Welcome to Mission Control, the podcast that delves into the journeys of executive directors and nonprofit leaders dedicated to positively impacting their communities. Hosted by Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist at Introduce Multimedia, this episode features Luke Forrest, the Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM).

Introducing Luke Forrest and CEDAM

Luke Forrest starts the discussion with a light-hearted remark about the complexity of pronouncing CEDAM’s full name—a challenge even for its staff and board members. He then introduces CEDAM as a network that fosters community and economic development across Michigan. The organization focuses on building capacity, changing public policy, and leveraging resources to drive lasting systemic improvements.

“We’re a network of folks dedicated to community and economic development in Michigan. The biggest ways we support our members in their communities are through capacity building, public policy change, and leveraging resources to achieve systemic lasting change in Michigan.”

Exploring the Roots: Luke Forrest’s Journey into Community Development

Luke’s interest in community and economic development stems from a family background rich in public service. Initially working at the federal level in Washington, D.C., he quickly realized that the intellectual stimulation he experienced did not equate to tangible impact. This led him back to Michigan, where he sought to make a difference at the local level.

“I started at the federal policy level right out of college, worked for a member of Congress, and became a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. I just felt like there was something a little empty for me.”

Interestingly, Luke’s entry into urban planning was influenced by his passion for hip-hop culture and a book titled *Bomb the Suburbs* by graffiti writer Upsky. This unconventional path highlights the diverse inspirations that can lead to a career in community development.

“People always ask, what was the first thing you read that got you into urban planning or community development? I came into it through hip-hop music and culture.”

Diving into Local Level Development

Luke’s transition from federal to local governance involved volunteering in city planning commissions, particularly in Ann Arbor and Ferndale, Michigan. These experiences offered him a hands-on understanding of how local decisions can shape entire communities.

“If you want to learn how stuff gets done, serve and volunteer on one of these local government commissions or community bodies.”

During his time as a volunteer, Luke discovered the outdated nature of many urban planning guidelines, often borrowed from early 20th-century models. This experience underscored the importance of collaboration and adaptability in creating effective community development strategies.

From Local to State: Luke’s Involvement with the Michigan Municipal League

After gaining valuable experience at the local level, Luke joined the Michigan Municipal League (MML). There, he worked on critical initiatives like placemaking and Michigan Green Communities. These programs aimed to enhance residents’ quality of life and promote sustainable practices within city governments.

– **Placemaking:** Focused on creating unique, memorable local environments that improve residents’ quality of life.
– **Michigan Green Communities:** Encouraged city governments to adopt sustainable practices, emphasizing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation.

Taking the Helm at CEDAM: Leadership through a Crisis

In 2019, Luke assumed the role of Executive Director at CEDAM, a significant responsibility made more challenging by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, CEDAM quickly pivoted to address the looming eviction and foreclosure crises, working with partner organizations to provide critical support and resources.

“In the organization’s 26-year history, I think we’ve only had four executive directors, so it’s a real honor.”

Navigating Black Lives Matter Movements and Policy Changes

The year 2020 also saw the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, prompting CEDAM to reevaluate its programs with a focus on racial equity. This introspection led to a greater emphasis on supporting lower-income communities of color and ensuring equitable outcomes.

“We needed to examine how all the programs we worked with at the state level were thinking about racial equity and outcomes for lower-income communities and people of color.”

Reflecting on Achievements and Progress

Reflecting on the past few years, Luke expresses pride in CEDAM’s expanded support for local nonprofit organizations. The organization has made significant strides in protecting consumers from financial exploitation and advocating for affordable housing and early childhood programs.

“We’ve done an amazing job getting some excellent stuff done to protect consumers from bad actors in the financial space and focusing more attention on affordable housing and early childhood programs.”

Balancing Work and Personal Life: Luke’s Secret to Unwinding

On a personal note, Luke highlights the importance of quality family time. As a father of two teenagers, he enjoys exploring new places and engaging in various activities, from sports to movie nights.

