Welcome to Coffee, Tea, & Philanthropy: A Fresh Perspective on Philanthropy Conversations
We are thrilled to introduce you to Coffee, Tea, & Philanthropy, a brand-new mini podcast series bringing together leaders, changemakers, and those who fund their work over a simple cuppa. Hosted by Bill Campbell from Fluxx, this series promises to deliver heartfelt, engaging discussions on the pivotal moments that sparked positive change in communities across the globe.
In this inaugural episode, Bill sits down with Dr. José González, co-founder of Conexión Américas and an associate professor at Belmont University, whose work with Nashville's Hispanic community has transformed countless lives. This launch sets the stage for a unique podcast that blends casual conversations with deep insights into the social sector.
As longtime fans of the Untapped Philanthropy series know, hosts Kerrin Mitchell and Tim Sarrantonio are always looking to explore the intersection of philanthropy, technology, and policy. While they’ve been busy attending industry conferences, they decided to treat listeners to something special.
This isn’t just a typical conversation. As Bill puts it, his new series is about creating a welcoming space to sit down with changemakers, sip on a warm beverage, and dive into the stories behind their work.
Bill’s first guest, Dr. José González, exemplifies the type of leader who embodies the spirit of service. José is not only a professor teaching entrepreneurship at Belmont University but also the co-founder of Conexión Américas, an organization dedicated to supporting immigrant families in Nashville. As José explained:
“I like to see myself as a service leader... service to my students or service to the stakeholders of the nonprofit, that fuels me.”
His story is one of passion, commitment, and humility, making him the perfect guest to kick off Coffee, Tea, & Philanthropy.
One of the highlights of the episode is José’s story about taking students to Guatemala to learn about the coffee supply chain. His vivid account of picking coffee beans with his students and watching them understand the hard work behind each cup was particularly moving:
“At the end of the day, they would walk up to the owner of that land and say, ‘Alright, here’s what I picked today. Pay me.’ It never amounted to more than a couple of dollars for the day... they would always say, ‘I will never drink a cup of coffee the same way again.’”
It’s in stories like these that Coffee, Tea, & Philanthropy shines, offering a blend of education, personal connection, and reflection on social impact.
Founded over 22 years ago, Conexión Américas started with a simple goal: help immigrant families integrate into Nashville’s community. Over time, the organization has expanded to offer a wide range of programs, from financial literacy to homeownership support. Reflecting on their beginnings, José shared:
“We started talking to folks around town... and very early on we recognized that people were coming here for economic reasons. With my own background, I recognized the importance of financial literacy and entrepreneurship.”
Through partnerships and community engagement, Conexión Américas became a hub for immigrant families, helping them navigate everything from enrolling their children in school to buying their first home.
The episode also delves into what it means to lead through service, something both José and Bill feel deeply about. As José explains, his work has always been about helping others while fostering self-sufficiency within immigrant communities. Whether it's through the social entrepreneurship program at Belmont University or the homeownership programs at Conexión Américas, José's mission is clear: service is at the heart of it all.
The episode wouldn't be complete without highlighting some of Conexión Américas’ biggest achievements, including a notable visit from President Obama. José recalled this moment with pride:
“Regardless of your political persuasion, having the President of the United States come to your place of work is a once-in-a-lifetime thing... it was about delivering a speech on immigration reform in a place where people wouldn’t expect—Nashville.”
For José, this visit underscored the importance of integration and the work Conexión Américas had been doing for years.
If the first episode of Coffee, Tea, & Philanthropy is any indication, listeners are in for an inspiring ride. Bill Campbell’s casual, warm style makes it easy to listen and learn about the intricacies of community impact. From entrepreneurs to activists, every guest will share their own unique journey, offering valuable lessons and reflections on what it means to create lasting change.
Grab a cup of your favorite brew, sit back, and get ready for conversations that not only inform but also inspire action.
Stay tuned for more episodes of Coffee, Tea, & Philanthropy and follow along as we explore the stories and strategies behind the people who make a difference.
Download the transcript here.
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