ChangeMakers

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Justin Levy, Executive Director of Conscious Alliance, who shares some of his powerful and inspirational story of managing through hardships, including Cerebral Palsy, enduring 14 surgeries, being in and out of wheelchairs, having to learn how to walk four times before graduating high school, and severe dyslexia, to seek out his purpose and become the Executive Director of a national nonprofit bringing healthy food into underserved communities and fusing music with opportunities to make a positive impact. 

During the interview, Justin discusses some of his formative experiences in grade school and how a counselor and then a school trip changed the trajectory of his life, he talks about why and how he got involved in Conscious Alliance, how the nonprofit has grown to become a movement and the importance of their efforts and impact. He shares a number of ways individuals can awaken compassion to find their purpose and make a difference, as well, and highlights an easy way to join in the fight against hunger. 

ENTER TO WIN: Join Conscious Alliance in the fight against hunger! Complete 3 actions to be entered for a chance to win 2 Tickets to any 2023 Live Nation show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (contest ends 3/31/23): https://consciousalliance.org/pages/take-action 

Learn more about Justin Levy and Conscious Alliance by visiting https://consciousalliance.org. 

About Justin Levy: Justin Levy has served as Executive Director of Conscious Alliance since 2012. His focus on expanding the organization's distribution capabilities resulted in the acquisition of a national distribution center and headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado in 2020, as well as the launch of new and innovative programs to accelerate delivery and impact. Levy has made food quality a priority, improving the health and nutrition standards of donated foods. Levy’s focus lies heavily on serving the Native American and youth communities through seeking donations, as well as implementing gardening programs that align with community culture. On a personal note, Levy’s story of overcoming a life of unique challenges is content-worthy all on its own. With Cerebral Palsy and severe dyslexia, Levy works with his limitations to bring a fierce spirit to support others. Levy has had 14 surgeries, has been in and out of wheelchairs, and has endured thousands of hours of painful physical therapy – and he had to learn how to walk four different times before finishing high school. Due to the hardships he has endured throughout his life, Levy is unable to read or drive. As a highly functioning Executive Director, where he lacks in creating spreadsheets and emails, he makes up for tenfold through inspiration, facilitating a powerful organizational culture, and cultivating meaningful partnerships through strong relationships. Levy holds a degree in Service-Learning Program Development from Warren Wilson College. 

NOTEWORTHY AWARDS: 

2021 Industry Leader & Community Champ Award by Naturally Boulder 

Top 25 Influential Young Professionals in Colorado

Biz GenXYZ Awards 40 Under 40 by BizWest 

Arthur M. Bannerman Memorial Leadership Award by Warren Wilson College 

Frederick G. Ohler Service Award by Warren Wilson College

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Mark Melson, President and CEO of Gladney Center for Adoption, who shares some of his personal story in growing up in Euless, Texas, attending Texas A&M and the University of North Texas, moving to Louisiana and meeting his wife, and aligning his passions and purpose as both a "Gladney Dad" and leader of the nonprofit based in Fort Worth, Texas, that focuses on adoption and the belief that every child deserves a loving and caring family. 

During the interview, Mark talks about the power and magic of adoption, how growing up with an adopted older brother helped pave the way for he and his wife to adopt their son out of foster care and add to their family, and how Gladney Center for Adoption continues to evolve in order to help children, parents and families thrive. He talks about some of the challenges and yet the blessings received, as well as how the community can support their efforts and support foster adopting families and youth in your local community to help make a difference. 

Visit www.adoptionsbygladney.com to learn more. 

This podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham. To learn more about Higginbotham, visit www.higginbotham.com. 

About Mark Melson: After joining the Gladney Center for Adoption in 2008 as the Chief Development Officer, Mark was later was appointed to Chief Operating Officer before being named President and CEO in 2018. Gladney allowed him to focus his efforts on bettering the lives of children in need not only in Texas, but around the world through both domestic and international adoption programs. Mark earned a BBA and MBA from the University of North Texas and later worked in various leadership capacities in Louisiana and North Texas not-for-profit organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Home Society of America. Mark is an adoptive dad and resides in Texas with his wife and three children.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMakers, Tom and Ellen Harris, Co-Founders of The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, who share their story of meeting in college, living in Massachusetts and moving to Texas, starting their family, getting involved in the community and playing an important role in the development of Ft. Worth with Tom’s role as an executive with Hillwood, A Perot Company. Tom and Ellen talk about their family and about launching the foundation that is working to prevent suicide, eliminate stigma, and provide hope to people struggling with depression.

