Today is the Day Changemakers

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast. This is part two of the conversation with DemocraShe, Executive Director and Founder, Sarah Jakle, as we continue to explore how the organization is transforming leadership opportunities for young women across the country.In this episode, we're joined by two powerful new voices—Hanna and Makaela, high school students who are part of the DemocraShe program. They share how being involved has helped them discover their “inner best friend,” build confidence, and begin shaping what it looks like to step into leadership as young women in politics.Through the program, they are developing key skills like empathy, compassion, and civic engagement, while preparing to use their voices in college and beyond to create meaningful change. Their stories reflect how DemocraShe isn't just raising awareness—it's raising the floor for an entire generation.Available online and across multiple U.S. states, DemocraShe also offers stipends to its participants, removing financial barriers and making civic leadership more accessible than ever.This conversation is heartfelt, empowering, and exactly what the world needs right now.Visit www.democracyshe.org to learn more and share this opportunity with a future changemaker.About Today is the Day:Today is the Day is more than just a podcast—it's a global platform that connects, supports, and amplifies changemakers from around the world. Founded and hosted by Jodi Grinwald, an award-winning leadership strategist, speaker, transformational architect, and nonprofit CEO, the platform is rooted in authentic connection and continuous growth.Through her work, Jodi supports entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, executives, and teams in aligning with their purpose, reaching financial, professional, and personal goals, navigating imposter syndrome, and mastering public speaking, and much more. Her personalized coaching and consulting model helps individuals and organizations reconnect to what matters most—leading with clarity, confidence, and creating real and sustainable impact.Jodi also provides sales training through a connection-first approach—because we're not just selling a product, service, or mission. We're sharing our authentic connection to it. That's what truly resonates and drives action. Her fundraising strategy is grounded in “friend-raising”—cultivating relationships that lead to meaningful, long-term support.Coming soon: The Changemakers ConnectiveA new membership experience designed for changemakers, leaders, nonprofit professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to grow through real connection. The Changemakers Connective will offer expert-led workshops, strategic support sessions, curated business and mission-building tools, visibility opportunities, and a powerful global network focused on collaboration and impact.To learn more, visit todayisthedayliveit.com and follow us @todayisthedayliveit on Facebook and Instagram.We've now been streamed in 913 cities and 76 countries—thank you for helping us bring these voices and missions to the world.Have a great week!

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast!In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Jakle, the visionary founder of DemocraShe, a national non-profit organization on a mission to empower high school girls to see themselves as future political leaders and changemakers.Sarah shares how DemocraShe actively recruits future leaders from historically underrepresented communities to flood our future with diverse, compassionate & confident women leaders in every sector - who know running for office is their birthright. DemocraShe is not only a free program, but they also pay their students stipends so that they can give young women the opportunity to receive mental health tools and leadership training regardless of background or income status. We also explore the transformative concept of finding your inner best friend. In our conversation, Sarah guides us through a powerful exercise designed to help you reconnect with your inner strength and compassion during challenging times.With her rich background in the political arena, Sarah explains why high school is a pivotal time for cultivating leadership. She reveals how early support not only builds confidence but also sets the stage for girls to thrive as leaders in an era marked by unprecedented political challenges.This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Next week, join us for Part 2 when two remarkable young women who have done the DemocraShe training and are now part of a  Train-the-Trainer model—share how they're now mentoring the next generation of leaders.Takeaways from This Episode:• Early Leadership: High school is a critical period for fostering the confidence and skills required for future leadership.• Financial Empowerment: Providing stipends to girls removes barriers and reinforces their value and voice.• Self-Compassion: Discover an exercise to help you reconnect with your inner best friend during tough times.• Mentorship Impact: Learn how empowering young women through peer-to-peer mentorship creates lasting change.• Next week's follow-up episode featuring two inspiring young leadersWork With Me Through Today is the Day, I offer coaching and consulting for individuals and organizations ready to grow, lead, and connect with purpose.Training opportunities and coaching topics include, but are not limited to:• The Table You're Meant For: A transformational experience where career clarity, leadership, and fulfillment align—helping you find your place at the right table and build the future you envision.• Sales Training – Reinventing the Conversation: A powerful, authentic approach that teaches your team to sell with genuine service. By focusing on connection and trust-building, this training not only elevates the customer experience—it drives increased sales and revenue by aligning solutions with real client needs.• Changemaker Coaching: Based on the “When Your Why is Greater Than Your How” framework to help individuals, entrepreneurs, and teams reconnect with their mission and lead with clarity.• Podcast Coaching: Personalized guidance to help you plan, launch, and grow a podcast that amplifies your unique voice and mission.Let's connect: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comVisit: https://todayisthedayliveit.com/Subscribe & ShareIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, like, and share the episode. Your support helps amplify the voices of changemakers around the globe.Listen now on the Today is the Day YouTube channel or stream on all streaming platforms. Have a great week!Jodi

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast!In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Jakle, the visionary founder of DemocraShe, a national organization on a mission to empower high school girls to see themselves as future political leaders and changemakers.Sarah shares how DemocraShe actively recruits future leaders from historically underrepresented communities to flood our future with diverse, compassionate & confident women leaders in every sector - who know running for office is their birthright. DemocraShe is not only a free program, but they also pay their students stipends so that they can give young women the opportunity to receive mental health tools and leadership training regardless of background or income status. We also explore the transformative concept of finding your inner best friend. In our conversation, Sarah guides us through a powerful exercise designed to help you reconnect with your inner strength and compassion during challenging times.With her rich background in the political arena, Sarah explains why high school is a pivotal time for cultivating leadership. She reveals how early support not only builds confidence but also sets the stage for girls to thrive as leaders in an era marked by unprecedented political challenges.This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Next week, join us for Part 2 when two remarkable young women who have done the DemocraShe training and are now part of a  Train-the-Trainer model—share how they're now mentoring the next generation of leaders.Takeaways from This Episode:• Early Leadership: High school is a critical period for fostering the confidence and skills required for future leadership.• Financial Empowerment: Providing stipends to girls removes barriers and reinforces their value and voice.• Self-Compassion: Discover an exercise to help you reconnect with your inner best friend during tough times.• Mentorship Impact: Learn how empowering young women through peer-to-peer mentorship creates lasting change.• Next week's follow-up episode featuring two inspiring young leadersWork With Me Through Today is the Day, I offer coaching and consulting for individuals and organizations ready to grow, lead, and connect with purpose.Training opportunities and coaching topics include, but are not limited to:• The Table You're Meant For: A transformational experience where career clarity, leadership, and fulfillment align—helping you find your place at the right table and build the future you envision.• Sales Training – Reinventing the Conversation: A powerful, authentic approach that teaches your team to sell with genuine service. By focusing on connection and trust-building, this training not only elevates the customer experience—it drives increased sales and revenue by aligning solutions with real client needs.• Changemaker Coaching: Based on the “When Your Why is Greater Than Your How” framework to help individuals, entrepreneurs, and teams reconnect with their mission and lead with clarity.• Podcast Coaching: Personalized guidance to help you plan, launch, and grow a podcast that amplifies your unique voice and mission.Let's connect: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comVisit: https://todayisthedayliveit.com/Subscribe & ShareIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, like, and share the episode. Your support helps amplify the voices of changemakers around the globe.Listen now on the Today is the Day YouTube channel or stream on all streaming platforms. Have a great week!Jodi

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast. This week, my guest is Sarah Giberson—changemaker, community builder, and wellness advocate. Sarah wears many impactful hats and serves in roles that beautifully merge professional leadership with personal transformation.She is the Director of Real Estate Development and Marketing for the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA), playing a key role in reshaping a historic military base into a thriving hub for innovation, business, and healing. From future-forward projects like a new hospital specializing in renowned cancer treatment, to major partners like Netflix and local gems like breweries and social spaces—Sarah is helping breathe new life into this iconic space.But her impact doesn't stop there.Sarah is also the owner of two Pink Moon Yoga & Wellness studios - one in Silverton and one in Brielle, New Jersey. She has created welcoming spaces for grounding, healing, and reconnection through yoga—a path she didn't plan but felt deeply called to after a personal turning point. What started as a moment of reconnection in a yoga class became a mission to help others do the same.In this episode, we talk about the power of duality—how one person can hold space for both business leadership and emotional wellness. Sarah reminds us that self-care isn't just personal—it's a professional imperative.She also shares her thoughts on the importance of the arts in our communities and reflects on a lesson from one of her favorite books by Jay Shetty, Think Like a Monk. This is a conversation for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves, align with their purpose, and be reminded that it's possible to lead with impact while still caring for your soul.Stay Connected:Subscribe to the Today's the Day Changemakers YouTube channel, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@todayisthedayliveit). We're also hosting live events with powerful changemakers from around the world—individuals you might never have the chance to meet otherwise. Visit todaysthedayliveit.com to learn more, join the movement, and explore how you can become part of our global community.Have a great week, everyone—and remember: Today is the day. Live it!

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast!Whether you are currently facing challenges or have overcome obstacles in your past, this episode is a powerful reminder that moments—both difficult and triumphant—are fleeting. The steps we take, no matter how small, can shape our path forward. Courage and resilience don't always require grand gestures; sometimes, it's the smallest steps that lead to the greatest change. And when we share our experiences, we don't just grow ourselves—we inspire and lift others up along the way.This week on Today's the Day Changemakers, my special guest cohost Fred Wasiak, President & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, and I sit down with the incredible Pastor Darlene Trappier, founder of Beacon of Hope Inc. in New Jersey.Darlene's journey is one of resilience and purpose. At just 19 years old, she found herself living in a park for three days with her infant son, unsure of what the future held. In that moment, she made a promise—if she could make it through, she would dedicate her life to helping others facing similar hardships. Today, through Beacon of Hope Inc., she provides food, clothing, and support to families in need, ensuring they have the essentials to stay together and move forward.She also shares a beautiful story about how a simple treat placed in a child's goodie bag can bring a moment of joy and a much-needed smile, reminding us that even in the toughest times, kindness makes a difference.Now a board member of the Food Bank of South Jersey, Darlene once questioned whether she belonged at the table. But as Fred explains, her lived experience—both as someone who once needed these services and now as a leader providing them—is invaluable. Their organizations work in sync, creating real impact for those who need it most.Darlene has been recognized with numerous awards for her incredible work, and her story will truly inspire you.Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @todayisthedayliveit.Also, go to our website to learn more about upcoming events where you can interact and learn from our changemaker guests who have so much to share. Have a great week everyone!