“We do a lot of sports together, watch movies, and have fun outdoors. This weekend, we’re visiting the Niagara Falls region on the Canadian side and Hamilton, Ontario.”

Conclusion

Luke Forrest’s journey from a small town in Northern Michigan to leading CEDAM illustrates a deep commitment to fostering positive, lasting change in communities. His ability to navigate crises and his hands-on approach to community development are inspiring examples. Thank you to Luke Forrest for sharing his story and insights and our readers for joining us. If you know someone whose journey you’d like to hear about, please email us at [email protected]. Remember to subscribe to Mission Control on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review.

> “We’re all making this up as we go, and that’s okay. We have to find ways to work together.”

Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you in the control center next time!

Welcome back to Mission Control, the podcast spotlighting executive directors and non-profit leaders impacting their communities significantly. Your host, Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist for Introduce Multimedia, is thrilled to introduce a new friend, Lauren, the executive director of Aspire.

Paul begins by welcoming Lhauren and asking about her role at Aspire. Contrary to what some might think, Lhauren clarifies that she isn’t the founder but the executive director, having taken over from her predecessor, Lori Bolin. This sets the stage for a deeper dive into Aspire’s mission and Lauren’s journey to her current role.

As Lhauren passionately explains, Aspire’s mission is to educate, equip, and empower individuals to make positive choices, develop healthy relationships, and become who they aspire to be. This mission is pursued through various means, including sharing resources, guest speaking, and holistic relationship education, which Lauren emphasizes as vital for community empowerment.

Lhauren’s story of joining Aspire is both lucky and inspiring. She became a part of the Aspire Relationship Education organization. While doing contract work across the greater Lansing area, a job description for Aspire came across her desk. Intrigued, she reached out to Lori Bolin, the founder, and discovered that Lori had developed a program that had profoundly impacted Lhauren’s life.

The program, known as the SMART program, had been pivotal for Lhauren during a tumultuous time in her life. It focused on sexual health education, emphasizing not just disease prevention but also broader aspects of sexual risk avoidance and healthy relationship skills. These teachings stayed with Lhauren, guiding her through her formative years and influencing her personal and professional decisions.

Lhauren’s educational journey and career path are equally fascinating. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, she was exposed to business operations at a young age. Her first official job was as a bookkeeper for her family’s Custom Built Designer Remodeling company. This early experience and subsequent roles in insurance and ministry leadership equipped her with a diverse skill set and a strong foundation in organizational management.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic marked her transition to Aspire in January 2020. This unexpected challenge forced Lhauren to rethink and innovate Aspire’s programming. Embracing a future-focused mindset, she spearheaded the development of an online academy to ensure the organization’s resources remained accessible, regardless of physical constraints. This move was crucial in maintaining the continuity and impact of Aspire’s mission during such uncertain times.

The pandemic also highlighted the importance of mental and emotional support. Lhauren and her team launched creative collaborations, such as community painting projects, which provided a therapeutic outlet for participants of all ages. These initiatives underscored the value of artistic expression in fostering mental well-being and community connection.

Lhauren’s support system played a critical role in her leadership journey. Her husband, Nick, her family, her dedicated board members and team, and the collective encouragement and belief in her vision were instrumental. This support extended to community partners and grantors, whose contributions were vital in sustaining Aspire’s operations and outreach efforts.

Reflecting on her experiences, Lhauren acknowledges the profound impact of collaborative efforts and the importance of a supportive network. The pandemic may have posed significant challenges but also brought innovative solutions and strengthened community bonds.

Looking ahead, Lhauren is excited about Aspire’s future. One of her ambitious plans is to launch a capital campaign for a structured creative collaboration program. This multidisciplinary initiative aims to connect generations through art, storytelling, and other creative expressions. The goal is to foster personal growth and community engagement by encouraging participants to explore who they want to become rather than just what they want to do.