The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, which is based in Ft. Worth, Texas, was created to honor the life of their daughter, who was lost to suicide on March 27, 2012. Jordan was a young woman who touched countless people with her extraordinary love, compassion and kindness, and the foundation carries forward her passion of helping those in need by focusing on research and awareness related to depression and suicide.

During the interview, Tom and Ellen talk about Jordan and the foundation, their programs and impact. They highlight Hope Squad, a school-based peer support program that empowers students to take action to prevent suicide through a partnership with their local mental health agency. The program has grown to be active in 110 schools across the North Texas area with plans to expand it further in the future. They discuss QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) suicide prevention training and the importance of equipping everyone in our communities with the confidence and competence to help someone at risk for suicide. They offer tips and also ways people can support their efforts, like with their upcoming Light the Trail Ride, which takes place between October 1-15, 2022, and is designed to blaze a train of hope and spread awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues in our society. The bicycle ride will light the trail from the Canadian Border to the Gulf of Mexico, along the Mississippi River. It will feature teams of 4 riders, who will each ride an average of 48 miles per day, with featured stops along the way, including Memphis, Tennessee.

Visit www.jordanharrisfoundation.org to learn more about The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation. Visit www.lightthetrailride.org to learn more about the 2022 Light the Trail Ride.

This episode is sponsored by Higginbotham.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Michael Graber, Managing Partner of Epic Pivot, who shares his story of growing up in Memphis, Tennessee with both mother and father being entrepreneurs and being surrounded by the musical influences of the city, and how those experiences helped shape his future. During the interview, Michael talks about his work and efforts with Epic Pivot, a transformation, insights, innovation, and strategy boutique on a mission to make business a force of good in the world. He talks about their process, why the transformation to being purpose-driven is so important, and how it can drive new levels of growth for both the organization and the community. The interview covers important trends, Conscious Capitalism, lessons learned, advice for entrepreneurs, and much more. 
 

Visit www.epicpivot.com to learn more. 

About Michael Graber: Michael Graber is the founder and managing partner of Epic Pivot, a transformation, insights, innovation, and strategy boutique in Memphis. Michael has years of experience advising more than 250 top companies and non-profits, including Cardinal Health, Arrow, FedEx, ServiceMaster, Mars PetCare, St. Jude, Jack Nicklaus, and others. 

Pragmatic, edgy, globally inspiring, and yet infused with Southern charm, Michael’s style resonates with a wide range of audiences. A well-established author of multiple books and hundreds of published articles, when not working, you can find Michael playing music around his native Memphis, TN.

During the interview, Beverly talks about her time with Holiday Inn Worldwide and how it paved the way for her to grow into her role as a corporate executive, sharpening her skills for marketing, branding, communication, and leadership training and development. She talks about becoming an entrepreneur and small business owner with her husband, and then her stepping into the role of President of The National Civil Rights Museum, where she raised $43M during her tenure, which included the completion of an expansion of the Museum ($11M) and capital and endowment campaign ($32M). This capital campaign elevated the museum to world class status. 

She then talks about stepping into the role as President and CEO of The Greater Memphis Chamber, at a pivotal point in the organization, and how she immediately focused on alignment around creating a positive environment for business and community growth, economic development, and workforce development and readiness. 

She shares some of the important lessons learned from her experience with "From Protest to Progress" and advice for business leaders in embracing diversity and becoming more of a proactive force to power the GOOD. Beverly also talks about the importance of workforce readiness initiatives and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, and then wraps up with a lightning round of personal favorite spots, inspiring quotes and more. 

Visit www.memphischamber.com to learn more and connect with Beverly Robertson. 

NOTE: Beverly Robertson recently announced she will be transitioning her role as President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber to Ted Townsend in December, so she can return to the business she started with her husband years ago. We recorded the interview about a month ago, and it's a perfect opportunity now to celebrate her efforts, so we hope you enjoy it and learn more about how she has made a resounding difference in and for our community! 