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast. In this episode Jodi welcome Angela Calzone, President and CEO of Inroads to Opportunities. Angela shares the inspiring work her organization is doing to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with different abilities.Inroads to Opportunities is more than just a workforce development program—it's a movement toward inclusivity, empowerment, and opportunity. From job coaching and skills training to direct job placement, the organization ensures that individuals with disabilities are not only prepared for the workforce but also supported every step of the way. Retail businesses, companies, and organizations are encouraged to open their doors to these determined, hardworking individuals—offering internships and employment opportunities backed by Inroads to Opportunities' mentorship and coaching programs.Angela also shares her personal journey—where she started, how she came to lead this incredible organization, and why she believes kindness should be at the core of humanity. That is at the core of who she is as a person.She speaks passionately about the dedication, drive, and reliability of individuals in the program, proving that when given the opportunity, they thrive and contribute in impactful ways.This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we create space for everyone to succeed, we all benefit. Get inspired, learn how you or your organization can make a difference, and visit https://inroadsto.org to take action.Tune in now for an episode that will leave you motivated to champion inclusivity and kindness in your own life.Today is the Day Changemakers has launched a workshop series. Coming up on March 25, 2025 join us for this free virtual event titled, How to Live a Fun, Healthy, & Fulfilling Life Into Your 90's and Beyond with Celebrity Trainer, Malin Svensson of Nordic Body. To register for this free virtual event go to bit.ly/TodayIsTheDayMoveForLife. Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It. Have a great week everyone! 

Welcome to Today is the Day Changemakers podcast! This is part two of our two-part episode featuring Changemaker Bart Henderson. In this conversation, Bart shares what it takes to build a brand, invest boldly, and create a lasting impact.We dive into the importance of prioritizing health mind, body, and spirit as well as the power of mentorship, must-read books for personal and professional growth, and so much more. Bart also shares his experience as part of the 4 AM Club, waking up early each day to focus on the multiple businesses he leads and invests in. His sharp focus and commitment keep his eye on the prize, driving both fulfillment and long-term success for himself and his family.Tune in to Today is the Day Changemakers on our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @todayisthedayliveit. Sign up for our mailing list at todayisthedayliveit.com to stay updated on upcoming Changemaker events.Thanks for listening, and have a great week!

Welcome to another episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week, I'm excited to bring you Part One of a special two-part series with Barton Henderson—entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Henderson Promos and Agora Guild. Bart shared so much valuable insight that we had to break it into two episodes!Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply someone trying to navigate your career, this conversation is for you. Bart dives into the lessons he's learned in business, including the concept of “headache businesses”—how to spot them, why more businesses are more trouble than they're worth, and the importance of focusing on the right opportunities instead of just any opportunity. He also shares the importance of recognizing what steals your energy and what truly infuses it, a game-changing perspective for anyone looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling career.We also discuss the Agora Guild, where Bart is working with men to create what they truly want for their lives in a supportive and productive environment.In Part Two, we shift the focus to Bart's mission to live a healthy, balanced life, the habits he's developed along the way, and how he stays aligned with his goals while juggling multiple ventures.Don't miss this powerful two-part series—and be sure to stay tuned for Part Two of the interview with Bart Henderson that launches on Wednesday, March 5 via the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and most streaming platforms. Please take a moment to subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel. Take a moment to learn more about Today is the Day and join our mailing list for upcoming virtual events with Changemakers, upcoming podcast episodes, and more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It.Have a great week! 

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. What if the key to less stress and more success was as simple as letting them... and letting yourself? Inspired by Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory, Let Me and the power of the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown, this episode dives deep into how we can release control, set boundaries, and focus on what truly matters.I will also be sharing two exciting opportunities to continue this conversation:Virtual Book Club (Starting February 13): Join me as we break down the Let Them Theory book and explore how to apply its lessons in our lives and careers. Book club begins at 6:00 p.m. eastern time. For more information email jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Challenging the Concepts of Philanthropy with Catherine Curry-Williams (February 25 - a Virtual Event): Join bestselling author, TEDx speaker, nonprofit founder, and grant-maker, Catherine Curry-Williams as she shares unique insights into how anyone regardless of financial resources can make a powerful impact. All registrants will receive a copy of her book! This session is open to nonprofit professionals, board members, or anyone looking to give back in a meaningful way. Learn more and register!Changemaker Insight Series for Professionals (Starting March 25): A four-part professional development series designed to help you overcome imposter syndrome, set boundaries professionally and personally, and stay connected to your true self- beyond your job title. Virtual meetings will be one hour a week for four-weeks on Tuesdays starting at 9:00 a.m. eastern time. If this message resonates with you, listen in and take action! To join the book club or the Changemaker Insight series email jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com for more information. To register for Challenging the Concepts of Philanthropy with Catherine Curry-Williams register online at https://todayisthedayliveit.com.It's time to let go, step up, and fully embrace the life and career you want. Today is the day!  It is so easy to put things off due to fear, what we think is lack of time because we are just so busy, and 100 other reasons why we can't do something. As much as we are committed to our professional goals and titles, we also need to remember to be committed to our own growth so that we can thrive as humans. This is not a dress rehearsal. Today is the day! You cannot go back to yesterday and you do not yet own tomorrow. What steps are you going to take today to get yourself closer to not only your professional goals, but your personal ones as well? I hope to connect with you. I hope to connect with you. If you have not already, please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel. It helps our message to be heard, and you never know who needs to hear that message. You can stream this podcast on all streaming platforms. Follow Today is the Day on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It. Jodi Hope 

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week my guest is Dr. David Stout, a leader whose remarkable journey is defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Dr. Stout began his career as a tutor and mentor at Brookdale Community College and rose to become its president, transforming not only his own life but also the lives of countless others along the ways.In this episode, Dr. Stout shares his personal triumph over childhood social anxiety and explains how those early challenges forged the skills and mindset necessary for success. He speaks passionately about his groundbreaking work within the community college system and his mission to break barriers in higher education. His story is a powerful reminder that through perseverance and the right support, every obstacle can become a stepping-stone toward a brighter future.Join us as we explore Dr. Stout's inspiring narrative and discover how his innovative approach continues to redefine what is possible in the realm of education and leadership.If something in this episode resonated with you please share it. We are grateful to those who have listened to us in over 864 cities around the globe. Thank you!Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @todayisthedayliveit. Click to sign up for our newsletter and receive updates on upcoming events and episodes. Have a great week everyone!

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast with host Jodi Hope Grinwald. This week's guest is Catherine Curry Williams. What if $1.40 a day collectively could make such a difference in the lives of those running nonprofit organizations? The title of this week's episode is $1.40 a Day Movement: How Changemaker Catherine Curry-Williams is Transforming PhilanthropyIn this inspiring episode of Today is the Day Changemakers, we welcome Catherine Curry-Williams, co-founder of She Angels Foundation and Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration, a global nonprofit dedicated to building inclusive playgrounds for children of all abilities.A TEDx Fargo speaker, bestselling author, and recipient of numerous accolades for her philanthropic work, Catherine has made an indelible impact on women-led nonprofits and inclusive initiatives. Through She Angels Foundation, she provides crucial funding and support to empower female entrepreneurs and social innovators, helping them bring their vision to life and create lasting change.Her tireless dedication has earned her recognition with awards such as the Women in Business Leadership Award and Philanthropist of the Year, underscoring her powerful influence in shaping the future of giving.Meet the Podcast Guest:Join Today is the Day for a special LIVE virtual event and hear Catherine share her incredible journey and answer questions from the audience  Interact directly with  her and network with like-minded individuals from around the country and beyond. Join us on Tuesday, February 25 at 9:00 a.m. eastern via Zoom and connect with people outside your sphere, growing your professional circle and learning from those who share your passion for creating a meaningful impact. This event will help nonprofit professionals, board members, and anyone interested in helping make an impact look at nonprofit fundraising and overall development and recruitment in a different way. Don't miss this chance to learn from Catherine, expand your network, and become part of a community that is changing the world! Reserve your spot now at https://todayisthedayliveit.com/. Included in your registration is a copy of her book shipped directly to you. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It. Tune in to the podcast and discover how even the smallest actions, like a $1.40 a day, can lead to something extraordinary.Have a great week everyone! 

What does it take to turn pain into purpose, and how can moments of unexpected connection completely transform your life?Join me and my special guest co-host, Scott Chesney, a renowned life coach and motivational speaker known as the “Commander in Change,” as we sit down with the incredibly talented actor and voice healer, Ciarán Sheehan. With over 1,000 performances as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, Ciarán shares his remarkable journey, which began with a chance meeting at a train station that changed the trajectory of his life.Born in Dublin, Ciarán spent his childhood moving between Ireland and the United States, navigating challenges that included betrayal by a trusted adult and enduring abuse. He recounts how he actually repressed the painful memory of the sexual abuse as a child, describing it as the worst kind of betrayal. It wasn't until Hal Prince, the legendary director, told him he wasn't ready for a specific role because there was something deeper within himself he needed to uncover.  Those words brought Ciarán to his knees and forced him to look inward. He sought support and began the challenging process of remembering and working through the difficult memories he had buried for so long. This pivotal moment not only changed his personal life, but also opened the gateway for him to truly connect with his craft on a much deeper level.. In this heartfelt conversation, he bravely recounts his experiences of resilience and healing.  Scott Chesney also shares a deeply personal moment—watching The Four Phantoms on PBS before bed and being moved to tears by Ciarán's voice. Knowing Ciarán personally, Scott speaks about how not only his extraordinary talent but also his genuine heart continues to leave a lasting impact on him.Sometimes, one story can inspire someone to take steps to reach their goals, have faith in their own potential, and move forward through any uncertainty.Part one of this episode is available now on the Today's the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and all streaming platforms. Don't miss this powerful conversation filled with inspiration and heartfelt moments. To join our mailing list and gain access to more information about the upcoming International Changemakers Collective and all Today is the Day services, please click here.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @todayisthedayliveit.Have a great week everyone!Jodi Hope Grinwald

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 1 of Today's the Day Changemakers! As we begin this new season, I (Jodi Grinwald), your host share a special message with our listeners.Four years ago, this podcast began with a mission to spotlight changemakers worldwide. Now, with 152 interviews across 133 episodes, representing 12 countries and downloads in 855 cities, we're embarking on an exciting new journey.This season, I am so thrilled to continue to highlight changemakers who have powerful stories and invaluable inspiration to share. These conversations are designed to keep you motivated, connected, and inspired to take action in your personal and professional life. We're also expanding in exciting ways: launching a global Today is the Day membership community to foster ongoing connections, create opportunities for professionals to work together, master classes for people to learn from each other and more. We will also be publishing a book - compilation from Changemakers around the globe. One of the programs we will be introducing is the Impact Framework for entrepreneurs, along with a programs for nonprofit professionals, leaders, a mentorship program, and more. As we begin this year, remember to stay present. Time moves quickly, and finding perspective can make all the difference. Celebrate these highs, seek support in the lows, and stay connected to what inspires you. Let's make an impact together!Please follow us on FB and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this podcast and being open to the messages that it may provide to you. Join our mailing list to learn more about our programs and to connect with global changemakers. Have a great week!

