Civic Warriors

Hosted by Withum

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Leaders in the nonprofit industry share their stories from the front lines of adversity. Where innovation meets determination, they withstand all odds to drive their mission forward and effect change. Each story's unique, each struggle's worth the fight, but the goal is constant - to make an impact. Join us on our journey to find the stories that are hidden beneath the corporate veil. Our guests open up on how they try, fail and overcome in their fight to fulfill their mission. Through their experiences, we can join forces to become civic warriors in our communities.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 8342 min

Civic Warriors Episode 83: Transforming Global Philanthropy With Global Impact Ventures

In this episode of Civic Warriors, we speak with Scott Jackson, President and CEO of Global Impact, and Abdechafi (Chafi) Boubkir, Director of Programs at Geneva Global. Both organizations are part of Global Impact Ventures — a family of mission-driven entities working across the philanthropic ecosystem.Scott and Chafi share their personal journeys into the not-for-profit sector and their work with Global Impact Ventures, while exploring the current landscape of international giving. They discuss the key challenges facing the global relief and development space, along with encouraging areas of progress, and highlight the effectiveness of the Speed School model. The conversation concludes with reflections on their legacies and hopes for the next generation of leaders in charitable giving.Support the show

May 19, 2026Episode 8258 min

Civic Warriors Episode 82: Empowering Gen Z in Today’s Digital World With Sustainable Media Center

In this episode of Civic Warriors, we sit down with Steve Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Sustainable Media Center (SMC), to explore how the organization is empowering Gen Z to take an active role in shaping today’s digital world. SMC serves as a catalyst for change by partnering with young people and giving them agency over the platforms and technologies they navigate every day—from social media to generative AI. Steve shares the journey that led him to found SMC, the mission and passion driving its work, and the evolving landscape of social media regulation. He also dives into SMC’s programs and how they’ve adapted over time, introduces his new book How AI Reshapes Reality, and reflects on Gen Z’s unique relationship with digital platforms in an increasingly AI-powered world. Support the show

May 8, 2026Episode 8157 min

Civic Warriors Episode 81: Creating Healthier Communities With Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC)

Join us for this episode of Civic Warriors, where we speak with Michael Pearson, President and CEO of Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a not-for-profit organization and one of the nation’s largest public health institutes.Michael shares insights from his career, discusses his passion for PHMC’s mission to create and sustain healthier communities and highlights the wide range of programs the organization offers. He also provides advice for emerging nonprofit leaders, discusses trends shaping nonprofit mergers and acquisitions, and emphasizes the importance of strong board communication and balancing mission, strategy and execution in leadership.Support the show

April 14, 2026Episode 8038 min

Civic Warriors Episode 80: The Power of a Wish With Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire

Join us for this episode of Civic Warriors, where we speak with Anne Grey, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The conversation highlights how fulfilling wishes for children with critical illnesses goes far beyond a single moment of joy—these experiences can inspire hope, strengthen families, and even encourage kids to better engage with their medical treatment. Anne shares her personal journey, insights into how the organization operates, and behind-the-scenes stories of creating meaningful wishes, while also emphasizing the broader impact on communities and how others can get involved. Support the show

March 19, 2026Episode 7957 min

Civic Warriors Ep 79: Accelerating Philanthropy With Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

In this episode of Civic Warriors, we sit down with Alik Hinckson, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that helps donors create thoughtful, effective philanthropy. Alik shares his professional journey, offers his perspective on what philanthropy means today, and explains how RPA accelerates impact through advisory, management and implementation services. The conversation also explores current trends shaping the philanthropic landscape, the role and benefits of fiscal sponsorship, and how RPA’s “Philanthropy Roadmap” helps support aspiring philanthropists.Support the show

March 4, 2026Episode 7846 min

Civic Warriors Episode 78: Lessons in Leadership With Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey

Join us for this episode of Civic Warriors, where we speak with Jason Shames, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. Jason will discuss his professional background and journey to the Federation, as well as his personal connection to its mission. He will highlight key programs and their impact on the community, share what a typical day looks like as CEO, and emphasize the importance of strong board and staff support. Jason will also explore how he builds and cultivates leadership within his team, offer his top management insights, and reflect on what lies ahead for the Federation’s future.Support the show

January 20, 2026Episode 771 hr 4 min

Civic Warriors Episode 77: Fostering Community and Collaboration With Black Visionaries

In this episode of Civic Warriors, we sit down with Aaron Francois, CEO and Founder, and Shaq Lawson, COO, of Black Visionaries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black professionals through access to networking, resources, and professional development. Aaron and Shaq share their personal journeys, the inspiration behind launching Black Visionaries, and how the organization has grown into a fully volunteer-run community creating meaningful opportunities across industries. You’ll hear about the impact of their signature events, real success stories from attendees, how strategic partnerships are formed, and what’s ahead for Black Visionaries in 2026 and beyond.Support the show

December 9, 2025Episode 7659 min

Civic Warriors Episode 76: Thriving Philanthropy Equals Thriving Communities With Princeton Area Community Foundation

In this episode of Civic Warriors, we speak with Mathieu Nelessen, President and CEO of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, a nonprofit focused on advancing philanthropy through education, grantmaking, and a strong network of donors, advisors, and community organizations. Mathieu shares his background and passion for the sector, offers insight into today’s not-for-profit landscape, and explores what meaningful “impact” truly means. He also discusses how donors can make informed giving decisions and why storytelling and effective marketing are vital to nonprofit success, highlighting powerful examples of the Foundation’s work across Princeton and the surrounding community.Support the show

November 11, 2025Episode 7534 min

Civic Warriors Episode 75: How Community Foundations Amplify Giving With Greater Houston Community Foundation

In this episode of Civic Warriors, we sit down with Steve Maislin, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF), to explore how community foundations drive meaningful, lasting impact. Steve shares his journey to The Community Foundation and discusses how the organization partners with local nonprofits and stewards charitable assets to strengthen the Houston region. We’ll dive into the role of donor advised funds (DAFs), the importance of strategic philanthropy, and how The Community Foundationis celebrating 30 years of inspiring generosity and community collaboration.Support the show

September 22, 2025Episode 7441 min

Civic Warriors Episode 74: Empowering Families and Inspiring Hope With Family Promise of Bergen County

Join us for this episode of Civic Warriors, where we speak with Kate Duggan, Executive Director, and Paul Shackford, Board President & Trustee of Family Promise of Bergen County. Kate and Paul share how they became involved with the organization and the impact it has on families facing housing and food insecurity.Support the show