Shows
The Route to SuccessS01E25 - Building Community Through Relationships and Trust With Matt TannerIn this conversation, Matt Tanner, Executive Director of United Against Poverty, shares his journey from Peace Corps volunteer to nonprofit leader. He discusses the importance of community relationships, the challenges faced during COVID-19, and the effectiveness of wraparound services in addressing poverty. Matt emphasizes the need for dignity in service, the value of humor in emotionally demanding work, and the lessons learned from diverse experiences that shape his leadership style. He also offers advice for those looking to enter the nonprofit sector, highlighting the importance of due diligence and finding the right fit in volunteer opportunities.What...
2026-02-1240 minThe Route to SuccessS01E24 - Transforming Lives Through Homeownership with Mario ArteconaIn this conversation, Mario Articona, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Miami, shares his journey from government and real estate to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of hope, resilience, and community service. He discusses the philosophy of providing a 'hand up' rather than a 'handout' and the emotional impact of homeownership on families. Mario highlights the significance of building a mission-driven culture within his organization, navigating challenges, and maintaining healthy board engagement. He concludes with a call to action for kindness and service in everyday life.Connect with Mario here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-artecona-3347545/
2026-02-0547 minThe Route to SuccessS01E23 - Connecting Communities: The Importance of Rural Broadband with Colin GarnerWhat does it take to bring high-speed internet to communities often overlooked in America’s infrastructure plans?In this episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Colin Garner, an expert in rural broadband and infrastructure, to explore the challenges and transformative opportunities of connecting underserved areas. Colin shares how his journey from mining engineering led him into the world of broadband construction, where geography, cost, and technical hurdles create unique obstacles—but also profound rewards.Through stories from rural communities, Colin highlights how broadband transforms education, agriculture, and daily life. He emph...
2026-01-2924 minThe Route to SuccessS01E22 - Transforming Lives Through Justice and Advocacy With Michael J. LangleyWhat does it take to turn personal adversity into lifelong advocacy and meaningful change?In this episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Michael J. Langley, executive director of the Florida Justice Institute, to explore the power of resilience, grit, and community-focused leadership. Michael shares how growing up in a challenging environment shaped his lifelong commitment to supporting marginalized communities and closing opportunity gaps.Through stories from his upbringing in rural Virginia, his civic engagement with the NAACP, and interactions with civil rights leaders like the late Muhammad Ali and Dr...
2026-01-2227 minThe Route to SuccessS01E21 - From Personal Tragedy to Advocacy: Building Sebastian Strong with Oscar OrtizHow do you take a personal tragedy and turn it into a movement that supports families and accelerates pediatric cancer research?In this episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Oscar Ortiz, co-founder of Sebastian Strong, to explore his journey from the devastating loss of his son to creating a nonprofit that fills critical gaps in childhood cancer care. Oscar shares the inspiration behind the foundation, the development of the innovative Navigator program, and the lessons learned from running a nonprofit with a mission-driven, business-minded approach.Oscar dives deep into how...
2026-01-1534 minThe Route to SuccessS01E20 - The Importance of Flexibility in Work Culture with Christine Barney of rbb CommunicationsDiscover how true workplace flexibility transforms productivity, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction. In this episode, we explore what it really means to build a judgment-free work culture - one where employees are empowered to work in the ways that serve them best. From remote work freedoms to respecting personal commitments, this conversation breaks down the difference between saying you offer flexibility and actually creating an environment where people can thrive.You'll hear why clear boundaries matter, how trust fuels better results, and why honoring individual needs—from kids’ events to caring for pets—creates a happier, more p...
2026-01-0815 minThe Route to SuccessS01E19 | How Local Culture Shapes Travel Experiences | Jose Santiago Vazquez-RojelOn this episode of the Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Jose Vazquez-Rojel to explore the world of authentic travel and community-centered tourism. Jose shares his insights on how travelers can move beyond cookie-cutter tourist experiences to truly engage with local cultures, history, and communities.From understanding the commercialization of tourism to uncovering the secret to meaningful travel, this conversation highlights how authentic experiences can restore your soul, connect you with real communities, and even inspire scalable business models.Whether you’re a traveler, entrepreneur, or curious about the future of tourism, th...
