The INNOVAT3 Podcast

#47: Trafficked at 15| Elizabeth Quiroz on Healing Trauma, Addiction, and Finding Faith in Prison

TRIGGER WARNING: VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED This episode contains discussions of severe generational trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, incarceration, and human trafficking. Please watch in a safe environment and prioritise your well-being. In this profound and powerful episode of the Innovat3 Podcast, we sit down with the truly indestructible hero, Elizabeth Quiroz. Elizabeth is an author, advocate, and founder of Redemption House, and she embodies the intersection of lived experience and social impact. Elizabeth details her journey from a childhood marked by trauma, poverty, and abuse , to a harrowing 11-year period on the streets after being groomed into human trafficking at the age of 15. DONATE to Elizabeth’s nonprofit Redemption House: https://redemptionhouseofthebayarea.org/donate Key Themes: Trauma, Resilience & Redemption Hear the raw, honest truth about how she was forced to run away from an abusive home , became vulnerable to predators who offered false love and protection , and was initiated into drug use to cope with the pain. Elizabeth shares the critical moments that led to her transformation and healing: The Power of Non-Judgmental Mentorship: How a simple pastor in a jail cell was the first person to show her the true face of God, helping her stop constant fighting rooted in fear. The Crucial Realization: The moment in a treatment facility when a counselor shattered the shame by telling her: "You're a survivor of human trafficking, not a child prostitute". This gave her the power to embrace her story. Turning Wounds into Purpose: Why her tattoos—once marks of ownership—are now her "battle wounds", fueling her mission to help others. She explores this theme in her powerful book, "Purifying the Flame". Global Impact and Advocacy Now a highly motivational speaker and advocate , Elizabeth is committed to global advocacy, pursuing her doctorate and traveling internationally to study forgiveness and reconciliation, including a recent trip to Rwanda to learn from the genocide recovery process. Don't forget to grab Elizabeth's book: Purifying the Flame on Amazon! Show Notes: 00:01:08 Introduction: From elegant leader to indestructible survivor, the power of Lived Experience. 00:01:43 Trigger Warning: Why it's important to know the full backstory of trauma. 00:02:40 Overcoming human trafficking, incarceration, addiction, and PTSD with God's help. 00:03:12 Generational trauma, poverty, and seeking love/protection in the wrong places. 00:04:14 Sexual abuse starting at age four and the cycle of physical/verbal abuse. 00:04:33 The trauma of the foster care system and running away at 15. 00:06:44 Growing up with a "punishing God": Rules, sin, and the fear of hell. 00:08:37 Father's alcoholism and ex-gang background made her highly vulnerable to predators. 00:09:47 A school therapist was the only one who saw her self-harm marks. 00:13:11 The grooming process: meeting her trafficker and the romantic manipulation. 00:14:39 Introduction to drugs (marijuana, ecstasy) and the eventual use of Meth to numb out trauma. 00:17:16 Her father permitted the relationship with the 27-year-old man. 00:18:12 Trafficking begins: Taught to be a drug mule and labeled as "his property". 00:18:52 Tattoos covered as "battle wounds"—using her story for purpose. 00:21:26 The second trafficker (from the same prison gang) forced her into selling sex. 00:22:43 Her boyfriend got out and told her: "Show me how much you love me". 00:23:11 The danger of the streets and why runaway children need more awareness and protocols. 00:25:50 The moment of realization in treatment: "You're a survivor of human trafficking". 00:30:41 Finding God through "Brother Marty," a non-judgmental pastor in county jail. 00:33:15 forming Redemption House. 00:35:24 Studying forgiveness and reconciliation during a trip to Rwanda. 00:36:07 Currently pursuing her Doctorate. 00:38:18 Final words of hope: There is a second chance for every survivor

#46: She Built a Half-Million-Dollar Healthcare Service from Scratch | Kathy Chao Rothberg