Welcome to season 4, episode 11 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. In this episode Patty shares about some very challenging times in her life including when she was a stay at home Mom who was suddenly left by her then husband leaving her with two little girls and no income coming in . She talks about all the ways she lifted herself up to continue to ensure that her and her children were able to not just keep the lights on but thrive. She rejoined the workforce and after a few roles working for others, she opened an empanada shop and then with some support opened a restaurant. She found love 12 years ago and was married over a year ago. Now, she is thriving as a real estate agent working for nest seekers a game changing firm in the rapidly expanding global real estate marketplace. During Covid she started seeing a significant change in the way her youngest daughter was acting. From marijuana cards to much stronger drugs Patty has had to watch as her daughter struggled through some very difficult times always being there to support her with love, tough love, and honesty. Now, Patty is using her voice to share her experience with other parents who may be going through these same challenges. If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction there is help and ongoing support for you. Alcoholics Anonymous - aa.org, Narcotics Anonymous - usa.na.org or contact Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services hotline: 800-662-h-e-l-p. For those in need know that there is hope and help available.Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel and also please place a review on Apple Podcasts - we are streaming on most streaming platforms and episodes have been downloaded in 833 cities around the globe. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Have a great week everyone. 

Welcome to season 4, episode 11 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week my guest is Nick Cucci, Executive Director, Recording Academy. It is not often you meet someone who has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Dixie Chicks, Soul Asylum, Harry Connick Jr, Kate Bush, KISS, and the list goes on and on. Nick Cucci started his career working for college radio in NJ. In this episode you will hear how Nick went from local college radio to being the Senior Executive Director for the New York Chapter of the Recording Academy. The Recording Academy does so much for the music industry – the one thing you may recognize is that the Recording Academy produces the Grammy Awards.  Before the Recording Academy he held senior positions at Rough Trade Records, Columbia Records, RCA Records and MTV.Nick understands and has seen first-hand the impact that music has on all of our lives. It helps people through difficult times, we listen to it to celebrate milestones, and it is part of our everyday life. Nick has spent his career helping those whose passion and love of the music get their voices and instruments heard by the masses. This story truly is one that proves you really have no idea where your path will lead you and who you will meet along the way. What I loved most about this interview is that you can truly hear how much Nick loves the work he does. It is not just a job or career. Music is embedded in his soul. Please take a moment to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It. Also, we would love it if you would subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel. It helps our guest get their voices heard. At this time this podcast has been heard in 71 countries/territories and 829 cities around the globe. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!Have a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 4, episode 9 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week I am joined by special guest co-host, Fred Wasiak, President & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey. Together they interview Megan LoBue, Grant Writing Specialist for the Food Bank of South Jersey. Megan was a guest in season 1, episode 15. We talk about Megan's new role at the Food Bank of South Jersey. It continues to be an amazing journey watching Changemaker podcast guests get to know each other and work together. Megan and Fred share about food insecurity and how things have actually gotten worse since the pandemic. We find out some things we all have in common. We also talk about the joy it is to surround yourself with like-minded people trying to make the world a better place.I hope you find a nugget of information that you can take with you in your day. Remember today is the day! You can't go back to yesterday and you do not yet own tomorrow. So, my question to you, the listener is - what steps small or large are you going to take today to get yourself closer to your goals. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It. To learn more about Today is the Day go to www.todayisthedayliveit.com. Subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel. We hope you may consider leaving a review. Have a fabulous week! 

Welcome to season 4, episode 7 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week Jodi is joined by special guest co-host the inFredible (more than incredible) Fred Wasiak, President and CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey. Together, they interview Richard Uniacke, President, Bridges Outreach. Fred has now been on the podcast for four episodes. He is looking forward to being on one more time to receive the special Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast jacket. Richard starts our conversation sharing about his love of the performing arts as a young child. We talk about his trajectory to becoming the President, of Bridges Outreach. It is an incredible story.Bridges Outreach mission is to end homelessness through street outreach and intensive case management focusing on health, housing, and independence. Bridges forms relationships with those experiencing homelessness while meeting their most urgent needs. Their programming is so necessary and needed.As we talk further, Richard shares a few very touching stories. One of them is about a woman who went from living in a domestic violence situation, to being shot by her husband, to finding herself homeless. It took a long time to get her to where she needed to be. Those in need don't always trust those who want to help. Trust needs to be formed. The numbers of those who are without shelter are staggering and Bridges Outreach needs your support as they support the masses.Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel or stream. Today is the Day continues to search across the world for Changemakers. if you are a Changemaker who wants to share what you are doing to make your corner of the world or beyond a better place, please email jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It.

Welcome to another episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.This week Jodi's guest is Jeff Massone. Jeff is the Founder of Prepared Leader Consulting. Take a listen to how Jeff started off on his journey thinking about being a veterinarian, moving into the pharmaceutical space, to now coaching emerging leaders on their journey. It proves the importance of listening to what drives you. Your trajectory is only determined by your motivation and determination. Now, Jeff is working to help those who want to move up the ladder to leadership positions by providing them with coaching that will help them to be the most effective leader in their role. Jeff shares that you want to be the one people call even when they don't need you. Take a listen to this episode as well via the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It. Have a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 4, episode 6 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. My next guest is Nicholas Marco.  From ICU nurse to Hand and Stone, Sweat440, and Drybar franchisee. Nick started out as a Penn State graduate, enrolling in a nursing program a week after. He is now credited with generating 28 million dollars of revenue in the last year and franchisee of 11 Hand and Stone NJ locations and 20 Ohio locations. At the age of 14 years old, Nick came up with the name Hand and Stone and shared the idea with his father, John Marco. For this, he received a special gift when he turned driving age - a new car! Beginning his journey as a registered nurse in the ICU, Nick acquired his love for the health industry and set out on his wellness path. He then realized he loves franchising and now has over 500 employees in his company. Despite being such a hard worker, Nick says he “never feels like he's going to work” as he has maintained that the work he is doing always make him feel like he is making a difference. He continues to work on having a healthy work- life balance. In addition to all his amazing skills and leadership positions, Nick also just recently launched a podcast titled, The Opportunity Coach, which will be full of his wisdom and knowledge from his dynamic work experiences. Nicholas Marco shares about surrounding yourself with the right people, the people that want to see you grow. He has made it his mission to do the same for others. He has much to give in the areas of coaching, business, and overall life advice. Click here to listen to Nick's new podcast. The Opportunity Coach.Please take a moment and subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel or stream on all streaming sites and if you can please leave a review. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It.Have a great week everyone!

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. I am so excited to welcome Patricia McLoughlin, general manager of the Anthem Awards, and overall wonderful, passionate human. Her personal goal has always been to find solutions for creating equitable spaces and within this position she is accomplishing just that. The Anthem Awards is a global mission which was created to uplift and celebrate innovative work happening in the social impact space. This includes for- profits, non-profits, agencies, individual efforts, efforts of students, etc. Cause areas range from diversity, equity, inclusion, education, arts, culture, health, human and civil rights, humanitarian action, responsible technology, sustainability, climate and the environment. Each year over 2000 entries are received from all over the world from amazing individuals. The Anthem Awards will be opening up for their fourth season this year, with submissions being accepted starting April 9. Anyone can enter through the website, submitting either a link, document, or report. If anyone is considering applying, it is strongly recommended to reach out to Patricia McLoughlin as her professional standpoint will help categorize the submission to fit the Anthem Awards process. To learn more about the Anthem Awards, visit anthemawards.com or search @anthemawards on social media.   Please take a moment and subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel or stream on all streaming sites and if you can please leave a review. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It.Have a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 4, episode 4 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. Please take a moment to write a review and share this podcast episode if it resonates with you.  This week's guests are Sylvia Allen, President, Allen Consulting and Founder of Sylvia's Children in Uganda, Africa. Joining us is Terese Rolke, Executive Director, Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce. Listen in to hear how Sylvia became the grandmother to many in this incredible school in Uganda.  Sylvia's Children is a non-profit founded to help the children at the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary and Day Care School in Mbiriizi, Uganda, Africa. The school is based on the British model and goes through Primary 7. After that the children go on to Secondary School (S-1 through S-6) and then can go to college and/or technical school.The original objective was to teach the school how to be entrepreneurs so they would not be dependent on the charity. With the increase in enrollment (439 to 1080), the building of a 6,000 sq. ft. medical clinic, having a farm with 8,000 chicken, 42 pigs and 7 acres planted in corn and beans plus 100,000 coffee tree seedlings the school is capable of supporting itself. Thus,the initial mission was accomplished.The mission of the organization has been expanded to include providing secondary school and advanced education to any orphan that wishes to go beyond P-7. As of January 1, 2023, they have 150 orphans in secondary school and 50 in college and/or technical school. They have already had 77 orphan graduates and another group will graduate summer 2023. These are the people that will change and improve the culture as they move into adulthood. Sylvia invited Terese and others to take a trip to visit the school in Uganda in November 2023. Sylvia lives in NJ. Terese shares what an incredible experience it was to meet the children and provide them with gifts and trinkets during their holiday season. Included in the group of volunteers that took time out of their own busy schedules to have this incredible experience was a healthcare professional.  She checked in on the children to make sure they were doing well.  Terese, started as a volunteer for the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce, became a board member and the moved to a paid role as the full time, Executive Director. It is through her work there that she met Sylvia. Sylvia is a member of MRCC and has been honored through the organization with an Athena Award. Terese described the experience of going to visit Sylvia's Children as “amazing”, saying the children “stole her heart” immediately. To contribute to this cause or to learn more, visit https://allenconsulting.com/sylvias-c.... To learn more about the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce go to https://www.monmouthregionalchamber.com/.

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast! I am thrilled to welcome Floyd Jones onto this week's episode, an activist, grassroots organizer, business coach, and outstanding human being. Floyd is the director of community and partnerships at Givebutter, the world's first completely free end to end fundraising platform powering over 700 million in donations per year. In this position, he works in sponsoring, campaigning, and events. He has raised over 20 million for grassroots organizations and spoken at conferences across the country. Givebutter has gotten a huge amount of support and attention, being featured by ESPN, Afrotech, Linkedin, Variety magazine, and sponsored by Nike, Whole Foods, Visa, NBA2K and more. Floyd also has founded BackBlack, a collaborative campaign which has raised over 1.3 million for 770 black-led profits. He also works as a business coach for nonprofits and purpose-driven companies. Floyd is an extraordinarily dynamic human with amazing energy and a unique outlook on the world. Floyd discusses his formative years, involving his relationship with the arts as well as first experiences with entrepreneurship, starting with his family's work in Sierra Leone. He explains that this viewpoint taught him that “you can do well and do good”. His father's work inspired Floyd's current passions for social justice and business, showing him that you can prosper while simultaneously making a positive impact on your community. Especially while working in the business world, Floyd recommends finding an artistic outlet, his being music, that will “always welcome you”. Floyd achieves an impressive balance of providing for the community and maintaining successful organizations, a feat accomplished through his ability to skillfully merge the entrepreneurial and nonprofit worlds in a way that benefits all. You can support BackBlack at backblackmovement.org, and get involved with Givebutter at givebutter.com. Floyd is an upbeat, upstanding, spirit and serves as a model for us all with his character, skill, and tireless work ethic. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It.  Have a great week everyone!

