Civically Grown

From Youth Governor to YMCA CEO with Paige Hughes Binfield

***This Episode*** In this episode of Civically Grown, Paige Hughes Binfield shares her journey from growing up in a small rural town in upstate New York to becoming President and Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs. Paige reflects on how early opportunities through YMCA Youth and Government helped shape her confidence, leadership style, and commitment to public service. Paige opens up about one of her earliest leadership disappointments, losing an election at age sixteen, and how that setback became one of the most important turning points in her life. Rather than allowing failure to define her, she learned to reflect, pivot, and return stronger, lessons that continue to shape how she leads today. She shares why resilience, humility, and the willingness to ask questions have become central to her leadership philosophy. Throughout the conversation, Paige highlights the broader impact of the YMCA beyond gyms and sports, describing the organization as a convener, connector, and incubator for community. She discusses the YMCA’s role in shaping public policy around childcare, community health, and social connectedness, while also emphasizing the importance of financial assistance programs that made opportunities like Youth and Government accessible to her own family growing up. Paige also reflects on navigating leadership as a young executive, helping others identify their “superpowers,” and why leadership is less about age or titles and more about consistency, relationships, and how you make people feel. Ultimately, she describes her leadership style as a plant: always growing, adaptable, and requiring care, reflection, and the right environment to thrive. In this episode, you will hear about: - Losing a major youth election at sixteen and how it shaped Paige’s resilience - The leadership lessons learned through YMCA Youth and Government - Why failure is often the foundation for growth and future success - Helping people identify and articulate their “superpowers” - The YMCA’s role in public policy, social connectedness, and community building - Viewing leadership like a plant: adaptable, growing, and rooted in care and connection ***Guest Bio*** Paige Hughes Binfield is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs, serving 28 YMCAs and more than 120 facilities statewide. A proud product of the YMCA, she grew up in the Y’s afterschool program, summer camp, and Youth and Government, later serving as New York State Youth Governor and a Presiding Officer at the YMCA Conference on National Affairs. Paige previously served as Director of Development for the YMCA Alliance of Northern New England, where she provided fundraising, communications, and strategic support across 25 YMCAs. She also spent five years with the Alliance of New York State YMCAs as the Director of Healthy Living, leading chronic disease prevention and management initiatives across 37 YMCAs and helping secure state funding for statewide programming. Beyond the YMCA, Paige brings additional experience from the New York State Legislature, United Way of the Greater Capital Region, and the healthcare technology sector, grounding her work in public policy, community health, and nonprofit development. A nationally recognized leader, Paige was named one of YMCA of the USA’s “30 Under 30” in 2021. Paige holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Manhattan College and an MBA in nonprofit management from Springfield College. She resides in Raleigh, NC with her two goldendoodles, Harry and Sonny. ***Show Host*** Dr. Shaniece Criss ***About The Podcast*** From youth leadership to enduring community impact, Civically Grown highlights changemakers who have turned early civic action into meaningful legacies. Two new episodes are released each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms: https://civicallygrown.captivate.fm/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbC1hU0FIWXk0QzhpUERzRGtyQzBjMldKUmtYUXxBQ3Jtc0trcDFhZkUyMkR2MUZBQm9ybUh4TGdZVVVIQnVWcW5Kemp6VmVtZjk1ME96aFI4YTMxUkR2bnV4Mmd6blYyaXlkZ0RjX0Z5NkdMRGlEZEd5anZ2azhseTNJLUNiS3EyajZ3S1ZhZGtIWThTQ0pCRGRQVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcivicallygrown.captivate.fm%2F&v=uuS2DeCbWTE]. #CivicallyGrown #LeadershipDevelopment #YMCA #YouthInGovernment #NorthCarolinaAllianceofYMCAs