As the conversation draws close, all comment on Lhauren’s dedication and innovative approach to leading Aspire. He highlights the podcast’s mission to showcase leaders like Lhauren, who make tangible differences in their communities through resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment.

In summary, Lhauren’s journey with Aspire is a testament to the power of education, community support, and creative innovation. Her leadership during challenging times has sustained the organization and expanded its reach and impact. As Aspire continues to evolve, its mission of empowering individuals to make positive choices and develop healthy relationships remains at the forefront, guided by Lhauren’s visionary leadership.

Introduction

On the latest episode of the Mission Control Podcast, host Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist for Introduce Multimedia, welcomed Aaryn Richard, a long-time collaborator and friend. Aaryn, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Michigan State University, shared insights into his journey, the mission of the Burgess Institute, and the evolving communication landscape.

The Mission of the Burgess Institute

Paul began the podcast with the fundamental question: What is the mission of the Burgess Institute?

Aaryn explained, “Our mission is to prepare Michigan State University students for the real world by equipping them with an entrepreneurial mindset and supporting them as they build their businesses right here on campus.” This mission emphasizes fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students, providing them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their ventures.

The Role of a Communicator

Aaryn’s role at the Burgess Institute is multifaceted. While his title might suggest a straightforward marketing and communications role, Aaryn views his job through a broader lens. “Communicators in marketing and communication see themselves as storytellers,” he said. This storytelling approach is central to his work, allowing him to craft compelling narratives about the institute’s student entrepreneurs, known as makers, shakers, and change-makers.

Storytelling: The Heart of Communication

When Paul asked if storytelling was his main focus, Aaryn confirmed, “Yes, absolutely.” His primary goal is to craft vivid and compelling stories about the institute’s students. These stories not only highlight student achievements but also engage Spartan alumni for philanthropic donations and guide aspiring entrepreneurs toward valuable resources.

Aaryn’s background in storytelling has deep roots. Initially aspiring to be a secondary education English teacher, he discovered his passion for storytelling during his Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Poetry. This passion eventually shaped his career path, leading him from academia to professional storytelling.

From Academia to Professional Storytelling

Aaryn spent several years teaching courses like Women in Literature, Advanced College Composition, and Beginning College Composition at Front Range Community College. However, in 2011, he returned to Michigan with the aim of leveraging his storytelling skills in a new capacity. This opportunity came in 2014 when he joined the Michigan Biotechnology Institute (MBI).

Transition to MSU: Leveraging Storytelling Skills

At MBI, a nonprofit focused on commercializing Michigan State’s technologies, Aaryn worked on a fascinating project called APX, which aimed to transform agricultural waste into animal feed. His role involved branding and storytelling to bring this technology to the global stage. “It all started from a point of humanity,” Aaryn explained. By highlighting how this technology could improve milk production in developing nations, he crafted a compelling narrative that resonated with philanthropists.

The MSU Research Foundation Experience

Aaryn’s next chapter was with the MSU Research Foundation, where he became their first communicator in 43 years. The foundation has a vast portfolio of subsidiary companies, many of which focus on students. Moving to MSU and telling stories about students and faculty members who shape the future of the marketplace felt like a natural progression for Aaryn.

Joy in Communication: What Keeps Aaryn Motivated

When asked what brings him joy as a communicator, Aaryn responded, “Every day is unique. I love stepping into the office and working with students from all over campus. Watching these students grow and succeed, being part of their journey, even in a small way, brings me immense joy.”

Burgess Institute: Telling Entrepreneurial Stories

At the Burgess Institute, Aaryn’s role involves communicating as an entrepreneur. He drew parallels between artists and entrepreneurs, noting that both groups see problems and seek solutions. His experience as a storytelling artist aligns closely with the entrepreneurial journey. “We may approach problems differently, but we end up in the same place,” he said.

