Episode 115: An Interview with Syama Bunten, Founder of Wealth Catalyst and Principal of Big Delta Capital

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Syama Bunten, principal of Big Delta Capital and founder of Wealth Catalyst. Syama shares her journey from working in fashion and entrepreneurship to stepping into the world of investing and wealth building after a pivotal life transition. Through her work, she is creating spaces where women can take ownership of their financial futures and feel confident using their capital with intention. This conversation explores the powerful shift happening as more women step into both earned and inherited wealth, and the critical need to close the confidence gap around money and investing. Syama highlights how community, shared knowledge, and aligned values can transform not only how women approach wealth, but how they use it to create meaningful impact in the world. Her approach reframes philanthropy and investing as deeply personal, relational, and purpose-driven practices.   You'll hear about: The growing opportunity for women through wealth creation and wealth transfer Why confidence, not knowledge, is often the biggest barrier to financial empowerment How Wealth Catalyst is building a community for women to learn, invest, and grow together The importance of peer networks and shared experiences in shaping financial decisions Creative approaches to giving that prioritize connection and alignment over size of gift How life transitions can spark a deeper sense of purpose and agency with money Syama's vision for helping women use capital to create lasting impact and legacy   Connect with Syama! Wealth Catalyst's Website: https://wealthcatalyst.com/Syama's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syamameagher/ Syama's Podcast: https://wealthcatalyst.com/getting-rich-together-podcast/ Syama's Website: https://syamabunten.com/Syama's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syama.co/ Big Delta Capital's Website: https://www.bigdeltacapital.com/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer sits down with Hall Rockefeller, founder and director of Less Than Half, an arts organization dedicated to addressing the underrepresentation of women artists in major museum collections and the global art market. Hall shares how discovering that only about 15 percent of major US museum collections and roughly 3 percent of the auction market represent women artists inspired her to build a membership community focused on education, patronage, and long-term change. Through Less Than Half, Hall is reimagining what modern patronage looks like by equipping women to become collectors, investors, and philanthropic supporters of women artists. Rather than focusing only on purchasing art, she encourages a broader approach that includes funding residencies, supporting scholarship, building meaningful collections, and ultimately shaping institutional representation. Her work highlights how collective action, peer networks, and legacy giving can shift cultural narratives and create lasting philanthropic impact in the arts.   In this episode, Lori and Marni discuss: The stark gender gap in museum collections and the art market, and why it matters for cultural representation How Less Than Half educates women to become confident art collectors and patrons The concept of modern patronage and how women supporting women can move the needle Practical ways to support women artists beyond purchasing artwork The power of peer networks and community events to amplify impact Why patience and deep understanding of a system are essential for meaningful social change How building and donating collections can create a long-term legacy that reshapes institutions   Connect with Hall! Less Than Half Website: https://www.lessthanhalf.org/Less Than Half Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lessthanhalf/ Less Than Half LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/less-than-half/ Hall's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hall-w-rockefeller-87a0b8131/ Hall's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all.the.lady.artists/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer welcomes Marni Mandel, founder and CEO of Fundraising for Success. Marni shares her unique journey from nonprofit leadership to the tech world and back to fundraising, explaining how her passion for relationship building has shaped her approach to philanthropy. She believes that successful fundraising is rooted in authentic human connection, curiosity, and trust, not just asking for money. Marni also discusses how her experience fundraising for the Israeli Children's Fund after October 7th reignited her love for nonprofit work. Through coaching individuals, boards, and organizations, she helps leaders overcome fear around asking for support and shows them how to build meaningful partnerships with donors. She also shares how artificial intelligence can be used as a tool to streamline tasks, strengthen communication, and give fundraisers more time to focus on what matters most, building relationships.   