Changemakers

In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Dr. Stewart Burgess, CEO of the Children's Museum of Memphis (CMOM). With over 25 years dedicated to childhood development, Dr. Burgess shares his fascinating journey—from early inspirations in childhood to groundbreaking research in emotional and cognitive processes—and how it all culminates in his leadership at CMOM.Dr. Burgess discusses the importance of play in childhood learning, how emotions influence memory and suggestibility, and the impact of enriching environments on brain development. He provides an in-depth look at CMOM’s innovative exhibits, including the newly launched Mississippi River exhibit and upcoming STEAM-focused learning spaces. Dr. Burgess also highlights CMOM’s efforts to ensure accessibility for all families, working collaboratively with organizations like Porter-Leath and St. Jude to provide enriching experiences for underserved communities.Listeners will be inspired by Dr. Burgess’ passion for educat

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jeremy C. Park sits down with Taylor and Carter English, co-founders of The Rise School of San Antonio, to explore the transformative power of faith, family, and purpose-driven action. Their journey begins with personal challenges—the birth of their daughter Isabelle, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome—and evolves into a mission to redefine inclusion and early intervention for children with special needs.Through their story, listeners witness the couple's unwavering commitment to turning challenges into blessings. From Carter's transition from coaching and sports to insurance and leadership at Higginbotham, to Taylor’s poignant reflections on motherhood and resilience, their narrative highlights how purpose and community can fuel extraordinary impact.The couple's creation of The Rise School of San Antonio emerges as a testament to their vision of a better world—not just for Isabelle, but for all children who deserve tailored care and

This 100th ChangeMakers Podcast episode honors the legacy, career, and calling of Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, who has been intertwining medicine and ministry for decades to transform lives and communities. Join host Jeremy C. Park as he talks with Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., who announced his retirement in June 2024, after serving as President and CEO of United Way of the Mid-South for more than nine years. Dr. Robinson became President and CEO in February 2015 after nearly 25 years as a volunteer and Board member of United Way of the Mid-South, the region's largest public, exclusively charitable foundation.During the interview, Dr. Robinson shares how being born premature and facing illnesses paved the way for his calling to pursue medicine, how his parents fostered a focus on education and faith, and how they instilled the confidence for him to succeed. He discusses how his paths for medicine and ministry started to become intertwined while at Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, and how those calli

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Gabrielle Thompson, President and CEO of IDEAS (International Development and Educational Associates), who shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting how stepping into hard moments and saying "yes" can transform the world.During the interview, Gabrielle talks about growing up in a family of creatives and how lessons learned from her parents carry through today, noting that creating a new nonprofit program is like creating a piece of art. She talks about being born in Los Angeles, California and moving to Nashville, Tennessee, when she was six, and how around that same timeframe, she started to become interested in helping other girls her age around the world overcome social challenges and improve their lives after looking at pictures and asking her parents a lot of questions. She shares how that curiosity and passion led her to focus on making a difference globally throughout high school and college and led her to start traveling overseas to learn, s

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Chris Powers, Founder and Executive Chairman of Fort Capital and host of The Fort Podcast, who shares his personal and professional journey and highlights the intersection of mentorship and business growth. During the interview, Chris talks about growing up in El Paso and Lubbock, Texas, and how he started getting into real estate after seeking mentorship from another young entrepreneur who inspired him as a college student at Texas Christian University. He shares some fun stories and lessons learned during the early years of being an entrepreneur and talks about how those experiences have helped build and shape the company today. What started with residential real estate evolved into a focus on multi-family and now Class B industrial, after teaming with Jason Baxter, who is CEO and President, and building the business structure for scalability to become "the best real estate operator in the world."Fort Capital is a privately-owned real estate investment firm with a track record

On this episode, we have the pleasure of diving into the world of community transformation with Dr. Chris Lambert, a visionary who's redefining nonprofit success and neighborhood revitalization. Dr. Chris Lambert is the founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, an award-winning author of "Next Level Nonprofit," and founder of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system. His journey began far from the nonprofit sphere, with aspirations of law school and dreams of a lucrative career in real estate development. However, during his junior year at Indiana University, a profound spiritual awakening redirected his path towards a more service-oriented life.After earning his MDiv and a doctorate in preaching, Chris, along with his wife, moved to Liberia where they played a pivotal role in helping a village drill a well, acquire farm animals, and build their very first school. This transformative experience in Liberia set the stage for what would become his life's work. Upon returning to the U.S., Chris founded t

