Chicks Who Give a Hoot

CWGAH Live Series: Empowering Nonprofits for the Future with Allyse Hazeltine

In this episode, they chat about: * what it really looks like to run a growing literacy nonprofit behind the scenes * the overlap between nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving * common misconceptions about nonprofit staffing and operational costs * why literacy and childhood wellbeing are deeply connected * how trauma-sensitive learning environments impact student success * building emotional safety and confidence before academic progress * the realities children in foster care and low-income communities face in school systems * why small nonprofits often have deep community relationships and impact * how businesses and entrepreneurs can support nonprofit organizations beyond donations * creating human-first spaces where children feel safe enough to learn and grow Resources + Links: Learn more about the Azura Literacy at www.azuraliteracy.org [http://www.azuraliteracy.org] Follow Allyse on LinkedIn: Allyse Hazeltine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyse-hazeltine-462431275] Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com [https://ellyandnoracreative.com/] Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative [https://www.instagram.com/sarachamberscreative/?hl=en] @ellyandnoracreative [https://www.instagram.com/ellyandnoracreative/?hl=en] For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot [https://chickswhogiveahoot.com/] Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot [https://www.instagram.com/chickswhogiveahoot/?hl=en] Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit [https://www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit/] Show Notes: This episode features Allyse Hazeltine, Executive Director of Azura Literacy, recorded live at the 2026 Chicks Who Give a Hoot Live Event as part of a special three-episode nonprofit leadership series. Allyse shares what it really looks like to build and lead a growing literacy nonprofit focused on serving children in low-income and foster communities across Arizona. In this conversation, Allyse opens up about the day-to-day realities of nonprofit leadership, balancing tutoring logistics, curriculum development, partnerships, fundraising, grants, and volunteer coordination while leading a small but deeply committed team. She also addresses common misconceptions about nonprofit work, including the idea that meaningful organizations should operate entirely on volunteer labor or without operational overhead. The episode also dives into the deeper "why" behind Azura Literacy's mission. Allyse shares a powerful story about a young foster student struggling with reading confidence and how creating emotional safety, trust, and individualized support completely transformed her relationship with literacy. Through that experience, Allyse explains why Azura Literacy centers a trauma-sensitive, human-first approach to learning rather than treating children like one-size-fits-all students. Azura Literacy is a Mesa-based nonprofit focused on helping children in low-income and foster communities build literacy skills, confidence, and long-term academic success through personalized reading support and trauma-informed tutoring. 00:00 About Allyse Hazeltine 00:42 Welcome to the Show 01:59 Why Allyse Does This 02:52 Nonprofit Reality Check 04:42 How Entrepreneurs Can Help 06:40 Mary's Literacy Breakthrough 08:57 Human First Tutoring Model 10:00 Applause and Closing

CWGAH Live Series: Empowering Nonprofits for the Future with Blake Zickafoose

In this episode, they chat about: * the realities of nonprofit leadership and problem-solving * misconceptions about nonprofit work and staffing * how the YMCA supports communities beyond fitness programs * balancing leadership, boundaries, and community care * supporting nonprofits through time, talent, and treasure * values-based leadership and learning when to say 'no' Resources + Links: Learn more about Lighthouse for Hope at www.lighthouseforhope.org [http://www.lighthouseforhope.org] Follow them on Instagram: Learn more about the Valley of the Sun YMCA at www.valleyymca.org [https://valleyymca.org/] Follow them on social media:LinkedIn Blake Zickafoose [https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-zickafoose-971804302/]Valley of the Sun YMCA [https://www.linkedin.com/company/vosymca/]Instagram | @vosymca [https://www.instagram.com/vosymca/] Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com [https://ellyandnoracreative.com/] Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative [https://www.instagram.com/sarachamberscreative/?hl=en] @ellyandnoracreative [https://www.instagram.com/ellyandnoracreative/?hl=en] For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot [https://chickswhogiveahoot.com/] Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot [https://www.instagram.com/chickswhogiveahoot/?hl=en] Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit [https://www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit/] Show Notes: This episode features Blake Zickafoose, recorded live at the 2026 Chicks Who Give a Hoot Live Event as part of a three-episode panel series. Blake is a nonprofit executive who has served communities through the YMCA since 2013 across three different states. Known for her values-first leadership style and commitment to community impact, she shares the realities of leading mission-driven organizations while balancing constant problem-solving, team leadership, and community care. The conversation explores the misconceptions people often have about nonprofit work, the importance of boundaries in leadership, and what it really means to "wear all the hats" inside a nonprofit organization. Blake also shares how the YMCA goes far beyond being just a gym, offering programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living, childcare, aquatics, and community support. Blake discusses the importance of supporting nonprofits through time, talent, and treasure, as well as the value of community involvement through advisory boards and volunteering. She also reflects on values-based leadership and why saying "no" is sometimes necessary to protect both staff and the communities nonprofits serve. The Valley of the Sun YMCA is a nonprofit organization rooted in Christian principles that has served communities across Arizona since 1892. Its mission is to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA provides a wide range of services including childcare, health and fitness programs, youth sports, camps, and community engagement initiatives designed to strengthen individuals and families. 00:00 About Blake Zickafoose 00:34 Welcome to the Show 01:51 Nonprofit Reality Check 02:50 Wearing 100 Hats at the Y 04:11 TTT: Treasure, Time, and Talent 06:10 Values Based Leadership 06:36 When 'No' Is Best 07:43 Serving Community Not Ego 08:18 Support and Closing

