Connected For Good: Nicole Acosta

Even in one of Virginia’s wealthiest communities, hunger isa growing challenge. In this episode, Jennifer Montgomery of Loudoun Hunger Relief joins Connected for Good to discuss the realities of food insecurity and the community partnerships working to ensure families haveaccess to food when they need it most.Jennifer explores why hunger is a year-round issue, howeconomic pressures affect working families and college students, and what happens when unexpected challenges like government shutdowns, severe weather, and rising food costs strain the local safety net. She also highlights theimportance of initiatives like the Ready to Respond network, which brings schools, nonprofits, food providers, and government together to coordinate support.The conversation examines the role of public policies andprograms in reducing food insecurity, the challenges facing food banks, and the many ways residents can help—from volunteering and donating food to sharing information about available resources.A thoughtful and practical conversation about hunger,community resilience, and how local partnerships can make sure no one in Loudoun goes without food.

How do you lead one of the fastest-growing counties in thecountry while balancing taxes, infrastructure, public services, and quality oflife?In this episode, the hosts of Connected for Good sit downwith Tim Hemstreet, Loudoun County Administrator, for abehind-the-scenes look at nearly two decades of county leadership. Fromnavigating the Great Recession to managing rapid population growth and the riseof the data center industry, Hemstreet explains how local government works andhow major decisions shape residents’ everyday lives.The conversation explores Loudoun’s budget and propertytaxes, the impact of data center revenue, emergency preparedness, and theimportance of building trust across differing viewpoints. Hemstreet alsoexamines how government, nonprofits, and philanthropy can work together toaddress community needs, including critical services for survivors of domesticviolence.A revealing conversation about civic leadership, publicservice, and the people and decisions shaping Loudoun County’s future. 

What does it really mean to give back in a way that creates lasting community impact?In this episode of Connected for Good, hosts Matt Bender and Stephanie Nerantzis sit down with Nicole Acosta, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, to explore how community foundations connect donors, families, and businesses with opportunities to create meaningful local change.Nicole explains how charitable funds and donor-advised funds work, how families can establish legacy funds, and how the foundation helps donors support causes ranging from hunger and animals to the environment and immigrant services. She also discusses the foundation’s role in strengthening nonprofits, convening community conversations, and supporting economic mobility across the region.A thoughtful conversation about philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, legacy giving, and how generosity can create lasting change in our community.Loudoun Now Voice is supported in part by platform fees paid by hosts, and content on Loudoun Now Voice programs has not been vetted, edited, or produced by the Loudoun Now newsroom.

The advice most parents give a struggling teen is the advice that misses them completely. Suzie Bartel, President of the Ryan Bartel Foundation, shares the harder truth behind youth mental health, why kids often need to be heard before they can be helped, and how one family turned devastating loss into a county-wide movement for connection, resilience, and belonging. After losing her son Ryan to suicide at 17, Suzie and her family didn’t set out to build a nonprofit - they followed what the teens around them needed most. What began as a school focus group grew into a foundation, a student-led club called “We’re All Human,” and eventually a full model for upstream prevention that reaches youth before crisis hits. Essential listening for parents, educators, mental health advocates, and anyone who wants to understand what young people need before they ever reach a breaking point. This conversation is compassionate, practical, and deeply human - and it may change the way you think about support, prevention, and what it really means to help a child belong. 

Dr. Margaret Salazar Porzio, the visionary leader of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, shares how she’s navigating the turbulent waters of organizational crisis to forge a new chapter rooted in trust, storytelling, and cultural relevance. Discover how a historic mansion with roots in slavery, diplomacy, and elite Washington gatherings is being reimagined—not just as a preserved artifact but as a dynamic space for dialogue, empathy, and community resilience.If you've ever wondered how to lead through a crisis while honoring the stories that shape us, this episode reveals the strategic shifts and emotional insights behind turning a troubled landmark into a beacon for inclusion and education. Margie discusses recent preservation projects, innovative programming like descendants’ storytelling, and her vision for building a future that respects history while fostering a shared humanity. Plus, learn the role of descendant leaders, the importance of authentic conversations about difficult histories, and how this historic property connects to broader themes of leadership and community stewardship.Perfect for nonprofit leaders, history enthusiasts, and community builders alike—this episode is an inspiring guide to turning adversity into opportunity. If you care about preserving the stories that define us and creating spaces that unite, don’t miss Margie’s candid reflections and bold plans for Oatlands’ next 200 years. Unlock the power of history to shape a more empathetic, connected future. Hit play now—you'll leave with a fresh perspective on leadership and legacy.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Ellis, Chief Academic Officer for Loudoun County Public Schools, shares her insights on the future of education in Loudoun, highlighting innovative approaches to literacy, workforce readiness, and community engagement. Her leadership emphasizes personalized learning, authentic assessments, and strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations to prepare students for meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.We discuss:• The evolution of classroom instruction from traditional "sit and get" models to personalized, student-centered learning• The critical importance of early childhood literacy and strategies to close achievement gaps• How Loudoun's focus on workforce readiness and partnerships with local businesses enriches educational experiences• The role of philanthropy in scaling innovative programs like health sciences academies and early literacy initiatives• Leadership priorities including strategic planning, community involvement, and staying the course amid rapid change