Welcome to this inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, where we dive into the importance and power of community colleges, civic engagement, and mentorship with one of host Jeremy C. Park's closest friends from grade school in Weatherford, Texas, Dr. Molly M. Harris, Vice President of Community Engagement at Grayson College.Dr. Harris has been a beacon in higher education for over 21 years, deeply committed to enriching lives and fostering community ties. Dr. Harris also is the one responsible for introducing Jeremy to his wife, Meredith, so this ChangeMakers episode offers a lot of fun, personal backstories between host and guest.Dr. Harris's academic journey began with a spark of passion for drama at Weatherford College, leading her to earn an Associate of Arts. She expanded her horizon at Texas A&M-Commerce, where she claimed both a BS in Theatre and an MS in Higher Education Administration. Her pursuit of educational leadership peaked with a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Mississipp

During the interview, Jerry talks about growing up in Northern California and going through traumatic experiences with his family. He shares how he was able to move forward in college and work with a friend to launch a durable medical equipment business, and how his frustration of working with attorneys caused him to go to law school to help his company. Jerry's pursuit of learning and practical application for the law led him in a new direction with a defined sense of purpose to help others beyond his company. Jerry talks about his time in law school and then his pivot to becoming an attorney, and ultimately, how he and his wife were then called to start Immix Law Group.Jerry highlights Immix Law Group, the industry change agent that serves as a catalyst for innovation by representing diverse, international, and trailblazing clientele at every stage of the business lifecycle. He talks about the importance of understanding a client’s “Why" and your own "Why," and how he and his team have safeguards in place t

Host: Jeremy C. ParkGuest: Leigh Mansberg, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-SouthEpisode Overview:In this enlightening conversation, host Jeremy C. Park sits down with Leigh Mansberg, a notable leader in nonprofit education. As the helm of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, Leigh shares her inspiring journey from a classroom teacher to a leading advocate for educational transformation. This episode dives into how her upbringing in an entrepreneurial family in Pine Bluff, Arkansas shaped her understanding of the crucial role of failure and resilience in success.Key Topics Discussed:Leigh’s Educational and Professional Background: From teaching to leading a major educational nonprofit.Importance of Entrepreneurship and Business Acumen: How Leigh's strategic career shifts have amplified her impact on education.Innovative Programs at Junior Achievement: A look at how these initiatives are preparing students for real-world challenges.Community Involvement and Support: Wa

Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jeremy C. Park sits down with Alma Lee Alexander McLemore, Executive Director of the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County. A native of Franklin, Tennessee, Alma shares her journey from growing up in a community at the cusp of integration to becoming a cornerstone in preserving African American history in Williamson County. Throughout the conversation, Alma reflects on her upbringing, her extensive career in community service, and her dedication to educational and heritage preservation efforts.Key Points & Highlights:Introduction to Alma Lee Alexander McLemore: Discover Alma's roots in Williamson County and her experiences growing up during a pivotal time in its history.Family and Faith: Alma talks about the strong foundation her parents built, centered on faith and caring for others, shaping her lifelong commitment to community service.Career and Community Service: Learn about Alma's 38-year tenure at Middle Ten

ChangeMakers podcast host Jeremy C. Park talks with Tammy Alvarez, CEO and founder of Career Winners Circle, professional keynote speaker, and author of "Escaping the Career Trap: Transform Your Apathy into Ambition and Never Hate Mondays Again," who shares some of her personal story and how she formed her spirited "Break All the Rules" approach. During her twenty-year corporate career, Tammy became renowned as a business transformation and turnaround expert on Wall Street. Her roles included Managing Director at AIG, First Senior Vice President at Bank Leumi USA, Chief Operating Officer at Genesis10, and Senior Vice President at Bank of America. Her "Break All the Rules" approach blends the decades of C-Suite experience with a pragmatic, results-based coaching style that helps business professionals create a big impact and love every Monday again. Her recent book, "Escaping The Career Trap: Transform Your Apathy into Ambition and Never Hate Mondays Again," is a self-leadership blueprint for high achievers wh

During this episode of our ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jeremy C. Park talks with Zach Montroy, who is a People, Team, and Organizational Strategist and the Founder and CEO of The Intention Collective, which is based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. During the interview, Zach shares some of his personal story and why, after more than 20 years of experience in executive roles, he started focusing his efforts on helping entrepreneurs scale and grow their companies through healthy teams by building brave workplaces.Zach looks back on his first management experience in high school at KB Toys and how he then built his career seeking out mentorship and opportunities to lead by building positive cultures and high-functioning teams. He defines and talks about the importance of building brave workplaces and how they dramatically differ from a toxic culture that could be sabotaging strategy. Zach highlights their work at The Intention Collective and also talks about some of the current workplace trends related to leader

