Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Alissa Rosebrough, Executive Director of Arise Africa, who highlights the nonprofit organization empowering Zambia's next generation through education, shelter, and love. Arise Africa is committed to helping children live a life that God desires for all mankind by serving the children of Zambia who are suffering from economic, physical, and spiritual poverty through a Christ-centered approach involving full-time care, education, discipleship, and feeding programs.

During the interview, Alissa shares how her career as a photographer led her to Zambia and how life-changing experiences in the country led her and her friend, John Rosacker, to form the nonprofit organization in 2010. Alissa shares the story of how the organization's efforts have grown over the last 15 years to serve around 700 kids and details the model where their American teams serve as outside support, helping to create an environment where the local Zambian team can survive and thrive embracing the rich legacy of their culture. Alissa shares some of the many success stories of youth growing up in their homes and schools to escape poverty, enroll in international universities, and become successful professionals who return home to help lead and create positive transformation in the community. She talks about the rich culture of Zambia and their happiness and sense of community where everyone takes care of each other, yet the poverty that permeates the area where Arise Africa serves. She talks about the many ways the community can support their efforts through financial donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and mission trips. She uses Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services as an example of how companies can come alongside Arise Africa and partner to serve locally, financially support their programs, and send teams on mission trips to Zambia to experience the magic of building relationships with the kids and staff while helping to build facilities that will impact the community for years to come.

Visit https://www.ariseafrica.org to learn more and get involved with Arise Africa.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Brandi Jack, Chief Operating Officer with Nashville Diaper Connection, who highlights the nonprofit organization that provides diapers to families in need through a distribution network of community partners who work directly with the families.

During the interview, Brandi shares how the organization was started in 2013 and how it has since grown to distribute 4.5 million diapers in 2024, serving about 7,000 babies monthly. She emphasizes the importance of providing diapers for families, especially as family expenses continue to rise and families are forced to choose between food and diapers; and she also discusses how diapers play an important role in the health and development of babies. Brandi then discusses the organization's model, which involves purchasing or accepting donations of diapers, having volunteers sort and wrap them in packages of 25, supplying the diapers to their distribution network of community partners, having those community partners provide the diapers to the families in need. She also details two of their more creative initiatives with Clinic Connections and Diapers for Diplomas, and discusses how focusing on healthcare and higher education are helping to address additional challenges in the community and helping parents complete their education to increase their earning potential. The conversation concludes with Brandi talking about the many ways the community can support their efforts through monetary and diaper donations, volunteerism, and their upcoming Corporate Wrap Off event on September 16, 2025.

Visit https://www.nashvillediaperconnection... to learn more and get involved with Nashville Diaper Connection.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Cam F. Awesome, the champion boxer, motivational speaker, and author, who is the winningest boxer in USA Boxing history and has won more championships in his weight class than anyone in USA Boxing history. Cam recently spoke in Memphis, Tennessee as part of the cityCURRENT signature speaker series. Hosted by ProTech Services Group, Inc., the event was held Friday, May 2, 2025.

During the interview, Jeremy and Cam discuss Cam's background and how he frames his story. Cam emphasizes the importance of self-talk and the power of mindset, using his boxing career as an example. He also shares his approach to learning and growth, which involves questioning with curiosity and seeking different perspectives. Cam's keynote presentation is highlighted, with Jeremy noting the powerful takeaways from his story.

Cam shares his positive experience as a keynote speaker at the Memphis event, highlighting the supportive and collaborative atmosphere centered on the mission to power the GOOD. He also mentions a memorable interaction with an attendee, who he had met earlier at an event in Las Vegas and gifted him barbecue sauce and a dry rub at the event in Memphis. Cam emphasizes the importance of small gestures of appreciation, like the thoughtful gift, in building strong relationships.