With around 800 students in the minor and 1,200 in venture creation programming, Aaryn focuses on telling the stories of underrepresented voices. His days are diverse, involving tasks like developing video series and crafting editorial calendars, all aimed at producing quality work and inspiring the public with their stories.

The Bigger Picture: Communication Challenges in Large Organizations

Paul inquired about the unique communication challenges Aaryn faces as part of a large public university. Aaryn described his team as bridge builders, working across campus to benefit students regardless of their major. His role is to ensure their stories celebrate the achievements of students and faculty across various departments. This cross-campus collaboration complements what’s happening in other departments and highlights student successes.

The Future of Communication: Insights and Observations

Discussing the communication skills of today’s students, Aaryn noted, “Students today grasp the immediacy and power of communication. However, they often lack patience and an understanding that meaningful connections take time.” He highlighted the influence of platforms like TikTok, where rapid results can create unrealistic expectations.

Embracing Technology: The Role of AI in Communication

Aaryn shared his views on the advancement of technology, especially AI, in communication. “We live in a groundbreaking era,” he said. AI is transforming how we communicate and trust information, requiring us to be more discerning and critically aware of what we consume. Despite the challenges, Aaryn believes the positives will outweigh the negatives.

Unwinding and Finding Balance

To unwind, Aaryn enjoys reading, gardening, and beekeeping. “Working with tiny animals that produce sweet honey is a great way to get out of my headspace,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of balance and finding joy in simple activities.

Conclusion

The episode wrapped up with Paul encouraging listeners to follow Aaryn on Instagram at ADRAwake and learn more about the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Burgess Institute MSU. Aaryn’s journey and insights into the power of storytelling and communication left a lasting impression.

Paul thanked Aaryn for sharing his journey and insights, and thanked the listeners for tuning in. He reminded them to subscribe on YouTube or their favorite podcasting platform and to leave a review.

Connect with Aaryn Richard and the Burgess Institute

For more information, follow Aaryn on Instagram at ADRAwake and learn more about the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Burgess Institute MSU.

Hello, everybody, and welcome back to Mission Control, a podcast focusing on executive directors and nonprofit leaders and how they strive to make positive impacts in their communities. Today, we’re diving into the inspiring journey of Cathleen Edgerly, the Executive Director of Downtown Lansing Incorporated (DLI).

I’m your host, Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist for Fivities Multimedia. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Cathleen Edgerly. Welcome to the show, Cathleen.

The Mission of Downtown Lansing Inc.

As the show’s name states, it’s called Mission Control. So, let’s begin with Downtown Lansing Inc.’s mission. Cathleen, could you share that mission?

“The mission of Downtown Lansing Inc. is to nurture and cultivate the sustainability and culture of our downtown district.”

Cathleen’s Journey to Executive Director

Cathleen’s journey to becoming the Executive Director of DLI is packed with experiences rich in community engagement and development. She and her parents have lived in Lansing their entire lives. Like many, she initially thought her career would be in advertising and public relations. However, she found a deeper calling through her professional career and volunteer efforts.

“I started getting increasingly involved as a volunteer and a community member, just listening to what was happening in our downtown Lansing community.”

Cathleen came on board as the marketing manager for DLI, and her passion for the community led her to attend a Michigan Main Street Conference. This chance event changed everything, and she fell in love with the mission of Main Street and downtowns across Michigan.

Understanding Main Street

For those unfamiliar, Main Street is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It provides a framework for community and economic development tailored to meet local communities’ unique needs and vision. This framework consists of four main pillars:

– Organization: Behind-the-scenes work, including volunteer management and fund development.
– Promotions: Marketing, events, and storytelling to promote downtown areas.
– Business Development: Tools and programs to support business sustainability.
– Design and Public Spaces: Enhancing the look and feel of downtown spaces to encourage social interaction.