Dance, Psychiatry, and Poetry with Dr. Frank Clark

***This Episode*** In this episode of Civically Grown, Dr. Frank Clark, a board certified psychiatrist, poet, and author of six children's books, shares a leadership journey shaped by faith, vulnerability, and the courage to step outside expectations. Grounded in the dual anchors of scripture, "to whom much is given, much is required," and a core belief that true character is revealed in times of challenge, Dr. Clark reflects on how leadership isn't about titles but about tuning yourself, serving others, and redefining success on your own terms. From early lessons in rhythm and collaboration as a young dancer in tap, ballet, and modern, to finding his voice in organized medicine, Dr. Clark traces how mentorship, therapy, and lived experience, including his own mental health journey, have made him a more compassionate and effective leader. He opens up about the pressure of climbing ladders built by others, the freedom of stepping down to build his own, and how saying "no" became essential to saying "yes" to creativity, family, and purpose. Dr. Clark also shares powerful examples of leadership in action: modifying rigid clinical approaches to better serve patients with substance use disorders, and organizing a clothing drive for incarcerated individuals after discovering they lacked basic undergarments. Ultimately, Dr. Clark names his leadership style as the bonsai tree, rooted in balance, harmony, resilience, and the quiet strength to bloom in every season. In this episode, you will hear about: * How early dance experience taught collaboration, patience, and being in rhythm with others * Why Dr. Clark believes everyone needs therapy, and how it helped him lead more authentically * Shifting from rigid clinical care to individualized treatment * Launching a clothing and undergarment drive for the incarcerated population * The danger of climbing ladders defined by others and the freedom of building your own * What it means to “climb down the ladder” and still thrive * Legacy as “spreading the joy of creativity” ***Guest Bio*** Dr. Frank Alexander Clark is a board-certified adult outpatient psychiatrist at Prisma Health–Upstate. He also serves as a clinical associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine–Greenville. Dr. Clark received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth College in Illinois and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Northwestern University. He then completed his residency in general psychiatry at Palmetto Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. In addition to his psychiatric practice, Dr. Clark has held many leadership positions in local and national organizations, including the South Carolina Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). He is a member of the American College of Psychiatrists and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Clark is believed to be the first Black president of the Greenville County Medical Society. Dr. Clark is a prolific poet who uses his creative work to provide a voice and raise awareness for issues related to mental health as well as diversity, inclusion, and belonging. He has collaborated with award-winning composers around the world who have set his poetry to music. His works have been performed by the South Carolina Philharmonic, the Wild Beautiful Orchestra, and the Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir. He has also published six children’s books, including Positively Haiku: Illustrated Affirmations in 17 Syllables and Positively Haiku Part 2: Peace, Love, Discovery in 17 Syllables. These books introduce children to positive affirmations through haiku poetry. ***Show Host*** Dr. Shaniece Criss ***About The Podcast*** From youth leadership to enduring community impact, Civically Grown highlights changemakers who have turned early civic action into meaningful legacies. Two new episodes are released each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms: https://civicallygrown.captivate.fm/ #CivicallyGrown #LeadershipDevelopment #Psychiatry #Poetry #Dance #Purpose

