Episode 108: An interview with Gigi Danziger, Founder and Investor at Eutopia Foundation

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]   

Join Lori in this inspiring conversation with Kristin Thomas, Founder and CEO of Marble Collective, an AI-powered platform designed for high-impact women leaders. Social media can be overwhelming and noisy, but Marble Collective helps you rise above the chaos. Discover how the platform connects you with the right people to amplify your voice, increase your visibility, and expand your impact — so your legacy reaches exactly who it’s meant to inspire!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: The personal journey behind building a mission-driven, AI-powered platform What sets Marble Collective apart from traditional online networks Ways it connects purpose-driven women with aligned opportunities and communities How AI is being used to strategically amplify your voice and visibility And much more! Kristin’s Bio: https://marblecollective.com/kristin.thomas Marble Collective: https://marblecollective.com/ Marble Collective Application: https://marblecollective.com/about/founding-membership   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori as she sits down with Rafia Qureshi, Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives at LEBEC, a for-profit organization that’s redefining how we fund change. Rafia shares powerful insights that will resonate with changemakers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone curious about using money more intentionally for greater impact.   Get ready to be inspired by real-world examples of how LEBEC is driving meaningful, lasting change — and why reimagining philanthropy might be the key to unlocking a better future!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: Rafia’s journey that led her to join the organization What motivates Rafia to drive meaningful impact through innovative finance and philanthropy How LEBEC brings capital to high-impact projects and initiatives The importance of passing on the values of intentional giving and impact to the next generation And much more! Rafia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafia-qureshi-7331b92/ LEBEC’s Website: https://lebec.co/ LEBEC’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lebec-co/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected] 

Join Lori in this inspiring conversation with Tulaine Montgomery, CEO of New Profit, as they dive into the power of strategic partnerships that drive lasting impact. New Profit goes beyond funding, offering guidance, support, and collaboration to turn bold visions into sustainable realities. If you're passionate about making a difference, this episode shares how to build meaningful, long-term change!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: How New Profit collaborates with philanthropists, donors, and leaders.  Unforgettable examples of lasting change sparked by bold partnerships. Why giving nonprofits unrestricted capital leads to greater results. The powerful role parents play in shaping a child's future to serve others. And much more! New Profit’s Website: https://newprofit.org/ Tulaine’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulaine_montgomery/ Tulaine’s X: https://x.com/TulaineM Tulaine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulainemontgomery/ Tulaine’s Podcast: https://tulainemontgomery.com/say-more   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori in a conversation with Isabelle Grosmaitre, Founder and CEO of Goodness & Co., as they explore how businesses can show their contribution and impact on society. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode will leave you rethinking the role of business in creating a better world!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: The concept of "business as a force for good." Three fundamental elements for creating a meaningful business impact. How Goodness & Co helps organizations reinvent themselves for better futures. Brands and companies showcasing positive change and impact. And much more! Goodness & Co Website: https://goodnessandco.one/ Isabelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-grosmaitre-changemaker/?locale=en_US   Check out Isabelle’s book, Business as a Force for Good: How courageous leaders shift purpose into practice, on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Business-Force-Good-courageous-practice/dp/2959606906   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori in a conversation with Jessie Freschl, CEO of Freschstyle and Founder of Repurpose Wardrobe, as they explore how luxury fashion can be a catalyst for meaningful change and sustainability. This is just one powerful example of how creativity and purpose can come together to make a lasting impact!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: Jessie’s journey from a fashion background to founding Repurpose Wardrobe. The inspiration behind Jessie’s decision to create a nonprofit centered around luxury clothing. How fashion can build relationships, foster learning, and develop skills. How Jessie’s Renew Program supports and empowers students. And much more! Jessie’s Website: https://www.jessiefreschl.com/ Jessie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-freschl-763a5814/ Jessie’s Substack: https://www.jessiefreschl.com/substack Jessie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freschstyle/ Repurpose Wardrobe Website: https://shoprepurpose.org/ Repurpose Wardrobe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoprepurpose/ RENEW Program Website: https://shoprepurpose.org/pages/the-curriculum?_ab=0&key=1713198248405   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori as she speaks with Gloria Feldt, Co-Founder and President of Take the Lead, an organization dedicated to advancing women's leadership. Gloria empowers women to embrace their power confidently, joyfully, and with bold intentions, inspiring them to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: Gloria's journey in founding the organization Take the Lead. The concept of reframing power and how it can empower women to embrace leadership roles. Gloria's vision for women's pay, power, and leadership equality. The success stories of women who have gone through Take the Lead's programs. And much more! Gloria’s Website: https://gloriafeldt.com/ Gloria’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriafeldt/ Gloria’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GloriaFeldt.PublicFigure Gloria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriafeldt/ Take The Lead’s Website: https://www.taketheleadwomen.com/ Take The Lead’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakeTheLeadWomen Take The Lead’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeleadwomen/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]