Why Downtown

Leading two municipalities in succession, Cathleen explains her passion for working in downtown settings:

“Ultimately, it comes down to the people and places so invested in their community in numerous ways. They feel that pride. They see a vision. They want to be part of a community.”

The work also allows for immense creativity — from long-range planning and market analysis to event planning and team building.

The Balance of Comfort and Learning

Cathleen’s comfort zone lies in creativity and public relations, but she acknowledges the importance of continual learning. As she puts it, there’s always room for growth, no matter how long you’ve been in a profession.

“It’s a balance of leaning into what you know while continuously learning about areas where you can improve.”

A Time of Transformation: Adapting to the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and rapid transformations. Cathleen started her role in August 2019, only a few months before the pandemic hit. Downtown Lansing, traditionally built around daytime workers’ needs, had to pivot suddenly.

“We knew event focus was not necessarily a sustainable focus. And now it’s so much more about how we extend the hours of operation for our downtown.”

DLI introduced innovative solutions, such as the Lift Up Local Ambassador Program and the night markets, to support local businesses and keep the community engaged.

Lift Local Ambassador Program

One of the standout initiatives during the pandemic was the Lift Up Local Ambassador Program. This program connected residents with local businesses, providing much-needed support and a touch of normalcy during challenging times.

“It started as a campaign, but now it’s more of a mantra.”

Leading by Example

To foster retail and entrepreneurship, DLI moved its office to open a retail incubator program. This not only supported new businesses but also helped extend the hours of operation for downtown shops.

\”Retail can work here. We just needed to create that critical mass again.”

Looking Forward: Building a Resilient Community

Cathleen’s approach has always been about lifting the community. Whether through new business programs, public spaces, or advocating for the downtown on various stages, she emphasizes sustainability and local love.

“We looked at change as an opportunity to build more resiliency, sustainability, and love of local for our downtown communities.”

Reflecting on the Phrase: “There’s Nothing to Do in Lansing”

One common misconception Cathleen frequently encounters is that there’s nothing to do in Lansing.

“We have to be our champions for our community… If we put ourselves to everybody we speak to, including outside audiences, why would they want to buy a home here? Why would they want to own a business and invest here?”

A significant focus for Cathleen and her team has been shifting the narrative to highlight Lansing’s many offerings and foster a sense of pride and positivity within the community.

Personal Balance: How Cathleen Unwinds

Balancing a demanding role with personal well-being is crucial. Cathleen finds time for herself through regular yoga sessions, family trips, and spending time with a circle of trusted friends and family.
“It’s not just a job; it’s a passion and a calling. But taking those breaks to connect with yourself and your family is so important.”

Getting Involved

If you would like to learn more about Downtown Lansing Inc., volunteer opportunities, or support programs, you can visit their website:
Downtown Lansing Inc.

Conclusion

Our conversation with Cathleen Edgerly illuminates the significant efforts being made to build a more connected, resilient, and vibrant downtown Lansing. Her leadership showcases the power of community, creativity, and continual growth in fostering sustainable development.

Stay Tuned

Thank you all for tuning into Mission Control. If you have suggestions for future guests or topics, please email us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcasting platform and leave us a review. See you next time in the control center!

In May 2024, four more stories were told to showcase visually. Watch as we show our image-making skills with Child and Family Charities, Great Lakes Urban, TWIGS, and Downtown Lansing Inc. For the full video of each of these, please visit our Vimeo channel.
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Mission Control: Tameka Citchen Spruce – Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
Welcome to Mission Control!
Hello, everybody. Welcome back to Mission Control, a podcast focusing on executive directors and nonprofit leaders and how they strive to make positive impacts in their community. I’m your host, Paul Schmidt, the owner and creative video strategist for Introduce Multimedia. Today, I am thrilled to welcome our guest, Tameka Citchen Spruce from the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC).

