Connected for Good

How do you lead one of the fastest-growing counties in thecountry while balancing taxes, infrastructure, public services, and quality oflife?In this episode, the hosts of Connected for Good sit downwith Tim Hemstreet, Loudoun County Administrator, for abehind-the-scenes look at nearly two decades of county leadership. Fromnavigating the Great Recession to managing rapid population growth and the riseof the data center industry, Hemstreet explains how local government works andhow major decisions shape residents’ everyday lives.The conversation explores Loudoun’s budget and propertytaxes, the impact of data center revenue, emergency preparedness, and theimportance of building trust across differing viewpoints. Hemstreet alsoexamines how government, nonprofits, and philanthropy can work together toaddress community needs, including critical services for survivors of domesticviolence.A revealing conversation about civic leadership, publicservice, and the people and decisions shaping Loudoun County’s future. 

What does it really mean to give back in a way that creates lasting community impact?In this episode of Connected for Good, hosts Matt Bender and Stephanie Nerantzis sit down with Nicole Acosta, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, to explore how community foundations connect donors, families, and businesses with opportunities to create meaningful local change.Nicole explains how charitable funds and donor-advised funds work, how families can establish legacy funds, and how the foundation helps donors support causes ranging from hunger and animals to the environment and immigrant services. She also discusses the foundation’s role in strengthening nonprofits, convening community conversations, and supporting economic mobility across the region.A thoughtful conversation about philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, legacy giving, and how generosity can create lasting change in our community.Loudoun Now Voice is supported in part by platform fees paid by hosts, and content on Loudoun Now Voice programs has not been vetted, edited, or produced by the Loudoun Now newsroom.

The advice most parents give a struggling teen is the advice that misses them completely. Suzie Bartel, President of the Ryan Bartel Foundation, shares the harder truth behind youth mental health, why kids often need to be heard before they can be helped, and how one family turned devastating loss into a county-wide movement for connection, resilience, and belonging. After losing her son Ryan to suicide at 17, Suzie and her family didn’t set out to build a nonprofit - they followed what the teens around them needed most. What began as a school focus group grew into a foundation, a student-led club called “We’re All Human,” and eventually a full model for upstream prevention that reaches youth before crisis hits. Essential listening for parents, educators, mental health advocates, and anyone who wants to understand what young people need before they ever reach a breaking point. This conversation is compassionate, practical, and deeply human - and it may change the way you think about support, prevention, and what it really means to help a child belong. 

Dr. Margaret Salazar Porzio, the visionary leader of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, shares how she’s navigating the turbulent waters of organizational crisis to forge a new chapter rooted in trust, storytelling, and cultural relevance. Discover how a historic mansion with roots in slavery, diplomacy, and elite Washington gatherings is being reimagined—not just as a preserved artifact but as a dynamic space for dialogue, empathy, and community resilience.If you've ever wondered how to lead through a crisis while honoring the stories that shape us, this episode reveals the strategic shifts and emotional insights behind turning a troubled landmark into a beacon for inclusion and education. Margie discusses recent preservation projects, innovative programming like descendants’ storytelling, and her vision for building a future that respects history while fostering a shared humanity. Plus, learn the role of descendant leaders, the importance of authentic conversations about difficult histories, and how this historic property connects to broader themes of leadership and community stewardship.Perfect for nonprofit leaders, history enthusiasts, and community builders alike—this episode is an inspiring guide to turning adversity into opportunity. If you care about preserving the stories that define us and creating spaces that unite, don’t miss Margie’s candid reflections and bold plans for Oatlands’ next 200 years. Unlock the power of history to shape a more empathetic, connected future. Hit play now—you'll leave with a fresh perspective on leadership and legacy.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Ellis, Chief Academic Officer for Loudoun County Public Schools, shares her insights on the future of education in Loudoun, highlighting innovative approaches to literacy, workforce readiness, and community engagement. Her leadership emphasizes personalized learning, authentic assessments, and strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations to prepare students for meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.We discuss:• The evolution of classroom instruction from traditional "sit and get" models to personalized, student-centered learning• The critical importance of early childhood literacy and strategies to close achievement gaps• How Loudoun's focus on workforce readiness and partnerships with local businesses enriches educational experiences• The role of philanthropy in scaling innovative programs like health sciences academies and early literacy initiatives• Leadership priorities including strategic planning, community involvement, and staying the course amid rapid change