In this episode, Lori and Marni discuss: Why fundraising is really about building friendships and trust How Marni helps leaders feel more confident asking for support The importance of creating a clear and intentional donor profile Common mistakes fundraisers make and how to avoid them Using AI to improve donor communication and strategy How technology can save time and reduce stress for nonprofit professionals The personal legacy Marni hopes to leave for her children and the world   Connect with Marni! Shalom Orlando: https://shalomorlando.org/Friendraising for Success: https://friendraisingforsuccess.com/ Marni's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnimandell/ Marni's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marni.mandell/ Marni's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marni.mandell/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer sits down with Blima Ehrentreu, founder of The Designers Group, to explore how design can be a powerful tool for social impact. Blima shares her journey from Toronto to leading an interior design firm with multiple locations, all rooted in the mission of creating spaces that truly serve the people who use them. Blima explains how designing with purpose goes far beyond aesthetics. By focusing on how spaces function, feel, and support well-being, her work transforms environments such as offices, healthcare facilities, senior living communities, and residences. She also discusses how she uses her firm as a platform to give back through pro bono design, mentorship, and initiatives such as the TDG Furniture Exchange.   In this episode, Lori and Blima discuss: What it means to design with purpose and intentionality How interior design can influence behavior, health, and well-being Using a design firm as a platform for philanthropy and social impact The origins and growth of the TDG Furniture Exchange Supporting future designers through mentorship and real-world exposure Measuring impact through long-term relationships and lived experiences in designed spaces Blima's vision for leaving the world better than she found it through design and giving back   Connect with Blima! The Designers Group Website: https://www.thedesignersgroup.com/ TDG Furniture Exchange Website: https://www.tdgfurnitureexchange.com/ TDG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignersgroup/ TDG Furniture Exchange Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdgfurnitureexchange/ TDG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedesignersgroup/ TDG Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thedesignersgroup/_created/ Blima's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blimaehrentreu/ TDG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedesignersg   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode, Lori speaks with two leaders whose personal stories fueled a shared mission to transform literacy access for children across the country. Robin Zikmund, co-founder of the IMSE Foundation, and Krista Gauthier, the foundation's executive director, open up about their experiences navigating the challenges of raising children with dyslexia and how those journeys led them to create systemic solutions through advocacy, educator training, and innovative literacy programs. Together, they share how the IMSE Foundation is working to equip teachers, empower families, and create long-term impact through community-based programs that pair evidence-based reading instruction with STEM enrichment opportunities.   In this episode, Lori, Robin, and Krista discuss: The personal experiences that led Robin and Krista into advocacy and ultimately into founding and leading the IMSE Foundation The widespread misunderstanding of dyslexia and why early identification is critical for long-term success How teacher scholarships and structured literacy training create exponential impact for students The "Books, Bots, and Beyond" initiative and how combining reading intervention with STEM exploration builds confidence and expands opportunity The harsh realities faced by children who go unidentified and unsupported, including the connection between illiteracy and incarceration The role of community, partnership, and perseverance when launching and growing nonprofit initiatives How both guests think about legacy and the future they hope to create for children nationwide   IMSE Foundation Website: https://imsefoundation.org/IMSE Foundation Contact Page: https://imsefoundation.org/contact/ IMSE Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559285062865 IMSE Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imse_foundation/?hl=en   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Siobhan Frost, co-founder and CEO of Endless. Siobhan shares how a surf trip in Portugal sparked her passion to tackle plastic pollution and led her to create Endless, a sunscreen brand built on sustainability, design, and purpose. Growing up in Australia, she learned the importance of environmental stewardship early on, and now she's combining her branding expertise with her commitment to protecting both people and the planet. Through her story, Siobhan highlights how small, thoughtful actions can create ripple effects for meaningful change. From her early inspirations to building a product that merges health, beauty, and environmental care, she's redefining what it means to make business a force for good. You'll hear about: How a moment in the ocean inspired Siobhan's commitment to sustainability The journey from branding and design to building a purpose-driven company How Endless combines sunscreen, style, and sustainability in one refillable product Why collaboration and peer networks are key to growing impactful brands The role of design in making sustainable habits easier for everyone The connection between her upbringing and her environmental values Siobhan's vision for a world free of single-use plastics and her lasting legacy of change   Siobhan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanfrost/ Endless Website: https://www.iamendless.co/Endless Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamendless.co/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode, Lori speaks with Katie Dunn, angel investor, board director, and startup advisor, about how curiosity, access, and education drive her approach to investing and impact. Katie shares how her career in commercial real estate led her to angel investing and how she now focuses on supporting underrepresented founders while promoting accessibility and transparency in the investment world.   