In this inspiring 13th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we honor the incredible journey of John Donohue, Vice President for College Advancement at The College of New Jersey. With a career spanning over four decades, John has mentored countless professionals and transformed the fundraising and advancement landscape. From adapting to diverse regional nonprofit cultures to fostering authentic donor relationships, John shares the wisdom and strategies behind his extraordinary impact. Nominated by Brett Davidson, John’s legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service exemplifies what it means to be a true North Star.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mentorship Matters: Learn how mentorship shapes nonprofit leadership and how to seek out the right mentor for your career.
2. Authenticity in Fundraising: Discover why building authentic connections is more impactful than mastering technical skills.
3. Adapting to Change: Gain insights into embracing change in nonprofit cultures and regions to achieve greater success.
4. Overcoming Solicitation Fears: Shift your mindset from “selling” to “sharing” to approach donors with genuine passion and purpose.
5. Retention Strategies: Explore how flexibility, respect, and competitive compensation keep high-performing staff motivated.
6. Supporting Regional Institutions: Understand how local colleges and nonprofits play a critical role in creating opportunities for underserved communities.

Join us as we celebrate the leadership, wisdom, and generosity of John Donohue, a beacon of inspiration in the nonprofit sector.

In this episode, Jim Eskin salutes Tommy Waller, President and CEO of the Center for Security Policy, and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel. Waller reflects on his time in the military, his views on current national security threats, and the pressing issue of complacency in America regarding global dangers. He also shares the Center’s mission to safeguard America by addressing both ideological and infrastructural threats, including their critical work on protecting the U.S. electric grid.

Key Takeaway:
Complacency is the greatest threat to national security today. To maintain safety, America must adopt a proactive stance, morally and intellectually, and remain vigilant to prevent future vulnerabilities both at home and abroad.

https://www.jimeskinpodcast.com/

In this episode, host Jim Eskin engages in a conversation with retired associate professor from Harvard Medical School, Dr. Charles 'Chuck' Pozner. Pozner is a pioneer in medical simulation and the discussion delves into how medical simulation has transformed clinical education by providing a safe environment for clinicians to practice and hone their skills.

Key Takeaways:
- The evolution of medical simulators from basic CPR mannequins to advanced virtual reality systems.
- How team-based training using simulations can drastically improve patient care outcomes.
- Insights on the global state of healthcare and the integration of traditional practices like acupuncture in modern medicine.

www.jimeskinpodcast.com

As an attorney, Anne Bader-Martin has practiced juvenile and family law in Massachusetts since 1995. Frustrated by the lack of resources available to help the underserved children and families she worked with, she conceived of the concept that would become One Can Help (OCH). As Executive Director, she has been heavily involved in creating and overseeing OCH since that time. By providing urgently needed individualized resources, OCH tackles an enormous societal issue and helps level the playing field at the same time. Through a unique and innovative partnership with the juvenile court appointed attorneys, social workers and advocates who know exactly what their clients need to succeed right now, OCH is able to ensure that critical resources responsibly achieve their targeted goal. Let’s find out about Anne’s inspiring story.

In this inspiring episode of the North Star Podcast, host Jim Eskin welcomes a true guiding light in the nonprofit world, Steve Lerman. As a super lawyer with an illustrious five-decade career in communications and entertainment law, Steve shares his journey from personal tragedy to professional success to impactful philanthropy.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming Personal Tragedy: Steve opens up about losing father figures early in life and how it shaped his self-reliance and leadership skills.

• Insider View of Radio Industry: With vast experience in the radio industry, Steve discusses its evolution from high profitability to current challenges due to digital competition.

• Future of Radio: He candidly offers his perspective on radio's struggle against modern media platforms and hints at its uncertain future.

• Active Minds Advocacy: As chairman of Active Minds, he emphasizes mental health support for young adults through peer-to-peer interaction—a cause close to his heart after witnessing its life-saving impact firsthand.

• Scholarship Mentoring Program Success: Reflecting on personal challenges during youth inspires him to lead a scholarship mentoring program with a perfect college graduation rate among participants—defying statistics even within affluent communities like Newton, Massachusetts.