CWGAH Live Series: Empowering Nonprofits for the Future with Hannah Cobley

In this episode, they chat about: * the day-to-day realities of running a nonprofit as a small two-person team * common misconceptions about nonprofit work, staffing, and fundraising * the emotional and financial realities families face during childhood cancer treatment * how Hannah's own cancer journey inspired Lighthouse for Hope * why community support can change the trajectory of a family's experience * providing practical support through grocery cards, household essentials, and peer connection * supporting siblings, parents, and caregivers alongside pediatric patients * the impact of the Hope Families and Holidays for Hope programs * creating transformative experiences through the Illuminate Retreat for young women in treatment * how entrepreneurs and communities can support nonprofits beyond donations Resources + Links: Learn more about Lighthouse for Hope at www.lighthouseforhope.org [http://www.lighthouseforhope.org] Follow them on Instagram:Hannah Cobley @hannahdcob [https://www.instagram.com/hannahdcob/]Lighthouse for Hope @lighthouseforhope [https://www.instagram.com/lighthouseforhope/] Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com [https://ellyandnoracreative.com/] Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative [https://www.instagram.com/sarachamberscreative/?hl=en] @ellyandnoracreative [https://www.instagram.com/ellyandnoracreative/?hl=en] For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot [https://chickswhogiveahoot.com/] Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot [https://www.instagram.com/chickswhogiveahoot/?hl=en] Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit [https://www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit/] Show Notes: This episode features Hannah Cobley, Founder and Executive Director of Lighthouse for Hope, recorded live at the 2026 Chicks Who Give a Hoot Live Event as part of a three-episode panel series. Hannah shares the realities of leading a small but growing nonprofit organization, from balancing fundraising, events, volunteer coordination, and family support to navigating the misconceptions people often have about nonprofit work and staffing. The conversation also dives deeper into the personal story that inspired Lighthouse for Hope. After facing leukemia as a young adult, Hannah witnessed firsthand how many families navigate cancer treatment without adequate support, community, or financial stability. She opens up about seeing children attend treatment alone, families living out of their cars, and parents forced to choose between work and being present during treatment. Hannah shares how those experiences shaped Lighthouse for Hope's mission to ensure no family fights alone through practical, emotional, and community-based support. She discusses the organization's core programs, including Hope Families, Holidays for Hope, sibling support events, peer support gatherings for moms, and the Illuminate Retreat for young women undergoing cancer treatment. Lighthouse For Hope is a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders. What began as Hannah's deeply personal mission has grown into a trusted organization providing financial assistance, emotional support, peer connection, and hope to vulnerable families across Arizona and beyond. 00:00 About Hannah Cobley 00:35 Welcome to the Show 01:52 Nonprofit Reality Check 03:42 Funding and Support Gaps 04:44 Hannah's Cancer Story 07:15 Lighthouse Programs 09:56 Applause and Call to Give

