In this episode of PhilanthroThink, Megan Skivington and Fengwen Yu speak with Raksha Bhayana, CEO and co-founder of the Bhayana Family Foundation, about recognition in the nonprofit sector and why it matters. Raksha reflects on her early career in social work, her family’s values, and how those experiences shaped the Foundation’s focus on celebrating frontline nonprofit workers across Canada through partnerships with United Way. She also discusses the advocacy behind nonprofit appreciation initiatives in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia, and how the next generation is helping guide new priorities, including awards recognizing entire emergency department teams in Toronto hospitals.

A grounded conversation on advocacy, leadership, and sustaining family philanthropy over time.

TAKEAWAYS

Frontline nonprofit workers often carry invisible pressure and limited recognition

Awards can serve as catalysts for broader awareness and change

Advocacy for the nonprofit sector requires persistence and collaboration

Family foundations evolve when leadership is shared across generations

Whole-team recognition strengthens healthcare and community systems

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to PhilanthroThink

00:40 Introducing Raksha Bhayana

02:30 Family roots and values in giving

05:00 Frontline experience and recognition gaps

07:10 Awards with United Way across Canada

09:15 Next-generation involvement

11:45 Emergency department recognition

15:20 Advocacy and nonprofit appreciation initiatives

19:45 Leadership and future priorities

29:55 Advice for emerging changemakers

32:10 Closing thoughts

GUEST

Raksha Bhayana

CEO and Co-Founder, Bhayana Family Foundation

Website: https://bhayanafoundation.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmb1/

Foundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bhayana-family-foundation/posts/?feedView=all

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CREDITS

Hosts:

Megan Skyvington

Emily Goodwin

Fengwen Yu

Daniel H. Lanteigne

Production:

Keenlii

Website: https://www.keenlii.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/

Producer: Barry Keegan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrykeegan/

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ABOUT PHILANTHROTHINK

PhilanthroThink is a podcast series from Carleton University’s Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. Each episode features conversations with philanthropic leaders and changemakers exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in Canada and beyond.