I am so excited to once again welcome the wonderful John Belizaire onto this week's episode. John is the CEO of Soluna Computing, which involves crypto currency, AI, and machine learning powered by renewable energy. John has an impressive background as a successful CEO, architect, and author.John's mission at Soluna is “to make renewable energy a primary source of energy in the world”. Soluna goes to great lengths to make sure renewable energy is used to its fullest capacity,  building specialized data centers to ensure all of the energy is put to use. In John's first episode, he detailed his hopes for this process at Soluna and we are proud to join him in admiring how far he has come! John Belezaire is doing commendable work to ensure a brighter future for us all through use of renewable energy and embracing the versatility of technology. To purchase John's new book: Keep Pushin': CEO Insights to Guide Your Journey to Mastery Read John's CEO Playbook BlogVisit Soluna's website Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It. You can also stream this episode on all streaming sites. 

Welcome to Season 4, Episode 1 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. I am so excited to be back interviewing the changemakers, inspirers, and those disrupting the status quo. This week I am excited to introduce the fantastic fab five food bank CEO's of New Jersey. These individuals, Fred Wasiak, Elizabeth McCarthy, Bernie Flynn, Triada Stampas, and Mark Valli are working together to feed New Jersey through each of their amazing organizations. Each of these incredible changemakers have found themselves working in public service, whether they knew from the start that they wished to pursue the nonprofit path or found it along the way, they have all come together with a common goal: to help the people of New Jersey. Fred Wasiak is the CEO and president of the Food Bank of South Jersey, serving 4 counties from urban, to suburban, to rural. Founded in 1985, the Food Bank of South Jersey focuses on health, nutrition, education, and awareness. Fred emphasizes that “the root cause is not hunger, it is poverty” when discussing ways to address the problem of food insecurity at its source. Elizabeth McCarthy, president and CEO of Community Food Bank of New Jersey shares a common goal as her recent focus has been job training programs to help people get on their feet. CFBNJ started with a woman named Kathleen DiChiara handing out meals out of her station wagon and now 49 years later they provide 90 million meals annually. Elizabeth describes her perspective as “food is medicine”, aiming to get heart healthy meals to those in need. Bernie Flynn is the full-time volunteer CEO of Mercer Street Friends, providing food bank services since 1958, focusing on family and education in Mercer County. He highlights the food banks' partnership with the state as “providing tremendous support” throughout their public service endeavors. Triada Stampas is the CEO and president of Fulfill, a food bank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties which sends 14 million meals to a network of 300 people. Fulfill began as a food bank 40 years ago and has now included toy and clothing drives as well to address larger issues within the population. Triada firmly believes, “it is a blessing to get help when you need it and it is a blessing to give help when others need it, that's something that binds us as humans”. Mark Valli is the CEO of Norwescap, serving over 30,000 low-income families in the northwest corner of New Jersey. Founded in 1965, Norwescap started as a community action organization and has grown its role to include a food bank. He describes his work as, “a system to help government and private resources get channeled to people who need them”.  By forming a coalition and meeting regularly to collaborate, these five food bankers of New Jersey have formed a strong group within the state to ensure impactful, judgment free, lasting aid to those in need. It is as Fred says, “when five food bankers of New Jersey get together, good things happen”.  If you would like to help this cause, we encourage you to take advantage of the abundant volunteer opportunities provided by their organizations or make a monetary donation to help them to continue to serve nutritious food. You can also visit their websites, foodbanksj.org, cfbnj.org, mercerstreetfriends.org, fulfillnj.org, and norwescap.org to learn more about their work. Please follow Today is the Day on Facebook - Today is the Day Live It and Instagram @todayisthedayliveit.Have a great week everyone!

Hello everyone! Welcome to our last episode of 2023. This week I am introducing the outstanding Orville Morales onto the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. Orville has had 20 years experience working in activism and education, serving as campaign manager for the public goods project as well as working at Montclair State University as an adjunct professor. These experiences led him to open Morales and Associates, an organization meant to drive people-focused decision making in different organizations, with its slogan being “power to people”. Orville Morales's life began in a state of dual immigration, as he spent some of his childhood in New Jersey and some in the Dominican Republic. During this time, he struggled with identity, he felt stuck in between two worlds and eventually he came out creating his own definition of his identity rather than simply accepting what others told him he was. His mission over the last 20 years has been to inspire people to realize that they matter. Morales “decided to become an educator to moderate discussions of others and create a runway for people to prepare themselves to get involved” with impacting government, becoming activists, advocating for change. This includes people who align with any and all backgrounds, political statuses, and beliefs. Within his experience, he has come across those who refuse to accept certain ways of being or ideas. On addressing those who are deemed closed minded, Orville states, “we have to be willing to accept human paradox”. He recommends giving those who disagree with you “grace” when entering a difficult conversation. Through his work at Morales and Associates, Orville aims to “help people get involved in the decision making, not just the reactions to the decisions” Morales references the heated political climate during covid as an example of what he works to prevent, seeking to direct individuals away from heated debates amongst each other and towards organizing in an attempt to enact lasting change. He lives by the idea, “voices should be felt rather than just heard”. However, Orville admits to the fact that his line of work can easily lead to burnout, and explains how he avoids this by training nonprofit leaders. By pouring his wisdom into others, he avoids burnout and creates a collaborative mission to “work with institutions to change them, not necessarily wait for the institutions to change”. Morales has seen hope more than anything throughout his years working in his practice. He has witnessed people of all ages be able to “envision a brighter future” through collaborating with organizations addressing health, housing, and food insecurity. Orville Morales can be found and contacted through his website, moralesandassociates.com, or on linkedin under his name. He recommends people to definitely get involved and engaged in the work of being a changemaker and he has proven through his excellent achievements that it is in fact a fulfilling and necessary position. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram @todayisthedayliveit. Have a great week everyone!JodiNote: Views expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

I am excited to introduce the incredible Ryan Charterina onto the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast for this week's episode. Ryan is the owner of the EOS- entrepreneurial operating system franchise here in New Jersey. Coming from a blue- collar family, Ryan Charterina is no stranger to the work ethic needed to make it in the rigorous working world. Having this mentality instilled in him from a young age, he was able to pursue mechanical engineering at Stevens University. While getting his degree, he participated in a work-study program, an opportunity which he highly recommends as it was a great way to get real experience while still in school. Out of school he was able to acquire a technical sales role, combining his passion for conversing with people and engineering, which exposed him to the realm of business. Ryan Charterina attributes his success to his team's amazing startup mentality. They were very hard working, honest with themselves, and adopted a collaborative mindset, working only within the interest of the company as a whole. EOS works with leadership teams of businesses to instill discipline and accountability as well as organization. As someone in a leadership role himself, Ryan stresses the importance of transparency, in life and in business, as he strives to destigmatize the idea that saying “I don't know” is a sign of weakness. He lives by the idea that open mindedness and being growth-oriented is the most important aspect of a business. Ryan stresses the importance of finding your passion. Towards this goal, he recommends spending time each day reflecting on what makes you happy, putting away a sum of money each month to allow yourself to take the risk to pursue it, and stresses the importance of working in your passion to maintain a work/life balance. He says, “You deserve the best life you can live.” You can find Ryan on EOSWorldWide.com as well as LinkedIn and Instagram!Find out more about Today is the Day by going to https://todayisthedayliveit.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Today is the Day Live It. 