2026-01-0126 minThe Route to SuccessS01E18 - Community Support as the Antidote for the Normalization of Violence with Tosha ConnorsOn this essential episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana welcomes Tosha Connors for a critical conversation exploring how violence can become tragically normalized within households and communities. The discussion emphasizes the powerful role of social responsibility in driving change.Tosha highlights that strengthening relationships and offering support are the only ways to enact real healing and systemic change. Discover the profound impact of simple acts of care, such as asking, "Are you okay?" The episode advocates for active community engagement, stressing that these small gestures are crucial for improving mental health and building resilience.
2025-12-2344 minThe Route to SuccessS01E18 - The Secret to High Employee Engagement with Ben Campbell of Hospitality AmericaDiscover the powerful role of empathy and kindness in modern leadership from Ben Campbell, the young CEO of Hospitality America. Ben shares his remarkable journey from starting as a night auditor to overseeing 850 employees across eight states.This episode dives deep into how defining company culture is the foundation for success in the hospitality industry. Ben explains the rituals that keep a consistent culture, the importance of active listening for employee engagement, and how to coach your team for kindness—because, as he says, "Kindness becomes a system."Key Discussion Points:(04:39) Why Empathy in...
2025-12-1833 minThe Route to SuccessS01E17 - Building Resilience through Life's Challenges with Joe Fiore of Republic HospitalityOn this episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana welcomes guest Joe Fiore for a deeply personal conversation about the inevitable nature of life challenges and the essential role of resilience. Joe shares his journey of facing and overcoming adversity, and how his perspective on obstacles has profoundly evolved over time.Joe emphasizes that adversity is a natural part of life, and with a resilient mindset, any challenge can be navigated successfully. Learn the simple but profound mantra he uses to stay grounded: "This too shall pass." This episode provides a powerful look at reframing difficult...
2025-12-1145 minThe Route to SuccessS01E16 - Empowering Non-Traditional Students in Tech | Khanh TranIn this episode of The Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Khanh Tran, first-generation Vietnamese American, co-owner of Beyond Group Cyber, and founder of TASLE (Technologists Aspiring through Servant Leadership). Khanh shares an inspiring journey from aviation to cybersecurity — and from self-imposed limits to empowered leadership.They explore how mentorship, integrity, and servant leadership shape inclusive workplaces and why communication and collaboration are the keys to unlocking potential in nontraditional students. Khanh also opens up about how their son’s autism diagnosis transformed their life’s purpose and inspired advocacy for more inclusive programs in tec...
2025-12-0455 minThe Route to SuccessS01E15 - The Power of Hope in Recovery with Randy Rush of Courage CenterHost Sara Orellana welcomes Randy Rush, a nonprofit leader who shares his powerful journey from corporate sales to leading an organization focused on recovery from substance use disorders.Randy Rush on recovery that works.What it covers: a hospital-embedded overdose response model, why lived experience beats stigma, and how a business mindset drives nonprofit ROI. We map the first 30 minutes after stabilization, the metrics funders care about, and the unglamorous but decisive work of meeting basic needs before treatment.You’ll hear how Courage Center embeds peer coaches in emergency departments, equips EMS with pr...
2025-11-2752 minThe Route to SuccessS01E14 - Hyperlocal Vertical Farming and Jobs that Last with David Flynn of AmplifiedAgA retired Army veteran turned tech-ag leader, David Flynn explains how Amplified Ag pairs a warehouse-grade control stack with IoT sensors and container farms to grow fresh produce anywhere. We cover why controlled-environment agriculture should complement, not replace, traditional farms. We quantify water and land savings, shelf-life gains, and how “right-sized” hubs cut spoilage and logistics. We dig into workforce programs in prisons and the VA, farm-to-school opportunities, and why replicating small, self-sustaining sites beats scaling one mega-farm.You’ll learn:* How a WMS-style platform, sensors, and VPD control run a farm remotely.* Why hyperl...
