TNC Talks NonProfit with Mercedes & Scott

In this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, hosts Mercedes and Scott welcome San Antonio entrepreneur and philanthropist Harvey Najim for a heartfelt conversation about his journey from building Sirius Computer Solutions to improving the lives of children and families. Najim shares personal stories behind his support for education, hunger relief, child protection, and services for people with disabilities, explaining how firsthand experiences shaped his giving. He also discusses the financial challenges facing nonprofits, his commitment to helping students move from the classroom into meaningful careers, and his plans to sustain the foundation's impact for generations. Throughout the conversation, his "chair of life" philosophy offers a guiding message: balance faith, family, work, and service to others. Learn More: Najim Charitable Foundation - najimfoundation.org The Nonprofit Council - tncouncil.org  

What if finding the right community resource was as simple as searching for it? On this episode of TNC Nonprofit with Scott and Renee, we sit down with Bill Neely, Executive Director of the San Antonio Community Resource Directory (SACRD), to explore how one innovative platform is helping individuals, social workers, case managers, and community organizations navigate thousands of human service programs. With 11,000+ programs across 140 categories, SACRD is more than a directory—it's a tool designed to connect people with the resources they need while helping nonprofits discover opportunities for collaboration. Bill also shares his journey from a 25-year career in software development to building technology that serves the nonprofit sector. From community collaboration and nonprofit sustainability to using data to better understand where needs exist, this conversation offers a powerful look at how technology can strengthen the social service ecosystem. 🎙️ Tune in and discover how SACRD is helping communities find solutions, build connections, and make a greater impact.

What does it really take to create opportunity and empower the next generation of leaders? On this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, we sit down with Leah Rosenauer, CEO of Girls Inc. of San Antonio, for an inspiring conversation about nonprofit leadership, mentorship, access, and the power of creating spaces where girls can thrive. Leah shares her journey into nonprofit leadership, the mission behind Girls Inc.'s goal of helping girls become strong, smart, and bold, and why positive role models and opportunity can change the trajectory of a young person's life. From overcoming unexpected career pivots to growing Girls Inc. from serving 100 girls to more than 3,000 annually, Leah reminds us that talent may be universal, but access and opportunity are not. Tune in for a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose, resilience, and building a stronger community—one girl at a time.

Title: From Struggle to Service: Jacob Huereca's Journey of Resilience and Impact Social Media Blurb: What happens when a difficult past becomes the driving force behind a life of service? In this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Scott and Mercedes sit down with Jacob Huereca, CEO of Connections Individual and Family Services, to explore his powerful journey from hardship and substance use to becoming a leader transforming the lives of youth and families. Jacob opens up about how his lived experiences shaped his calling in social work, why looking beyond behavior to understand a young person's story is essential, and how Connections is strengthening communities through counseling, prevention, shelter, and transitional living programs. This conversation is a powerful reminder that our past doesn't define us—it can prepare us for purpose, leadership, and lasting impact. 🎙️ Listen now to hear Jacob's inspiring story of resilience and hope on TNC Talks Nonprofit.

A new chapter begins for the Nonprofit Council! 🎙️✨ The Nonprofit Council is entering an exciting new chapter. In this episode, the hosts welcome Renee Garvens as the organization's incoming CEO and explore the career journey that brought her to this leadership role. Renee shares her experiences in fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and the arts, along with her 12-year connection to the Council. The conversation also looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofits, from advocacy and the "overhead myth" to leadership transitions and serving members across the sector. 🎧 Tune in to this special episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit with Mercedes & Scott and help us welcome Renee into her new role! 📺 Now available to watch exclusively on Roku & Amazon Fire via The Nonprofit Network. #TNCTalksNonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitLeaders #ReneeGarvins #LeadershipTransition #NonprofitSector #SanAntonioNonprofits #Fundraising #Leadership #TheNonprofitNetwork

What if the biggest thing holding nonprofits back isn't a lack of funding—but the way we've been taught to think? In this special episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Mercedes Alhaj and Scott McAninch welcome bestselling author, TED speaker, and nonprofit thought leader Dan Pallotta for a powerful conversation about why the "overhead myth" still persists, why nonprofits should stop apologizing for investing in people, and why the sector needs the courage to dream far bigger. Dan shares the deeply personal story behind Uncharitable, reflects on the mindset that keeps nonprofits playing small, discusses the evolution of his advocacy through film and music, and challenges leaders to pursue what once seemed impossible. If you're a nonprofit executive, board member, funder, or anyone passionate about social impact, this is a conversation that will challenge your assumptions and inspire a new way of thinking. 🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms and streaming on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. #TNCTalksNonprofit #DanPallotta #Uncharitable #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitInnovation #Fundraising #SocialImpact #Philanthropy #Leadership #NonprofitSector

What happens when someone who once lived on the streets becomes a nonprofit leader transforming lives every day? In this powerful episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Hamilton Barton, CEO of Pay It Forward SA, to discuss his remarkable journey from addiction, homelessness, and recovery to leading an organization that helps hundreds of people find stability through sober living scholarships and recovery support. Hamilton shares how his personal experiences shaped his passion for helping others, the life-changing impact of community and accountability, and Pay It Forward SA's innovative work supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. Plus, hear about their exciting vision to help parents stay connected with their children while seeking treatment. 🎙️ A conversation about second chances, resilience, recovery, and the power of paying it forward. #TNCTalksNonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #RecoveryJourney #PayItForwardSA #SubstanceUseRecovery #CommunityImpact #NonprofitPodcast #LeadershipWithPurpose #SanAntonioNonprofits #HopeAndHealing

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="90a3fdfb-49db-41b3-b57d-3889f3cd5346" data-turn-id-container="90a3fdfb-49db-41b3-b57d-3889f3cd5346" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> What does it take to lead an organization that has been transforming lives for 75 years? In this inspiring episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Simon Salas, CEO of Good Samaritan Community Services, to explore his remarkable journey from growing up in the very neighborhood Good Sam serves to leading one of San Antonio's most impactful community organizations. Simon shares how dedicated teachers, a set of World Book encyclopedias, and a passion for education shaped his path from the West Side of San Antonio to Columbia University, law school, public policy, and ultimately nonprofit leadership. Along the way, he reflects on the power of mentorship, the importance of community, and why investing in people—especially young people—can change the trajectory of entire neighborhoods. Join us for a powerful conversation about service, opportunity, and what it means to give back to the community that helped shape who you are. #NonProfitLeadership #TNCTalks #GoodSamaritanCommunityServices #CommunityImpact #EducationMatters #NonProfitPodcast #LeadershipJourney #SanAntonioNonprofits #Mentorship #CommunityDevelopment #TNCNetwork #PurposeDrivenLeadership    

What happens after a life-changing injury—and who helps pick up the pieces? In this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Dawn Dixon of ConnectAbility to explore how communities can step in when individuals and families need it most. From navigating the aftermath of traumatic injuries to creating spaces for connection and long-term support, Dawn shares how ConnectAbility is redefining care coordination and building true community for people with disabilities. Along the way, the conversation blends real-world challenges, nonprofit leadership insights, and a few laughs that remind us why this work matters. 💡 If you're passionate about impact, collaboration, and meeting people where they are—this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to build stronger, more inclusive communities. #Nonprofit #CommunityImpact #DisabilitySupport #TNCTalks