Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World - The Skills, Talents, and Mindsets of Changemakers

Sitting next to MaryBeth Hyland the first day of a new session at Heroic Public Speaking in Lambertville, New Jersey, I could feel the warm and generous energy radiating from her very being.  I knew right away this was someone I needed to get to know.   What I've learned is that MaryBeth is an incredible changemaker who teaches people about the importance of aligning the work they do with their core values so that our … Core Values and Cowgirl Vibes with Changemaker MaryBeth Hyland Read More »

Changemaker Nadine Marshall helps her clients develop themselves holistically so they can move from merely surviving and striving to thriving in their own efforts to make a positive difference in the world.  Tune in via the video recording below, listen to the podcast version or read the summary here to learn how she does it!   https://youtu.be/bYsdKVglXdc Homegrown Nadine Nadine was born in Greymouth, a small town on the West Coast of the South Island of … The Spirit of Changemaking featuring Nadine Marshall Read More »

During my discussion with Dr. Navjeet Kaur, I was struck by something she said. So often when we are physically unwell, we are often quick to announce it. However, when the discussion turns to mental health, many people are still afraid to share what is ailing them.  I am very glad to have had this opportunity to meet Navjeet where she came up to me after my speaking engagement in New Delhi, India for International … Encouraging Youth Mental Health with Changemaker Navjeet Kaur Read More »

Where does a person's potential begin as a changemaker? Changemaker Emmalou Penrod knows, it usually starts with the family unit.  In this rich conversation, Emmalou examines how her upbringing catapulted her forward and now helps parents learn the skills, including emotional regulation, so they are equipped to share their tools to help their children grow. In this episode of “On Your Own Terms,” Emmalou shares her “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World”. Watch the video … Healing Families to Heal the World with Changemaker Emmalou Penrod Read More »

Get ready to channel your curiosity about people with Changemaker Nancy Marshall! Nancy has a passion for connecting people together so that they can bring their gifts to the world.  A curious mind makes for genuine relationships that can lead to positive change in every community.  Nancy never starts a conversation thinking, “What's in it for me?”  Instead, she reaches out through her love for people and genuine interest in who they are, what they … Connecting with Curiosity – featuring Changemaker Nancy Marshall Read More »

What makes an empowering mentor? This is the question that changemaker Beth Hendricks asked herself after having several mentors assigned to her tell her that she didn't measure up.  Then, one day, she had a new experience.  A mentor sat with her and asked the question: How can I help you be successful? Beth realized that in a world where many people are so focused on outshining each other, we often forget that we can … The Changemaking Power of Mentorship featuring Beth Hendricks Read More »

Sometimes the biggest change in the world begins with a change within yourself.  That is the power behind Changemaker Lynn McLaughlin's story. At an early age, Lynn experienced trauma and abuse creating a deep-seated need for escape.   As she grew older, she learned to recognize her past as proof of her tenacity and capacity for resilience. Over the years, she's learned that the road to growth does not begin with how things “should be”, but … Accepting Self/Accepting Others – featuring Changemaker Lynn McLaughlin Read More »

Often the people in need of help in our community are right in front of us. Leading the charge to maintain the dignity of each individual is Changemaker Judy Diggs. Throughout her career in education, Judy has constantly kept an eye out for how she can  offer support and advocacy to marginalized groups and those in need.  Judy has a big heart and loads of experience creating the conditions necessary for humans to thrive.  As … Embracing Human Dignity with Changemaker Judy Diggs Read More »

Loy Campbell's professional work in healthcare and community work for racial justice are inspirational examples of how we can show up as changemakers in all facets of our lives.  Read on to check out what you missed “On Your Own Terms” or, if you prefer, go straight to the audio version here:     https://youtu.be/PiyTy4pizRI Homegrown Loy Loy Campbell was born in Blacksburg, Virginia. Blacksburg is a college town where the university is a big part … Getting Proximal with Changemaker Loy Campbell Read More »

Changemaker Annie Dickinson is proof that our roots do not dictate where we plant ourselves. Annie's life transitions have led her to far-flung places, including moving abroad. Annie found a way to embrace BIG change and welcome transformation, even when it's terrifying and encircled with deep grief. Through living her one wild and precious life, Annie's experiences have taught the criticality of prioritizing our own self-care so we can show up in our aspirations every … Changemaker Annie Dickinson – Helping Women Find Their Way Read More »