2025-11-2028 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E13 - Rewiring Hope: How the Brain Learns & Connects with Dr Gina Anderson of Luma Brighter LearningWhat if hope isn’t just a feeling—but a skill your brain can learn?In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Gina Anderson explores the science of hope, resilience, and learning. Discover how neuroplasticity helps us adapt through challenges, why action sparks hope, and how authentic community and peer learning can transform mental health.You’ll also learn practical ways to:Reconnect with nature to calm the brainSet boundaries with digital distractionsBuild genuine connections that fuel learning and growthWhether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner...
2025-11-1342 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E12 - The Power of Giving and Growing with Courtney Hampson of Bluffton Self HelpCEO Courtney Hampson joins host Sara Orellana to open the doors of Bluffton Self-Help, a 38-year community hub where a dignified free-grocery market becomes the magnet for deeper support. Hear how integrated services and warm referrals serve about 900 families each month, why 55% engage in more than one program, and how adult education—ESL, GED, digital and financial literacy—can lift earning power by ~$8,000 with 75% class attendance, 95% first-try GED pass rates, and 80% ESL level-ups. Courtney shares merger lessons, a shared-intake partnership with Volunteers in Medicine, and volunteer stewardship that saved roughly $1M last year. We close with simple advice that fits...
2025-11-0629 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E11 - Empowering Women in Engineering with Fionnuala Quinn of Traffic GardensEngineer and entrepreneur Fionnuala Quinn joins host Sara Orellana to share her path from Dublin to the U.S., and from civil engineering to founding Traffic Gardens. She explains what a traffic garden is, why the idea traces back to “Safety Town,” and how a focused pivot turned a playful concept into a national movement. Hear advice for women in STEM, the power of mentors, and what real success looks like: a viable business and neighborhoods alive with kids learning safely. We also dive into learning from the crews who stripe the lines, inviting installers to ribbon cuttings, and prac...
2025-10-3036 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E10 - From Intern to Inspiring CEO with Mike Fuller of Berkeley Electric CooperativeFrom cutting rights-of-way at 18 to CEO by 35, Mike Fuller of Berkeley Electric Cooperative joins host Sara Orellana to unpack a three-decade rise, the mentors who shaped it, and the mindset that “when opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare.” He also explains why he is pursuing a PhD at Clemson to bridge research and practice, and what humility and continuous learning look like in the C-suite.Inside the cooperative model, Mike details how member ownership, a focus on safe, reliable, affordable power, and measurable givebacks drive community impact, including returning nearly $8 million to members and supporting progra...
2025-10-2322 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E09 - Protecting Nonprofits in a Digital World with Ian Gottesman of NGO-ISACIn this episode of The Route to Success, Sara Orellana sits down with Ian Gottesman, founder and CEO of NGOSAC, a nonprofit helping other nonprofits strengthen their cybersecurity. Ian shares why protecting digital systems is critical for mission-driven organizations, the biggest challenges nonprofits face in a “do more with less” environment, and three simple steps that address most cybersecurity risks. He also reflects on his career journey—from Peace Corps service to leading in technology and nonprofit spaces—and offers practical advice for both nonprofits and individuals pursuing a path in cybersecurity.I hope you enjoy this episode...
2025-10-1641 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E08 - Tackling Nonprofit Challenges with Purpose with Joseph Debney of Summerville Family YMCAHost Sara Orellana talks with Joe Debney, Executive Director of the Summerville Family YMCA, about his unique path from running elections to leading a nonprofit. They discuss the Y’s impact through community health, youth programs, and outreach initiatives like bed-building for kids and Y on the Fly. Joe also shares insights on serving rural communities, building partnerships, and how anyone can get involved with their local YMCA.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sara and the Route to Succes...