It is with great pleasure that I introduce the wonderful Veronica Maoli to end the brief hiatus within the Changemakers Podcast. Veronica is an Entrepreneur - Real Estate and Automotive Industry and Dealer Principal for Celebrity Ford of Toms River.Growing up in Morris County, NJ, Veronica at a young age struggled with being bullied and had to deal with high school cliques. She always found herself wanting to surround herself with new people to learn from them. She began ballroom dancing at age 12 which helped her grow her confidence and focus on herself and her own personal growth. Her advice to those who similarly suffered from bullying in or out of school is, “you have to be okay with someone disliking you, the best thing that you can do is become comfortable and confident in who you are”. Veronica Maoli began her girlboss journey majoring in entrepreneurship at High Point University. It was there that she created a philosophy that would later become the backbone of Celebrity Ford, “every single employee is in it as a team”. She watched her dad grow his businesses, at first shying away from getting involved in the family business because she felt it confined her to one path. Veronica wanted to find her own way, and as a result she entered the realm of real estate, founding the Maoli Group. Eventually after exposure to the car business from her father, she was inspired by his work and took part in the family business. Veronica is an outstanding human who is unapologetically herself and a model of leadership within the business world and beyond. She exudes confidence and grace and her work ethic is beyond inspirational. As a woman entrepreneur and owner of multiple successful businesses within New Jersey, Veronica Maoli is a guiding light to all. Please take a moment to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Jodi Grinwald - Today is the Day Changemakers - YouTube.  Follow us on social media:Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: @todayisthedayliveitHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 3, episode 15 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. I am delighted to welcome Sylvia Morrison once more on the podcast as our first repeated guest! Sylvia Morrison is a superhuman woman, her life and work embody the term humanitarian. She is the founder of Links Across Borders, a wonderful organization targeted towards providing for children in Ghana, West Africa. Her main focus is to expand their access to books and other school essentials that will further their education. Links Across Borders is a project that has been in gestation since 2003, when Morrison got the idea from a conversation with a friend at Christmastime. After being inspired by sending a few dollars to Ghana to host a Christmas party for children and hearing that many of them were not in school, she decided to begin fundraising herself. Three years later, Morrison began visiting “her children” and noticed they did not have books. She lives by the quote, “If you think someone should do something about that, remember that you are someone”, and as a result, she decided she would build the first library in the small village. Sylvia Morrison grew up in a village in Jamaica similar to that of the children in Ghana and she began to see her younger self in them. She cites the reason she noticed they were missing books as being because she was reminded of her own childhood, but was missing the image of a little girl sitting under a tree reading. As shown in her passion for Links Across Borders, Sylvia has a deep connection with reading and literature. When she was a girl, she was known to become so absorbed in her reading that she would interpret fictional vacations as her own, her deep appreciation for stories blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Sylvia Morrison expands on her admirable composure throughout her life's work by delving into her gratitude-centric mindset. She firmly believes that, “gratitude is the vibration on which all of the desires in our heart that we are looking to manifest are attracted into our lives”. She explains that if you are focused on problems, the universe will give you more but if you put your focus on what you want, you will attract what you want. Sylvia strongly encourages others to adopt a gratitude mindset because it reminds her that “challenges are there to help you grow” and when practicing gratitude “they don't feel as enormous”. Sylvia is a marvelous human and her unwavering altruism and everlasting gratitude are beyond compare. Please take a moment to follow and like us on social media. If you are interested in becoming a guest on the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, please email jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com. Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: @todayisthedayliveitHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 3, episode 14 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. In sharing this episode, I am overcome with excitement as I have had the amazing opportunity to interview outstanding activist Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber. I hold this man in high regards not only because of his groundbreaking work but also because he is my third cousin! Robt has been at the forefront of the intersectional social justice movement in New Jersey for decades. He started as a middle school art teacher, working at the school he had previously attended for over 25 years and ended up forging the first gay-straight alliance in a New Jersey middle school. He is now the founder and chief activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice in Princeton, New Jersey. Robt is a wonderfully passionate individual and I am thrilled to share our conversation with the audience. Robt was inspired by his family to pursue his journey, specifically his grandparents and his parents. Growing up being exposed to the love they shared for each other and the care they provided for others, he was born with an innate urge to promote love in all aspects of his life. He states that he was taught specifically to, “be careful not to speak for anyone, but with everyone”. He was brought up in a way that taught him to provide a safe space for everyone as his parents always had and eventually Robt ended up making this practice his career. As a young child he was graced with an artistic nature which led to his comic book fixation. This eventually manifested into a career as an art teacher, starting at UC Berkeley. After being given the opportunity to work at his old middle school back in New Jersey, he dropped his sunny California life to bring his own sunny disposition into the community which he felt he must give back to. He did indeed give back everything and more, by implementing the first gay-straight alliance club at a middle school in New Jersey after being moved by a student who felt unseen in school. The club met multiple times a week, obtaining 40-50 participants.  After hearing that a child from another school did not feel safe or seen and did not have access to an alliance club, he invited the student to the club dance to give them a space to be themselves. Eventually, Robt ended up having the school pay to send the child to his school in order to provide access to a more positive, safe environment which proved to give the student a place to grow and change as desired. It is evident the ideas instilled in him from birth have led him to his kind-hearted, activism-oriented path. Following his revolutionary work as a teacher, Robt now serves as founder and chief activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice in Princeton, New Jersey. His motto in this position is to “always make things as meaningful and fabulous as possible”, which he certainly applied when organizing the first pride parade in Princeton 4 years ago. With only five weeks to prepare, they ended up drawing a crowd of 3,000 people in the streets and even had the governor show up! This year's Princeton pride is June 17th and will feature a variety of community members and allies alike coming together to celebrate pride month. In describing the beauty of intersectional justice and the work he does at the center, he states, “We can't walk on the same path as each other but we can hold hands across the divide and make our journeys that much easier”. Robt is a beacon of light for marginalized groups, who strongly believes in the power of passion and community. He is a testament to the power of those who chose love amidst it all. Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: @todayisthedayliveitHave a great week everyone!J

Welcome to season 3, episode 13 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.This week my guest is Rebecaa Whitman. Rebecca is a beacon of light for women all over the world. Having graduated with honors from Princeton University, she is now an award-winning life coach, child acting recruiter, and certified empowered woman. Unfortunately, Rebecca thought she always felt like she had to perform for love and approval. She was playing national tennis at the age of 8 and ended up being recruited for Princeton's team. After a tumultuous few years following her graduation from Princeton, she was able to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an actress in Los Angeles. As she became immersed in the industry, she found herself working in child acting enrollment, a job she has been involved in for the last twenty years. In this episode Rebecca shares a very personal story about domestic violence during this episode. It is important to note that many women live in an unsafe situation and there is help out there.  If needed, please click this link for support: Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)Rebecca Whitman also has a podcast titled the “Balanced, Beautiful, and Abundant Show” which provides strategies for navigating life. She interviews inspirational individuals and shares advice to listeners through the stories shared. Rebecca calls herself the “magnetic abundance mentor” because she feels that women must remove themselves from environments which trigger their fight or flight mode and instead harness their “feminine energy” to attract abundance. Her “mission is to help overworked, overwhelmed women go from burnt out to balanced, beautiful and abundant.” She is a fountain of wisdom for those in need and women who are seeking advice are encouraged to follow her practice. She can be found on her website, instagram, twitter, and youtube under the name Rebecca Elizabeth Whitman. The fastest way to reach her is instagram and her DMs are always open. Next week my guest is Robt Martin Seba- Shreiber. Robt has been at the forefront of intersectional social justice for decades first as a schoolteacher for over 25 years during which he forged the first Gay Straight Alliance in an NJ middle school & now as founder & Chief Activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice in Princeton wherein he has created innovative all-inclusive support programs & built a dedicated LGBTQIA safe-space for queer youth, families, & our elders that is open every day with trained volunteers to welcome all with the care & respect they need & deserve.Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!Jodi

Welcome to season 3, episode 12 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. I am so excited to announce Tamara Sabatino, a successful leader and powerhouse healthcare provider. Having grown up in New Jersey, she always knew she wanted to be in the healthcare field, starting out at a local orthopedic practice. Tamara does it all, from operations business, patient care, to marketing, and dealing with the political aspects of advocating for insurance for patients. She is excellent at negotiating for her patients, specifically applying her skills to the mental health crisis. She credits herself as always having been a vocal person and continues to use her voice for others who need it the most. After being exposed to mental health struggles close to home, Tamara dedicated her practice to promoting the mental health of others. She explains that teachers and administration can only do so much, the system for monitoring children's mental health is broken and by the time the problem is addressed it is almost always too late. Tamara shares her treacherous journey in getting her daughter the proper care she needed to remedy her situation. She found that insurance often got in the way of her child's care, rather than helping it. She even emailed the CEO of United Health Care, who led her down another dead end. She explains that the school, therapist, insurance, and attorneys all proved unhelpful, citing this situation as the reason why children end up on bad paths. Tamara Sabatino is a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and she believes her purpose is to live through this situation so she is able to talk about it. She advises parents to go to the parents of the child that is bullying them directly if they are put in the situation and cannot receive help from the school. She also recommends parental controls on children's cell phones, explaining that social media addictions are a real and serious concern. She specifically uses apps such as Bark, which flags potentially dangerous messages on your child's phone, and Life 360, which allows parents to track their children's whereabouts. To reach out directly to Tamara link in with her via Facebook at Tamara Sabatino or via Instagram @tamarasabatinorealtor.Next week my guest is Rebecca Whitman. Rebecca is known as the Magnetic Abundance Mentor. She is an author of several books and hosts the top 5% globally ranked, "Balanced, Beautiful, and Abundant" podcast.  For more information go to https://linktr.ee/rebeccaewhitman. Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!Jodi

Welcome to season 3, episode 11 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. We will be ending our brief interview hiatus in the wake of the wonderful Today is the Day Changemakers International Forum with an excellent kickstart. I am pleased to welcome the amazing author, editor, and health guru extraordinaire, Jared Seide onto this week's episode.Jared Seide is the author of “Where Compassion Begins: Foundational Practices to Enhance Mindfulness, Attention and Listening from the Heart” and editor of "Leaving Prison Behind: A Council Before I Go.". He is also the founder of two highly successful health- focused organizations. Jared Seide does it all and we are tremendously excited to have him. Jared firmly believes in the power of council and rehabilitation. He is the executive director of the nonprofit Center for Council, which promotes social, emotional, and physical wellness through extensive training of those involved. Additionally, Jared has spearheaded specific training operations. One is geared towards promoting positive interactions regarding police officers titled POWER: Peace Officer Wellness, Empathy and Resiliency. Another is CARE: Compassion, Attunement, Resilience Education, which is aimed at those in the healthcare field. Jared has also worked with incarcerated individuals through the Council for Insight, Compassion, and Resilience as well as the Council Reentry Program. Within the highly impactful organizations Jared has created, there is a common theme of peace and love, which he exudes within his interview. Jared Seide truly wishes the best for all people on earth and it shows organically through his life's work and his sunny disposition.Next week my guest is Tamara Sabatino. She shares her personal story about being the mom of a child who has been bullied and needed ongoing mental health support to overcome the trauma. Tamara is now helping other mothers navigate advocating for their child's mental health and well-being when school leaders and others fall short. Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!Jodi

