The Social Change Career Podcast

In this episode, Andrea Longton, a distinguished author and seasoned social justice investor, shares her wealth of knowledge from years of experience at the crossroads of finance and impact. She discusses her work on renewable energy projects in Africa and her strategic shift to community development finance in the U.S. Why Take a Listen: 1. International Development Financing - Andrea's Career Journey: Explore Andrea's diverse career, from international project development to domestic financing. She provides a detailed look into sustainable energy projects and community-centered financial solutions. 2. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) & Social Justice Investing - Role of CDFIs: Understand the pivotal role CDFIs play in underserved communities and how social justice investing can drive both social and climate justice outcomes. Andrea highlights key mechanisms such as community loan funds, venture capital, and crowdfunding. 3. Networking & Professional Relationships for Social Impact Careers - Building Strong Networks: Andrea shares essential advice on cultivating professional networks in social change sectors. She emphasizes aligning authentically with an organization's mission and how effective networking can open doors in social justice finance. 4. Advice for Aligning Finance and Values - Balancing Financial Returns and Impact: Andrea offers insights on how to balance financial returns with impactful investments that align with your values. Learn strategies to ensure your financial decisions support both personal and societal goals. This episode is filled with practical tips, real-world examples, and inspiring insights. Don't miss out on Andrea Longton's journey and expert advice on merging financial returns with impactful, justice-driven investments. Check out her website, podcast and Book the Social Justice Investor Bio: Andrea Longton is an award-winning author and professional social justice investor. She has raised over $1 billion for social justice investments in the United States and has advised on another $1.5 billion worldwide. In addition to her professional experience, Andrea manages her family's finances, including their own social justice investment portfolio. Her professional experiences include positions at Opportunity Finance Network, Freddie Mac, Capital Impact Partners (now Momentus Capital), and Delphos International. Andrea holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder designation from the CFA Institute (Charlottesville, VA), a BA from Centre College (Danville, KY), and an MA from The George Washington University (Washington, DC). Andrea is the founder and author-administrator of "The Social Justice Investor" website and cohost of "Renegade Capital: The Activist's Podcast for Finance and Investments." She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children

Ready to see how behavioral science can drive social change? Check out Episode 17 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Andres Casas. He combines neuroscience with policy, music, and activism to make a real impact. From redesigning infrastructure to changing narratives in conflict zones, Andres' story shows how diverse perspectives can build a better world. Be inspired, embrace new ideas, and see how science and society can work together for positive change. Why Take a Listen Neuroscience and Social Change: Discover how Andres Casas transitioned from psychology and biology to neuroscience, using his expertise to influence decision-making processes and drive meaningful social change. Learn how neuroscience can be a powerful evidence based approach for changemaking. The Power of Narratives and Behavioral Science: Explore how Andres leverages competing narratives, conflict resolution, and identity reframing to create positive societal transformations. Creating Positive Impact Through Collaboration: Delve into the innovative programs Andres has launched and/or supported in Colombia and aorund the globe. See how collaborative efforts in behavioral science, technology, and community engagement can address local challenges and boost your career in social change. Plus hear some amazing stories from the frontlines of change. Career Insights: Learn from Andres' experience fostering impactful change through interdisciplinary approaches, great tips on career upskilling, research and much more. Bio: Andrés Casas Casas is a distinguished expert in integrating brain and behavioral sciences to drive prosocial change through translational research and citizen science. He is currently a doctoral researcher pursuing dual Ph.D.s: one in Conflict Resolution and Management at the School of Social and Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, under a postgraduate scholarship, and another in Neuroscience at the School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia, where he is an Award Fellow of the Academic Assistance Program Vice-Rectory. As the founder of the Neuropaz initiative, Andrés brings together experts and communities to innovate in peace science. Since 2010, he has led the World Values Survey in Colombia and collaborated with the V-DEM Project. With a Master's in Behavioral and Decision Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's in Philosophy, and extensive experience across Latin America, the US, Africa, and the Middle East, Andrés applies his expertise to public policy, social norms, and behavioral change communications, developing innovative interventions to overcome sociopsychological and cultural barriers. His consulting work spans these regions, focusing on applying behavioral science and technological innovations to create positive organizational dynamics and trust-building in weak institutional settings. PCDN.global News Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Episode 16 of Season 12 explores the very pertinent question on issues related to global peace and security with our distinguished guest, Nanako Tamaru, a licensed attorney and dedicated peace and security practitioner. She opens up about her journey from considering a career in medicine to being steered by her passion for addressing racial injustice and inequity towards a path in peace and security. Why You Should Tune In & What We'll Explore: - **Navigating Careers in Peace and Security**: Gain in-depth insights from Nanako Tamaru's transformative experiences, both as a practitioner and a consultant. Discover