Most communities overlook the critical pathways that lead to meaningful careers—until now. Karen Schaufeld reveals how innovative education centers and community-driven programs are transforming workforce development, creating real opportunities for students who don’t fit the traditional mold, and why exposing kids—and their parents—to diverse careers is essential for future prosperity.In this episode, Karen shares her journey from a lifelong exposure to skilled trades and education to becoming a pivotal leader behind projects like the Shihadeh Innovation Center, which is reshaping how high school students experience career and technical education. You'll discover how these programs are more than just skills training—they’re a pathway to economic independence, with over 80% of students entering the workforce within 18 months of graduation, earning a living wage.We break down the power of community partnerships—like the collaboration between business leaders and schools—that fund and support hands-on learning opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and tech fields. Karen discusses how exposing students early, through targeted curriculum and family engagement, shifts perceptions around hands-on careers, making them more respected and sought after.This episode underscores the urgency for communities to diversify their educational pathways—because every missed opportunity is a lost potential in our economy and society. If you’re a parent, educator, or community advocate eager to align education with real-world needs, this conversation offers concrete strategies for change.Karen Schaufeld is a prominent community leader and philanthropist whose work supports workforce programs across Virginia. Her leadership behind the Shihadeh Innovation Center and her commitment to elevating skilled trades exemplify how strategic investment can cultivate thriving, resilient communities.Whether you're passionate about education reform, workforce innovation, or simply curious about how community-led initiatives can unlock opportunity, this episode is your blueprint for action. It’s about building bridges—between schools, industries, families, and the next generation of workers. And it might just inspire you to see your local community in a new way.

In this episode, we dive into the incredible work being done by LAWS, an organization that's not just saving lives but shaping the future for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.Sam Clarke, the CEO of LAWS, shares how their new community-focused shelter is breaking down barriers and offering hope and healing in Loudoun County. You'll hear about the wide range of services LAWS provides, from legal help and trauma therapy to programs for kids and community prevention efforts.Sam talks about their innovative shelter design, which includes private apartments and spaces for pets, showing that healing is about more than just safety. We explore how LAWS is working to prevent re-victimization and empower survivors with choices and dignity.This episode also offers some powerful leadership insights from Sam, who emphasizes the need for compassionate management in vulnerable systems and the role of community support in overcoming stigma. If you're interested in making a real impact and driving systemic change, this conversation is for you.Whether you're a leader, a community advocate, or someone passionate about social justice, you'll find inspiration in how LAWS is building a safer, more compassionate future. When survivors feel believed and supported, true healing can begin.

Most community-led solutions to addiction are invisible or underfunded — until someone like Melissa Hinton steps up. She didn’t just identify a glaring gap in Loudoun County’s recovery system; she built a movement to fill it, transforming lives along the way.In this episode, Melissa shares her personal journey from childhood struggle to sober leadership, revealing how her own experiences with addiction fueled her mission to create recovery housing and comprehensive support in Loudoun. Her story demonstrates how vulnerability, combined with proactive community action, can turn pain into purpose and despair into hope.You'll discover how recovery houses became a critical pillar in the continuum of care, offering stability when traditional services fall short. Melissa breaks down the peer recovery model — a game-changing approach that leverages lived experience to support those just beginning their journey. We also delve into the power of community partnerships, the importance of timely detox access, and innovative programs like the county’s first recovery school for youth.The stakes are clear: without accessible, structured support, countless lives remain vulnerable to tragedy. But with the right combination of grassroots leadership and strategic collaboration, Loudoun County is building a more resilient, connected recovery system. Melissa’s story exemplifies what’s possible when individuals refuse to wait for change, instead becoming the architects of it.Perfect for community leaders, mental health advocates, and anyone passionate about social impact — this episode reveals real, actionable steps to bridge gaps and save lives. If you’ve ever wondered how someone transforms heartbreak into a movement, Melissa’s journey offers both inspiration and a blueprint for meaningful change.Melissa Hinton is the founder of Loudoun Serenity House, recognized for her leadership in community-driven addiction recovery and her dedication to expanding vital services in Loudoun County. Her work is redefining what’s possible when local innovation meets unwavering commitment.

Stacey Metcalfe is the visionary guiding Morven Park through a remarkable modern renaissance. Discover how one leader’s trust, innovation, and deep connection to history are reshaping a treasured historic site into a vibrant, inclusive hub that attracts over 300,000 visitors annually—and inspires change beyond its gates.Stacey reveals how trusting your team and embracing failure can unlock exponential growth. From reimagining a century-old estate into Loudoun County’s “thousand-acre backyard,” to launching groundbreaking projects like the 246 Years database honoring enslaved ancestors, her strategies are game-changing for anyone looking to lead with purpose in complex environments.Presented by Loudoun Now Voice. Find more great conversations at LoudounNow.com/Voice!