Navigating Grief with Grace with Desiree Doucet

In this episode, they chat about: * why grief is a universal human experience and nothing to be ashamed of * the difference between therapy and grief mentorship * how somatic or body-based practices can help process stuck emotions * the biggest misconceptions people have about grief * why feeling your emotions will not trap you, but avoiding them might * the importance of having your grief witnessed * how to identify a safe person to share your emotions with Resources + Links: Learn more about Desiree and her work. Visit her website at www.desireedoucet.com [http://www.desireedoucet.com] Follow Desiree on Social Media: Instagram | @desiree.doucet [https://www.instagram.com/desiree.doucet/]LinkedIn | Desiree D. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireedoucet] Download "Understanding Grief: 12 Essential Insights" here: www.desireedoucet.com/understanding_grief [http://www.desireedoucet.com/understanding_grief] Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com [https://ellyandnoracreative.com/] Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative [https://www.instagram.com/sarachamberscreative/?hl=en] @ellyandnoracreative [https://www.instagram.com/ellyandnoracreative/?hl=en] For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot [https://chickswhogiveahoot.com/] Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot [https://www.instagram.com/chickswhogiveahoot/?hl=en] Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit [https://www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit/] Show Notes: In this episode, Sara speaks with Desiree Doucet, a grief mentor and coach based near Atlanta, who helps people take actionable steps to move forward after loss. Desiree shares how her own experiences with sudden and long-term parental loss, job loss, and divorce shaped her work, and explains how grief mentorship differs from therapy through education, forward-focused support, somatic movement techniques, and a secular "bring your own belief system" approach. She addresses stigma and fear around grief, emphasizing that healing is helped when grief is witnessed, and advises finding a safe person who listens without "should" statements or trying to fix. Desiree Doucet is a grief mentor and coach who helps individuals take actionable steps toward healing after loss. Drawing from her own experiences with different forms of grief, she guides clients in understanding their unique journey and finding a path forward that aligns with their beliefs and needs. She offers 60-day support, occasional groups, remote or in-person sessions, and a free grief insights download. 00:00 Welcome to the Show 01:18 Meet Desiree Doucet 02:30 Her Grief Story 03:35 Therapy vs Mentorship 05:13 Somatic Grief Work 06:43 Grief Misconceptions 08:01 Find Safe Support 09:02 Work With Desiree

Nervous System Tips with Emily Jacobson

In this episode, they chat about: * what nervous system regulation really means and what it does not mean * why imposter syndrome is rooted in biology, not just mindset * how your body responds to perceived threat in business and life * simple tools to calm your system before high stakes moments * the power of breath and sensory input * how to build internal safety so you can show up fully and confidently Resources + Links: Learn more about Emily and her work. Visit her website at www.emilyjacobson.com [http://www.emilyjacobson.com] Follow Emily on Social Media: Instagram | @emilyjacobsoncoaching [https://www.instagram.com/emilyjacobsoncoaching/]LinkedIn | Emily Jacobson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-jacobson-bab7b14/] Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com [https://ellyandnoracreative.com/] Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative [https://www.instagram.com/sarachamberscreative/?hl=en] @ellyandnoracreative [https://www.instagram.com/ellyandnoracreative/?hl=en] For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot [https://chickswhogiveahoot.com/] Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot [https://www.instagram.com/chickswhogiveahoot/?hl=en] Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit [https://www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit/] Show Notes: In this episode, Sara sits down with Emily Jacobson to explore what nervous system regulation actually means and why it is becoming such a powerful tool for entrepreneurs, creatives, and high achievers. They unpack the connection between imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, and your body's built-in survival responses. You will learn how working with your nervous system instead of against it can unlock clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth. Emily also shares simple and practical tools you can use in real time, from breathwork techniques to subtle sensory shifts, to help you feel grounded and safe even in high pressure moments. Emily Jacobson is a neuro-somatic coach and nervous system educator who helps people create lasting change by working with the body as well as the mind. Her approach is grounded in neurobiology and somatic practices, offering simple and practical tools to support clients through anxiety, overwhelm, and patterns rooted in survival responses. After nearly two decades in public service and communications, she transitioned into coaching to pursue more aligned and meaningful work. Today, she works with individuals through coaching, programs, and workshops to help them build a sense of internal safety and show up more fully in their lives and work. 00:00 Welcome to the Show 01:18 Meet Emily Jacobson 02:32 What Regulation Means 04:33 High Stakes Moments 06:28 Imposter Syndrome Biology 08:20 Vagus Nerve Reset 09:53 Where To Find Emily