Beyond The Blog

Ericia Henry Reflects on Gaining Confidence, Courage, and Connections During Her TPF Fellowship

In a recent Beyond The Blog podcast, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, speaks with Ericia Henry, TPF Fellow 2024/26, [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/fellows-program.html]right before she launches to the Kiwanis International Headquarters [https://www.kiwanis.org/]. Both reflect on her TPF Fellowship experience and what happens when someone actually leans into possibility even when it’s uncomfortable. In this conversation, you'll…. * Hear what it really looks like to choose courage over comfort because Ericia doesn’t sugarcoat the unknowns, she walks through the fear, the decision-making, and what it takes to say yes anyway. * Get an inside look at the TPF Fellowship experience, not just the structure, but how it actually stretches you, builds new skills, and shapes who you become along the way. * Walk away with a clearer sense of what can happen when you explore possibilities for your own path.  Whether you’re considering the Fellowship or just navigating your next step, her journey sparks that “what if I did it too?” feeling.  Timestamps  * 1:18 - About Fellowship * 3:53 - About Ercia Henry  * 4:11 - Indiana University Southeast  * 5:40 - Learning About The Fellowship Through Avery Crews Prado de Lima * 6:15 - Getting to Know TPF Through the internship with Neurochallenge * 8:27 - TPF’s Immersive Impact: Through Engagement, Experience, and  Expertise (Aka Study Away) * 9:48 - The Flexibility & Opportunity of The Fellow Day-to-Day Experience  * 11:20 - Developing Intellectual Muscles & Connections While at TPF * 13:17: Learning To Work High Level with Intention, Strategy, and Organization  * 15:40 - Ericia’s Plans to Make the World a Better Place * 16:43 - Launching to Kiwanis International in Indianapolis, Indiana, as Steewardship and Engagement  Officer   * 17:45 - Reconnecting and Reconvening Fellows During TPF Beyond * 19:41 - Why Apply to be a Fellow? Links to Learn More  * About Ericia Henry [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/past-fellows/ericia-henry-2.html] * The Patterson Foundation Fellowship [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/fellowship.html] * Blog: Reflecting on Ericia Henry's Confidence and Courage Throughout Her TPF Fellowship [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/advancing-philanthropic-leadership/reflecting-on-ericia-henrys-confidence-and-courage-throughout-her-tpf-fellowship.html] Join The Journey

The New Civic Path: Turning Hope Into Community Action

In this episode of Aspirations to Actions, a Beyond The Blog podcast, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Michael Prihoda, Director of Media and Creative Content, and Menal Khanna, National Campaign Manager at The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Together, they explore The Harwood Institute’s powerful approach to community‑driven change and why you should join the upcoming National New Civic Path Virtual Book Circle on June 2. They discuss the practices that have shaped both The Harwood Institute and The Patterson Foundation — listening deeply, not arriving with the answers, turning outward, and meeting communities where they are. These principles are woven into TPF’s culture and continue to guide Aspirations to Actions efforts across people, organizations, and communities in our region. Listeners will hear about: * How communities across the country are rediscovering hope through small, intentional actions — and how those actions create ripple effects that strengthen trust, connection, and belief in one another. * Why shared aspirations can bridge our differences. The conversation explores how The New Civic Path offers a way forward in a time of division, inviting people to leave politics at the door, focus on what matters most locally, and take meaningful action together. This episode is an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the work of building hope one conversation, one gathering, one action at a time. Timestamps  * 02:16 — How The Harwood Institute Shows Up in Community * 06:51 — The New Civic Path: What It Is and Why It Matters Right Now * 10:04 — Adapting the Work for Each Community While Centering Local Agency * 13:13 — Why and How The Patterson Foundation Launched The New Civic Path Book Circles * 17:55 — Creating Space for Wide Participation Across People, Organizations, & Communities  * 19:48 — Partnership Spotlight: William & Mary * 23:45 — Join the National New Civic Path Book Circle (June 2, 2025) * 26:23 — What’s In It for You?  * 33:14 — Real Examples: How Book Circles Sparked Ripples of Change Links to Learn More  * Register for The National Book Circle [https://bit.ly/nationalbookcircle] * Blog: Choosing Hope: Reflections From a Podcast Conversation on Civic Possibility [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/a2a/choosing-hope-reflections-from-a-podcast-conversation-on-civic-possibility.html] Connect Beyond The Blog The Harwood Institute [https://theharwoodinstitute.org/] Facebook: Rich Harwood  [https://www.facebook.com/richharwood] Instagram: Rich Harwood [https://www.instagram.com/rich__harwood] LinkedIn: Rich Harwood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcharwood/] Join The Journey