Welcome to season 3, episode 10 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week's changemaker is an outstanding individual whom I am delighted to announce. Benjamin (Jamie) Salka, co-founder and CEO of Story Pirates, a media company geared towards providing children with a voice and sparking their passions for writing. He also serves as the co-founder of Story Pirates Changemakers, the not-for-profit arm of the organization. Jamie dove head-first into the project, promising that as CEO he would either catapult Story Pirates into greatness or “die trying”. It is clear that he has kept his promise, as the company has seen substantial success. He describes Story Pirates as a “magic trick” in which kids' perspectives on writing are shifted from that of a chore they are being made to do into an opportunity for creativity. Salka puts an emphasis on the realization of children that their writing can have an impact on their peers and motivate them to create entertaining, humorous material. His goal with Story Pirates is to help children understand the true purpose of writing rather than view it as an assignment for a grade. Jamie explains that he has “never felt so much conviction” towards anything as he had for Story Pirates. His relentless hard work and remarkable dedication are ever- inspiring to those of all ages. Listen in to hear how Lin Manuel Miranda and Jon Stewart helped to expand the reach of Story Pirates. In the next episode you will learn more about the upcoming International Changemakers Forum that will take place on Thursday, March 23, 2023. For information, speakers, and panel topics go to https://todayisthedayliveit.com. Prior attendees have shared that the experience has been life-changing. Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 3, episode 9 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.This week my guest is Katie Marra, a young changemaker, environmentalist, activist, and writer. Katie Marra is a member of several ocean-based environmental groups in New Jersey and additionally serves as editor in chief of The Captain's Log. She is looking to pursue a career in environmental science conducting field research as well as environmental journalism. As her passion for the planet began at a young age throughout summertime family cross- country camping trips, Katie eventually gravitated towards environmental clubs and journalism classes in her school. As editor in chief of the school newspaper, she writes monthly articles on happenings pertaining to the environment in order to spread awareness among her peers. One of her most recent articles featured a project she has spearheaded with her school's Green Team, in which she drew up a petition to remove plastic cutlery and trays in the cafeteria, gaining over 500 signatures from students and staff. Her efforts are proof that any student at any age can make a difference in their own communities. Katie has worked closely with environmental groups on and off campus, taking a position as a board member of Friends of Island Beach State Park in which she controls graphic design and social media. She also is a Clean Ocean Action Beach Captain, participating in the collection of pollutants along the New Jersey coastline and aiding in the crucial data analysis that follows the beach sweeps. In addition, she frequently attends climate protests in an attempt to spread awareness to the dire situation that climate change presents. She encourages all listeners (who are able) to attend the climate protest in New York City at 1pm this Friday, March 3 in addition to joining the cause of Fridays For Future, a student-led environmental organization which holds weekly peaceful protests as a reminder that the youth are aware of the climate crisis and will not tolerate a lack of action against it. Katie urges fellow young changemakers to explore environmental activism and volunteer opportunities within their own community as well as to keep in mind the power of the younger generations in fighting against environmental injustices and protecting our planet. Do you have your ticket to the Changemakers Forum? Interact with changemakers from around the globe on Thursday, March 23, 2023 as they share their expertise on (6) topics that matter and can help you significantly while you are on your personal and professional journey.Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 3, episode 8 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week my guest is the kindhearted, public- spirited, Meredith Lee. Meredith is the Program Director for the Russ Berrie Making a Difference award since 2017. The making a difference award is the signature program of the Russ Berrie Foundation and recognizes changemakers who are creating positive impact in New Jersey communities. The award is hosted by Ramapo College. Meredith has long since had a passion for philanthropic practices, as she had spent over 20 years working with social service and economic development organizations. Throughout her career, she has consistently asked herself the question “how can we be more welcoming?” and encourages others to do the same. She worked very closely with refugee resettlement, allowing her a unique perspective of economically and situationally disadvantaged individuals. Armed with this experience and a strong charitable drive, Meredith joined the Russ Berrie foundation feeling as if “a lot of things had come together”. With the power of the Russ Berrie foundation's generous monetary awards, Meredith is able to give life to impactful projects, recognize great deeds, and change the course of people's lives. The organization has given more than $3.9 million in cash awards to honorees, choosing 10-12 individuals yearly, with the top prize being $50,000. The requirements to be recognized include living in New Jersey and working to help people within New Jersey. There is no age cutoff, as she has distributed prizes from those of ages 9-90 years old. The accomplishments for which honorees are recognized varies. The core questions Meredith and her fellow board members ask when reviewing nominations are, how did the individual make a difference and how long have they been making a difference? For the lucky few who are chosen, there is an in- person ceremony at Ramapo College on May 5th. If you wish to send in a nomination next year, the window of opportunity opens on January first and ends February 15th.Listen in to hear Meredith's answer to what lesson did you learn along the way that you want to share with a young or seasoned Changemaker?Next week my guest is the incredible Young Changemaker Katie Marra. Katie is a high school senior on a mission to help increase awareness and actions to improve our environment. She is the Editor-in-Chief for her school newspaper, youngest to serve on a board of directors in the community, writes all the Today is the Day Changemakers verbiage to go with the podcast episodes, has been a star student athlete and so much more.Do you have your ticket to the Changemakers Forum? Interact with changemakers from around the globe on Thursday, March 23, 2023 as they share their expertise on (6) topics that matter and can help you significantly while you are on your personal and professional journey. Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 3, episode 7 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week I am joined by a special guest co-host, the incredible Fred Wasiak, founder and president of The Food Bank of South Jersey as well as Inspire Change Honoree for the 2023 International Changemakers Forum. Together, Fred and I interview Steven Cohen. Steven is the author of Leading FromWithin: A Guide to Maintaining Your Effectiveness Through Meditation as well as co-founder and chair of the board of Meditation4Leadership which brings the benefits of mindfulness and meditation practices to the workplace. Along with his zen practices, he has a very successful career as a lawyer, being Manager of the Global Emerging Business Technology Practice at Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius, LLP.  Steven traces his first experience practicing concentration back to playing team sports in his early years, though he had not yet explored meditation. He was first exposed to yoga in response to debilitating back problems for which he sought a cure. Steven described the experience as “a life problem disguised as a back problem”. He explains that though yoga helped his back problems, once he paid more attention to the minute of meditation in the beginning of the session, he began a new journey to mindfulness. This increased focus on meditation helped him stay present, rather than focusing too much on the past or future.  He states, “coming back to the breath can be a metaphor for coming back to what is important”. Steven is a firm believer in letting go of judgment in order to reap the full benefits of meditation. Once he was able to release his self judgements and doubts through practicing meditation, his legal practice tripled and has maintained its level since. He emphasizes that this did not occur because of meditation, but because of the benefits which came from meditation. Steven cites the reasons why people don't meditate as lack of exposure, if exposed, not resonating with the language used, and a fundamental misunderstanding of what meditation really is. If you wish to open your mind to a practice such as meditation, he suggests meditating not to become a better meditator, but to become a better version of yourself.Learn more about how Meditation4Leadership is bringing the art of mindfulness and mediation to the workplace and helping staff teams at multiple large organizations. Take a listen to Steven's answer to the question, what is a lesson you learned that you can share with both a young and seasoned changemaker.Next week, I interview Meredith Lee, Program Director for the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award. Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 3, episode 6 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week my guest is Abby Daly. Abby is the founder and executive director of the Bridge of Books Foundation, a nonprofit organization doing amazing work within New Jersey, enhancing access to literature among children in need. Abby was named a New Jersey Hero by the New Jersey Hero Initiative and has certainly lived up to the title. Throughout its 20 years in operation, Bridge of Books has distributed 1.3 million books to underprivileged children throughout New Jersey. Abby is a former attorney who, during her practice, pursued mental health and children's rights cases. She represented individuals who were involuntarily admitted into psychiatric hospitals, protecting the rights of children and providing a voice for them during trying times. This profession introduced Abby to New Jersey's population of disadvantaged youth and later allowed her to reach children in need through her nonprofit work with Bridge of Books.Abby is deeply dedicated to her craft as she hand picks books based on reading levels and interests of children. Her mission is to “bring the world to children through books”. She aims to encourage development of literacy skills and love for reading. She has worked with food pantries, schools, and state prisons to reach the largest number of children. Though Bridge of Books has touched a great deal of lives, they still have much to do. To support the underprivileged youth of New Jersey, consider getting involved or donating by visiting Bridgeofbooksfoundation.org. Investing in this cause is investing in the future of New Jersey, and collectively, the future of country. Listen in to hear a lesson learned that Abby wants to share with young and seasoned changemakers. Next week I am joined by one of my favorite co-hosts, Fred Wasiak. Fred is the President & CEO of the South Jersey Food Bank. Together we interview, Steven Cohen, Author, Leading from Within: A Guide To Maximizing Your Effectiveness Through Meditation, Co-founder and Chair of the Board, Meditation4Leadership, Manager, Morgan Lewis & Bockius.  Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone! 

Welcome to season 3, episode 5 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. I am thrilled to announce this week's lively, Emmy Award- winning, changemaker Kimberly Kravitz. She is a skilled journalist and producer, an expert go-getter, as well as an inspiration to all in the field.Kimberly is deemed a local legend, representing both Brooklyn, NY and Freehold Township, NJ. Since childhood, she has  displayed the qualities of a true journalist, as she was always one to ask many questions. She capitalized on her natural talents by partaking in internships during her early days as a new journalist, which led her to become familiar with freelance work. She urges listeners to value the importance of making connections during your career path and taking as many internship opportunities as possible in order to learn what you have a passion for. Listen in to hear how Kimberly did not originally think of a profession in journalism and how someone in her life planted a seed that she nurtured to grow into what she is doing today. Also, listen in to hear how Kimberly listened to something her sister encouraged her to do that also helped her along her personal and professional path. As an award-winning producer, Kimberly is living proof of the idea that having experience in both producing and journalism go hand in hand and will give you the tools you need for success. Her dream of “being a journalist in every aspect” has come to life with her time in tv, print, radio, and producing. Having interviewed prominent figures such as Chris Christie and meeting several famous actors, she shares her experiences. Kimberly balances the thrilling aspects of these moments alongside the idea that famous people are human just like everyone else; she encourages aspiring journalists to keep this in mind as they go out into the world. Kimberly Kravitz's awards and accolades are proof that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her New York Emmy Award was given as a result of her coverage on an eventful town hall meeting which discussed the topic of the heroin crisis. Along with this brilliant achievement, she is also an active volunteer with several organizations including the Empty Sky foundation to support those who have lost loved ones during 9/11, the ALS Awareness, and the Girl Scouts. Kravitz urges all those interested in the field of journalism to contact her via her website: www.kimberlyjkravitz.com or instagram: Kimberlykravitztv for mentorship and advice! Next week my special co-host is Fred Wasiak, President & CEO of South Jersey Food Bank. Together, we interview Steven Cohen author of  Leading from Within: A Guide To Maximizing Your Effectiveness Through Meditation, co-founder and Chair of the Board of Meditation4Leadership, and manager of the global emerging business and technology practice at Morgan Lewis & Bockius, an AmLaw 50 law firm. Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!  

Welcome to season 3, episode 4 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. It is with great excitement that I announce this week's fast-fashion-fighting, powerhouse of a young changemaker Tiyasha Sarkar. Tiyasha is a high school junior in who is actively positively disrupting the status quo in order to expose the negative effects of the fast fashion industry. She is involved in a program at school that is focused on taking action against fast fashion by hosting highly successful thrift fairs  and engaging in outreach with a worker's rights organization, Labor Behind the Label.Tiyasha Sarkar aims to inform people on the effects of their choices by revealing the deeper impacts behind seemingly simple concepts such as shopping at clothing stores around the mall. She defines fast fashion as “the creation of low quality products in an imitation of high fashion products”, explaining that it is “built on exploitation of the environment, mental health, and labor rights”. Throughout the interview she calls out popular brands such as Zara for their role as the spitting image of a fast-fashion corporation. By outlining the true cost of our decisions regarding clothing, Tiyasha is able to arm the public with the knowledge and motivation to practice more conscious clothing consumption.Tiyasha draws attention to several crucial issues surrounding the fast fashion industry such as its impact on mental health, specifically that of women, as it perpetuates the idea of a “perfect body”. This act of creating a box for all people to fit into excludes the majority of the population and contributes to unrealistic beauty standards. She brings light to the situation by suggesting increased diversity among the industry, specifically mannequins of different sizes and advertisement of groups such as the LGBTQ+ community. She then explains the environmental effects of fast fashion by commenting on our overconsumption and overproduction as well as the presence of microplastics in our waterways, following up with jaw-dropping statistics to back her claims. Tiyasha also directly addresses one of the most horrific aspects of the fast fashion industry which is the lack of labor rights among garment workers. She firmly declares, “clothes cannot be based on the exploitation of children”, a statement that we as consumers must not take lightly.Tiyasha advises us not only to stay informed on the happenings of the fast fashion industry on a large scale but to take matters into our own hands through practicing mindful consumption, upcycling, and mending our clothes before buying new. To get involved with the movement directly, follow her Instagram @soleburyteach2serve and stay tuned and stay tuned for the next thrift fair coming up between the months of May and June. Listen in to hear a lesson that Tiyasha has learned that she wants to share with both young and seasoned changemakers. Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comNext week Jodi interviews Kimberly Kravitz, Emmy Award Winning Journalist & Producer. Have a great week everyone! 