In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, hosted by Jeremy C. Park and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, the spotlight is on Mike Berry, President of Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas. With over four decades of experience, Berry discusses his passion for Fort Worth, Texas, how he got his start in the industry, and the journey from the groundbreaking of Alliance Airport in 1988 to the creation of the 27,000-acre, master-planned community and global logistics hub, AllianceTexas. Berry delves into his leadership style, emphasizing his customer-driven, entrepreneurial approach that has transformed AllianceTexas into a vertically-integrated economic powerhouse. Under his guidance, the region has burgeoned into one of the fastest-growing in the country, generating an economic impact of over $111 billion and nurturing a robust local economy and population. Listeners will get an insider's view of Berry's personal life and professional career, his strategic planning, new business deve

In a reversal of roles, normal ChangeMakers podcast host and producer, Jeremy C. Park, is the guest on this special episode, which is hosted by Dr. Sarah Petschonek, Founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey. Jeremy C. Park is the CEO of cityCURRENT, a shareholder in Higginbotham, author of two books, contributor to Forbes and The Business Journals, producer and host of television and radio shows and the ChangeMakers podcast, and a sought after speaker inspiring audiences around the nation to power the GOOD. During the interview, Jeremy shares how his parent's open door policy and community engagement shaped his and his brother's perspective on volunteerism and the importance of service and caring for others. He talks about how he has built his career around volunteerism and giving back, and shares some of the history and blueprint for cityCURRENT, which is an organization that connects business with community to power the GOOD through events, positive-media, and philanthropy. cityCURRENT is powered by and a partn

Host Jeremy C. Park catches up with Dr. Sarah Petschonek, Founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, who was one of the original ChangeMakers podcast interviews (episode 5) back in 2016. During the interview, Sarah shares how Volunteer Odyssey has grown over the last seven years to work with more than 28,000 volunteers who have given over 460,000 hours of service just to the Memphis community. Volunteer Odyssey is a nonprofit organization that serves as a volunteer center based in and built for Memphis and a one-stop shop for meaningful volunteer opportunities. Sarah discusses some of the current challenges nonprofits face with a critical shortage of volunteers and how Volunteer Odyssey is working with cityCURRENT to engage companies in meaningful ongoing volunteer opportunities through their new Corporate Compass model and program. She talks about why taking a new approach is necessary but how it can create a win-win-win for companies, employees and the community. Sarah also talks about how Volunteer Odyssey is p

During the interview, Traci talks about growing up in Florida and some of the lessons she learned from her family and watching her father, who was en electrician. She discusses being the first in her family to go to college and how mentorship paved the way for many future opportunities, how the door was opened for her to join the team at what would become HGTV, some of the lessons learned and favorite experiences, and why she decided to quit her executive job to go on a soul-searching journey, which led her to create the Strategic Life Map process. Traci highlights her book and how she and her husband are now coaching C-suite executives and business leaders to help them break free from living on autopilot and live significantly successful. Visit https://www.tracischubertbarrett.com to learn more about Traci Schubert Barrett and visit https://www.navigatethejourney.com to learn more about Navigate the Journey.  About Traci Schubert Barrett: Traci Schubert Barrett is a sought-after international speaker, best-s

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Marcus Walker, Executive Director of Daily Bread Ministries, who shares his personal story of growing up in Texas and being called into ministry, serving overseas and meeting his wife from Switzerland, starting their family and moving back home to San Antonio to serve with the nonprofit organization that works with over 100 ministry partners who help distribute over $10 million dollars' worth of food annually.  During the interview, Marcus talks about having a Swiss wedding and how serving overseas helped reframe his appreciation for the acts of service that happen behind the scenes to create success in life, work, and marriage. He talks about his faith and family and how that creates a strong foundation for his work as Executive Director of Daily Bread Ministries, and then highlights the nonprofit organization's mission, model and efforts to equip their ministry partners to truly help the people they serve through food distribution and training. Daily Bread Ministries focuses o

In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, Jeremy C. Park sits down with Matt Kripke, CEO of Kripke Enterprises, Inc., Mid South Aluminum. From humble beginnings in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming a majority shareholder and recognized expert in aluminum and hedging, Matt shares his journey of hard work, passion, and resilience. Having held significant positions in influential organizations such as the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and currently the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, Matt provides valuable insights into leadership and community involvement. Listen as Matt discusses the importance of people development in business, his approach to managing risk in volatile markets, and how he balances a successful career with a fulfilling personal life. "Making the world a better place" is Matt's motto, a principle he ardently practices through substantial philanthropy and community service with his employees. Alongside his business achievements, he is deeply

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

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 hel