Lindsay Meltzer, founder of Bright Bowls in Highland Park, turned her passion for nutrient-dense, beautifully crafted smoothie bowls into both a business and community hub. What began as nourishing meals for her kids blossomed into a storefront that opened mid-COVID and became a place of comfort after tragedy. More than food, Bright Bowls inspires connection, resilience, and joy through mindful eating and community gatherings

Nonprofits have always had to do two things well: make people feel something—and then do something. At American Jewish World Service (AJWS), that equation still holds, but how donors are engaged is changing fast. In my conversation with Peter Taback, AJWS’s VP of Marketing and Communications, we explored how short-form video and thoughtful influencer partnerships are helping AJWS reach younger donors, test new strategies, and drive real fundraising results—without sacrificing

When I worked for a nonprofit, one thing was always clear: you don’t take time off in December. December 29, 30, and 31 mattered—a lot. Around 10% of annual giving often comes in during the final three days of the year. Those gifts don’t just appear. They come from preparation, relationships, and clear asks. From DAFs and IRA rollovers to stock gifts, stewardship, board activation, and short human video—ending the year strong is about focus, urgency, and connection.

From the Navy to aerospace engineering to AI entrepreneurship, Jay Magpantay has followed one theme: build systems that make success inevitable. Today he runs Jumpify Labs, helping businesses and nonprofits start meaningful conversations at scale and turn predictable processes into real growth.

Laura Adams, founder of iCARE4 Adoptive and Foster Families, is redesigning how schools support adopted and foster children. A former marketer turned educator, she blends strategy and lived experience to close a critical gap: parents need 30–40 hours of training, while teachers get none. Her Beyond the Family Tree training and iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits are already transforming classrooms across Illinois.

I recently learned about The Place for Children with Autism, and I was blown away. As a parent, you’re always wondering if your child is okay—and the earlier support comes, the better. The Place blends evidence-based ABA with the warmth of a preschool, using play to build real-life skills. With one-on-one learning, bilingual tools, and rapid goal updates, kids feel safe, seen, and successful. It’s more than therapy—it’s a lifeline for families.

I first met Jessica Siegel at JUF, where she created communications that made people feel something—not just read stats. Today, she leads Sing Creative Group, helping nonprofits turn mission into message and stories into action. Her belief? “Great marketing isn’t louder—it’s clearer and more connected.” Jessica helps orgs uncover their voice and inspire people to care, give, and get involved.

Jen Bokoff is a connector, strategist, and change-maker who leads fundraising for the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), which supports disability-led advocacy in the Global South. Under her guidance, DRF has moved $55 million+ to 450+ organizations across 40 countries, advancing disability-inclusive policies and laws. Jen’s philosophy: lead with curiosity, follow lived experience, and build understanding before asking for support—because “disability rights are everyone’s rights.”

I love a good story about someone who avoids surgery and ends up pain-free years later — and that’s exactly what happened to Bibi Frederick . She was told her knee pain was caused by cartilage degeneration and that surgery was her best option. Before she went under the knife, this Denmark-born nurse decided to try a supplement a friend recommended. The European company Zinzino  caught her attention because of its science-based approach and personalized testing. Zinzino isn’t

I toured the new Arie Crown campus with Sam Medow—a stunning, once-in-a-generation project built through teamwork, persistence, and a culture of generosity. Over five years, through a pandemic and 300+ donor conversations, Sam and a committed group of leaders raised $40M to ensure families continue to learn and thrive. True leadership is giving credit away—and Sam does it effortlessly.

Philanthropic advising isn’t about writing checks—it’s about writing a story your family can stand behind for generations. JH Philanthropy helps families slow down, name what matters, and build a giving strategy rooted in shared values. They use a human-centered approach that turns giving into something joyful, intentional, and lasting.

Rachel Berezin’s leadership journey — from PJ Library to CEO of MyZuzah — is defined by empathy, adaptability, and connection. She turns challenges into lessons, replaces celebrity spotlights with real stories, and leads with integrity inside and out. Her philosophy: raise for today and tomorrow, because annual giving fuels now and endowment sustains the future. Rachel embodies the kind of leadership that inspires trust, impact, and community.

Year two of Krit Consulting flew by—full of lessons on pricing, partnerships, and people. I learned that implementation beats ideas, relationships beat refresh buttons, and the right chemistry turns “good” into “great.” I’m grateful to my clients, collaborators, and readers. Year three is about more stories, more trainings, and more impact. Let’s grow dollars—and joy—together. #KritConsulting #LeadersAndCulture

Discover how Courtroom 600 effectively teaches children about World War II, the Holocaust, and the importance of developing a critical eye.

Jazmin Peach I love when tech people get  fundraisers. Jazmin Peach does, because she’s been one. She grew up in Ipswich, built an early...

From operator to investor to builder, Steve Miller shares candid lessons on business and giving: lead with self-awareness, stay open to new ideas, and say no with intention so you can fund what matters. He and Diane bring a venture lens to philanthropy—setting criteria, measuring impact, and backing bold bets. Semi-retired doesn’t mean slowing down; Steve still travels, writes sketch comedy, and roots for the Illini—always learning, always building.

Josh Black, Functional Medicine and Longevity Coach It started with a panic attack. Josh Black was working for a private equity backed...

If you’ve ever seen a family try to talk about money, legacy, and “where giving should go,” you know how messy it gets. That’s where Robyn Schein and 21/64 come in. Robyn’s gift is turning tough, multigenerational conversations into values-driven action. With tools like Motivational Values Cards and Picture Your Legacy, she helps families find common ground and move from “we care” to “we decided.”

A school social worker called: dozens of kids in unstable housing needed lice kits—fast. Within days, boxes landed where they were needed most. That’s GiveNKind: a tiny team turning business surplus into community outcomes so nonprofits spend budgets on people, not purchases. Last year, four staff placed $16.7M in new goods on under $600k—about $28 of impact per $1. They rescue usable inventory and let vetted nonprofits “shop” an online catalog, cutting costs, waste, and time

Jen Lau, Director, Fundraising.ai I love tools that actually help nonprofits raise more money. That’s why my chat with Jen Lau, director...