• Memoir Insights: Writing "The Enchanted Path" helped organize his life into three distinct phases: education, work/professional success, and giving back/philanthropy.

• Celebrity Encounters & Anecdotes: Sharing entertaining stories about famous clients such as Howard Stern and Don Imus and others that showcases another facet of his dynamic career.

Final Thoughts: Steve's commitment shines through every topic discussed—from legal expertise to passionate advocacy for education and mental health. His story is one that reminds us all that despite setbacks or losses we face; we can choose paths leading toward positive impacts on others' lives. A beacon for many nonprofits today, he truly embodies what it means to be a Non-Profit North Star.

Learn More about Active Minds at Active Minds.org

Dr. Alice Christie, Founder and CEO of Tynkertopia has been an educator for the last 56 years. She taught in the K-12 arena for 20 years, was a professor of education at Arizona State University for 20+ years and spent 9 years traveling to 37 states to provide STEM education workshops to over 5000 PK-12 teachers. In 2017, she founded and self-funded Tynkertopia, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in Flagstaff, AZ.

Dr. Christie received her Ph.D. in Language and Literacy and Educational Technology in 1995. She served first as assistant professor, then as associate professor at Arizona State University. She retired in 2008 as ASU President’s Professor Emerita. This designation is one of Arizona State University’s most prestigious faculty honors. It is designed to reward enthusiasm and innovation in teaching, the ability to inspire original and creative work by students, mastery of subject matter and scholarly contributions. Only 36 professors at ASU hold this title.

Tynkertopia, Inc. is a non-profit community center in Flagstaff, AZ. We focus on creativity, inquiry, and STEAM knowledge and skills. Flagstaff is America’s First STEM Community, and Tynkertopia is Flagstaff’s STEAM Community Center. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) + A for the Arts = STEAM.

Tynkertopia is a place filled with opportunities to play, invent and launch imaginations into overdrive! Designed for kids, parents, teachers, and community members, Tynkertopia builds STEAM skills and encourages independent thinking, questioning, inquiring, designing, building, exploring and tinkering!

Host Jim Eskin celebrates the selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others by highlighting their passion and guiding non-profits in a positive direction.

In this episode, the spotlight is on Leia Hunt.

Leia Hunt is a 2 time childhood cancer survivor, founder of the nonprofit known as Leia’s Kids, podcast host, inspirational speaker, and author of My Battle Plan Journal. Leia was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer when she was two years old. Leia’s battle with childhood cancer resulted in her undergoing 26 surgical procedures, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and ultimately the insertion of a radioactive plaque in her left eye. The radiation ultimately defeated her cancer but left her blind in the left eye. These circumstances defined Leia’s life. Leia says her cancer battle truly began as she grew up with side effects from treatment, being half-blind and navigating her youth knowing she was different.

Leia has turned the devastation of her childhood cancer into a testimony of hope and faith. Leia is passionate about sharing her story and has embraced the opportunity to speak at various events. Leia’s unique perspective on surviving and thriving is a story that she is willing to share with others.

Leia founded Leia’s Kids, a 501(c)3 non-profit at 18 years old, while a senior in high school. Leia grew up hosting lemonade stands, school fundraisers, and more for childhood cancer awareness! However, as she got older she knew she survived cancer for a reason and wanted to do more for God’s kingdom! She wanted to meet these families and look them in the eyes to tell them they can turn this negative situation into something positive. This led to the beginning of her calling and purpose on this earth. To help those suffering to find hope and bring glory to God through our trials on earth. Leia’s Kids gives financial donations to families but also hosts dream parties for fighters and siblings.

Currently, at the age of 22, Leia runs Leia’s Kids full time along with working towards a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education at Texas A&M Commerce University.

Leia's Kids Official Website

Host Jim Eskin celebrates the selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others by highlighting their passion and guiding non-profits in a positive direction.

In this episode, the spotlight is on Maestro Peter Bay, an accomplished music director and conductor with over a quarter-century at the helm of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

Austin Symphony Orchestra