Whether you work in a nonprofit or not, growth doesn’t happen by accident. In the season 2 opener, we sit down with Jenna Williams, Rodman for Kids’ Charity Partnerships Program Manager, to talk about how youth nonprofits grow their people, plan for the future, and keep learning while doing really hard, meaningful work - and why those same ideas apply to anyone trying to grow, adapt, or lead with purpose.

At just 18 years old, Brenny O’Brien has already experienced the arts as both a lifeline and a launchpad. In this episode, she reflects on how early access to the arts transformed her dreams, helped her discover her voice, and built the community that now fuels her work with young artists.

From growing up with South Boston Neighborhood House, to attending Boston Arts Academy, to founding South Stage Theatre Works and being inducted to our Theatre for Kids Hall of Fame, Brenny shows what’s possible when a child is not only welcomed into the arts, but empowered to lead within them.

Welcome to The Brighter Futures Podcast, where we shine a light on the partnerships, programs, and people building brighter futures for kids.

In this trailer, hosts Amy Rossman and Jane Lima share who they are, how they first got connected to Rodman for Kids, and the vision behind launching this podcast. Guided by the three pillars of Empowering, Connecting, and Uplifting, they explain why this platform was created and how it will uncover the stories, lessons, and ideas that show what’s possible when communities come together for kids.

Because brighter futures don’t just happen. They’re built - together.