Each week, I feature a new changemaker who has created ripples of positive change into the world…But how does that change start? What do you need to create change? This week, Changemaker Catherine Schrenker tells her story about how she took her gifts and created positive change in her own life and the world around her. Her journey from academia to becoming the Executive Director at the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts is a … Manifesting Change with Catherine Schrenker Read More »

Tatiana Tsoir is someone I wish I had the chance to meet in my early in my entrepreneurial journey. Entrepreneurship comes with road bumps and challenges, but having someone with business smarts walk down that path beside you will help you avoid some common pitfalls.  In this episode of “On Your Own Terms,” Changemaker Tatiana Tsoir shares her “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World” from the unique perspective of an immigrant to the United States. … Be Bold, Be Smart with Changemaker Tatiana Tsoir Read More »

You don't find many people like Dr. Martha Ann Stallings. She is the kind of changemaker who chooses to spend much of her time in “retirement” for the benefit of others working tirelessly to make sure no voice goes unheard.  In this episode of “On Your Own Terms,” Martha Ann shares her unique take on “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World” and inspires us all to watch and listen carefully for our own opportunities to … Commitment – Community – Change Featuring Dr. Martha Ann Stallings Read More »

Patti Shales Lefkos is one inspiring changemaker! At an age where many are retiring to take it easy, Patti is hitting the roads and the trails on great adventures to learn all she can, help all she can, and inspire us all to take the reins and live big lives. In this episode of “On Your Own Terms,” Patti shares her “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World”. Watch the video of our conversation, listen to the … Adventures in Changemaking with Patti Shales Lefkos Read More »

In her role as Senior Director of Major Gifts in Intercollegiate Athletics at Virginia Tech, Terry Bolt has learned how to thrive and create meaningful change in what is usually a male-dominated industry. Along with her “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World”, Terry shares her wisdom and tips to help women come out on top without sacrificing their principles.  Check out this episode of “On Your Own Terms,” via video, podcast, and by catching up … How Relationships Create Positive Change – featuring Terry Bolt Read More »

Healing communities can seem like a daunting task, but that is the core mission of Changemaker Sara Dechter. As a certified urban community planner, Sara has a bird's eye view of the Flagstaff, Arizona community she serves.  From this vantage point, she looks for opportunities to bring growth, love, and understanding to the process of community development. The special secret to her work though is coming down to earth, walking the path alongside her constituents … Listening to the Voices of Your Community with Changemaker Sara Dechter Read More »

In this episode of “On Your Own Terms,” we meet Changemaker Anne Campbell. Anne shares her “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World” including her efforts to work with others to build a comprehensive hospice facility in her home community of Blacksburg, Virginia. Watch the video of our conversation, listen to the podcast, and read the summary here! Homegrown Anne Born and raised in Blacksburg Virginia in the United States, Anne Campbell took a huge step leaving … Dedication and Determination Keep Dreams Alive with Changemaker Anne Campbell Read More »

Changemaker Sandy Joy Weston is a refreshing reminder of how to choose the joy in life.  Sandy and I had such a wonderful conversation that helped me come back to my own positive nature.  We often hear so many negative reports from many corners of the world.  If you turn on the news, you are likely to be shown some of the ugliest sides of humanity, but Sandy believes deeply in the basic good in … A Joyful Reminder from Changemaker Sandy Joy Weston Read More »

If I were to summarize my conversation with Changemaker Stacy Fritz, I would say, “passion driven by love.” Stacy's passion for a healthier community has led her on a journey to help people live healthier lives. After her kids started school, she started her company, FIT2order with her business partner, Pattie Sassano.  Together, they brought fitness programs to locations beyond “the gym”. The company has evolved over the past 14 years and now provides wellness solutions for companies whose employees sit most … Piloting Your Own Health Journey -Featuring Changemaker Stacy Fritz Read More »

My conversation with Changemaker Jenna Banks was a powerful one. Jenna is a keynote speaker and best-selling author who strives to help women reclaim their inner power. Jenna's journey began with a traumatic upbringing and a nearly fatal suicide attempt. These experiences brought her to her lowest, yet were the same experiences that led her to a pivotal change in her life. Despite her challenges, Jenna found a way to reclaim her power through self-love. … PowerFULL Changemaker Jenna Banks Read More »

