Spotlight on the Community

Ed Abetya, Associate Dean of Student and Community Outreach at UC San Diego's Division of Extended Studies, and Rebecca Smith, Lead Instructor at UC San Diego's Division of Extended Studies and President of W2 San Diego, discuss how lifelong learning and purpose-driven work can help San Diegans over 50 stay relevant and connected in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on local data and examples, they explore the realities of caregiving, ageism, technological disruption, and isolation, and highlight San Diego's rich ecosystem of programs—from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the emerging “UC Your Future” concept to W2 San Diego and cross-institution partnerships—that offer 50-plus adults community, multigenerational connection, encore career pathways, and low-cost opportunities to keep learning, contributing, and leading. Listen Where You Live!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/

Christina Pineda, Courage to Call Program Manager at TURN Behavioral Health Services, and Jim Callahan, CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, discuss how the Courage to Call program connects San Diego's active-duty service members, veterans, and their families to housing, mental health, and basic needs support regardless of discharge status. They explain the shift from county-funded to privately funded services, the expansion into schools and food distributions with partners like Feeding San Diego and SAY San Diego, and the ongoing challenges of stigma, food insecurity, and navigating complex systems for those who have served. Listen Where You Live!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/

Melissa Peterman, Executive Director of Townspeople, and Jack Borja, a participant in Townspeople's shared housing program, discuss how viewing housing as healthcare and expanding shared housing options offers a practical path out of homelessness for San Diegans. They detail the Shared Housing Collaborative, partnerships with organizations like Father Joe's Villages and the City of Vista, landlord engagement, emergency flex funding, and the reduction of stigma around co-living, while Jack shares his journey from the streets to stable housing to participation in the Voices of Our City Choir. Listen Where You Live!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/

Katrina Oprisko, Board Member of Business for Good and Owner of Earthwell Refill, discusses how purpose-driven microbusinesses across San Diego are banding together to advocate for community issues like homelessness, immigrant support, and environmental justice. She explains how Business for Good's membership network, Prebys Foundation grant, and partnerships with universities, K–12 schools, and civic leaders are fueling initiatives such as San Diego Climate Week, plastic reduction efforts, and youth engagement around climate and local challenges from wildfires to the Tijuana River estuary crisis. Listen Where You Live!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/

Malia Henry, Manager of Youth Social Responsibility (YSR) and Military Families for 365 Connect, discusses how YSR Connect is closing the leadership and opportunity gap for military-affiliated teens through tailored programming in San Diego. Henry explains the program's leadership, applied skill, and volunteer components, shares Department of Defense findings on how frequent moves limit teens' access to extracurriculars, highlights the “Beyond the Bell” launch event at Armed Services YMCA, and outlines opportunities for board service, partnerships, and family participation in a region with one of the nation's largest military communities. Listen Where You Live!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/

Hunter Christian, Executive Director of Villa de Vida, discusses San Diego's shortage of affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities. Christian talks about how the Poway community helps residents live independently.  She explains how donated land, tax credits, county funding, project-based vouchers, and resident support made 54 apartments possible—and why an 18,000-person waiting list demonstrates the urgent need to replicate the model. Listen Where You Live!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/

Kevin Petti, professor of human anatomy and physiology at San Diego Miramar College, discusses why science education becomes more powerful when anatomy is taught alongside art, history, culture and religion. He explains how Anatomia Italiana and San Diego State University's global seminar use Renaissance art, medical history, and immersive travel to help future healthcare professionals think differently while completing an international experience that fits demanding science curricula. Listen Where You Live!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/

Lauren Lockhart, Executive Director of the Museum of History and Culture La Jolla, discusses why the former La Jolla Historical Society adopted a new identity reflecting its evolution into a free, community-focused museum. She explores expanded school programs, interdisciplinary exhibitions created with partners including the Kumeyaay community, La Jolla's mid-century modern and UC San Diego legacy, and efforts to digitize tens of thousands of historical materials for wider public access. Listen Where You Live!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/

Cheryl Morrow, CEO of California Curl and owner of Morrow Publishing and the San Diego Monitor News Network, discusses her family's influential role in Black hair care, entrepreneurship and media. She explores her Dad's (Willie Morrow) innovations, his pioneering work training military barbers, the cultural and economic importance of ownership and her mission to preserve this San Diego legacy for future generations. Listen Where You Live!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/