Getting to Know Tameka
Tameka, how are you doing today?
Tameka: I’m doing good. How are you, Paul?
Paul: I’m good, thank you! To kick things off, let’s dive into the mission of your organization, seeing as our podcast is named Mission Control.
Tameka: Absolutely. The mission of the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition is to advocate for people with disabilities, particularly focusing on reducing the multiple oppressions that individuals with disabilities and marginalized communities face. We see disability not as a deficit but just a natural, beautiful part of being human.

A Journey in Advocacy
Paul: Tameka, it’s funny because we’ve worked together for a few years now, but we’ve never met face to face.
Tameka: I know, right? That’s one of the weird outcomes of the pandemic; you end up working with many people you’ve never met in person.
Paul: Let’s dive into your background. How did you get started on this path to where you are now?
Tameka: My journey started when I was just twelve years old. I have a physical disability due to a spinal cord injury, and at that age, I advocated for myself to be mainstreamed into regular classes all day. That was my first taste of advocacy for myself.

From Advocacy to Leadership
The pivotal moment for me was after being crowned Miss Wheelchair Michigan in 2006. This role opened my eyes to a broader community of women with physical disabilities like myself. My platform was to end abuse toward women with disabilities because data shows they are at a higher risk of domestic and sexual abuse.
Paul: That’s incredible. So, you went on to start your own nonprofit?
Tameka: Yes, I did. I formed an organization dedicated to supporting women with disabilities. It was an empowering time as I became a face for a cause I passionately believed in. Community support was a huge factor in our success.

“I saw this whole community, people like myself, and it really empowered me to advocate even more.”

The Art of Storytelling
Paul: Another fascinating aspect of your career is your role as a storyteller. That’s something that really speaks to me. Talk to us about your visual storytelling journey.
Tameka: As a kid, I was naturally drawn to film, theater, and the arts. Growing up, I never saw media representations I could relate to as a Black young woman with a disability. I wanted to change that.
When Michigan had film incentives, I jumped headfirst into film production. I worked as a production assistant and later wrote and produced the short film Justifiable Homicide and executive produced the documentary My Girl Story.

“I love producing, gathering crews, setting up locations, and being on set – it’s exhilarating.”

Paul: What’s your favorite part of producing these stories?
Tameka: I enjoy the whole production process. I love being on set, directing actors, and conducting interviews. It’s fulfilling to see a project come together.

Role at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
Paul: You’ve now pivoted to working with the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition. What’s your role there?
Tameka: At MDRC, I work with nonprofit leaders, particularly in the Detroit area, on disability inclusion. We educate them on various aspects like disability awareness, accessibility, and creating an inclusive environment for people with disabilities, especially from communities of color.
Paul: How did you find MDRC or how did they find you?
Tameka: I got involved through their fellowship program in 2018, which focused on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) disabled people. This program led to facilitation opportunities and eventually, a full-time role.

Striving for Impact
Paul: When you stepped into your leadership role, what were your first goals?
Tameka: I aimed to create a program where people felt included and heard. Communities of color, particularly Black disabled people, are often ignored. I wanted to change that by building a strong community and providing essential resources.
Paul: From your experience, do you feel like you’re making headway with your initiatives?
Tameka: Yes, the feedback has been largely positive. I believe we’re making an impact, though sometimes it’s hard to measure progress in real-time.
Paul: Where do you feel there’s still room to grow?
Tameka: I hope to create more awareness around the experiences of people with disabilities, particularly through media. My dream is to work with networks like PBS to tell diverse stories from our community.

The Bigger Picture
Paul: If you could change one policy sooner rather than later, what would it be?
Tameka: Disability is often left out of conversations about the African American community, despite high rates of disability. Policies, especially in education, need to more adequately support Black children with disabilities to help them flourish.

“Black children with disabilities are more likely to be imprisoned, driving the school-to-prison pipeline. We need to include disability in these policy conversations.”