Jeremy and Cam next discuss Cam's transition from youth to corporate speaking, emphasizing the use of humor and storytelling to engage and educate audiences. Cam shares his experiences as a stand-up comedian and his work with nonprofits, highlighting the effectiveness of comedy in raising funds for good causes. They also touch on Cam's role as a cultural ambassador, having traveled extensively with USA Boxing and learning about different cultures and communication styles. Cam emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace to avoid misunderstandings and improve communication.

Cam then discusses the sport of boxing, emphasizing that being tough doesn't necessarily make one a great boxer. He highlights the importance of discipline, resilience, and confidence in boxing, and how these qualities can translate to other areas of life. Cam also shares his personal mission of helping people uncover their potential and believe in themselves.

Visit https://www.camfawesome.com to learn more and connect with Cam F. Awesome.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Susan Deason, Executive Director, and Carl Davis, Managing Director of Operations with Memphis Allies, who both discuss the mission and efforts of Memphis Allies, a partnership of nonprofit organizations working together to reduce gun violence in Memphis and Shelby County. During the interview, Susan shares how Memphis Allies was launched in 2021 by the Memphis, Tennessee-based nonprofit, Youth Villages, in response to the significant increase in gun violence in Memphis during that time. Susan and Carl discuss their evidence-informed model, which focuses on community violence intervention and serves individuals at highest risk for involvement in gun violence ages 12 to 35. The model, called SWITCH - Support With Intention To Create Hope - involves a team of individuals, including outreach specialists, life coaches, case managers, and clinical specialists, who work collaboratively to help participants switch their mindset and achieve their goals. The program is typically 12 to 18 months long and has shown early indicators of success, with 90% of participants not receiving an additional gun charge while in service. The organization has over 200 staff members, most of whom have lived experiences that uniquely position them to help change someone's mindset.

Susan and Carl emphasize the importance of community partnerships, support, and collaboration both locally and nationally. They discuss the importance of their work in the community and highlight the complexity of the issues faced, along with the need for empathy and understanding. Susan and Carl talk about the need for volunteers and how volunteers can help identify and engage with the individuals being supported. Carl highlights the daily changes he sees in participants and the importance of relentless effort in this work. They wrap up with how this work is saving lives and how the community can get involved and support their efforts.

Visit https://memphisallies.org or call (901) 252-7900 to learn more and get involved with Memphis Allies.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Shelly Robertson Birdsong, Owner and Publisher, along with Anna Robertson Ham, Managing Publisher, with YOUR Community Media and YOUR Williamson Magazine, who both highlight their company dedicated to celebrating and strengthening community through impactful events, custom marketing solutions and YOUR Williamson Magazine that drive local engagement and philanthropy. During the interview, Shelly and Anna talk about their company's evolution into a creative services and event company that helps small businesses and produces revenue-based events with a charitable component. The conversation then shifts to their magazine, YOUR Williamson, which has been in publication for 14 years. Shelly highlights the magazine's focus on social events, charitable causes, and community stories, and talks about how print media is still a very powerful and important marketing tool, especially for local businesses. Anna expresses her love for the magazine's role in telling stories and raising awareness for organizations in need. Shelly also discusses the magazine's online presence and its global reach.

Shelly and Anna then transition to highlight their second annual Ladies of Distinction - Iconic Women of Williamson event being held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Liberty Hall at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. The elegant event will feature a marketplace offering shopping from women-owned businesses, a silent auction, a luncheon, a fashion show and the main event, honoring the 2025 Iconic Women of Williamson. The event also recognizes women in Williamson County's history and raises funds for the Williamson Health Foundation, Capital Campaign with designation to the Turner-Dugas Breast Health Center. Through this event, two scholarships will also be provided to female high school seniors who attend school in Williamson County to be used towards their higher education. Tickets are available for purchase, with individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities available.

Visit https://www.yourcommunity.media to learn more about YOUR Community Media and https://www.yourwilliamson.com to learn more about YOUR Williamson.