Staci Reidinger, Co-Founder of Cause San Diego and Director of the Cause Conference, and Jack Mardack, Co-Founder of Oyster and author of Impact Unleashed, discuss how businesses and nonprofits can replace isolated acts of goodwill with measurable, long-term social impact. They examine cross-sector partnerships, nonprofit accountability and building impact into business models while previewing the Cause Conference's focus on food insecurity, social disconnectedness, healthy aging, Latino entrepreneurship, and nonprofit board leadership in San Diego. Listen Where You Live!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/

Kesha Dorsey, CEO of Coastal Roots Farm, discusses how regenerative agriculture, equitable food access, and Jewish agricultural values are used to farm, feed, educate, and uplift community life in North County San Diego. Dorsey chats about their Pay-What-You-Can Farm Stand, partnerships with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, tribal communities, Holocaust survivors, seniors, and local school districts, highlighting how nutrient-dense local food, farm camps, and environmental education address hunger, isolation, and climate anxiety for San Diego residents. Listen Where You Live!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/

Louie Nguyen, President and CEO of Social Advocates for Youth San Diego, discusses how SAY San Diego is reinventing youth and family support through data-driven programs in childcare, mental well-being, and community schools across San Diego. He explains the childcare crisis economics, the WellSpring Initiative's goal of providing 1,300 therapy sessions annually in perpetuity, partnerships with the San Diego Unified School District and statewide foundations, and innovative efforts such as the San Diego Dads Corps and social enterprises that blend nonprofit and for-profit thinking to tackle “relational poverty.” Listen Where You Live!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/

Lindsey Head, Founder and CEO of the Pulse Business Group, discusses how she brings financial clarity and strategy to business owners by helping them manage their companies “by the numbers” through cash flow discipline, dashboards, and her Profit Pulse platform. She shares lessons from scaling agencies, advising small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits, and guiding leaders through audits, cultural change, and preparation for transitions or potential exits, offering practical insights for San Diego executives and community organizations seeking stronger financial foundations. Listen Where You Live!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/

Julie Moore, Director of Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships at the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, and Courtney Pendleton, Public Relations and Community Manager at Mission Fed Credit Union, discuss the Food Bank's  Food for Kids Backpack Program and its role in combating childhood nutrition insecurity across the county. They explore how $8 can feed a child for a weekend, why one in four San Diegans faces nutrition insecurity, the growing number of working families relying on the food bank and how Mission Fed members, branches, and partners mobilize during Hunger Awareness Month to support 4,000 students and their families through schools and community distribution sites. Listen Where You Live!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/

Al Love, Founder of Career Pathway Transformations, discusses how K–12 schools can align career pathways, labor market data, and programs of study to better prepare students for the rapidly changing world of work. He explains why early career exploration from TK through high school, stronger systems for college and career readiness, and deeper partnerships between districts, businesses, nonprofits, and higher education are essential to building equitable talent pipelines in San Diego's priority sectors. Listen Where You Live!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/

Margi Malek, Director of the Kindness Certified Company Program at Kids for Peace, joins Mission Fed's Neville Billimoria to share how kindness, joy and youth-led initiatives scale from three Carlsbad schools to 45,000 schools in 123 countries. They discuss building values-based corporate cultures, Kindness Certified Companies and practical ways San Diego executives can embed purpose, EQ and community impact into their business. Listen Where You Live!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 Williams, Director of the Theatre People, or The Angel Next Door play at Scripps Ranch Theatre, is joined by two actors in the stage performance, Melissa Fernandez and Sandy Campbell, to discuss the production.  All three chat about the power of intimate live theater in San Diego. They explore why laughter, arts education and partnerships with local schools are critical to building empathetic, high-performing communities and future leaders. Listen Where You Live!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/

Leslie Reynolds, Executive Director of Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek, and Teddy Cruz, Co-Director of UC San Diego's Center for Global Justice, chat about climate-safe neighborhoods, blue-green infrastructure and the EarthLab climate action park transforming underserved communities. They explore grassroots climate education, green schoolyards, cross-border collaboration, and how data, design, and community leadership drive real resilience for our region's economy and future workforce. Listen Where You Live!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/

Sandra Appling, Director of Product Programs, Customer Experience, and Delegate Liaison for Girl Scouts San Diego; national delegates Elle Siemens and Annette Rodriguez; and Mission Fed Chief Marketing Officer Neville Billimoria, a Girl Scouts San Diego Executive Board Member, discuss building girls of courage, confidence and character. They explore the Girl Scouts national delegate process, cookie licensing, membership dues, equitable access for low‑income communities and developing next‑gen civic leaders. Listen Where You Live!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/