Welcome to season 3, episode 3 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. I am delighted to welcome this week's sensational guest, Wendy Liscow, a champion of the arts. Wendy is the executive director for Arts Ed NJ, providing a voice for artists in New Jersey, having taken the reins in April of 2022. She is nearly six months into her new position and with her excellent ability to nurture talent and foster creativity, the transition is natural. As a person who has gravitated towards art and nature since childhood, she is driven by experiences in her early years. Wendy grew up drawing inspiration from the Earth, often painting what she saw in nature, and even creating a business selling her art. She then developed a passion for the art of drama through writing, costumes, performing, and stage managing. Wendy describes theater as a way to create change, which led her to “pursue it with all her heart”. She committed herself to theater education following a directing internship which opened the door to her for not only directing but improv, producing and teaching. After spending 20 years as professional producer, director, and teacher of the arts, she has now come into her position with Arts Ed NJ. Wendy ensures everyone in New Jersey has access to a quality arts education through collaboration with teacher associations, administrators, superintendents, school boards, and nonprofits. She urges the next generation of artists to consider teaching as she wishes to support young people looking to create change and pass the torch in the world of artistry. Wendy's unique perspective allows her to view art as both a “flower” as well as a “tool”, as it is often inspired by nature yet it also can be used strategically to build confidence and skills. However you interpret art, it is wise to take a page from Wendy's book and use it to help find yourself and create the change you wish to see in the world. Listen in to hear a lesson Wendy has learned that she wants to share with both young and seasoned changemakers.  Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayJodi is also the CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. To learn more visit: www.applaudourkids.org, Facebook, InstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comNext week Jodi interviews young changemaker, Tiyasha Sarkar. Tiyasha is going to share her point of view on fast fashion and what she is doing to make a difference. Have a great week everyone! 

Welcome to season 3, episode 2 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. As we enter the new year, I am pleased to welcome my first guest of 2023, groundbreaking author and changemaker Tony Brasunas. Tony has blazed a trail all his own in the world of journalism, oftentimes clashing with traditional media outlets. His story is one of integrity and bravery in the face of impediments to change and free thought. He exemplifies all a journalist should be and has so much to teach young journalists in our ever changing media landscape.  From childhood, Tony has been accustomed to the act of going against societal standards, having grown up on a hippie commune in West Virginia, in which residents meditated in the forest and lived in tune with nature. He further expanded his perspective by living in China, and ended up producing a book from his unique experience. This continuous exposure to eccentric ways of living which incorporated mindfulness, meditation, free thinking, and introspective work allowed Tony to develop a heightened sense of awareness and direct it towards his observable world, specifically the media. Having experiences in which content within his articles were censored by both the San Francisco Chronicle as well as the Huffington Post, Brasunas began his journey as an independent journalist for his own political magazine in order to compare the ways in which the mass media is manipulating facts. In doing so, he is contributing to the ascendance of independent news sources, created by censorship in corporate mainstream media. He attributes this shift to the altercation of facts due to bias. In Red White and Blind, Tony defines three types of bias, innocent, systemic, and nefarious. He describes innocent bias as unintentional, systemic as bias used in the attempt to protect a job or corporation, and nefarious as groups looking to deliberately manipulate. Brasunas characterizes humans as “storytelling creatures”, explaining that we must have a “balanced media diet” in order to be able to tell our own stories and decide our opinions rather than allowing corporations to do so. By applying meditative concepts from his upbringing, Tony proposes the idea of "cultivating a media consciousness" which allows us to step back and look inwards to examine why we believe certain ways of thinking. I encourage you to approach both this new year and Tony Brasunas's Red, White and Blind  with an open mind and a willingness to be inspired. Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com. Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebookInstagramSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comNext week, Jodi interviews Wendy Liscow, Executive Director, Arts Ed NJ.Have a great week everyone! 

Welcome to season 3, episode 1 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. By clicking subscribe to this channel you help changemaker podcast guests to be heard by more people. Thank you so much in advance!In this episode Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast Host, Jodi Hope Grinwald provides a brief overview of some podcast statistics since the podcast's inception. From starting the podcast with just a concept to now the podcast being downloaded in 51 countries and over 570 cities around the world. Jodi shares the importance of going after your goals even when they are scary and sometimes seem unrealistic. It is taking small steps towards those goals and enjoying the journey in the process.Jodi goes on to share two major announcements:The second annual Today is the Day Changemakers International Virtual Forum is scheduled for Thursday, March 23, 2023. Join changemakers from around the world that will be sharing information on (6) top of mind topics including: Power of Perspective, Mindful Leadership, Art of Manifestation and Law of Attraction, Mindful Leadership, Great Reinvention, and Social Media Survival. All attendees will have the opportunity to choose three of the (6) panel discussions live and receive a recording of all of them post-event. There will be an international networking and global mission moment included. Keynote speaker announcement coming soon. Tickets are available at https://todayisthedayliveit.com for $35.00. Don't miss an opportunity to interact with changemakers, inspirers, CEO's, Executive Directors, entrepreneurs, authors, CNN Heroes and more from around the globe.Today is the Day Changemakers is launching a new Changemakers Connective Membership in the first quarter of 2023. Connection is something that we all look for in life. From connecting to our own goals, to those who inspire us, to our careers, and families. Everyone one of those connections mold us into who we are as individuals. Connecting like-minded people is easy, but providing a space where all can shed their “a” game of armor and bring their “a” game of authenticity is unique. This Connective is an opportunity to interact with people who want to build an interactive global changemakers movement. By joining the Today is the Day Changemakers Connective Movement you are opening the door to networking with changemakers outside of the boundaries and borders of your own sphere of influence.  More to be shared coming soon on https://todaysithedayliveit.com. Learn more about the services offered by Today is the Day. Jodi is also the CEO and Co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. Take a moment to please follow and learn more about both organizations that are doing all they can to make a difference in their corner of the world and beyond.Do you have a story to share? If so, reach out to Jodi at jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com. Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudourkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudourkidsSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comOur first interview beginning on January 11 will be with Independent Journalist and ground-breaking author, Tony Brasunas. Happy New Year! Have a great week everyone! 

Welcome to season 2, episode 50 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week I welcome changemaker Gail Siggelakis: award-winning author, certified transformational life coach, and professional spreader of positive energy. After nearly 40 years spent as an educator, she has taken it upon herself to share her knowledge with a broader audience by writing an empowering, beautifully written book titled The Affirming Way of Life: See the Good, Speak the Good, Spread the Good. In the 21st century, especially in recent times following a widespread spike in mental health awareness, nearly everyone has heard about positive affirmations. However, less have put the practice to use in a meaningful way. Upon hearing the term, most picture the concept as merely saying nice things to yourself in the mirror, but Gail elevates this idea to another level. She encourages us to be mindful in our expressions to others and to recognize the effect we have with the words we choose and the energy we exude through our thoughts and actions. Gail cites hesitancy to practice positive affirmations on the guarded nature of each of us in society. People are sometimes reluctant to openly express positivity, for fear of appearing weak or being taken advantage of. Ironically, this fear is itself a weakness, and Gail promotes pushing through such fears with a brave and open heart. Inspired by a meaningful reoccurrence of the word “possibility” in her life, Gail has committed herself to embarking on the mission of helping others discover their talents and unleash all possibilities they may possess. She is also passionate about the importance of using words mindfully and explains the impact words can have on the world. Gail is a firm believer that positivity encourages use of talents and words of the positive nature will give you the power to create the life and relationships you want.Her intuitive mind and sunny disposition motivates others to be cognizant of the energy they are putting out into the universe.  Gail also shares about why she decided to become a transformational life coach and what types of clients are drawn to working with her. To learn more about UPP Coach - Unleash Your Positive Possibilities - The UPP Coach | Gail Siggelakis.For greater detail regarding the intricacies of affirmations, purchase Gail Siggelakis's book, The Affirming Way of Life: See the Good, Speak the Good, Spread the Good via Amazon or Barnes and Noble!Listen in to hear the footprint that Gail is creating now that she wants to leave behind. Next week, Today is the Day Changemakers celebrates two years of podcasting. Jodi will be sharing the year in review. It is a great opportunity to also hear what is coming up for Today is the Day Changemakers in 2023. From the yearly International Forum to an opportunity to join a new Changemakers community, there are some wonderful and exciting things coming in 2023. Hope you will listen in.Information about Today is the Day:Website: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudourkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudourkidsSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone! 

Welcome to season 2, episode 49 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week I interview three incredible young entrepreneurs from New Jersey. All are doing something they love and are continuing to share their artistic talents with the world. My first guest is Jack Marra. Jack is 16 years old and an incredible artist. He creates fan art, has many requests for commissioned work from his close to 6,000 Instagram followers, and makes beautiful artistic keychains. Jack shares about how his confidence increased as others took notice of his artwork at a younger age.  Sharing fan art from the show Stranger Things truly helped Jack see an increase in followers. From there more opportunities were created. Jack goes on to share the importance of creating characters and that people really enjoy following character stories even if they have never heard of them before. You can see some of Jack's work by following @inkycat186 or purchase artwork at his Etsy shop - @iinkycatz.My next guest is Sienna Grinwald-Alves. Sienna is a junior in college and is attaining her bachelor's degree in music education. She teaches vocal and beginner piano lessons and is also a budding opera singer. She was inspired by her grandfather who was an aspiring opera singer himself. When she was a junior in performing arts high school with a focus on vocal training, Sienna was asked to lead the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation's AOK Performance Group. During that time parent's of AOK Performance Group students asked Sienna if she could provide individual vocal lessons. From there she started her performing arts studio called Operatunity Performing Arts Center. Sienna's students have ranged from ages 6 to 81 years old. You can find out more on Instagram @operatunity.pac.Lastly, I interview Hudson Galik. Hudson creates amazing woodworking pieces that he sells. He created an amazing shaker solid wood table for his home and from there realized how much he felt connected to this craft. He named his business Woodism, which is a combination of the word wood from woodworking and autism. Hudson is on the autism spectrum and sees this artistic outlet as a way to express himself and increase his confidence. You can follow him on Instagram @woodismusa or by going to his website - AboutWoodism.com.All my guests this week answer my last question which is, what advice would you give to someone who is young and has a talent that they want to share with the world?  Take a listen to hear their important words of encouragement. It is so important to support small business when making purchases throughout the year. It takes great courage at a young age to put your work out in the public eye. Help support these young entrepreneur's businesses. Next week, I interview Gail Siggelakis. Gail is an award-winning author of the personal growth book, The Affirming Way of Life: See the Good, Speak the Good, Spread the Good. She is also a transformational life coach, and a former elementary school educator. Today is the DayWebsite: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudourkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudourkidsSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 2, episode 48 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week my guest is Michele Russo, President & CEO of Young Audiences NJ & Eastern PA. We start off the interview with Michele talking about her connection to the arts and the conversation moves on to how her career continues to help support so many others on their performing arts journey. Under Michele's leadership, Young Audiences has embraced a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access plan, “Arts United,” touching every aspect of programming, operations and field leadership. Michele co-chaired the YA National Teaching Artist Credential project, and has served on YA National board committees. During the COVID pandemic, Michele served on Governor Murphy's Arts and Culture Recovery Working Group, and continues to play an important role as a Committee Member of ArtPrideNJ. Michele came to Young Audiences from The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, where she managed the Biennial Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival and the Poetry in the Schools Program from 2011-2015. Prior to her time at the Dodge Foundation, she served as a Senior Education Associate at Young Audiences for 10 years, collaborating and managing long-term arts education initiatives in pre-school, elementary and middle schools. Michele chaired the New Jersey Arts Education Collective from 2008-2011 and was a member of the LeadNJ class of 2014. Michele has published articles on early childhood education and the arts, has presented locally and nationally about non-profit equity strategy, and has traveled nationally as a trainer of arts education programs. Michele serves on the board of The NJ Center for Non-Profits, and Trenton Circus Squad.During the interview Michele speaks strongly about arts education and the importance of advocating for arts programming. The more arts advocates in a community, the better.Listen in to hear the footprint that Michele is creating now that she wants to leave behind. Next week, we highlight three young entrepreneurs, Jack, Sienna, and Hudson. They all created a little business for themselves as an outlet for their creative side and to help bring in money for the things they want. Listen in to three Young Changemakers in the making. Today is the DayWebsite: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudourkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudourkidsSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone! 

