Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin

In this fifth episode, we celebrate Dan Baker, President and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association. Nominated by Marv Leroy for embodying the Peace Corps' mission—to foster understanding between Americans and other cultures—Dan has dedicated his life post-Davidson College to international service. The Peace Corps has seen over 200,000 volunteers since 1961 serve in 139 countries; they've learned languages and shared American values worldwide.

Dan shares how a chance encounter with a returned volunteer from Mali shifted his trajectory towards the Peace Corps instead of corporate America or law school. His journey began as an education volunteer in Bolivia in 1999 and evolved into various roles within the organization over two decades.

He reflects on technological advancements that transformed communication for volunteers abroad and discusses how Peace Corps initiatives have influenced global aid approaches through grassroots collaboration.

The National Peace Corps Association now champions expansion efforts while supporting returnees with career development needs or those recovering from service-related trauma. Dan emphasizes that despite changing times, volunteers' spirit remains driven by altruism, adventure, and sacrifice.

For young people considering joining today's Peace Corps: it's not for everyone but can be incredibly rewarding if you're up for challenging yourself beyond your perceived limits.

To support the National Peace Corps Association—one needn't be a former volunteer—membership is free though contributions keep them thriving. Their work underscores peace-building both internationally and domestically through ongoing community engagement efforts across America.

Closing out our dialogue with gratitude towards Dan Baker—a true north star—we invite listeners interested in nominating exceptional nonprofit leaders to visit our website. Join us next time on Nominate Your Nonprofit North Star podcast where stories like Dan’s continue to inspire action toward making a difference globally.

Coming September 13th 2023

David Ibarra is a leadership consultant and entrepreneur. He is the founder of eLeaderTech, the Ibarra-Brito Group, and the David Ibarra Enterprises.

David's life is a testament to overcoming adversity. Born to immigrant parents and placed in foster care at a young age, he began his career washing dishes before becoming the youngest franchise owner of a Marriott Corporation division. As founder of the Eb Bauer Foundation, David has awarded full scholarships to 134 students and continues weekly mentoring sessions through "time tithe," sharing his wisdom with those seeking guidance.

Our host Jim engages David in an insightful conversation about fear as motivation, the challenges of making versus giving away money, selective charity based on execution not just intent, and the importance of cultivating one's talents despite economic hardships.

David reflects on key figures who shaped him—a fifth-grade teacher who nurtured his academic growth; Robert Farrell who introduced him to 'Think and Grow Rich'; Marriott’s support that led him into entrepreneurship; and mentors who complemented his skills. He advises aspiring non-profit supporters to scrutinize organizations' effectiveness before contributing their time or money.

Despite receiving knighthood for his contributions, David remains dedicated without any bucket list but lives out principles leading towards a rich life encompassing family, friends, faith community health—and financial wealth.

In this inspiring episode of the North Star Podcast, host Jim Eskin welcomes a true guiding light in the nonprofit world, Steve Lerman. As a super lawyer with an illustrious five-decade career in communications and entertainment law, Steve shares his journey from personal tragedy to professional success to impactful philanthropy.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming Personal Tragedy: Steve opens up about losing father figures early in life and how it shaped his self-reliance and leadership skills.
• Insider View of Radio Industry: With vast experience in the radio industry, Steve discusses its evolution from high profitability to current challenges due to digital competition.
• Future of Radio: He candidly offers his perspective on radio's struggle against modern media platforms and hints at its uncertain future.
• Active Minds Advocacy: As chairman of Active Minds, he emphasizes mental health support for young adults through peer-to-peer interaction—a cause close to his heart after witnessing its life-saving impact firsthand.
• Scholarship Mentoring Program Success: Reflecting on personal challenges during youth inspires him to lead a scholarship mentoring program with a perfect college graduation rate among participants—defying statistics even within affluent communities like Newton, Massachusetts.
• Memoir Insights: Writing "The Enchanted Path" helped organize his life into three distinct phases: education, work/professional success, and giving back/philanthropy.
• Celebrity Encounters & Anecdotes: Sharing entertaining stories about famous clients such as Howard Stern and Don Imus and others that showcases another facet of his dynamic career.

Final Thoughts: Steve's commitment shines through every topic discussed—from legal expertise to passionate advocacy for education and mental health. His story is one that reminds us all that despite setbacks or losses we face; we can choose paths leading toward positive impacts on others' lives. A beacon for many nonprofits today, he truly embodies what it means to be a Non-Profit North Star.

Learn More about Active Minds at Active Minds.org

As an attorney, Anne Bader-Martin has practiced juvenile and family law in Massachusetts since 1995. Frustrated by the lack of resources available to help the underserved children and families she worked with, she conceived of the concept that would become One Can Help (OCH). As Executive Director, she has been heavily involved in creating and overseeing OCH since that time. By providing urgently needed individualized resources, OCH tackles an enormous societal issue and helps level the playing field at the same time. Through a unique and innovative partnership with the juvenile court appointed attorneys, social workers and advocates who know exactly what their clients need to succeed right now, OCH is able to ensure that critical resources responsibly achieve their targeted goal. Let’s find out about Anne’s inspiring story.