Allie Sarnataro, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center (RAD), joins rider Parker Jase Hall and his parents Scott and Kristie Hall to share how equine therapy builds confidence, community and leadership with adults and children with disabilities. They discuss RAD's three-year waitlist and the need for 10 more horses, 10 trainers, and a 5–10 acre ranch. Sarnataro and the Hall's chat about how philanthropy and corporate partners can scale this life-changing work. Listen Where You Live!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/

Ellyse Briand, Events and Culinary Program Manager at Olivewood Gardens, and Selina Pino, Vice President of Operations at Masienda, discuss nourishing communities through nutrition education, sustainable urban agriculture and healthy Mexican cuisine in National City. They explore the Kitchenista leadership program, partnership with the National School District, nixtamalization, food access and how executives can support Roots for Health and volunteer initiatives. Listen Where You Live!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/

Rachael Orose, President & CEO of United Way of San Diego County, and Meg Storer, Chief of Staff at 211 San Diego, discuss tackling the most complicated issues facing families, from housing affordability to real-time crisis navigation. They explore data-driven collaboration, financial literacy and how policy changes to programs like CalFresh and Medi-Cal are straining working parents, seniors and caregivers.  Orose and Storer are bullish on what business and community leaders can do about these challenges. Listen Where You Live!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/

Ashley Camac, CEO of Zero8Hundred, shares how a social work model supports transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with mental health, basic needs and community connections. Camac talks about suicide prevention and cross-sector partnerships that San Diego executives and nonprofits can leverage to better serve the military community.  Listen Where You Live!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/

Lino Maricic, student leader of The Clueless FTC Team HEAL, is joined by Lylia Zheng, student engineer, Aiden Lee, software lead, and coach Won Kim, to discuss building validated, low-cost 3D-printed stethoscopes through the USD Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education.  Learn how these student innovators partner with healthcare leaders to expand medical device engineering and access to STEM talent pipelines worldwide. Listen Where You Live!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/

Doug Breuer, Senior Director of Programs and Community Development at Meals on Wheels San Diego County, chats about how empowering seniors and veterans to live independently is both a moral imperative and a smart community investment. Breuer explores combating social isolation, the ROI of an “army of volunteers,” nutritious meal innovation and strategic partnerships that keep vulnerable residents safely at home. Listen Where You Live!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/

Jennifer Bright, CEO of Nature Collective, and Kendra Muller, board member and JEDIA advocate, discuss how science-based conservation, education and accessibility protect our region's most biodiverse lagoon habitats and communities. This episode explores K‑12 STEM programs, volunteer and internship pipelines and a high-impact matching gift challenge that San Diego executives can champion to drive measurable social impact. Listen Where You Live!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/

Melinda Forstey, President & CEO of Serving Seniors, discusses the devastating impact of social isolation on older adults and why one out of three unsheltered individuals 55+ is “simply not acceptable.” Forstey talks about the lack of affordable housing, corporate volunteer engagement and the upcoming Sunshine Gala empowering vulnerable seniors. Listen Where You Live!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/

Michael Brunker, incoming District Governor for Rotary International District 5340, Gordon Boerner, Board President for the Kiwanis Club of San Diego and Jose Cruz, Past President of the San Diego Lions Club, discuss how the Burnham Center for Community Advancement 's OneSD initiative is mobilizing Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and other service clubs for a countywide day of service on October 24. They share strategies for breaking down silos, engaging youth and executives in community leadership and turning one day of action into lasting impact. Listen Where You Live!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/

Terry Kraft, President and CEO of the USS Midway Museum, discusses honoring all who served, a major donation from community philanthropist Laurie McGrath to the Freedom Park capital campaign, and why the Midway is the world's number one ship museum. Kraft talks about Midway's Hard Deck Top Gun Bar, its POW exhibit, STEM-focused education programs, 40,000+ student visits, its 800 volunteers, and $4M+ in Pillars of Freedom grants to create lasting impact for veterans, nonprofits and future leaders. Listen Where You Live!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/

Jose Cruz, CEO of the San Diego Council on Literacy, unpacks the Council's 40 years of data‑driven work, from 35 affiliated programs to tackling the “resource gap” in San Diego's most challenged zip codes. Cruz shares powerful literacy data, life‑changing learner stories and specific ways business and civic leaders can invest in tutoring, books and advocacy to strengthen the region's workforce and future. Listen Where You Live!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/