Visit https://www.yourwilliamson.com/ladies... to learn more about the second annual Ladies of Distinction - Iconic Women of Williamson on May 13, 2025.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Terry Blue, President and CEO of Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority, who discusses the history and ongoing modernization efforts at Memphis International Airport (MEM) as part of "MEM on the Move." During the interview, Terry shares some historical perspective with Memphis International Airport's dedication in 1929 and the original terminal dedication in 1963. He talks about what the Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority does and how it operates three airports, including Memphis International Airport, and maintains the facilities, runways, and grounds. He compares it to managing a shopping mall overseeing the facilities, but not the individual stores, with the different partnerships like the airlines, TSA, FAA, and food vendors each being in control of their own operations.

Terry talks about how the airport has experienced year-over-year growth in passenger numbers and is the busiest cargo airport in North America. Terry then highlights the concourse modernization that was completed in 2022, reinventing the Memphis traveling experience, and how that now carries into more updates and modernization projects to further enhance passenger convenience and future-proof the facilities for continued growth. The projects, which are part of the MEM on the Move initiative, includes a parking guidance system, a new parking management system, and improvements to the rental car facilities. It also includes the Airport Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program, which is a 6-year, $700 million project to modernize the 1963 terminal building. The project involves seismic enhancements, life safety features, and architectural updates while maintaining the building's historic elements. The airport will remain operational during the construction. This portion of the project is expected to begin in 2027. Completion is expected in 2030.

Visit https://flymemphis.com to learn more about Memphis International Airport or visit https://flymemphis.com/mem-on-the-move/ to learn more about MEM on the Move.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with George Nixon, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, who highlights the organization's mission and efforts to provide Help and Hope to neighbors in need. Founded in 1971, Catholic Charities of West Tennessee has been serving West Tennessee for over 50 years, providing services to those most in need in the community, with special emphasis in the areas of homelessness, veteran's services, and emergency services. Following the teachings of Jesus Christ, the organization provides help to those in need and brings hope by supporting them on the path from poverty to self-sufficiency. The organization offers Emergency Services, Homeless Services, and Community Support Services for those in need regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.

During the interview, George discusses the history and current activities of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee. George explains that the organization has been in operation for over 50 years, and is now primarily focused on assisting those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The organization operates from a historic building that was originally a Catholic school, reflecting the theme of self-improvement and self-sufficiency. George emphasizes the importance of providing basic needs like food and clothing to establish relationships and help individuals improve their lives.

George discusses the importance of building trust and rapport with homeless individuals to help them find services. He describes the front porch initiative, which provides a safe and friendly atmosphere for community building and sharing meals. This leads to conversations about needs and services, eventually leading to intake for housing and support services. Jeremy highlights the strategic small details that make a big difference, such as access to bathrooms and water. George then talks about their shower ministry and the clothing closet, emphasizing the importance of dignity and choice in providing clothing. Jeremy encourages listeners and viewers to consider volunteering in various ways, including meal preparation, clothing donations, and diaper donations.

George then discusses other unique aspects of their work, focusing on their mobile pantry program. They provide food boxes to families struggling to pay rent or utilities, aiming to offset expenses and ensure they can eat and pay their rent. George shares that they serve about 2,200 families a month, distributing 100 to 150 boxes daily. He also mentions their annual survey, which revealed that many families had to go hungry in the past month due to lack of food.

George then discusses the need for a holistic approach to help individuals transition from homelessness to having a home. He talks about the importance and power of collaboration with other agencies to provide the next steps for those they assist. George also talks about their dream of having all services under one roof, with partners providing optometry, mental health, clinical supports, financial education, and job training. This vision, called Hope Heights, is now being set in motion. He emphasizes the importance of community support, including volunteerism, in-kind donations, and financial contributions to bring their Hope Heights project to life. George encourages everyone to find a place where they could contribute and offers contact information for further engagement.

Visit https://ccwtn.org to learn more and get involved with Catholic Charities of West Tennessee.