He Can Do17:13 — Having Hard Conversations19:40 — Confronting Privilege in Public Spaces22:04 — Disrupting Comfort, Speaking Truth24:52 — Knowing Where to Spend Your Energy28:45 — What’s Next for Hip Hop For ChangeWatch more episodes of Find Your Cause for stories of people creating hope and change around the world.

Most people think human trafficking looks like the movie Taken.Dr. Kisha Roberts-Tabb says it’s often much closer to home.In this episode of Find Your Cause, host Joseph Smalzer talks with Dr. Kisha, community psychologist, founder of the Social Butterflies Foundation, and creator of Girls Night Out Chicago, about what trafficking really looks like in our neighborhoods, why victims rarely see themselves as victims, and how community collaboration can truly save lives.They discuss:How homelessness and survival often lead to exploitationWhy economic empowerment is the key to preventionHow trauma-informed care rebuilds trust and hopeWhat families and communities can do to make a differenceListen and learn from one woman’s mission to bring healing, empowerment, and long-term change to Chicago.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?WebsiteFacebookLinkedInLearn more at gtzp.orgTimestamps / Chapters00:00  Introduction and Joseph’s welcome00:49  What drives Dr. Kisha’s mission01:29  Early experiences in juvenile court03:58  Seeing the link between justice and trafficking05:27  Creating Girls Night Out to reach survivors07:55  Expanding impact across Chicago10:45  What trafficking really means13:08  Why victims don’t recognize exploitation15:15  Building trust before intervention19:40  How collaboration saves lives21:51  Long-term solutions through education and work35:10  Key hotlines and community resources44:11  Rethinking blame and promoting compassion45:35  Staying committed to the cause46:09  Closing message and call to actionPresented by Greater Than Zero Percent and Fluent Radio

In this episode of the Greater Than Zero Podcast, Joseph speaks with Marlon Richardson, Executive Director of Hip Hop For Change, Inc. Based in Oakland, this nonprofit uses grassroots activism and hip hop culture to educate about socio economic injustices and advocate solutions.For over 12 years, Hip Hop For Change has reclaimed hip hop as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and employment, reaching more than 50,000 participants with programs that inspire personal growth, social justice, and workforce development.Timestamps:00:00 – What is Hip Hop For Change and why was it created?04:15 – How did Marlon Richardson step into this movement?09:30 – Why is hip hop an effective tool for education and social justice?16:20 – What challenges do grassroots organizations like Hip Hop For Change face?22:55 – How are youth and marginalized communities impacted by their programs?29:40 – How does art and culture help dismantle harmful stereotypes?35:10 – What can listeners do right now to support Hip Hop For Change?Learn More & Support Hip Hop For ChangeWebsite: www.hiphopforchange.orgDonate: Become a monthly donor – https://hiphopforchange.networkforgood.com/projects/125291-become-a-monthly-donor-todayPhone: (510) 350-7730Email: unlearn@hiphopforchange.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/hiphop4changeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hip-hop-for-changeFacebook: https://m.facebook.com/61568529146858/YouTube: www.youtube.com/hiphopforchange

What if generosity could be part of your daily life, not just a once-a-year act? In this episode, Joseph Smalzer speaks with the founders of Bgiving, a social impact platform designed to make giving simple, transparent, and personal. The team shares how they are using technology to connect donors, volunteers, and nonprofits in one seamless ecosystem where every contribution matters. From supporting grassroots projects to helping local communities grow through consistent micro-giving, Bgiving is proving that small, intentional acts can create large-scale change.Tune in to Find Your Cause to discover how Bgiving is inspiring a new generation to give smarter, live kinder, and build a world where generosity is the norm.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?LinkedIn pageVisit GTZP.org to learn more.

What happens when housing, mental health, and employment come together under one mission? In this episode, Joseph Smalzer speaks with Patty Capouch and Vince Henigan of Impact Behavioral Health Partners, an organization helping people with mental illness live independently through safe housing, clinical care, and job support. Founded during the deinstitutionalization era, Impact has grown from a single building in 1988 to serving over 1,100 participants today. Patty and Vince share personal stories of why they joined this work, what “trauma-informed care” really means, and how stable housing can transform lives.Listen to Find Your Cause to learn how Impact Behavioral Health Partners is redefining mental health housing and proving that stability starts with compassion.Visit Impact Behavioral Health Partners:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInVisit GTZP.org to learn more.