My conversation with Sue Bevan Baggott was so empowering! Sue has a wide range of rich experiences from building a safer community for domestic violence survivors and supporting people with mental illness challenges to corporate innovation and angel investing. Sue's life has helped her recognize the importance of channeling time, talents, and financial resources toward the positive changes she wants to see in her community and the world. Sue shared her story with us on … Changemaker Sue Bevan Baggott on Empowering Positive Impact Read More »

Today we welcome Changemaker Gunin Kiran to this series celebrating the work of people making the world a better place by creating “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World.”   Gunin completed 8 years as a school board member in my local school district last fall, but she remains very active in our community as she explores next options to put her brilliant mind and heart for service to best use. I invited Gunin to share her … Civic Engagement for Change – Featuring Changemaker Gunin Kiran Read More »

There's nothing I enjoy more than when I meet someone and start sharing what I do and they suddenly say something like “Oh!  You must meet ‘so and so'!”   These connections and introductions often turn into the very best conversations I get in any given week.  Thus was the case when a new mutual colleague decided to connect me with Mia Pumo.  Mia's passion for education is something we share at a deep level.  Like … Mia Pumo – Helping Educators Flourish! Read More »

Today we welcome Marcia Dawood, Angel Investor and Chair of the Angel Capital Association.  I first met Marcia in a program we're both involved in with Heroic Public Speaking where we are learning with others to deliver speeches to “inspire and delight” our audiences.  I can tell you that I was both inspired and delighted when I heard Marcia share a part of her talk for the first time.  I've believed for a long time … Investing in Change – Featuring Marcia Dawood Read More »

Today we welcome Harriet Stein to the Blue Roads Changemaker Series that aired first on the WIN WIN WOMEN program “On Your Own Terms”.  Harriet shares her story of how she first became interested in the practice of mindfulness including how it has changed her own life and the lives of others around the globe.  I first met Harriet through “HPSGrad”.  It's an amazing program offered by Michael and Amy Port through their business, Heroic … Dipping into Mindfulness for Change – Featuring Harriet Stein Read More »

This is the second time I've had the great privilege of interviewing the radiant and gifted Jeannine Rivers for this Changemaker Series.  She's that amazing and positively LUMINOUS in her efforts to make the world work better for everyone she meets.  I hope you'll check out our first interview from last summer here.  This time, I interviewed Jeannine for my new show, On Your Own Terms, on Win Win Women TV.  Again we used the … Illuminating Change in the World – Featuring Jeannine Rivers Read More »

Today we welcome senior fitness specialist, Mariah Kaye.  I met Mariah because she has kept popping up week after week as a wonderfully loyal viewer and participant in my new weekly show on the WIN WIN WOMEN network I call “On Your Own Terms”.  Because she always stays for the vibrant conversation after the show, over time I started to realize that Mariah is a “Big C – Changemaker” in her own right! Plus, I … Mariah Kaye – Helping Changemakers Keep On Keeping On! Read More »

I've long been fascinated by the potential of hypnotherapy to help people make necessary changes in their lives.  When I met Certified Hypnotherapist Jackie Maclean recently in a business class we took together, I was immediately drawn to her evident knowledge and passion for helping people who were suffering deeply.  The results she gets for her clients using hypnosis are simply astounding.  Learn about Jackie's change-making work and her own Homegrown Solutions that ripple out … The Power of Hypnosis to Create Change Naturally with Hypnotherapist Jackie Maclean Read More »

I met the amazing Jeannine Rivers Colburn last summer when I was reaching out to the world to invite participation in a course I developed called “Tender and Brave:  Authentic Anti-racism for the Well-Intentioned White Woman”.  As an African American woman, something about that title didn't hit Jeannine quite right.  Who was this Patti Talbot?  What was she up to and what qualified her to teach such a course?  Instead of just stewing about what … Jeannine Rivers Colburn – Illuminated Changemaker Read More »

I met CJ Peterson, our special guest in this episode of the Blue Roads Changemaker Series, through a “matchmaking” service for podcasters.  When she was kind enough to interview me for her podcast “The Journey is Real” about my work to cultivate homegrown changemakers (airing in late June), we got to talking afterward about her own work as a Changemaker.  C. J. generously agreed to be a guest for the Blue Roads Changemaker Podcast so … The Journey of Changemaker CJ Peterson Read More »