how her work facilitates crucial partnerships and research particularly designed to empower women leaders in conflicted areas, and the significant role these women play in constitution making. - **Challenges of Change Making in Global Settings**: Join our discussion on the systemic struggles inherent in peace and security, including the conflicts between community development funding and defense spending. We'll explore how Nanako manages to keep her focus and drive in a field where transformational change is often slow, yet incredibly impactful. - **Educational Paths and Strategic Career Decisions**: Hear Nanako's advice on the importance of graduate education in the field of peace and security, the strategic value of networking, and the necessity of choosing the right program and institution to maximize career prospects. This episode provides a comprehensive look at a career dedicated to making tangible changes in global peace processes, the personal and professional challenges encountered, and the profound satisfaction that comes from working toward greater social cohesion and security. PCDN.global News Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Episode 15 of Season 12 dives into the exciting realm of youth career development with Evelyn Van Til, a strategic partnership manager at American Student Assistance. Evelyn sheds light on her diverse journey in higher education and workforce development, emphasizing the transformative role of platforms like evolve.me in shaping promising career paths for Gen Z. All of us - from birth to earth - are navigating a dynamic and changing world. Empowering and engaging our kids with teens' digital career-readiness content, skill-building activities, experiential learning, and early career pathways opportunities is a critical piece of not only preparing our kids for their future, but also as adults creating our own. As the Strategic Partnerships Manager at American Student Assistance, Evelyn is on a mission to reach 15M+ Gen-Z each year - creating engaging experiences, following the data, centering kids in education and transforming the pathways that lead to life after high school. Why You Should Listen: Career Insights: Gain valuable insights into building a successful career in youth career development and learn how to navigate this rewarding field. Actionable Plans: Discover how Evelyn frames and creates organized, actionable plans from chaos, and how this skill can benefit your career development initiatives. Engaging Gen-Z: Explore Evelyn's expertise in early career, emerging talent, and K-20 experiential learning and learn how to create impactful programs for the younger generation. Diversity and Inclusion: Learn about Evelyn's approach to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in people operations and culture architecture. Community Development: Gain insights from Evelyn's experiences in ecosystem and asset-based community development, and how these principles can be applied to youth career development. PCDN.global News Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Episode 14 of Season 12 immerses us in the transformative world of art, communication, and peacebuilding with multifaceted social entrepreneur, Maria Luisa Pinto Garcia , whose career spans across the realms of artistry and activism. Her unique journey reveals the symbiosis between creative expression and social change in Colombia's landscape affected by conflict. Why You Should Tune In & What We'll Explore: The Art of Peace: Learn about the captivating story of Maria Lisa's transition from musician to peacebuilder, driven by the tragic assassination of a Colombian comedian. Witness how her artistic talents have since become conduits for change, fostering relationships and facilitating healing in communities deeply scarred by war. Challenges and Triumphs in Peacebuilding: Delve into the complex world of sustaining non-governmental organizations in Colombia's intricate peacebuilding system. Gather meaningful insights from Maria Lisa's experiences, including her strides in the Prolongar Foundation and her pivot towards the groundbreaking initiatives of Reimagine Peacebuilding. Harmonizing Music, Memory, and Reconciliation: Tune into the conversation on the potent role of music in Colombia's social fabric, highlighting its use in trauma healing and memory work. Learn about the impact of projects that are integral to Colombia's journey toward reconciliation, as well as critical perspectives on the music's limitations and exploitation for propaganda. In this episode art and activism merges, catalyzed by innovative thinkers like Maria Lisa who transcend traditional boundaries of peacebuilding. PCDN.global News Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Dive into Nicholas Manderfield's journey from managing one of the world's largest Cheesecake Factory locations, to leading Reincorporated NFP, showcasing how retail can be a powerful lever for social change. Why You Should Join: Transition Insights: Discover Nicholas's path from the restaurant industry to a leadership role in a nonprofit that harnesses retail for global impact. Upskilling for Impact: Uncover the skills essential for driving change through social entrepreneurship, as demonstrated by Nicholas's experiences. Building Strong Partnerships: Gain insight into how Nicholas creates meaningful collaborations, such as the impactful Embera Bead Project. Business Acumen for Change: Explore the blend of business savvy with a dedication to social good, learning how to navigate this unique landscape. Interactive Q&A: Ask Nicholas direct questions in a live Q&A, getting tailored advice for your career in social impact. Bio Nicholas oversees Reincorporated NFP, a nonprofit retail website championing six unique global initiatives, including the Embera Bead Project in Colombia. This project supports the displaced Embera Indigenous community, directing funds towards Casa Embera for educational support, medical campaigns, and fair wage trade workshops. His work during the pandemic, which resulted in the donation of over 80 tons of food, underscores his commitment to making a tangible difference in communities in need. Through innovative retail strategies, Nicholas illustrates the profound impact of integrating business practices with a passion for social change. PCDN.global News Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast. Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.

