Be The Good Media strives to elevate the GOOD—amplifying compassion-driven stories and encouraging the support of people and organizations focused on creating a lasting and positive impact. Christy McCaffrey is the owner, producer, and host of the podcast. She focuses on a theme of compassion, highlighting a diverse group of guests, each working in their own unique way to make a difference in their communities and society.

In this episode of Be The Good Podcast, we’re joined by powerhouse business leader and sports advocate Alex Sykes, whose career spans international sports marketing, corporate leadership, and community-driven impact. From her early days with the Women’s Tennis Association and French Basketball Federation to scaling a company from $30M to $700M, Alex brings a wealth of experience and vision.

Now based in Philadelphia, she founded The Philadelphia Sisters™, a movement to bring the first professional women’s sports team—starting with a WNBA franchise—to the city. Alex shares how she’s using her platform to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and the empowerment of women and girls through sport and leadership.

Tune in as we explore Alex’s inspiring mission to celebrate the game, create change, and build something bold in Philadelphia.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

0:58 - Podcast Start

1:13 - How did Alex's undergraduate experience lead her to Philadelphia?

8:50 - How did Alex's early career opportunities lead her to sports strategy?

15:55 - What motivated Alex to push for a WNBA team in Philadelphia?

23:55 - Why is bringing a WNBA team to Philadelphia so important?

26:40 - How did being in sports nurture Alex's confidence?

31:40 - How does Alex envision the team staying true to Philly?

36:20 - Having the conversation about women empowerment

38:22 - How important is it to empower your community?

42:20 - What is Alex's definition of compassion?

45:10 - How can people follow or support Alex's mission?

Backlinks:

LinkedIn: Alexandra Niedbalski-Sykes

Instagram: @iamalexsykes

Be The Good Media strives to elevate the GOOD—amplifying compassion-driven stories and encouraging the support of people and organizations focused on creating a lasting and positive impact. Christy McCaffrey is the owner, producer, and host of the podcast. She focuses on a theme of compassion, highlighting a diverse group of guests, each working in their own unique way to make a difference in their communities and society.

Steve Ziegler is the Director of Advancement and Operations at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating economic opportunities and providing essential social services for the people of Philadelphia. A proud South Philly native and LaSalle University graduate, Steve has spent 16 years in the nonprofit world, working to uplift his community. Beyond his professional impact, he’s also a passionate writer, music enthusiast, and former stand-up comedy promoter. His work is available on Spotify and Patreon.

In this Be the Good Podcast episode, we sit down with Steve Ziegler, a true champion for Philadelphia’s communities. As the Director of Advancement and Operations at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, Steve shares how the organization makes a tangible difference in Philadelphians' lives—creating pathways to economic stability, offering essential social services, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Tune in as we explore the inspiring work happening at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries and uncover the heart behind its mission!

Timestamps:

0:55 - Podcast Start

1:03 - About Steve and his journey to Mercy Neighborhood Ministries

2:00 - About the Tioga-Nicetown community and how did this mission begin?

7:40 - What different programs does Mercy offer and how do they aid the community?

17:10 Which of these programs help break the cycle of poverty in Philadelphia?

20:58 - Which strategies are essential for achieving long-term success in Mercy's mission?

22:45 - How does Mercy engage their community to better understand their needs?

26:00 - What are some key partners that have aided Mercy?

27:50 - What are some examples of family success stories?

31:40 - What is Steve's idea of compassion, and how does that align with Mercy's work?

33:09 - What is the most important reason this community support is vital?

35:23 - How can people find or get involved with Mercy Neighborhood Ministries?

Backlinks:

Website: https://mercyneighbors.org/donate/

Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @MercyNeighbors

Be The Good Media strives to elevate the GOOD—amplifying compassion-driven stories and encouraging the support of people and organizations focused on creating a lasting and positive impact. Christy McCaffrey is the owner, producer, and host of the podcast. She focuses on a theme of compassion, highlighting a diverse group of guests, each working in their own unique way to make a difference in their communities and society.

Dr. Kimberly McGlonn is an award-winning social entrepreneur and thought leader working at the intersections of social justice & environmentalism. Her work has been featured by Fast Company, Inc Magazine, Essence, and has been funded by Beyonce’s BeyGood Foundation. In 2022 she was a recipient of the Visa’s “She’s Next in Fashion Award” and the Black Enterprise “Business Disruptor of the Year” award. In 2023 & 2024 she was named “150 Most Influential Philadelphians” by Philadelphia Magazine. Within the fashion industry she serves as an inspiration for aspiring creative entrepreneurs who seek to align their visions with social and environmental consciousness. Her superpower is inspiring diverse audiences to optimism and agency.

Kimberly is here to share more about all the impact driven work she is committed to and to tell us about her new book “Build it Boldy”. Let’s take a listen!

Timestamps:

1:35 - When did Kimberly begin to focus on impact-driven work?

5:55 - What inspired Kimberly to start Grant Blvd?

8:10 - Being the first black-owned B-Corp in North America in the fashion industry

9:25 - What is Black Ivy & its mission?

13:30 - Sourcing for Black Ivy

18:15 - Why it's so important for Kimberly to educate, advocate, and create positive change?

23:20 - Kimberly's book and where she drew inspiration

26:30 - What does compassion mean to Kimberly?

31:50: Where can people find Kimberly's work and projects?

Backlinks:

Personal social media: @kimberlymcglonn

Brand Account: @build.it.boldly

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/builditboldly

Build it Boldly - https://www.amazon.com/Build-Boldly-Business-Leaders-Influence/dp/B0DKMWVKN5/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0#detailBullets_feature_div