From Small-Town Service to PhD to Confident Senior Leadership with Dr. Jen Cruz

***This Episode*** In this episode of Civically Grown, Dr. Jen Cruz shares a leadership journey rooted in service, resilience, and a deep commitment to community. An applied social epidemiologist and community organizer, Jen reflects on growing up in Wapato, Washington, a small town where leadership was less about titles and more about showing up for others. Jen describes a leadership style fueled by persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge systems that don’t serve people well. From participating in a service pageant that emphasized community involvement and purpose, to organizing a student protest around unsafe school travel conditions, to serving as student body president and team captain, her early experiences reveal how leadership often emerges in moments of necessity, visibility, and conviction. Jen shares how her mother’s example of generosity and community care shaped her worldview, and how that legacy continued through teachers, coaches, and mentors after her mother’s passing. These influences grounded her belief that leadership is relational, collective, and rooted in accountability to others. Now stepping directly into a senior leadership role after completing her PhD, Jen discusses the importance of “flexing” confidence while still growing into her leadership identity. She offers insight into building teams, cultivating partnerships, and navigating the complexity of public health work in real-world settings. Her approach emphasizes humility, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose. The conversation highlights the importance of knowing yourself, surrounding yourself with people who both support and challenge you, and leading with both confidence and care. Jen ultimately describes her leadership style as vibrant and resilient, like poppies, grounded in community and able to thrive wherever they are planted. In this episode, you will hear about: * Growing up in Wapato, Washington, and how community shaped early leadership * Organizing a student protest for safety and its lasting impact * The influence of Jen’s mother and intergenerational community care * Leadership through service, sports, and student government * Transitioning quickly from PhD to senior leadership * Building teams and partnerships in public health * The mindset: “expect nothing, appreciate everything” * What it means to “flex your confidence” in leadership ***Guest Bio*** Jen Cruz, PhD, MPH (she/her) is a community-centered researcher passionate about the intersection of public health and justice. She is an applied social epidemiologist with strong quantitative and qualitative skills. Jen has worked in differently-resourced settings in both the US and globally. Her approach to research and theory of change draws heavily from her experiences as a community organizer. She is dedicated to using her skills and positionality to amplify the strengths that already lie within communities and hold those in positions of power accountable for dismantling harmful systems of oppression. Jen received her BS in Psychology from Seattle University, MPH in Global Health Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and PhD in Population Health Sciences from Harvard University. She was also a Fulbright-Nehru Student Research grant recipient. ***Show Host*** Dr. Shaniece Criss ***About The Podcast*** From youth leadership to enduring community impact, Civically Grown highlights changemakers who have turned early civic action into meaningful legacies. Two new episodes are released each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms: https://civicallygrown.captivate.fm/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXd6Y1dueUx6Tnp4bHZBWldtU1pRT3NQWUdoQXxBQ3Jtc0trS1NtRGxEZjF0Z1F5bDQ5cUMtdUduMDNjdlBKZzg0VDhMamhjeVFzNVVMbjRJT3MtYzFkRzZuVFYxb3JvSHhPdW1Va1Axejh6YllSWXFRMFVURkdBRk95TG1JLUN5SkdaUU40THdMaXBYOVpLQUJlUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcivicallygrown.captivate.fm%2F&v=480TRwHgvkQ]. #CivicallyGrown #YouthLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Wapato #SeniorLeadership

From Constant Transition to Consistent Leadership with Moryah Jackson

***This Episode*** In this episode of Civically Grown, Moryah Jackson shares her leadership journey shaped by resilience, service, and early opportunities to lead. Now serving as Executive Director of Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, Moryah reflects on growing up amid frequent moves, housing insecurity, and constant transition, and how those experiences built the adaptability and confidence she relies on today. From student government beginning in third grade, to creating a service-learning walkathon as a teenager, to launching a multimillion-dollar corporate foundation during the pandemic, Moryah’s story highlights the long-term impact of youth leadership, mentorship, and agency. This conversation explores how supportive adults, service learning, the arts, and being pushed to do hard things helped shape her leadership identity. Moryah also shares how she leads through uncertainty, invests in systems, builds healthy team culture, and prioritizes personal well-being alongside professional responsibility. The episode closes with reflections on reading to apply learning, investing in yourself, supporting emerging leaders, and why Moryah sees her leadership style as a field of wildflowers: resilient, authentic, and rooted wherever they grow. ***Guest Bio*** Moryah Jackson, Executive Director, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity: From experiencing housing insecurity as a child to leading a mission-driven organization focused on affordable housing, Moryah Jackson has built a life centered on purpose, leadership, and compassion. In March 2025, she joined the Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity team as Executive Director. With a career that spans higher education, banking, corporate philanthropy and community development, Moryah brings a unique blend of strategy and heart to her work. Prior to joining Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, Moryah launched and led a $10 million corporate foundation, directed community engagement strategies across six Southeastern states and designed a Leadership Academy that graduated more than 80 emerging banking leaders. Her work reflects a common thread: bringing people together, building bridges across difference and creating pathways to opportunity. As a first-generation college graduate, Moryah’s perspective is informed by her lived experience and academic background. She studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic as an undergraduate and completed a graduate fellowship in Maseru, Lesotho. Her global education expanded her understanding of cross-cultural leadership. Moryah inspires others to lead with empathy, clarity and courage. She is passionate about cultivating cultures where people feel valued, wellbeing is a priority, and curiosity fuels innovation. A results-oriented leader with a growth mindset and a “let’s make this happen” attitude, Moryah brings both heart and discipline to her work. When she’s not working, you can usually find her on a soccer field, exploring a state park or browsing the shelves of a local bookstore. ***Show Host*** Dr. Shaniece Criss ***About The Podcast*** From youth leadership to enduring community impact, Civically Grown highlights changemakers who have turned early civic action into meaningful legacies. Two new episodes are released each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms: https://civicallygrown.captivate.fm/. #CivicallyGrown #YouthLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Resilience #Agency #MentorshipMatters #NonprofitLeadership