About Beverly Robertson: Named one of the USA TODAY’s “Women of the Century” in 2020, Beverly Robertson is the president and chief executive officer of the Greater Memphis Chamber since 2019. At head of the lead economic development organization for the region, she has championed shared prosperity, secured a historic number of jobs and investments, and raised funds to put the Chamber in its best financial position ever. Before joining the Chamber, Robertson served as president of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis from 1997 to 2014. During her tenure, she led the museum in raising $43 million to fund a massive renovation that turned the museum and the attached Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, into an internationally known destination. 

She also built the museum’s annual Freedom Awards into a nationally and internationally recognized ceremony, even personally persuading former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela to come to Memphis to receive the award. 

A graduate of the University of Memphis, Robertson started her career in education before spending 19 years at Holiday Inn Worldwide, becoming acting vice president of marketing communications. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business’ Leadership and Management Certificate program at the University of Pennsylvania and has competed the prestigious Getty Museum Leadership Institute in Los Angeles, Robertson serves on several local and national boards. She and husband Howard also own and operate TrusT Marketing. Together, they have three adult children and are also grandparents.

About Dr. Elizabeth Brands: Elizabeth R. Brands, Ed.D., is a dedicated, strategic, and passionate leader. She brings a wealth of organizational leadership experience from occupying key roles in education institutions, nonprofits, and foundations across the region. Elizabeth’s early career experience as a classroom teacher informed her approach that successful community investment must coordinate systems that children and families intersect with to spark impact and demonstrate empathy and respect for others’ lived experiences. As a foundation program officer, she evaluated community organizations to inform allocation of resources and coordinated diverse groups of local, state, and regional stakeholders to develop systems-level change. 

In her role as Executive Director of Reading Partners in Oklahoma, Elizabeth oversaw a high growth organization, driving towards common city-wide goals and leading the organization to triple in scale within four years. Under her leadership, she created and implemented a city-wide grade-level reading campaign in partnership with the local superintendent and Mayor, which included a Mayoral executive order allowing all city employees to volunteer on paid, city time. Elizabeth also taught a Measurements and Evaluation course in the School of Urban Education at the University of Tulsa. Before being named President & CEO of The Morris Foundation, Elizabeth was Head of Education Giving at The Morris Foundation. She also serves Read Fort Worth as its Executive Director. Elizabeth earned her Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame and her Doctorate in Education from the University of Oklahoma in Educational Administration Curriculum and Supervision. 

As President & CEO of The Morris Foundation, Elizabeth brings a unique range of professional experiences that allows her to understand the perspectives of a diverse range of constituents including nonprofit agencies, education systems, and ultimately – the children, families, and adults whom The Morris Foundation’s mission strives to serve. About The Morris Foundation: The Morris Foundation, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, was founded in 1986 by Linda C. and Jack B. Morris. The Foundation serves Fort Worth, and Tarrant County, Texas and focuses its support in the areas of education, healthcare and social services. In 2021, the Foundation supported 102 organizations. For more information - www.themorrisfoundation-fw.com, or 817-363-2000.

During the interview, Kris describes how she left her hometown in Wisconsin and became an entrepreneur at an early age, how the military helped prepare her for success, how she shattered glass ceilings and led a global luxury hotel company, some of the leadership lessons learned while leading the global company Rock Springs Retreat Center was founded by Kris Intress, a mother, entrepreneur, Army Reservist, and former CEO of a global luxury hotel company. Kris started working in her teens. By 17, she was already an entrepreneur, running a restaurant, teaching French, and working several jobs. 

After a few years she followed the family tradition of military service. She joined the Army with the goal of getting into healthcare through the Army’s pharmacy program. She later met her son’s father in Scotland and together they opened several restaurants and nightclubs. When she returned to the United States to raise her son, she went back to school to complete her college degree, which led to an interest in theater. After her first play, she was spotted by a casting director who invited her to Los Angeles to audition for a movie. Los Angeles agreed with her, and she worked on a variety of film, television, and theater projects both in front of and behind the camera. In between projects, she started working for and running a medical company, which ultimately inspired her to get an MBA. With her MBA in hand, she worked as the Director of Sales and Marketing for a large international healthcare company. She then pivoted to hospitality when she saw an opportunity to invest in and turnaround hospitality software company. 

Growing the organization from representing 700 properties in the US to 7000 properties internationally. After selling the company, she was asked to be the CEO of WorldHotels, a global luxury hotel company. As a corporate executive that struggled to find time for her own health, she realized her career was taking over the need to prioritize her wellbeing. She watched her parents struggle with obesity their entire lives. After Kris lost her mother, she decided to help people take control of and transform their lives. 