Working with W. Kamau Bell
Paul: On another note, I saw that you were involved with W. Kamau Bell. How did that come about?
Tameka: I applied for the Unlock Her Potential program and was selected as his mentee. We met monthly throughout 2023, and he provided incredible guidance on my projects outside of MDRC.
Paul: That’s amazing. What projects are you working on?
Tameka: One is a reality show called Divas of the City, which features unapologetic African American women with physical disabilities. We’re still in the process of finding sponsors and networks.

Key Takeaways from Mentorship
Paul: What was the key thing you learned from W. Kamau Bell?
Tameka: He advised me to start by telling people’s stories on platforms like YouTube. Starting small can lead to bigger opportunities.

“Don’t be afraid to start small and put your work out there. Many successful shows began on platforms like YouTube.”

Decompression Strategies
Paul: With your packed schedule, how do you decompress?
Tameka: I love to watch movies with my husband on the weekends and spend quality time with my family, going to the mall or catching a film.

Stay Connected with Tameka
For more information and to connect with Tameka, you can visit her website at tamekacitchenspruce.com, find her on LinkedIn, or check out her work with MDRC at mymdrc.org.

Paul: Thank you so much for joining us, Tameka. This has been a wonderful conversation.
Tameka: Thank you for having me, Paul.
Paul: And thank you, everyone, for tuning in. Don’t miss our next episode, and if you enjoyed this, please share, subscribe on YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review. See you next time at the Control Center!

A Conversation with Jenn Dubey of Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan

Hello, everyone, and thank you for joining us for the much-anticipated season four premiere of Mission Control—the podcast where we delve into the inspiring journeys of executive directors and nonprofit leaders who are making a difference in their communities. I’m Paul Schmidt, your host and the creative video strategist behind Unveil Multimedia.

Today, I am thrilled to have a dear friend on our show, Jenn Dubie. This might take a second—it’s a mouthful—the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan, or as we like to keep it simple, the 4 AM. Trust me, those acronyms can be a lifesaver in daily conversations!

Getting to Know Jenn Dubey

Jenn and I have been friends for what seems like an eternity in fast-paced careers—almost a decade or possibly a bit more. Reflecting on this, Jenn corrected with a light laugh, “I think it’s been about 14, starting two positions ago for me, and with each position over ten years, so yes, quite a while.”

How It All Began

Our friendship and professional collaboration go way back, and I always find the story of how we met compelling. We were brought together by a mutual involvement in a project focused on a health and wellness journey by a common friend. Jenn, who was deeply involved in personal training and nutritional consulting at the time, played a pivotal role in our friend’s transition towards better health, specializing in assisting women navigate the challenging hormonal changes during various life stages.

A Day to Remember

“The first day we met is as clear as yesterday,” Jenn recalls. It marked the beginning of a successful partnership and a series of collaborative projects that brought out the best in all involved. Jenn wasn’t just there providing training; she brought emotional and motivational support, acting almost in a therapist’s capacity.

Jenn Dubie’s Reflection on the Role and Journey:

“That project probably sparked the transition to my next big move, to corporate wellness and owning my own business. Seeing the potential to follow someone’s journey from the start all the way to achieving their goals was incredibly inspiring.”

This led Jenn to explore how collaboration between individuals, each with different yet aligned goals, could drive significant change and lead to successful outcomes—something she carried forward in her ventures.

From Fitness to Corporate Wellness

Jenn’s venture into corporate wellness wasn’t initially part of her career roadmap. However, the seed was planted during her training days. After helping a client’s company on a small scale, Jenn started recognizing the potential of applying her skills in a corporate setting. This realization spearheaded her dive into entrepreneurship, tackling the learning curves of transitioning from personal training to impacting organizational health culture.

The Growth: Challenges and Triumphs

Growing a new business came with challenges—navigating corporate contracts, managing ROI expectations, and everything in between. Yet, Jenn’s story embraces growth and learning through experiences.

