Episodes

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 ...

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 N...

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 ...

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 connects...

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. 👉 ...

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 grad...

In this episode of Non-Profit North Stars, host Jim Eskin sits down with Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer at Charity Water, to explore how technology and data are transforming the fight for global access to clean drinking water. With nearly one in ten people worldwide lacking safe water, the consequences ripple through health, education, and economic opportunities—especially for women and children. Key Takeaways: ✅ Tech for Good – How Charity Water uses data and innovation to expan...

In this inspiring episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Cody Knowlton, President and CEO of the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio. Since 2012, Cody has led the foundation in awarding grants to nearly 100 nonprofits annually, impacting healthcare, food security, and faith-based initiatives. With a background in higher education fundraising, Cody brings a unique perspective on both sides of philanthropy—soliciting and granting funds. He shares insights into the chal...

In this episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Larry Kosow, Principal and Treasurer of Venture Tape, whose lifelong passion for philanthropy and Boston University has shaped his extraordinary journey. A dedicated BU alumnus with a deep family legacy at the university, Larry has played a pivotal role in supporting BU’s storied hockey program, including funding the university's TV broadcast booth in memory of his father. Larry shares the story of his family's immigration, ...

In this episode of Non-Profit North Stars, host Jim Eskin sits down with Dr. Susan Korbel, founder of Core Research, to discuss the crucial role market research plays in the nonprofit sector. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Korbel has helped countless organizations—both public and private—make informed decisions that maximize their impact. From strategic planning to feasibility studies, she shares how nonprofits can apply research to stretch their resources and better fulfill their mi...

In this special 17th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we are joined by Caroline Schumacher, CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), to explore how ASF is nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators. With a mission rooted in the legacy of America's pioneering astronauts, ASF is propelling the United States toward sustained global leadership in technology and innovation. Carolyn shares the foundation's inspiring history, the rigorous selection process f...

In this inspiring 16th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Kevin L. Brown, Founding Partner and CEO of Mighty Ally, a global force in nonprofit strategy and branding. Speaking from Malaysia, Kevin shares the story behind his new book, Fundable & Findable The Brand-New Way to Fix Your Nonprofit Fundraising, a labor of love born from years of consulting, training, and community-driven research with 340+ nonprofits in 51 countries. Kevin unpacks his bold Fundable/Findab...

In this thought-provoking 15th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we sit down with Sally Bryant, CEO of the Bryant Group, to tackle the critical issue of fundraiser retention in the nonprofit sector. With decades of expertise in recruiting and coaching advancement professionals, Sally offers actionable strategies for building strong organizational cultures, hiring smarter, and investing in leadership development. Join us as we delve into the causes behind the high turnover rates ...

In this heartfelt episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we are joined by Mitzi Perdue, an extraordinary humanitarian and advocate for Ukraine. From her deep involvement in providing mental health support through the "Healing Hidden Wounds" project to her visionary approach to global philanthropy, Mitzi shares the inspiring story of her journey. With her unique perspective as a writer, activist, and fundraiser, Mitzi sheds light on the importance of thinking big and making a meaningfu...

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...

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...

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 train...

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 ...

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. Insid...

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 Te...

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 battl...

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

In this fifth episode, we celebrate Dan Baker, President and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association. Nominated by Marv Leroy for embodying the Peace Corps' mission—to foster understanding between Americans and other cultures—Dan has dedicated his life post-Davidson College to international service. The Peace Corps has seen over 200,000 volunteers since 1961 serve in 139 countries; they've learned languages and shared American values worldwide. Dan shares how a chance encounter with a retur...

David Ibarra is a leadership consultant and entrepreneur. He is the founder of eLeaderTech, the Ibarra-Brito Group, and the David Ibarra Enterprises. David's life is a testament to overcoming adversity. Born to immigrant parents and placed in foster care at a young age, he began his career washing dishes before becoming the youngest franchise owner of a Marriott Corporation division. As founder of the Eb Bauer Foundation, David has awarded full scholarships to 134 students and continues weekly ...