Welcome to season 2, epsiode 47 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.This week is a special episode as I welcome back my previous guest, Chaya Pamula. Chaya is the Co-founder and CEO of PamTen Inc. and Founder of Shetek. In this episode we discuss her role as the Founder of SOFKIN (Support Organization For Kids In Need). I also interview five children who grew up in SOFKIN homes. Kranthii Vulpe lived in a SOFKIN home for 9 years and is now a Software Engineer at Electronic Arts. Kranthii was the very first child of SOFKIN and is now working for one of the most reputable companies in India. His sister, Mythri Vulpe was in a SOFKIN home for 10 years and is now working as a Product Manager for PamTen Inc. Jagdish Goud lived in a SOFKIN home for 15 years and is now a video editor and designer for Harsha Devi Productions. His brother, Parmesh Goud is still living at SOFKIN as he is working on his Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management. Niharika Beesa still lives at SOFKIN as she is the Operations Coordinator for the organization. She has been there now for 11 years.  Chaya lost her parents during her teen years. As we know those are some of the most formative years. After much thought she decided that she needed to help other children in similar situations. However, in this case she doesn't just help those who have lost family members. SOFKIN provides a safe-haven for children who are living in bad family situations. That could include abuse, neglect, or the inability of the family to afford to take care of their own children. The organization is based in Hyderbad, India and has supported over 100 children to date. They all call her Amma. That means mother.The children are not only given food, shelter, clothing, medical and education facilities, but are also given a secured home where they are cared for, guided and nurtured by the housemothers. The house mothers are battered and destitute women that are trained in cooking and caring for children, evaluated for efficiency, character, and attitude before being placed as housemothers in these homes. Each home will have 10-15 children with two housemothers. This operating model not only benefits children but also the women to be self-sufficient. SOFKIN will also ensure the children are provided special training in the field of their interest to prepare them for potential job opportunities to be able to support themselves from 18 years of age.Listen in to hear the footprint all of my guests in this episode are creating now that they want to leave behind. Today Is the DayWebsite: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudourkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudourkidsSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 2, episode 46 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.This week my guest is Jes Ruzic, Certified Personal Stylist & Image Consultant. She has been helping women discover their styles for nearly a decade. Jes has styled Covergirl Models at New York Fashion Week runway shows and dressed Comic-Con models. In her day to day, she dresses keynote speakers, revitalizes wardrobes and helps her clients recycle clothing in the appropriate way.Jes helps clients with color analysis, so that they look and feel their best. She will come into your home, clean out and evaluate your closet for relevancy. During the interview she shares how so many times we keep things in our closet that do not bring back fond memories or make us feel good when we put them on. She also speaks to the importance in loving ourselves for where we are right now in our personal journey. We may not be at our ideal weight, but that doesn't mean we can't feel good in what we leave the house in every day.Our conversation goes from undergarments to red carpets. Did you know that textile dying is the number two leading cause of water pollution! Listen in to hear Jes talk about how Helpsy is doing all they can to keep clothes out of the trash. Jes has a true commitment to sustainability and passion for textile recycling that has led her to partner with organizations such as Dress For Success, Soles 4 Souls, and H&M to name a few. She enjoys going out to speak on the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry to organizations. Listen in to hear the footprint Jes is creating now that she wants to leave behind. You can also find Jes on Instagram @jesruzicstylist. Next week, my guests are Kranthi Vulpe, Mythri Vulpe, Jagdish Goud, Parmesh Goud, Niharika Beesa. All five are now grown children of SOFKIN - Support Organization For Kids In Need. Chaya Pamula, Founder, Sofkin joins us in this interview as well. We talk about why SOFKIN was started and the incredible positive impact it has for children who need a home full of love, education, and support in Hyderabad, India. Today Is the DayWebsite: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudourkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudourkidsSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 2, episode 45 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week my guest is Fran Hauser, best-selling author and angel investor. Fran is passionate about leveling the playing field for women. She does this through her investing, writing and speaking. Fran has invested in over 30 female-founded companies across consumer tech, CPG, media, publishing, and wellness.Fran is the best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate. The book has been translated into six languages and was named "Best Business Book of the Year 2018" by Audible. Fran's new book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career is quickly becoming the go-to for women seeking more joy and fulfillment in their career. Fran is on a mission to help women build careers they love while staying true to themselves. Before becoming an angel investor and author, Fran worked 15 years in media, where she rose through the ranks at Time Inc. to President of Digital. People.com was a website that Fran and a few others built up to over 100 people working on. She worked with founders from organizations like Rent the Runway and many more. She talks about how her work at Time Inc. led her to being an angel investor. A friend of Fran's called her out on how many times she said "sorry". We tend to apologize for things we have no control over or as just as a way of making conversation. There is a special program that Fran used called "Just Not Sorry" created by a female engineer to see how many times she was saying "sorry" in her emails. This Google plug-in has been downloaded over half a million times.  Another message Fran shares is, before you say "yes" to something ask yourself if you are saying yes because you feel bad saying no. Is what you are saying yes to aligned with your priorities or does it bring you joy? Being very intentional is important. Take a moment to decide why you are saying "yes". Fran shares that our time and energy is our greatest resource. If you are going to say no, keep it short and sweet. Listen in to hear more of what Fran shares as her messaging about balance, career, how to become an author and more is enlightening. Also, take a listen to the footprint she is creating now that she wants to leave behind.Next week my guest is Jes Ruzic. Jes is a Certified Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. Her commitment to sustainability and passion for textile recycling has led her to partner with organizations such as Dress for Sucess, Soles 4 Souls, and H&M. She has styled Covergirl models at NYFW runway shows, dressed keynote speakers, revitalized wardrobes, and more.  Today Is the DayWebsite: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudourkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudourkidsSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 2, episode 44 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.This week my guest is Dr. Andrea Feigl, Founder and CEO of Health Finance Institute. Andrea was born and raised in Austria. In her junior year of high school she was one of only two students in Austria chosen to go to United World College. She came to the U.S. and went on to receive her Ph.D in global health from Harvard University. Dr. Feigl brings extensive leadership experience in academia, the public sector international organizations (WHO, WB, OECD), and the global non-profit sector with her. Andrea's work focuses on health systems financing and governance, universal healthcare, and cost-effectiveness of chronic disease interventions in developing countries. She led the largest worldwide longitudinal analysis of the political, social, and economic determinants of universal healthcare in 196 countries (published in Health Policy). She has further authored several high=level reports, including Development Aid Flows for Chronic Diseases for the Center for Global Development, a background paper on the political economy of universal healthcare for WHO and a leading World Economic Forum/Harvard report on the global economic burden of chronic diseases. This work was featured at the UN High Level Summit on NCD's in 2011. During this interview we talk about manifesting the things you want to happen in your life. We talk about how the pandemic impacted the opening of Health Finance Institute's first office.  Andrea also talks about her passion for dance and what it has given to her personally. This guest has an incredible spirit and truly is working on changemaking in all of the work that she is doing every single day.  Listen in to hear the footprint that Andrea is creating now that she wants to leave behind. Next week my guest is Fran Hauser. Fran is a best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career you Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate and her new book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career. Fran has also invested in over 30 female-founded companies. Full episode launches November 2, 2022.  Today Is the DayWebsite: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudourkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudourkidsSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!

Welcome to season 2, episode 43 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. In this Part 2 installation, host Jodi Grinwald speaks to the 2022 Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Leadership Award Finalists.  They are:Marta Quinn - Senior Development Director, HABcoreAssemblywoman Vicky Flynn - New jersey General Assembly Helen Archontou - CEO, YWCA Northern New JerseyDr. Erin Avery - President, Avery Educational Resources, LLCChaya Pamula - Co-Founder & CEO, PamTen Inc., Founder, SheTek and SofkinIvy Jacot, Co-Chair of the ATHENA Leadership program for the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce makes a guest appearance in this episode to celebrate the amazing changemakers featured. From nonprofit work to New Jersey politics, this diversely experienced group of women spend their time with Jodi discussing their personal journeys in resilience, work ethic and empowering the women around them. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented by chambers of commerce, women's organizations and universities to a woman, or man, who demonstrates the qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model and who:Has achieved the highest level of professional excellence.Contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.Actively assists others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.Listen in to the footprint they are all creating now that they want to leave behind. Congratulations to all these incredible finalists. They are all worthy of this prestigious award. I am honored to have received this recognition in 2022. Please subscribe, like, share, and download the podcast!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChTpwqeDDJ9wUfg43eiBC1AStream: https://todayisthedaychangemakers.buzzsprout.com/Today Is the DayWebsite: https://todayisthedayliveit.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/todayistheday/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todayisthedayThe Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids FoundationWebsite: www.applaudourkids.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudourkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudourkidsSign-up for our mailing list, schedule a conversation with Jodi or ask a Changemaker a question: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.comHave a great week everyone!