Building a Business:

“I realized if I wanted to expand this business, I needed to build it. It involved strategic thinking and continual learning and adapting,” Jenn remarks about scaling her operations, reflecting on the criticality of building a business from groundwork to an established entity.

Her website, nicknamed ‘Trainer Jen,’ became the linchpin in her strategy to personalize her wellness philosophy. The venture led to a publication—a cookbook echoing her beliefs in health and nutrition—and a robust online platform for tracking employee wellness programs.

Transitioning Into a New Role

Despite her success and deep involvement in her business, life had another plan. A transition from her business to a nonprofit setting was not just a step back into employment but a leap into unfamiliar waters, managing multiple departments and a significantly larger team, which demanded a different leadership style and operational approach.

Embracing Nonprofit Challenges at 4 AM

Jenn’s current role as the Operations Manager at 4 AM involves leveraging her extensive experience in leadership, program development, and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for older adults. She focuses on allowing them to live with dignity and independence in their chosen environments—a mission driven by empathy and reinforced by strategic action.

Jenn’s Vision Moving Forward:

Navigating the challenges and intricacies of a nonprofit that deals directly with life-impacting services, Jenn applies her entrepreneurial spirit to influence change and drive initiatives that scale up the community impacts of 4 AM.

The Joy of Learning and Growing

“I find that every role I’ve had allowed me to build on something new, to learn something different. That’s what keeps me driven,” Jenn shared, her voice imbued with the passion and dedication that have marked her diverse career path.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

Our conversation with Jenn Dubie has been nothing short of inspiring. Her journey has been marked by continual growth, learning, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability and the profound impacts of nurturing relationships and collaborations in professional settings.

Thank you, Jenn, for sharing your incredible journey with us today on Mission Control. For our listeners who wish to learn more about Jenn’s work or reach out to her, please visit 4ami.org or connect via LinkedIn.

Remember to tune in for our next episode, and don’t hesitate to reach out with suggestions for future guests or topics. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, keep striving to make a positive impact in your world!

On this episode of Mission Control, we talk with Prince Solace, president of Justice League of Greater Lansing. We talk about how churches and other important institutions benefitted from slavery, his ability to make people comfortable to make sure the events go well, and his involvement with the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

For more on Justice League of Greater Lansing: https://www.justiceleagueglm.org/

The Mission: The Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan exists to repair the breach caused by the historical damage of slavery and its aftermath. In the spirit of repentance for the sin of racism, we seek to build relationships and facilitate reparations between houses of worship and collaborative partners to increase wealth equity for African Americans in the Greater Lansing Area.

If there is someone you know of that you would like to hear about their journey, please email us at [email protected]

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On this episode of Mission Control, we talk with Kristine Kuhnert, director of Ele’s Place Capital Region. We talk about her background working with the Mayo Clinic, how she was able to keep forging ahead during the time when her husband passed away, and the real impact of Ele’s Place as a true partner in the healing process.

For more on Ele’s Place: https://www.elesplace.org/

The Mission: Ele’s Place is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to creating awareness of and support for grieving children and their families.

If there is someone you know of that you would like to hear about their journey, please email us at [email protected]

Please Subscribe to Mission Control:
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48rXeAj445PewVH0nyeiis
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-control/id1541380912

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On this episode of Mission Control, we talk with Emily Marrah, development associate/relationship specialist with the United Way of Genesee County. We talk about the versatility of being a relationship specialist, her extensive history in the hospitality industry, and her latest venture with the Small Business Development Center of Michigan.

For more on the United Way of Genesee County: https://www.unitedwaygenesee.org/

The Mission: The United Way of Genesee County works with our partners to surround children, individuals and families with the resources they need to succeed at all stages of their lives.

If there is someone you know of that you would like to hear about their journey, please email us at [email protected]

Please Subscribe to Mission Control:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UnoDeuceMultimedia
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48rXeAj445PewVH0nyeiis
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-control/id1541380912
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8zZjY5NzNhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

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