When families are forced to flee their homes, starting over in a new country can feel impossible. In this episode, Joseph Smalzer speaks with Shawn Smith, Executive Director of Global Impact Initiative, about how his team helps refugees rebuild their lives in Central Texas. From finding housing and learning English to gaining employment through CDL training and the Refugee Sewing Collective, GII provides the support needed to turn survival into stability. Shawn shares the realities of refugee resettlement, the cultural challenges many families face, and how his organization is creating real pathways to independence.Listen to Find Your Cause to learn how Global Impact Initiative is helping refugees not just adapt, but thrive.Visit Global Impact Initiative using the following links:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebookVisit GTZP.org to learn more.

In this episode we interview Livi Kerszenbaum, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Orange County United Way. Orange County United Way’s mission is to improve lives in Orange County by delivering measurable long-term solutions to complex issues in education, financial stability, health and housing. Orange County United Way’s unique approach comes from an understanding that the community’s most critical issues are interrelated and must be tackled in an interconnected way to provide long-term solutions that break the cycle. Orange County United Way is focused on four key initiatives: United to End HomelessnessUnited for Financial SecurityUnited for Student Success2-1-1 OC. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://givebutter.com/orange-county-united-way  Phone: +1 (949)660-7600 Email: https://www.unitedwayoc.org/contact-us/  Website: https://www.unitedwayoc.org  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayOC/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedwayoc/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orange-county-united-way/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ocunitedway Guest Information Guest Name: Livi Kerszenbaum Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/livi-kerszenbaum/ 

In this episode we interview Isaac Esene, Founder/Director at GoodWorks. GoodWorks’s belief is clear: to create safer communities, we must foster a more informed and proactive generation. Beyond just witnessing, we are cultivating a generation equipped to act, ensuring fewer preventable deaths and injuries in emergencies.Through tailored workshops, strategic partnerships, and cultural engagement, we simplify crucial life-saving concepts like bleeding control, opioid overdose response, harm reduction, and CPR.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://givebutter.com/iVR97h Email: operations@goodworkshealth.org Website: www.goodworkshealth.org Instagram: @dagoodworks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/86925972/

In this episode we interview Robb Munger, Founder & President of Exodus Place. Exodus Place’s mission is to Glorify God by meeting each man where they are. We provide a hand up rather than a handout by equipping these men with physical, emotional, mental and spiritual tools for successful reintegration into the community. Exodus Place is the largest transitional Housing Facility for men in Michigan. Transitional Housing is a stepping stone for homeless people who need temporary residence until they can afford long term or permanent housing. Exodus place can house up to 135 men at a given time and we call our residents members. We provide our members with a hand up not a hand out. Members pay low monthly dues (not rent) to live here. These dues include access to case management, education & job training, meal program, spiritual counseling, medical care and more. Although we deal primarily with the homeless population, we are not a homeless shelter. We're different for the following reasons:  We never put an expiration date on a member's stay. Members pay low monthly dues to live here. We offer programs to assist in our members' development.At Exodus Place, we understand that problems require big solutions that's why we're different from a shelter. We don't treat the symptoms for homelessness, we provide the cure. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://www.exodusplace.org/donate.html Phone: +1 616-242-9130 Email: info@exodusplace.org Website: http://www.robbmunger.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExodusPlace/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exodus.place.gr/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exodus-place/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrDXQpIbWhBJbOV-dhJQZAGuest Information Guest Name: Robb Munger Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbmunger/

In this episode we interview Elizabeth Cushing, CEO at Playworks. Playworks’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s physical and emotional well-being. With more than 25 years of experience, the organization aims to bring out the best in every kid and hopes that one day, every child in America will get to play every day. Through direct-service coaching of youth and providing training and consultation for adults working with kids, Playworks partners with elementary schools, districts, and community-based organizations to bring games and youth development practices. With an emphasis on social, physical, and emotional skill-building, students feel included while being active and developing valuable skills needed to thrive in and out of the classroom. During the 2023-2024 school year, the nonprofit is ensuring more than 600,000 youth in over 1,300 schools and community partners experience safe and healthy play during and beyond the school day nationwide.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://donate.playworks.org/give/46209/#!/donation/checkout Website: https://www.playworks.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeRecessCount Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playworksrecess/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/playworks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/playworksorg Twitter: https://twitter.com/Playworks