Everything You Need to Join the Fun at Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2026

In this episode of Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog podcast by The Patterson Foundation, host and consultant Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, to talk about all things Suncoast Remake Learning Days–an annual 15-day FREE hands-on learning festival taking place April 18, 2026, to May 2, 2026. As a gift to the community by The Patterson Foundation, this 15-day celebration will feature 380+ free, hands-on events hosted by more than 335 community partners across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. With learning themes like Arts, Maker, Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology, Youth Voice, and Professional Development, each event encouraged imagination and made room for meaningful discovery. Now in its fifth year, the Suncoast edition of this global learning movement continues to grow. As part of the worldwide Remake Learning Days initiative, these events are more than fun. They are building stronger family bonds, inspiring lifelong learning, and creating brighter futures for all. Timestamps  * 00:28 - Intro * 01:25 - Beth shares how Suncoast Remake Learning Days (SRLD) aligns with the work of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR). * 02:27 - Beth talks about how she first discovered Remake Learning Days. * 03:50 - Beth explains why family engagement is so important in the sphere of learning. * 07:57 - Beth discusses how SRLD demonstrates TPF’s approach of Connecting, Learning, Sharing, Evolving, and Strengthening (CLSES). * 11:23 - Beth talks about the strengthening programs unique to Remake Learning Days in the Suncoast. * 12:49 - Beth dives into the details of SRLD 2026! * 15:27 - Beth explains how people can find out about the events. * 17:36 - Beth highlights some of the upcoming events she’s excited about. * 22:12 -  Beth shares how to get involved and host your own event next year. * 25:53 - Beth encourages people of all ages to come and experience this year’s festival. Links to Learn More  * Suncoast Remake Learning Days Guide [https://www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/wp-content/uploads/2026-SRLD-Event-Guide-WEB-compressed.pdf] * SRLD2026 App (Mac App Store) [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/srld2026/id6477851921] * SRLD2026 App (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.suncoastRLD2024&hl=en_US] * The Grable Foundation Website [https://grable.org/] * The Patterson Foundation Website [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/] * Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR) Website [https://www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/] * Remake Learning Days (National) [https://remakelearningdays.org/] * Blog:  Connect Beyond The Blog * LinkedIn: Beth Duda * Facebook: Beth Duda * Instagram: @SuncoastCGLR * Facebook: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading * Instagram: @remakelearningdays * Facebook: RemakeLearningDays  Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0tVpVxg0SlkdAYDLPUDRwf], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-blog/id1837266791], iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-beyond-the-blog-123868571/], or visit us Beyond The Blog! [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/beyond-the-blog.html] Join The Journey

How Jesse Coleman Became a Confident Fundraiser With Fueling Dynamic Fundraising

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Series, a Beyond the Blog Podcast, Read Corley sits down with Jesse Coleman, General Manager of WSLR + Fogartyville, to talk about what it really looks like to step into nonprofit leadership and figure out fundraising on the fly. Jesse shares how going through Fueling Dynamic Fundraising helped him move from uncertainty to having a clear plan by breaking down donor strategy, strengthening stewardship, and learning how to confidently make the ask. They also get into how WSLR + Fogartyville is building a culture of philanthropy with full team buy-in, and how their work with Margin & Mission Ignition is turning unused space into a new revenue stream while staying true to their mission. It is a grounded, honest conversation about learning as you go, building systems that actually work, and growing an organization without losing what makes it special. Timestamps  00:47 – What is WSLR + Fogartyville and its role in the community? 02:02 – Why Jesse joined Fueling Dynamic Fundraising and his initial experience 03:48 – The most impactful lesson from the fundraising training 05:36 – How Jesse implemented fundraising strategies after the course 06:47 – The value of collaborating with other nonprofit leaders 08:11 – What strategies were applied immediately vs. saved for later 09:48 – Jesse’s leadership transition and stepping into the GM role 11:04 – Biggest wins achieved after completing the program 13:56 – Strengths and ongoing challenges in fundraising execution 16:32 – Introduction to Margin & Mission Ignition and the earned revenue model Links to Learn More * WSLR Website [https://wslr.org/] * FDF Page on TPF website [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/fueling-dynamic-fundraising.html] * MMI Page on TPF website [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/margin-mission-ignition.html] * Blog: How Jesse Coleman Became a Confident Fundraiser With Fueling Dynamic Fundraising [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/nonprofit-thrivability/how-jesse-coleman-became-a-confident-fundraiser-with-fueling-dynamic-fundraising-2.html] Connect Beyond The Blog * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wslr965] * Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wslr-96.5-lpfm/] Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0tVpVxg0SlkdAYDLPUDRwf], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-blog/id1837266791], iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-beyond-the-blog-123868571/], or visit us Beyond The Blog! [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/beyond-the-blog.html] Join The Journey