We dive into this when our host Dr. Craig Zelizer, explores this and much more with our guest leading tech innovator, impact investor, artists and amazing human being Vanessa Ferliano. The conversation centered in the intersection of technology, mindfulness, and social impact. Vanessa's rich experience in med-tech startups, impact investing, organizing and creativity, her deep experience integrating well-being practices with a purpose-driven career as well as key tips for upskilling for impact careers is a terrific listen. Her work goes beyond just building profitable companies. She's dedicated to developing long-term, meaningful strategies that make us rethink what success really means and what matters most in our careers and lives. Why Take A Listen: - Mindfulness and Resilience: Gain insights into how Vanessa's adoption of yoga and meditation practices has been instrumental in her career journey, providing her with the strength to navigate personal challenges and professional demands. - Societal Impact: Hear about the her role in supporting impact ventures, highlighting how investing in startups can drive positive change while achieving financial returns, especially in areas aligned with the UN Sustainability Goals. - Reimagining Success: Discover how Vanessa's approach to success goes beyond financial metrics, advocating for sustainability, community engagement, and a more holistic measure of accomplishment in the tech industry. - Inclusive Investing: Learn about the democratization of investing, hearing stories like the Canadian start-up that offered investment opportunities to everyday people, raising significant funds in a matter of hours. - Authentic Journeys: Follow Vanessa's transition from the medical and corporate innovation to supporting impact investing and startups, demonstrating the importance of aligning personal values with professional aspirations. Bio: With over a decade of experience in innovation and investing, Vanessa has established unique opportunities for both accredited and non-accredited investors dedicated to social and community impact. Her career highlights include raising $775K in just 36 hours through an award-winning enterprise platform; and $100K in three months for a community-driven impact fund focusing on purpose-driven ventures in Atlantic Canada. Beyond her efforts in democratizing investment, Vanessa is deeply engaged in using her artistry to reconnect communities with their humanity. She is a multi-award-winning author and the host of "The Human Challenge", a podcast highlighted in Amazon Music x ACAST's "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023". Additionally, she is a certified 200-hour meditation teacher on Insight Timer. Through initiatives including The Being Human Foundation and 8 Billion Voices, Vanessa offers a mindful approach to community building, blending mindfulness with arts and culture. Her graceful nature and soft yet powerful leadership style have made significant impacts, earning her features in national and international news outlets such as CTV, CityNews, and on a Times Square Billboard in January 2023. Vanessa's journey underscores her influence on society and serves as a powerful reminder of how embracing our humanity through leadership can bring transformative change. PCDN.global News Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast. Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.