Todd Kaprielian, Foundation CEO of St. Paul's Senior Services, discusses serving seniors of modest means through affordable housing, integrated healthcare and the innovative PACE program. Kaprielian chats about senior isolation, the “hidden middle” at risk of homelessness and how San Diego leaders can support sustainable, goal-driven senior care and events like the August 15 Summerfest at Humphreys by the Bay. Listen Where You Live!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/

Dr. Wes Lundburg, President of San Diego Miramar College, discusses how community colleges “even the playing field” with accessible, workforce-focused education for a diverse, working student population.  Lundburg talks about his college's new aviation and air traffic control pathways, four-year public safety degrees, dual enrollment with local high schools and why business and civic leaders must champion community college funding. Listen Where You Live!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/

Neil O'Connell, Executive Director of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, is joined byTrevor Wessman-Lavelle, the Memorial's Marketing and Communications Director, to discuss its "250 Years of Valor" campaign, that honors  “honor above all,” 250 years of valor etched in stone, and how personal stories of service inspire San Diego's business and civic leaders. They explore record-breaking attendance, school and youth “living classroom” programs, strategic expansion plans, and how executives can align philanthropy, brand, and community impact. Listen Where You Live!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/

Chuck Samuelson, Founder and CEO of Heal the Earth, and Lawrence Martineau, Marketing Director, discuss transforming the regional food system by re-localizing supply chains and manufacturing. They explore food insecurity, the power of local organic farms and innovative models like Adopt an Avocado Tree and Adopt a Farmer that enable executives to drive measurable community impact. Listen Where You Live!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/

Tad Parzen, President and CEO of the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, shares how a “think and do tank” is building One SD as a multicultural, pluralistic, problem‑solving region. Parzen unpacks executive‑level strategies for collaboration across business, government, and nonprofits, from tackling polarization to leveraging World Design Capital momentum and volunteerism. Listen Where You Live!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/

Anna Laroque, Advancement Manager for ArtReach, shares how igniting youth creativity through visual arts expression and community connection strengthens mental health, combats isolation, and drives meaningful impact across Title One schools and neighborhoods. She chats about ArtReach's partnership with ArtWalk, open-air festivals at Liberty Station and why arts funding is a smart investment for San Diego's civic and business leaders. Listen Where You Live!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/

Sunny Azzarito and Anthony Azzarito, Co-Owners of Poets Underground, discuss creating and fostering healthy, inclusive communities through poetry, education, and trauma-informed arts programming. This episode explores the Poetry Heals curriculum in schools, jails, and the military, partnership publishing for emerging authors and a mobile RV studio model for scalable regional impact and executive-level community partnership. Listen Where You Live!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/

Kerstin Lynam, Executive Director of the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE), shares how her team prevents “economically motivated euthanasia” by funding emergency veterinary care for low-income pet owners across San Diego County.  Lynam discusses how the Foundation has saved 5,000 pet lives, its 20th anniversary celebration on November 8 at the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park, and strategic corporate sponsorships that deepen community impact. Listen Where You Live!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/

Brandon Joe, Senior Associate Producer at Cloudcast Media, shares how launching a “Soft Skill Seminar” nonprofit at UCSD led to his role promoting the nation's longest‑running community podcast, "Spotlight on the Community." Joe talks with "Spotlight" host Drew Schlosberg about being dubbed the nation's “greatest young networker,” building relationships with education leaders like Angela and Wendell Bass and how a five‑month study abroad in China transformed his leadership and global perspective. Listen Where You Live!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/

Agnes Barrelet, Founder and Executive Director of Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm, shares how a 20-acre regenerative sanctuary is transforming animal welfare, youth education and wellbeing in East County. Barrelet talks about community partnerships, youth summer camps and sustainable, mission-driven leadership.  Listen Where You Live!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/

Jerry McCormick, longtime journalist, educator, and prostate cancer survivor, shares how he transformed a life-threatening diagnosis into a mission to educate Black men about early prostate cancer detection and proactive healthcare. Jerry chats about the cultural barriers to care, the power of honest storytelling and his work to build support networks and advocacy platforms for men's health. Listen Where You Live!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/

Phyllis Schwartz, former NBC market president, discusses her transition to award‑winning children's author. Schwartz shares how she leverages storytelling, community partnerships and media leadership to drive impact across San Diego. Schwartz talks about her latest book, Laggie and Grillo: The Sea Glass Mystery. Listen Where You LiveAbout 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/