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kathy Chao Rothberg, CEO of a major social innovation organization, to celebrate a staggering milestone and discuss the most critical crisis facing the nonprofit sector today. Kathy's organization is celebrating its 45th anniversary and a lifetime impact of lifting over 500,000 people in Northern California (including Long Beach and LA County) through education, career services, and community development. We dive deep into what it truly means to create life-changing outcomes—from securing a high school diploma or college education to buying a home and starting a business. However, the conversation pivots to the immense challenges facing social innovators in California. Kathy reveals how delays and reductions in government contracts (like the cancellation of the refugee program, which cost her organisation $1.8 million and 16 layoffs) are forcing mission-critical work to rely on borrowing money. Learn how Kathy is pivoting to survive and thrive: * Pivoting to Healthcare: Investing over $500,000 to move into licensed healthcare services, including mental health and substance abuse therapy. * The Power of Earned Revenue: Leveraging commercial and residential real estate development. * The Future: Grooming the next generation of leaders and appealing directly to the private sector for support. This episode is a masterclass in resilient, high-impact leadership and how to sustain a mission through economic and political crises. Show Notes: 00:00:47 Celebrating 45 years and an amazing journey. 00:01:07 The scale of impact: Lifting over 500,000 people with life-changing outcomes (diplomas, careers, homeownership, business start-ups). 00:02:47 Facing the worst crisis in the organisation's history, despite thriving during past recessions (like '08 and '12). 00:03:39The California cost challenge: Housing is 10x to 16x the median income. 00:05:20 The need for blue-collar jobs: electricians, plumbers, and maritime careers. 00:06:35 Success story: Graduating a diverse class from the working waterfront apprenticeship program. 00:07:54 The current crisis: 65 contracts are delayed due to government negotiations, having to borrow money to advance the mission. 00:08:18 The impact of the refugee program cancellation: a $1.8 million loss and 16 employee layoffs 00:10:26 The strategic pivot into healthcare: A half-million dollar investment. 00:11:08 The payment delay hurdle: Not getting paid for 9 months after delivering medical service 00:12:15 New services: Contracting licensed medical personnel for care planning, mental health, and substance abuse therapy. 00:13:42 Sustaining the mission through earned revenue: Real estate development and acquisition. 00:15:15 The call for private sector support due to tax code changes. 00:16:51 The multi-generational focus: Grooming the next generation of leadership to ensure sustainability. 00:17:12 Event Invitation: Celebrating 45 years in San Pablo and Oakland (October 24th & 30th).

#45: "80% of NFL Players Face This": The Truth About Life After the Game | Corwin Anthony - Part 2

In the highly anticipated Part 2 of our conversation, we dive deeper with Corwin as he discusses the surprising reality of life after the NFL and his current role as a social entrepreneur leveraging one of the biggest stages in sports for massive impact. Corwin opens up about his brief 14-month professional football career and the immediate challenges that followed, sharing the shocking statistics of divorce, bankruptcy, and unemployment that many players face just two years after leaving the game. He details his transition into domestic missionary work with Athletes in Action —a journey of immense faith that led to a personal financial low point, scrounging for nickels for a cheeseburger , and ultimately experiencing a miracle of provision. Now, as the Director of the NFL-Sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast , Corwin explains how this prestigious, 38-year-old event is used to share the gospel with a global audience. He reveals his innovation: the Horizon Sponsorship initiative, which brings over 100 kids from underserved communities to the event for a transformative experience with NFL mentors and vital STEM activations. Corwin's story is a powerful testament to finding a bigger purpose beyond athletic success and using influence to change the trajectory of young lives. Show Notes & Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro and the end of the 14-month NFL career 00:01:24 The extreme rush to sign with the Jets: "Your plane leaves at ten. Don't be late."  00:04:04 The heartbreaking reality: The average NFL career length and post-career struggles 00:05:08 Transitioning to ministry and the challenges of raising support as a missionary  00:07:37 Corwin's lowest point: Scrounging for nickels for a junior cheeseburger at Wendy's 00:10:24 Corwin's in-game highlights and playing in the Hall of Fame game  00:13:24 The Super Bowl Breakfast: An NFL-sanctioned event for over 38 years 00:16:01 High-profile speakers, including Condoleezza Rice, a part-owner of the Denver Broncos  00:17:27 The significance of the Bart Starr Award (Character, Leadership, Integrity)  00:21:07 The innovative "Horizon Sponsorship" and the vision for youth outreach  00:27:17 The Michael Vick/Tony Dungy story that inspired the focus on youth  00:30:14The big dream: Changing the trajectory of a whole community by leveraging major platforms 00:38:52 Corwin’s ultimate goal: To be faithful to God's calling  #Leadership #NFLAlumni #NonprofitLeadership #FaithInAction #SuperBowl #CareerTransition #socialimpact