Every effort to create a better world takes substantial energy as well as resources.  Lisa Riggs has come up with a creative solution to fundraising that is helping CHANGEMAKERS reach their goals in a fun and engaging manner by selling something everyone needs at one time or another – SOCKS!  Her socks are designed in collaboration with the organizations she serves to project the message and align with their goals.  While her socks can represent … Lisa Riggs, The Sock Queen Supporting Change Read More »

I had the great good fortune of rooming with Elizabeth Hummer during a study trip to Ecuador in 2015 as part of a field experience through World Savvy's Global Competence Certificate Program.  Not only did she help me get by because of the Spanish language proficiency I do not possess, but throughout the trip, I was fascinated by her ability to connect with everyone we encountered.  Every where we went, people were drawn to her … Elizabeth Hummer – Through the Lens of a Changemaker Read More »

Today we welcome Dr. Ashley Taylor Repisky,  Director of Education and Lecturer at Rice 360 Institute for Global Health.  I first met Ashley in the summer of 2016 when we traveled together to Malawi for a month of working and learning with and from educators and healthcare workers there. Ashley was working on finding solutions to equipment shortages to address health challenges in hospital settings in and around Zomba while I accompanied university students learning … Ashley Taylor Repisky – Appalachian Humility Creating Global Impact Read More »

When Danielle Coughlin talks about being “twice exceptional”, she's talking about kids who are both gifted and experiencing some kind of learning challenge.  She readily admits that this category describes her own experience of the world as well.  I met Danielle as a student at Radford University who traveled with a group I was supervising to Malawi to work in a village school there.  Her gifts for deep reflection and critical thinking were immediately apparent … Danielle Coughlin – Twice Exceptional Changemaker! Read More »

This is Part 2 of a two part series featuring educator Angela Clevinger from Pulaski Virginia.  You'll remember we left off after she talked about her homegrown roots as the daughter of a Klansman who changed her loyalties in her fifth grade year where she was inspired and motivated by her African American teacher, Mr. John Hocker.  She grew up to be a teacher working for equity and active in her local and state education … Angie Clevinger – Connecting and Reflecting, Changemaker Interview Part II Read More »

This is Part 1 of a two-part series featuring Changemaker Educator, Angie Clevinger.  I was fortunate to meet Angie at Radford University when I was teaching in the Educational Leadership Program there.  She was working on her licensure to be a school principal at the time and I could tell right away that she was something special. But when I read her writing, I knew that she was way beyond “special”.  Magical would be the … Angie Clevinger Part I – From Misguided Childhood to Legislative Advocate Read More »

In this episode of our Changemaker Series, I had the great privilege of talking with my changemaker friend, Sandra Lima Argo.  I call her a “chameleon” because she has an amazing ability to adapt well to any circumstance and to help others do so.   Much has changed in the world since we sat down for this interview back in the spring, but as you will see, as always, Sandra has embraced the challenge as an … Sandra Lima Argo – Changemaker Chameleon Read More »

Carol Crawford Smith is the first changemaker representing the arts in this series that celebrates the work and lives of changemakers through the lens of our framework “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World”.  You'll remember that I interviewed her amazing son, Garland Smith, founder of the Omushana Company, a few weeks back.   When you read Carol's story, you'll fully understand where Garland got his ability to live his life to the fullest with purpose and … The Art of Dance, The Art of Life, The Art of Change – Featuring Carol Crawford Smith Read More »

This latest episode in the Blue Roads Changemaker Series features Phyllis Albritton who I have long called “Blacksburg's best-known citizen”.  Now, I don't know if it's true, but it is certainly true to me.  I've been in Blacksburg for more than 40 years and I don't seem to know a single person who doesn't know Phyllis, too.  She's a big presence, and an important one, in our community. Until her recent vision problems began to … Phyllis Albritton – A Legacy of Change-Making Read More »

Featuring High School Seniors Kolby Brown and Molly McPherson It's never too soon to be a Changemaker! In my first two-person interview for the Changemaker Series, I welcomed two rising high school seniors, Kolby Brown and Molly McPherson, to talk about their work for racial justice in our community.  These two young leaders recently organized a protest that took place prior to a meeting of the Montgomery County School Board on June 16th.   I wanted … Youth Leaders Show How Changemaking Gets Done Read More »

Garland Smith is one impressive entrepreneurial changemaker!  I was fortunate to meet Garland and his family during his childhood schooling at Margaret Beeks Elementary in Blacksburg, Virginia where I was principal in the late 90's and early 2000's.   I hadn't seen him or talked with him in years until I saw a recent ad for his socially-minded enterprise, The Omushana Company.  As soon as I saw this inspiring video, I knew I had to talk … Meet Garland Smith – Soccer Player, Entrepreneur, Changemaker! Read More »