Have you had your coffee yet? How about your Masters in Coffee Agriculture? Join us as for an amazing episode with with Elisa Criscione, Founder and CEO of Digital Coffee Future. Exploring her work at the intersection of technology and coffee agriculture, Elisa is leading sustainable development in this critical industry. Her journey from Colombia to the forefront of the coffee industry's digital transformation exemplifies how passion, expertise, and innovation can drive change. Why listen: Gain insights from Elisa's experience in linking technology with coffee for sustainable solutions. Hear firsthand about the successes and challenges of bringing digital innovation to traditional agriculture. Actionable Strategies: Get practical advice for making a tangible impact in sustainable agriculture. Elisa will share strategies for using technology to create initiatives and navigate the coffee industry's complexities. Deep Dive into Coffee and Tech: Explore the intersection of agriculture and digital technology. Elisa will provide a clear view of the landscape, highlighting opportunities and challenges, and equipping you with knowledge to make contributions. Impact Careers Insights: Learn about building a difference-making career, with tips on upskilling, networking, and finding opportunities in coffee, technology, and social impact. This discussion will broaden your understanding of the impact sector and how to thrive in it. PCDN.global News Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast. Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.

Episode 10 of Season 11 features Sushma Raman President and CEO of the Heising-Simons Foundation. She is one of the leading innovators in the sector, bringing over two decades of experience in launching, scaling, and leading social justice and philanthropic programs and collaboratives. You should listen to this episode to: Gain insights into building a meaningful career at the intersection of philanthropy and social impact. Get practical advice on upskilling and navigating the evolving landscape of the sector. Explore key trends and opportunities in philanthropy through the lens of a seasoned leader. Understand the impact of academia and philanthropy in fostering social change and innovation. Learn from a leading philanthropic leader about grantmaking processes. Key Episode Insights: - Sushma traces her journey from teen activism to pivotal roles at foundations like Ford and Open Society, offering mentorship-worthy advice to aspiring change-makers. - Learn about the delicate balance and transition from academia to philanthropy, and how to harness the power of connectivity and collaboration. - Discover the Heising Simmons Foundation's strategic approach to funding transformative work in education, climate action, and democracy. - Get inspired by Sushma's approach to continuous learning and upskilling – an essential habit for anyone in the sector. About Sushma: Sushma Raman is the President and CEO of the Heising-Simons Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an interdisciplinary and experienced philanthropic leader, bringing over two decades of experience in launching, scaling, and leading social justice and philanthropic programs and collaboratives. This includes building the capabilities of grassroots human rights organizations and their leaders. Sushma has also taught graduate courses in the public policy schools at UCLA, USC, Tufts Fletcher School, andHarvard Kennedy School. She serves as a Board Member at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2023, she was the Executive Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy since 2015. Her extensive background also includes roles at the Ford Foundation, where she launched and managed a $100 million global initiative to support emerging human rights and women's funds, and at the Open Society Foundation, coordinating a significant grantmaking program. Additionally, Sushma led the Southern California Grantmakers association as its President from 2007 to 2012. PCDN.global News Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast. Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.

In episode 9 of Season 11, Dr. Craig Zelizer sat down with Purva Gupta, a leading human rights practitioner with extensive experience in child protection, labor exploitation, and international development through program leadership, advocacy, and partnerships. Purva's extensive experience in over 30 countries has been focused on programmatic responses to child labor, education challenges, and human trafficking, among other pressing global issues. Her current focus on decolonizing aid reflects a commitment to evolving international development practices. This episode will provide you with: Experienced Insights: With a career dedicated to child protection and labor exploitation, Purva brings deep knowledge from her roles, including her time as Director at the Nobel Prize Winning Organization Global March Against Child Labor. Grounded Strategies: Purva's work at the intersection of programs, advocacy, and partnerships exemplifies how to effectively support civil society organisations and underserved communities. She brings reflections on shifting the balance of power in international development. Actionable Knowledge: This episode offers listeners a chance to learn about the nuances of working on global issues such as child labor, education, human trafficking, and how businesses can respect and support human rights. Direct Impact: Hear about Purva's personal contributions to grassroots change, her mentoring work, and her initiatives to connect families with aid during critical times, emphasizing the importance of community-based support. Actionable Career Insights: Purva will share deep insights on upskilling, trends as well as challenges in the impact sector and also respond to your questions. Bio: Purva Gupta has seamlessly woven her expertise in commerce with a strong dedication to social justice, leading her to significant roles within the human rights field. Her academic background from the University of Delhi and the London School of Economics has equipped her with the tools to critically engage with development issues. A committed mentor and advocate, Purva's passion extends beyond her professional roles, as she dedicates time to pro-bono work, fundraising, and mentoring, all while finding solace in the joys of travel, reading, baking, and the tranquility of nature walks. PCDN.global News Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast. Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.