#44: From NFL to Innovator: Empowering Next-Gen for Human Flourishing (Part 1) | Corwin Anthony

Host: Ted Hahs | Guest: Corwin Anthony In this deeply inspiring Part 1 episode, host Ted Hahs sits down with visionary leader Corwin Anthony to explore a powerful paradigm shift that's redefining the very essence of innovation. This isn't just about technology or business strategy; it's a vital conversation on how we can actively empower the next generation to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. Corwin Anthony shares a profound philosophy that challenges us to move beyond purely profit-driven endeavours, urging us to cultivate a future where every individual can truly flourish. He paints a vivid picture of a world where today's wealth is strategically leveraged to unleash tomorrow's leaders, creating solutions rooted in shared purpose and human potential. If you're a leader, founder, or simply someone passionate about building a better world, this first part of our conversation with Corwin Anthony will inspire you to rethink what's possible when innovation is truly driven by the heart of humanity. 🎙️ Show Notes / Topics Discussed (Part 1): * 00:00 | Introduction to Corwin Anthony: A Visionary for Next-Gen Solutions * 01:30 | The Core Philosophy: Creating a Future Where Every Individual Can Flourish * 03:45 | Why "Purpose-Driven Endeavors" Must Lead the Way Over Pure Profit * 07:10 | The Imperative to Equip and Empower the Next Generation of Innovators * 10:20 | Leveraging Today's Wealth to Catalyze Tomorrow's Leadership * 14:05 | The Vision: Unlocking the Full Potential of Humanity Through Strategic Empowerment * 18:50 | The Role of Innovation in Fostering a Human-Centric Future #InnovatePodcast #CorwinAnthony #HumanFlourishing #NextGenLeaders #PurposeDrivenInnovation #SocialImpact #FutureOfWork #Leadership #InnovationStrategy

#43: AI, Abundance, and the $4 Trillion Paradox: A 16-Year-Old's Vision for Equality | Malakye Utile

Is Silicon Valley's innovation creating a society of unprecedented wealth alongside massive social problems? Ted Hahs sits down with 16-year-old Malakye, a native of the Bay Area, to discuss this stark Innovation Paradox and the future of human flourishing.Ted and Malakye dive deep into the contradiction of California, which boasts a $4 Trillion economy(fourth largest globally) but also suffers from the highest rates of poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity (double the national average in the Bay Area).Show Notes / Timestamps00:01:00 | Silicon Valley: The "New Rome" of Innovation00:02:17 | The $4 Trillion Economy Paradox (Wealth vs. Poverty)00:03:54 | The Homeless Museum: Vision for a Solved Problem00:07:31 | Learning from History: Holocaust and Shantytowns 00:10:16 | The Importance of Language: "Incarcerated Brothers" 00:15:01 | Malakye's Lived Experience and Silicon Valley Heritage 00:21:30 | The Challenge of Judgment and Online Negativity 00:25:59 | AI, Blockchain, and the Coming Era of Abundance 00:35:48 | Biggest Challenge for Gen Z (The Negativity Cycle) 00:44:50 | Testosterone as an Amplifier (Good vs. Bad Context) 00:48:44 | Restorative Justice: The San Quentin Basketball Transformation 00:54:35 | Malakye’s 20-Year Vision: AI Leading to True Equality 01:03:32 | Overcoming the Victim Mindset (Trauma Survivors as Leaders) 01:05:00 | Survivors are Better at Cyber SecurityThis conversation is a must-listen for leaders, founders, and anyone interested in leveraging innovation to create a future of human flourishing for all.🔔 Subscribe for more powerful conversations with leaders and experts driving social impact!#InnovatePodcast #TedHahs #Malakye #SiliconValley #SocialImpact #AI #Equality #Entrepreneurship #RestorativeJustice #GenZ #TechForGood