I was fortunate to meet Boston history teacher, Kim Young, first as an online classmate in World' Savvy's Global Competence Certificate (GCC)  program for educators.   When I first laid eyes on this world traveling teacher, she was propped up in a bed with a computer on her lap tuning in from Palestine.   A year and a half into the GCC program, the group met up in Ecuador for a field experience working in an Afro-Ecuadorian … Changemaker Educator Kim Young Read More »

I was fortunate to meet Dr. Liovani Nazario during an immersion experience at the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding in Gainesville, Florida in October 2019.    As you'll see and hear, Liovani's story is a unique and inspired example of “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World”.  Her life resonates with clear themes of fairness and inclusivity.  With a strong role model  in her mom,  she starts by telling us about her roots in Puerto Rico that … Liovani Nazario – Champion for Fairness and Equity Read More »

In Part 1, Dana shared her upbringing and learning experiences that led to the founding of World Savvy as well as how that work unfolded from the early days to include a broad range of work with people across cultures.  In this second part of the conversation, Dana updates us on World Savvy's growing influence and includes a reflection of her hopes for education as the world recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic in full swing … Dana Mortenson – World Savvy Changemaker! Part 2 Read More »

Dana Mortenson is Co-Founder and CEO of World Savvy, a national education nonprofit committed to “building inclusive, adaptive and future-ready education systems” for over 18 years. World Savvy's overarching goal is to integrate “cultural and global competence into the ethos and foundations of what we define as quality education.” I can draw a direct line from my first association with World Savvy as a participant in their Global Competence Certificate Program to the work I'm … Dana Mortenson – World Savvy Changemaker, Part 1 Read More »

You'll likely be surprised, as I was, to learn the number of homeless youth present in a community like Montgomery County, Virginia. Two thriving universities welcome students and faculty from all over the world into small towns that sit comfortably among the Appalachian Mountains in an almost idyllic environment. In this setting, homeless and unaccompanied youth are almost “invisible” to most of us.  Dr. Wendy Eckenrod makes us aware of the reality and shares her … Cultivating Change for Homeless Youth – Dr. Wendy Eckenrod Read More »

In Part I, we considered the first two quadrants of the Changemaker Journey “Homegrown Solutions” in light of current recommendations to stay at home as much as possible. In this second installment of “How to be Homebound Changemaker, we are thinking about the “Patchwork World” described in the 3rd and 4th quadrants of the Blue Roads Changemaker Journey.  Here we are encouraged to think beyond our personal experiences to engage with others  from a more … How to Be a Homebound Changemaker Part 2 Read More »

At Blue Roads Education, we're defining “changemakers” as those creating “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World”.   This gets complicated when we are ordered to stay home and away from our usual efforts at changemaking.  Many of us are trying to figure out how to remain effective changemakers while staying within the four walls of our homes. We are doing our best to practice physical distancing as we attempt to remain socially and ethically engaged.    While … How to Be a Homebound Changemaker Part 1 Read More »

Today's Changemaker conversation features Nicole Mignone who can count attorney, photographer and coach among her many specialties.  Please tune in here via video, podcast and/or print to learn how she nurtures her own changemaker light and the lights in those around her. Nicole says that it can be complicated to explain what she does because she's a bit of a “Jane of all trades.”  Among other things, she's been a yoga instructor, an English as … Nicole Mignone – Shining the Changemaker Light Read More »

Urbandictionary.com defines the term “solutionary” this way: Someone who finds revolutionary answers to life problems. A problem solver, an inventive activist. A type of revolutionary who makes change by providing a better way to do things.  In this second portion of my changemaker conversation with Penny Franklin, she shares how she started to push for new solutions to old problems when her children started facing the same kinds of barriers to school success that faced her in … Penny Franklin Part II – Solutionary Penny Read More »

This is the final episode of four from my conversation with Changemaker Penny Franklin.  You'll want to be sure you caught the first three parts where she talks about her work with people across differences to create homegrown solutions to racial injustices in her community.  In this last piece, you will hear Penny talk about the “ripple effects” of this work that are starting to radiate outward to communities beyond Montgomery County, Virginia. She also … Penny Franklin Part IV – Penny's World Read More »