In this episode we interview Diana Canant, Founder and CEO at LifeSpheres. LifeSpheres’s mission is to To build resilience that empowers people to thrive by resolving trauma in peer-communities globally.LifeSpheres, a California 501(c)(3) Public Charity and a South African NPO, facilitates trauma healing through a community program. They create safe spaces for deep listening and mutual support, addressing trauma effectively and affordably. Their PeerCommunity CoCare Program serves diverse communities, offering workshops on deep listening skills and tailored CoCare sessions. Graduates can further support others and access resources through follow-up workshops. Operating on a commitment-based model, LifeSpheres offers free services with support from donors who share their mission.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://www.turningthetideoftrauma.org/contact Phone: 1.650.275.2537 Email: info@lifespheres.org Website: https://www.lifespheres.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningTheTideOfTrauma/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningthetideoftrauma/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianacanant/

Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradle to Crayons, discusses the mission of the organization to end clothing insecurity for children. She shares her personal inspiration for starting the organization and the initial activities they undertook to understand the needs of families. Lynn highlights the growth of Cradle to Crayons over the past 20 years, from supplying 2,000 packages to children in the first year to projecting a million packages this year. She emphasizes the impact of the organization through feedback from agency partners and volunteers. Lynn also addresses the ongoing need for essential items and the importance of policy changes to support families in need. She outlines the future goals of Cradle to Crayons, including raising awareness, educating the community, and distributing more packages to children across the United States.Takeaways Cradle to Crayons aims to end clothing insecurity for children by increasing access to affordable, appropriate, and adequate clothing. The organization has grown from supplying 2,000 packages in the first year to projecting a million packages this year. Feedback from agency partners and volunteers highlights the impact of Cradle to Crayons in providing essential items to children and families in need. There is an ongoing need for essential items, and policy changes are necessary to support families in need. Future goals of Cradle to Crayons include raising awareness, educating the community, and distributing more packages to children across the United States.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/donate-now/ Website: https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c2cboston/ | https://www.instagram.com/c2cphiladelphia/ | https://www.instagram.com/c2cchicago/ | https://www.instagram.com/c2cnyc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cradlestocrayons/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cradlestocrayons

In this episode we interview Nate Pietrini, Ed.D., Executive Director at High Jump. High Jump equalizes access to education for Chicago middle school students who have exhibited academic ambition and potential and who are of limited economic means. We provide academic enrichment, counseling and support to students of diverse backgrounds, with the goals of sending our participants to superior college preparatory schools, ensuring their success while they are there, and enhancing their ability to gain admission to highly regarded four-year colleges and universities.High Jump empowers Chicago’s middle schoolers to become well-rounded leaders through our tuition-free programs, which offer one-of-a-kind experiences, resources, and educational support for curious and motivated 7th- and 8th-grade students who want to challenge themselves academically.We provide a holistic learning program to help learners develop the skills they need to thrive wherever they go. The program consists of six weeks of daily instruction in the summer and an average of two Saturdays each month during the school year. Our curriculum exposes students to culturally relevant literature, themes, rigorous math instruction, and experiential learning.What makes a student a scholar? A love of learning and a desire to seek experiences to challenge themselves socially and academically. Our students are intellectually curious and academically motivated; many are the first people in their families to attend college.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://highjumpchicago.org/donate Phone: 312-582-7700 Email: ask@highjumpchicago.org Website: https://highjumpchicago.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highjumpchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highjumpchicago/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-jump/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@highjumpchicagoGuest Information Guest Name: Nate Pietrini, Ed.D.  Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-pietrini-ed-d-70652354/

In this episode we interview Ausra Tallat-Kelpsa Di Raimondo, Board President at Blue/Yellow USA. Blue/Yellow USA's mission is to provide medical care, humanitarian, and non-lethal aid to Ukraine. Blue Yellow USA's mission is to provide non-lethal medical aid and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. They deliver aid to high-risk areas near the front line and underserved areas. The organization was founded in 2019 and is driven by a historical connection to Ukraine and a desire to support its struggle for independence and democracy. They provide non-lethal aid such as protective gear, medical equipment, and rebuilding materials. Blue Yellow USA plans to continue fulfilling needs, rebuilding infrastructure, and maintaining support in the long term. They are seeking volunteers and support from individuals and encourage advocacy to ensure aid reaches Ukraine. Takeaways Blue Yellow USA provides non-lethal medical aid and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, focusing on high-risk and underserved areas. The organization was founded in 2019 and is driven by a historical connection to Ukraine and a desire to support its struggle for independence and democracy. They provide non-lethal aid such as protective gear, medical equipment, and rebuilding materials. Blue Yellow USA plans to continue fulfilling needs, rebuilding infrastructure, and maintaining support in the long term. They are seeking volunteers and support from individuals and encourage advocacy to ensure aid reaches Ukraine. Sound Bites "Our mission is to provide non-lethal medical aid and care and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, to its citizens, its defenders, all the way down to its animals." "We've been very much involved in that history. I do a lot of research. I've been doing it for 30 years in on World War Two and in this area of what happened in Lithuania, the Baltics and other countries that are our neighbors." "Short-term, we see ourselves fulfilling all these needs, including protective protection needs. Once the victory is gained, we will need less of the protection type stuff, but we will need a lot of the rebuilding materials, rebuilding medical facilities, providing them with equipment, providing them with trained personnel that now will be willing to come and work with different people." Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: www.foblueyellowukraineusa.org/donate Phone: +1 (630) 770-6551 Email: blueyellowusa@foblueyellowukraineusa.org Website: www.foblueyellowukraineusa.org Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/blueyellowusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-yellow-for-ukraine-usa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blueyellowukraineusa Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlueYellowUKR Guest Information Guest Name: Ausra Tallat-Kelpsa Di Raimondo Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ausra.marija.desiree Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ausra-tallat-kelpsa-di-raimondo-529180b/