Discover DeSoto: Traci Willingham Shares How DeSoto County Ahead Is Fostering Meaningful Connections

In this episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Traci Willingham, Community Relations and Engagement Director for the Neuro Challenge Foundation, about her experience as an exhibitor at the DeSoto County Ahead community event.  From the Eight Arcadia/DeSoto Community themes [https://thepattersonfoundation.org/images/DeSoto-County-Ahead_8-Community-Themes.pdf], the one  that resonated during our conversation was theme #3, “Nonprofit, Business, Resident and Economic Opportunities to Support DeSoto County.” This theme emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for collaboration among nonprofits, local businesses, and residents. Traci and the DeSoto County Ahead event are a perfect example of this theme in action. As an exhibitor and community advocate, Traci not only shared the mission and programs of the Neuro Challenge Foundation but also actively engaged with residents, organizations, and local leaders to build connections that could spark future collaboration. By bringing together nonprofits, youth, and community members under one roof, the event embodies the idea of supporting economic and social opportunities in an action-oriented way. Hearing Traci reflect on her experience is a reminder that real progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people show up, invest their time, and commit to building something stronger together. The energy from the event continues to ripple outward, influencing how organizations connect and how individuals access support.DeSoto County Ahead is a testament to what’s possible when a community rallies around shared aspirations.  I encourage you to stay connected through DeSotoCountyAhead.org [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/desoto-county-ahead.html] and to learn more about the Eight Arcadia/DeSoto Community themes [https://thepattersonfoundation.org/images/DeSoto-County-Ahead_8-Community-Themes.pdf].  Timestamps  * 00:25 - Introduction to Traci Willingham  * 01:12 - Alicia outlines The Patterson Foundation’s involvement in DeSoto County  * 02:56 - Traci’s role with the NeuroChallenge Foundation for Parkinson’s * 04:06 - Traci reflects on exhibitor experience at DeSoto County Ahead Community Event 2026  * 05:58 - How NeuroChallenge works with community partners and resources  * 07:35 - Traci’s winning Newcomer Booth Award  * 08:47 - Further discussion on resources for Parkinson’s disease  * 10:28 - Evolution of DeSoto County Ahead Community Event as an exhibitor in 2025 and 2026 * 13:12 - Traci advises future DeSoto County Ahead Community Event exhibitors * 14:55 - Traci shares her two Discover DeSoto gems, Jim Space Park and Yellow Deli Links to Learn More  Neuro Challenge [https://www.neurochallenge.org/parkinsons-disease-sarasota-education-programs/parkinsons-disease-sarasota-services/] DeSoto County Ahead Initiative [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/desoto-county-ahead.html] Public Capital Report: DeSoto County Coming Together [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5602cde4e4b04430b90a97fd/t/669b210deb50b43d4e7a8a3c/1721442583417/DeSoto+County+Coming+Together.pdf] DeSoto County Ahead anthem [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.youtube.com_watch-3Fv-3DXJlMwkYr5ws&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=1P-J9nANp-ysgwc2Lucw_B-oMJJBIojk3Qhomf7mUeDT4fhs7LtqmlDYCw3M5ztd&m=86DCoxmotuv2olzwBJKeB8sIFRiS-iWAMgSs_9euUf8sAZNsKGEKH3Irnx8My4h7&s=BvNb0JvHDH9pcoyr4XthnkSdYtkTSjWNcJ4sCsq-QWM&e=] Celebrating the Winners of the DeSoto Ahea [https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/a2a/desoto-county-ahead/celebrating-the-winners-of-the-desoto-ahead-community-update-2025-exhibitors-resource-fair.html] Join The Journey