When creating Fit Farm at Rock Springs, Kris was inspired by her husband’s family, generations of farmers. Farm life provided natural opportunities to eat fresh foods and be active. She created a place where everyone could experience eating well, being active and experiencing the natural beauty of eliminating the noise around us. On top of her already impressive career, Kris is a certified personal trainer and a former athlete. She has an MBA from the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management.

Deb is an acclaimed communicator, connector, and strategist adept at uncovering potential in individuals and groups, strengthening their abilities to optimize their impact within their organization and the community.

Deb believes that disrupters talking across industries and interests to collectively impact social challenges will cause deep sustainable change. Her work experiences here and abroad have found her in the company of disrupters changing the world in areas including education, addiction recovery, social justice, human rights, healthcare, housing insecurity, and animal rights.

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Deb has served on local, regional, and international Boards of Directors of social impact organizations and education institutions. These experiences impact her ability to develop leaders, create strategic plans, and strengthen an organization’s operational effectiveness.

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Deb is the host of The Macfarlan Group’s podcast 3 a.m. What’s Keeping You Up at Night? As host, Deb interviews leaders in the social impact ecosystem around the country discussing best nonprofit management practices and social justice efforts with practitioners, leaders, and superstars working to disrupt the status quo to make the world better.

Deb holds an undergraduate degree from Vassar College and two advanced degrees from Vanderbilt University including a Doctorate in Education Policy from the nationally ranked Leadership, Policy & Organization Department program.

Before all of this (and children), Deb fronted a jazz trio touring the East Coast and Caribbean.

Listen as Jeremy and Deb talk about these experiences, lessons learned, advice for other Changemakers, and much more.

To learn more about Deb Macfarlan Enright and The Macfarlan Group, visit https://www.themacfarlangroup.com/.

During the interview, Dwania talks about her parents, the important role her mother and women played in the Civil Rights Movement, seeing a cross burning in their yard, and how she approaches healing and leading with love to take the lessons of her past to become a spark for building community and connectedness through her efforts today with The Memphis 13 Foundation.

Visit https://thememphis13.com to learn more about The Memphis 13 Foundation and http://dwaniakyles.com to learn more about Dwania Kyles.

About Dwania Kyles:

Dwania Kyles, Civil Rights Advocate, Wellness Consultant and Breath Coach, is an alum of The Memphis 13, subject of the highly touted documentary by the same name chronicling the desegregation of Memphis City Public Schools in 1961 by thirteen, 5 and 6-year-old girls and boys, (dubbed “the smallest pioneers” of the Civil Rights Movement), in answer to the 1954 landmark decision by the U. S. Supreme Court on Brown v. Board of Education.

Ms. Kyles is also the eldest daughter of pioneer civil-rights activists, the late Gwendolyn Kyles and Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles, subject of the ’09 Oscar & ’10 Emmy nominated documentary, The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306, that gives voice to her father’s memories, who on April 4, 1968, was the only other person on the balcony, with Dr. Martin Luther King when he was fatally shot, as she, her mother and siblings were prepared to receive Dr. King and the SCLC staff at their home for dinner.

An innocent participant of these two historical, yet traumatic events as a 5 and 12-year-old, it stands to reason why Ms. Kyles’ commitment to helping others connect or reconnect with their inner healer has been a lifelong passion. That same commitment paved the way on her personal journey to health and healing over the past 40 years.

As a wellness coach and educator, she seeks to inform on why the power of the breath, the belief system, laughter, and self-love are the first line of defense when on the path of true healing.

As a result of her coaching, programs, workshops, and speaking engagements, participants of all ages who stay in action are empowered with practical tools which allows them to connect with their inner healer, reverse illnesses, stress less, and experience healthier, happier lives with more peace of mind.

Visit www.slingshotmemphis.org to learn more.

About Jared Barnett:

Jared joined Slingshot Memphis in October 2019. Prior to Slingshot, Jared worked at McKinsey & Company for six years. Several years of his career were based in Sub-Saharan Africa, including in South Africa with McKinsey, in Ghana as CEO of a manufacturing company and VP of a financial advisory firm, and in Kenya working in private equity. He brings experience with disruptive innovation, strategic planning, organization building, and operational efficiency to Slingshot. Jared holds a Masters in Business Administration with Honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Statistics from Brigham Young University.