6. Peter Bay - Music Director / Conductor with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

02/28/24 • 22 min

Host Jim Eskin celebrates the selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others by highlighting their passion and guiding non-profits in a positive direction.

In this episode, the spotlight is on Maestro Peter Bay, an accomplished music director and conductor with over a quarter-century at the helm of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

Austin Symphony Orchestra

Host Jim Eskin celebrates the selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others by highlighting their passion and guiding non-profits in a positive direction.

In this episode, the spotlight is on Maestro Peter Bay, an accomplished music director and conductor with over a quarter-century at the helm of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

Austin Symphony Orchestra

Previous Episode

5. Dan Baker, President and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association

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.

Next Episode

7. Leia Hunt, Founder of Leia’s Kids, a Non-Profit Fountation to Help Children and their Families Battling Childhood Cancer

Host Jim Eskin celebrates the selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others by highlighting their passion and guiding non-profits in a positive direction.

In this episode, the spotlight is on Leia Hunt.

Leia Hunt is a 2 time childhood cancer survivor, founder of the nonprofit known as Leia’s Kids, podcast host, inspirational speaker, and author of My Battle Plan Journal. Leia was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer when she was two years old. Leia’s battle with childhood cancer resulted in her undergoing 26 surgical procedures, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and ultimately the insertion of a radioactive plaque in her left eye. The radiation ultimately defeated her cancer but left her blind in the left eye. These circumstances defined Leia’s life. Leia says her cancer battle truly began as she grew up with side effects from treatment, being half-blind and navigating her youth knowing she was different.

Leia has turned the devastation of her childhood cancer into a testimony of hope and faith. Leia is passionate about sharing her story and has embraced the opportunity to speak at various events. Leia’s unique perspective on surviving and thriving is a story that she is willing to share with others.

Leia founded Leia’s Kids, a 501(c)3 non-profit at 18 years old, while a senior in high school. Leia grew up hosting lemonade stands, school fundraisers, and more for childhood cancer awareness! However, as she got older she knew she survived cancer for a reason and wanted to do more for God’s kingdom! She wanted to meet these families and look them in the eyes to tell them they can turn this negative situation into something positive. This led to the beginning of her calling and purpose on this earth. To help those suffering to find hope and bring glory to God through our trials on earth. Leia’s Kids gives financial donations to families but also hosts dream parties for fighters and siblings.

Currently, at the age of 22, Leia runs Leia’s Kids full time along with working towards a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education at Texas A&M Commerce University.

Leia's Kids Official Website