Hey there, changemakers and do-gooders! 👋 Are you ready to supercharge your nonprofit or philanthropic efforts? Then you’re in the right place! Hosted by Carina Martin (yes, that’s me!), Empower Hour is your monthly dose of inspiration, practical advice, and maybe a few mom jokes (sorry, not sorry). We’re here to navigate the wild world of nonprofits together, one empowering hour at a time. What’s on the menu, you ask? Oh, just a smorgasbord of nonprofit goodness. From tech talks to capital campaigns, we’ll cover it all. Join us each week as we chat with nonprofit rockstars, share laugh-out-loud stories, and dish out actionable advice faster than you can say ”tax-deductible donation.” Remember, in the nonprofit world, we don’t just think outside the box – we recycle it, repurpose it, and use it to build a better tomorrow. So tune in, turn up, and let’s make some good together!
Episodes
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Join Empower Hour as host Carina Martin sits down with Mayor Guyleen Castriotta of Broomfield, Colorado to explore the powerful intersection of government and nonprofit collaboration. Drawing from her unique experience as both a public servant and former nonprofit worker, Mayor Castriotta shares invaluable insights on building effective partnerships that serve community needs.
Key topics covered:
- 00:00 Introduction to Guyleen Castriotta and Her Journey
- 02:53 The Role of Nonprofits in Community Development
- 05:42 Challenges Faced by Nonprofits
- 08:13 Collaboration Between Government and Nonprofits
- 10:44 Funding and Grant Application Insights
- 13:26 Impactful Nonprofits in Broomfield
- 16:09 Health and Safety Initiatives
- 18:49 Regional Collaboration and Shared Challenges
- 21:30 Common Mistakes in Grant Applications
- 24:08 Resources Beyond Funding for Nonprofits
- 27:48 Community Support and Nonprofit Collaboration
- 31:03 Government's Role in Nonprofit Sustainability
- 33:09 Representation and Diversity in Local Government
- 35:34 Qualities of Effective Nonprofit Leadership
- 37:36 Housing Challenges and Nonprofit Involvement
- 40:28 Future of Nonprofits and Government Partnerships
- 43:25 Personal Passion for Community Development
- 47:22 Balancing Public Service and Personal Life
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Learn about:
- Strategies for nonprofits to effectively partner with local government
- Innovative approaches to addressing housing and health needs
- Tips for accessing government resources beyond direct funding
- Building inclusive community services
- Real examples of successful government-nonprofit partnerships
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Mayor Castriotta shares practical advice for nonprofit leaders while offering a transparent look at how local government can support community organizations. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, public servant, or community advocate, this episode provides actionable insights for creating meaningful change through collaboration.
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
In this premiere episode of Empower Hour, host Carina Martin sits down with Lisandra Gonzales, CEO of Cradle to Career Colorado, to explore how collective action can transform communities and create lasting social change.
Key moments:Â
- 0:00 Introduction & WelcomeÂ
- 5:15 Understanding Collective ActionÂ
- 12:30 The Seven Critical MilestonesÂ
- 18:45 Youth Voice & Civic InfluencersÂ
- 25:30 Direct Services vs. Systems ChangeÂ
- 32:15 Data-Driven Decision MakingÂ
- 38:40 Building Business PartnershipsÂ
- 45:20 Lessons Learned & Success StoriesÂ
- 52:30 Future of Collective Impact
Discover:
- How the Strive Together framework aligns community efforts
- Why data measurement is crucial for systemic change
- Real success stories of community transformation
- Strategies for engaging business partners
- The role of youth voices in creating change
- How to overcome common collaboration challenges
Whether you're a nonprofit leader, educator, or community advocate, this episode provides practical insights into creating meaningful change through collective action. Learn how communities can work together to ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive from cradle to career.