Leadership Inspired by a Courageous Life with Cathy Stevens

***This Episode*** In this episode of Civically Grown, Dr. Shaniece Criss connects with Cathy Stevens, senior associate at the Riley Institute at Furman University, about leadership, preparation, and creating opportunities for young people through education and community partnerships. Cathy reflects on her leadership journey and the lessons she has learned from working with leaders across the country. For more than a decade, she directed a national fellowship that supported advocates working to expand afterschool and summer learning programs in their states. Through this work, she collaborated with nearly 200 leaders representing all 50 states to help secure funding, build partnerships, and expand programs that give young people safe and enriching opportunities beyond the school day. Throughout the conversation, Cathy highlights the importance of listening as a leader. She shares how creating space for every voice, even during brainstorming sessions that may not lead directly to action, can spark better ideas and strengthen teams. She also discusses the value of professionalism, preparation, and setting a tone that encourages collaboration and optimism. Cathy opens up about a deeply personal source of courage in her life: her daughter Halle, who lived with a rare disease and faced profound medical challenges with remarkable strength and gentleness. Cathy describes how her daughter’s resilience continues to shape her leadership and reminds her to bring courage and compassion into difficult moments. She closes with powerful advice for leaders at every stage of their careers: keep learning, prepare thoroughly, involve your team, and remember that the tone a leader sets shapes the culture for everyone. When asked to describe her leadership style as a plant, Cathy chose a hardy palm tree, a symbol of strength and steadiness that stands firm when the winds get rough and helps shelter others in the storm. In this episode, you will hear about: • Why listening and honoring ideas strengthens teams and leadership • How afterschool and summer learning programs expand opportunities for young people • The role of partnerships, funding, and advocacy in advancing education initiatives • Why professionalism and preparation still matter in leadership spaces • How personal experiences can deepen courage and compassion in leadership ***Guest Bio*** Cathy Stevens is a senior associate with the Riley Institute at Furman University. In this role, she serves as an advisor to and representative of the Riley Institute with particular emphasis on the work of the Center for Education Policy and Leadership. She offers counsel to the directors of the Riley Institute’s afterschool and summer learning programs and facilitates connections among them and state and national individuals and organizations involved in afterschool and summer learning. She also serves as a member of the selection committee for the Diversity Leaders Initiative. Prior to serving as senior associate, Stevens served as the director of afterschool and summer learning initiatives at the institute and was the director of the White-Riley-Peterson Afterschool Policy Fellowship for 11 years. She serves on the board of Family Connection of South Carolina and is a member of the advisory council for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Stevens holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Furman University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Clemson University. ***Show Host*** Dr. Shaniece Criss #CivicallyGrown #LeadershipDevelopment #AfterschoolPrograms #EducationLeadership #Courage