We Can't Do This Alone

Creating Community and Impact through Giving Circles: The Story of 100 Strong

In this episode of the We Can't Do This Alone Podcast, discover how the 100 Strong giving circle is revolutionizing charitable giving in Central Ohio by making philanthropy accessible, low-commitment, and community-driven. Learn from founders Danielle, Krista, Susie, and Mary Beth how this organization is fostering trust, connection, and impact among women of diverse backgrounds. Takeaways: * How the group operates: low-cost membership, biannual meetings, and simple online giving through Grapevine * The importance of transparency, trust, and community in philanthropy * How this model attracts younger women and provides an accessible entry point into charitable giving * Practical advice for starting your own giving circle or community-based fund Links & Resources: * The 100 Strong Foundation [https://the100strongcentralohio.com/] * 100 Strong Foundation Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/the100strongcentralohio/] * !00 Strong Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the100strongcentralohio/] * Victoria Strauss Foundation [https://www.victoriastraussfoundation.com/] Connect with Erin Stizel: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/] * Website [https://wecantdothisalone.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/]

Required Listening for Anyone in Health Care Philanthropy

In this episode of We Can't Do This Alone, Erin Stitzel sits down with Tampa General Hospital leaders John Couris and Frann Lepla for a candid conversation about what it truly takes to align executive leadership and philanthropy for transformational impact. John shares his bold vision to build the safest and most innovative academic health system in the country, while Frann reflects on the foundation's remarkable growth and the strategy behind it. Together, they explore how trust, cultural alignment, and genuine partnership—not just between teams, but at the highest levels of leadership—drive meaningful results in healthcare fundraising and patient care. This episode offers a powerful look at what's possible when CEOs fully embrace philanthropy as a strategic priority and create environments where teams can thrive. Takeaways: * Strong CEO and philanthropy partnerships are essential to achieving transformational healthcare outcomes. * Cultural alignment and psychological safety enable teams to perform at their highest level. * Treating philanthropy as a strategic priority, not an afterthought, drives long-term success. Stay Connected: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/] * Website [https://wecantdothisalone.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/]

The Best Piece of Advice I have Ever Received

In this episode of 'We Can't Do This Alone', host Erin Stitzel engages in a heartfelt conversation with her mentor, Brenda Stier Anstine. They explore Brenda's career journey, the significance of mentorship, and the importance of being the youngest person in the room to foster continuous learning. Brenda shares invaluable advice for young professionals, insights on effective board membership, and her ongoing commitment to mentoring others. The discussion emphasizes the power of vulnerability, the necessity of respecting a mentor's time, and the importance of defining personal success. This episode serves as a reminder that mentorship is a two-way street, where both parties can learn and grow together. Takeaways: * Brenda's Professional Journey & Leadership Path Explore the key experiences, decisions, and influences that shaped Brenda's remarkable career and leadership style. * The Transformative Role of Mentorship Learn why mentorship matters, how it accelerates growth, and the reciprocal value of both receiving and providing guidance. * The Practice of Being a Mentor and Having a Mentor Examine the discipline and intentionality behind effective mentorship, including approaches Brenda uses to build long-standing, meaningful mentor–mentee relationships. * Illustrative Mentorship StoriesBrenda share's memorable examples of individuals she has mentored—including Erin—and highlight different styles or tactics she uses (e.g., weekly standing check-ins, career-shaping conversations, accountability practices). * Brenda's Influence on Erin's Professional Growth Erin shares her perspective on how Brenda's mentorship has shaped her career direction, confidence, and leadership approach. * Guidance for Engaging Board Members and Board Chairs in PhilanthropyLearn from Brenda's extensive board experience to explore best practices, relationship-building strategies, and actionable advice for partnering effectively with board leaders to advance philanthropy. Connect with Erin: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/]: https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/ [https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/] * Website [https://wecantdothisalone.com/]: www.wecantdothisalone.com [http://www.wecantdothisalone.com] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/]

Dare to Dream: The Secret Sauce to Physician Engagement in Philanthropy

In This Episode, host Erin Stitzel is joined by Dr. William "B.J." Hicks and Simon Bisson to explore how physician–philanthropy partnerships are transforming stroke care and neurosciences at OhioHealth. They dive into the power of innovative thinking, the role of donor engagement in funding cutting-edge programs like mobile stroke units, and why "time is brain" in stroke treatment. This episode highlights how aligning passion, partnership, and purpose can accelerate healthcare innovation, improve patient outcomes, and bring life-saving care directly into communities. If you're interested in healthcare philanthropy, physician engagement, neuroscience innovation, or fundraising strategy, this conversation offers actionable insights and inspiring real-world examples. Takeaways: * Strong physician–philanthropy partnerships can unlock funding for innovative healthcare solutions that traditional systems may not support. * Mobile stroke units demonstrate how rapid, community-based care can dramatically improve stroke outcomes and save lives. * Donor engagement is most effective when fueled by passion, patient stories, and clear alignment with a healthcare system's strategic vision. Connect with Erin: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/]: https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/ [https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/] * Website [https://wecantdothisalone.com/]: www.wecantdothisalone.com [http://www.wecantdothisalone.com] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/]

Debbie Loves Data Part 1 of 6: Introduction to Using & Accessing Patient Data for Philanthropy

In this episode, Erin and Debbie introduce a six-part series focused on how patient data supports healthcare philanthropy. They discuss the importance of patient data, the legal aspects of accessing it, and the relationships necessary for successful fundraising. The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies involved in navigating the healthcare system to obtain patient data for philanthropic efforts, emphasizing the need for collaboration and education within organizations. Takeaways: * Patient data is crucial for healthcare philanthropy. * Philanthropy should be seen as a way to express gratitude, not exploit patients. * Collaboration between departments enhances fundraising efforts. * Data management is vital to ensure clean and usable information. Connect with Erin: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/]: https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/ [https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/] * Website [https://wecantdothisalone.com/]: www.wecantdothisalone.com [http://www.wecantdothisalone.com] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/]