2025-10-0926 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E07 - Strategic Nonprofit Leadership with Jesse Rudy of Redeem InternationalIn this episode of The Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Jesse Rudy, Founder and CEO of Redeem International. Jesse shares how his organization protects widows and orphans in Uganda and Zambia from land grabbing, a violent crime that threatens families at their most vulnerable. Together, they discuss resilience, building strong partnerships, and why nonprofits must stay laser-focused on their mission to create lasting impact.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sara and the Route to Succ...
2025-10-0231 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E06 - Balancing Caregiving, Self-care and Business with Aisha and Sandra of Steady Care LLCWelcome to The Route to Success, the podcast where we explore the journeys of changemakers, innovators, and leaders making an impact in communities across the United States. I’m your host, Sara Orellana, and today we’re spotlighting two incredible women—Aisha and Sandra—the founders of Steady Care LLC.Their mission is both powerful and deeply personal: to provide comprehensive mental health services to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families as they transition to civilian life. With lived connections to the military community, they’ve designed a program that breaks down barriers, removes red tape, and delive...
2025-09-2516 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E05 - Building a Powerful Personal Brand with Judy Schramm of ProResourceIn this episode of The Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Judy Schramm, CEO of ProResource, a marketing agency specializing in helping CEOs and executives build strong personal brands through LinkedIn.Judy shares her passion for marketing, her belief in aligning your business with who you are, and why personal branding is more critical than ever in 2025. From overcoming resistance and setting boundaries to evolving your role as you grow, Judy offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone seeking to amplify their professional presence.Listeners will learn:How to use...
2025-09-1822 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E04 - Leading with Vision and Vulnerability with Larry Eason of Richmond Animal LeagueIn this episode, Sara Orellana speaks with Larry Eason, Executive Director of Richmond Animal League, about how clear vision, strategic communication, and authentic leadership can transform nonprofit organizations. They explore practical ways to break down silos, combat compassion fatigue, and foster alignment between staff and board—plus, the value of listening and leading with humility.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sara and the Route to Success Podcast TeamConnect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in...
2025-09-1134 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E03 - Transforming Lives Through Inclusion with Debi Alexander of Spark SolutionsIn this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Sara Orellana sits down with Debi Alexander, Executive Director of Spark Solutions, an organization changing the game for adults with severe multiple disabilities. Debi shares Spark’s inspiring mission of providing inclusion, dignity, and joyful engagement to a population often overlooked and underserved after aging out of the school system.From karaoke moments that bring tears to your eyes to groundbreaking partnerships with Spirit Exercise, A Place to Be, and George Washington University for adaptive yoga, music therapy, and AI-powered creative programs, this episode is packed with examples of how Spark fo...
2025-09-0421 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E02 - The Journey of Compassionate Leadership with Leah Fraley of United CommunityIn this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Leah Fraley, a bold voice in the nonprofit world, to explore what it truly means to lead with passion, purpose, and compassion. Together, they dig into the emotional realities of frontline service work, the urgent need to shift societal perceptions of poverty, and why nonprofit leadership must be more than operational—it must be transformational.Leah shares personal stories of overcoming adversity, calls for a culture that celebrates growth through transparency and failure, and advocates for systemic solutions that em...
2025-08-2853 minThe Route to SuccessSE01E01 - Building Future Leaders Through Coopertition with Alex Bryant of First ChesapeakeIn this episode of The Road to Success, host Sara Orellana speaks with Alex Bryant, a visionary nonprofit leader and chief fundraiser at First Chesapeake. Operating across Virginia, DC, Maryland, and West Virginia, First Chesapeake equips the next generation of leaders—not just with STEM knowledge, but with critical 21st-century skills like self-advocacy, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving.Alex shares how the organization’s unique blend of robotics, mentorship, and “coopertition”—a culture that blends competition with cooperation—is breaking down barriers, fostering community, and offering life-changing opportunities for youth, especially those from underserved communities.Together, Sa...
2025-08-2129 min