Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin

Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin

Our goal is to salute the stories of Non-Profit North Stars who energize your organizations with genuine purpose and have a gift to keep your organization moving in the right and uplifting direction of its noble mission.

The focus is on unsung heroes. We cherish those who make large donations that ...

Recent Episodes

27. Women Leading Change: Rhanda Luna’s Journey Through Fundraising and Leadership
May 27, 2026

27. Women Leading Change: Rhanda Luna’s Journey Through Fundraising and Leadership

Discover the inspiring journey of Rhanda Luna, a beacon in nonprofit leadership. In this episode of Nonprofit North Stars, host Jim Eskin celebrates the selfless dedication of individuals guiding nonprofits with passion and purpose. Dive into Rhanda Luna's impressive career as she shares insights from her two decades of fundraising expertise and groundbreaking doctoral research on trauma-informed leadership. Key Takeaways: - Understand how sustainability and healthy organizational culture can c
26. Charting Global Citizens: Scott Marshall on Semester at Sea’s 61-Year Voyage
May 5, 2026

26. Charting Global Citizens: Scott Marshall on Semester at Sea’s 61-Year Voyage

Episode 26 of Jim Eskin’s Nonprofit North Stars spotlights Scott Marshall , President & CEO of Semester at Sea’s Institute for Shipboard Education. From a shipboard campus that visits 8–10 countries per voyage to “cohorts of distinction” (Engineering at Sea and an AI certificate track), Scott shares how immersive global learning builds purpose-driven leaders. We dig into student selection and diversity, scholarships (including ~$5M/year in aid), alumni impact, and practical ways to support this
25. Sports Leadership Synergy with Angela R. Lewis
Feb. 2, 2026

25. Sports Leadership Synergy with Angela R. Lewis

Angela R. Lewis is a former professional basketball player, author, entrepreneur and leadership coach. Standing 6'1" since age 12, Angela knows what it's like to stand out and find your place in the world. With over 1,000 points scored in both high school and college, professional experience overseas, and having coached more than 500 athletes, Angela brings authentic experience to her storytelling. She is the author of The Game Changing Assist: Six Simple Ways to Choose Success, Post Moves: The
24. Endowments with Intent: Whitney Solcher on Fiduciary Discipline, DAFs & the Great Wealth Transfer
Jan. 25, 2026

24. Endowments with Intent: Whitney Solcher on Fiduciary Discipline, DAFs & the Great Wealth Transfer

Episode 25 of Jim Eskin’s Nonprofit North Stars spotlights Whitney Solcher , CIO/Partner at Ulrich Investment Consultants. With 20+ years in institutional investing, Whitney breaks down how nonprofits at every stage—from first-time endowments to $100M+ funds—can tighten their IPS , smartly add alternatives , and tap into the $84T great wealth transfer . She also demystifies DAFs (they’re not just for the ultra-wealthy), shares how to build referral pipelines with advisors and attorneys, and conn
23. The Art of Standing Out: How Nonprofits Can Thrive in a Digital, AI-Driven World
Jan. 11, 2026

23. The Art of Standing Out: How Nonprofits Can Thrive in a Digital, AI-Driven World

In this powerful new episode of Jim Eskin’s Nonprofit North Stars , Jim sits down with Graeme Watt , a visionary leader bridging the for-profit and nonprofit worlds. Together, they unpack how nonprofits can embrace bold storytelling, digital innovation, and human-centered connection to rise above the noise. From learning risk-taking from the business world to rediscovering empathy in the age of AI, this conversation explores the future of fundraising, marketing, and mission-driven leadership. 👉
22. Defying the Odds: A Conversation with Founder and CEO of The Student Expedition Program (STEP College-Prep), Dr. Tracy Baynes
Jan. 5, 2026

22. Defying the Odds: A Conversation with Founder and CEO of The Student Expedition Program (STEP College-Prep), Dr. Tracy Baynes

A college education has never been so essential as it is in today’s complex, fast-changing and technology driven workplace. You must have the capacity to be a lifelong learner. The Student Expedition Program (STEP College-Prep) launched in 2004, an innovative college access and leadership program for low-income Arizona high-school students is opening huge doors of opportunity. While only 14% of low-income students earn a college degree, an awesome 96% of STEP scholars are attending or have gradu