You'll learn about: Katie's journey from real estate lending to angel investing How curiosity and lifelong learning shape her investment decisions The myths and realities of angel investing for new investors Making social impact part of a company's DNA What she looks for in founders and why passion matters Her work supporting women entrepreneurs through board and advisory roles Why accessibility in funding and education is her biggest mission The legacy she hopes to build by opening doors for others   Katie's Business Website: https://www.themastheadstrategy.com/ Katie's Personal Website: https://www.katiedunn.com/Katie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie--dunn/ Katie's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamkatiedunn Katie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiedunn/ SWITCH Angels: https://switchthefuture.com/capital/the-angel-sessions/ Yale Women on Boards Program: https://som.yale.edu/executive-education/for-individuals/leadership/women-on-boards Wefunder: https://wefunder.com/StartEngine: https://invest.startengine.com/ Republic: https://republic.com/Juliet Wine: https://drinkjuliet.com/Private Directors Association: https://www.privatedirectors.org/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode, Lori speaks with Gigi Danziger, founder and investor at Eutopia Foundation, about her work creating hyperlocal philanthropic models in Hudson, New York. Gigi shares how her family history, values, and desire for community connection led her to launch initiatives such as a basic income pilot, affordable housing, medical debt relief, and the Spark of Hudson learning hub. Her story highlights how philanthropy can thrive when it's rooted in trust, sustainability, and co-creation with the community.   You'll hear about: How Gigi's family history inspired her philanthropic values The design and impact of Hudson's basic income pilot Why seeding power and trust are key to community-based philanthropy Clearing medical debt as a model for other communities The role of Spark of Hudson as a learning hub and gathering place Building sustainable, equitable models for affordable housing and farming Why starting small and hyperlocal creates scalable models for broader impact How Gigi views her legacy as sparking others to thrive   Gigi's Email: [email protected] Spark of Hudson Website: https://sparkofhudson.org/Spark of Hudson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Spark-of-Hudson-100063508631540/ Spark of Hudson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkofhudson/?hl=en Wally Farms Website: https://wallyfarms.com/HudsonUp Basic Income Pilot: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsonup HudsonDots Innovative Housing: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsondots HudsonStep Initiative: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsonstep HudsonNest Residence: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsonnest Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori as she talks with Kate Assaraf, Founder and CEO of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, to discuss how beauty choices can spark environmental change. Most of us never realize that simply changing our choice of shampoo and conditioner can make a real difference. Discover why it's time to switch to this impactful brand and be part of creating a greener, more beautiful world!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: Kate's inspiration for creating a sustainable hair care brand How Dip started and its positive impact on the planet The hidden truths about plastic waste and fast fashion Why Dip is a smart choice for conscious consumers Practical tips to reduce waste And much more! Dip Website: https://dipalready.com/ Dip Surfrider Shampoo for a Cause: https://dipalready.com/products/surfrider-colorsafe-shampoo-fragrance-free?_pos=1&_sid=cc68fb926&_ss=r. Dip Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dipalready Dip TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dipalready Kate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-assaraf-b25a741a7/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori in this inspiring episode as she chats with Kimberly Lau, Founder and CEO of Project Rewear—a thrifting shop with a powerful mission. Many of us don't realize that something as simple as thrifting or rewearing can spark real change. Tune in to get inspired and see how you can make a difference—starting right in your own closet!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: How Kimberly turned an idea into a movement What Project Rewear truly is—and why it's more than just a thrift shop How Kimberly's approach breaks the mold of traditional thrifting The unique in-store experience that goes beyond just shopping And much more! Project ReWear Website: https://www.projectrewear.com/ Project ReWear Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project.rewear/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]