In this episode we interview Vriti, Co-founder & President and Mike Peck, VP at Ed3 Dao. Ed3 DAO’s mission is to empower educators with the knowledge and tools in emerging technologies like AI & Web3, ensuring every student is equipped for the future workforce. Ed3 DAO is a global community for educators who wish to catalyze innovation in education and reimagine learning with emerging technologies, with a focus on AI & Web3. First, we Educate. We provide free global learning events for educators both virtually & IRL, as well as partner with universities to deliver coursework for teacher development programs. Second, we Empower. We give micro-grants to members who want to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and we invite our members to take ownership of our community through a distributed governance model. Third, we Elevate. We help educators and institutions implement projects and innovations using AI & Web3, such as Learner Employment Records and virtual reality curriculum.  Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Email: people@ed3dao.com Website: https://www.ed3dao.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed3dao/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/81369342/admin/feed/posts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ed3DAO Guest Information Guest Name: Vriti Saraf Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vriti-saraf/

In this episode, Joseph interviews Kerry Brodie, the Founder and Executive Director of Emma's Torch. Emma's Torch is an organization that empowers refugees and survivors of human trafficking through culinary training and workforce development. Kerry explains that she founded the organization after realizing that she had the passion and idea to create a culinary training program for refugees and survivors of human trafficking. She was inspired by the question, "Why not me?" and decided to take on the challenge herself. Kerry highlights the mission of Emma's Torch, which is to empower refugees and survivors of human trafficking by providing culinary training and opportunities for workforce development. She explains that empowerment is important because these individuals have often been told that they are different, other, and not the same. Emma's Torch aims to change that narrative by recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all humans and providing them with opportunities to pursue their goals and dreams. When asked about the origin of including survivors of human trafficking in the mission statement, Kerry explains that they work with a wide range of individuals who have been forced to flee or migrate for various reasons. They focus on tailoring their support to the needs of these individuals and have developed a range of training modules to address English language skills, conflict resolution, and employability. Joseph asks Kerry about the name "Emmas Torch" and she explains that it is a tribute to Emma Lazarus, a Jewish woman who advocated for refugee resettlement and wrote the poem that is now inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty. The poem, titled "The New Colossus," speaks to the idea that welcoming refugees is what makes the United States strong and unique. Kerry shares the initial activities of Emmas Torch, which started with a minimum viable product approach. They provided three weeks of culinary training to three students and raised funds through a catering event. They then opened their doors in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and expanded their training to include employability and empowerment modules. In terms of data and impact, Kerry mentions that Emmas Torch has worked with approximately 350 students since its inception. They have seen significant wage growth among their students, with an average earning increase of six times within the first year after graduation. Their students also have a high job retention rate of around 85%. Overall, Emmas Torch has created over $7 million in increased wages. Kerry discusses the future of Emma's Torch, which involves expanding their presence in New York and Washington, DC. They are also exploring opportunities for replication in other cities and states with high refugee populations and a need for social services. In terms of engagement, Kerry encourages people to visit their restaurant, support their catering services, and follow them on social media. She also welcomes partnerships with employment partners, nonprofit organizations, and anyone who wants to collaborate in supporting their mission. Overall, Kerry is grateful for the opportunity to share the work of Emmas Torch and is inspired by the positive impact they are making in the lives of refugees and survivors of human trafficking. She hopes to continue growing and providing opportunities for individuals to build a new life and pursue their dreams. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://emmastorch.org/donate Phone: (718) 243-1222 Email: Info@emmastorch.org Website: https://emmastorch.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmasTorchFood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmastorchfood/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emma's-torch