Join Zac, the nonprofit guy, as he chats with Asantewaa, a chef and the founder of Food Horizons. Discover how Asantewaa merges her culinary skills with her passion for food policy, sustainability, and storytelling. From cultural influences in her cooking to the upcoming Secret Food Stories Festival, Asantewaa shares her journey and how Food Horizons educates communities about food's impact on health and society.

Host:

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guest:

Asantewaa E. L., Founder of Food Horizons

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantewaaeloliyong/

Find Us:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

Highlights:

• Asantewaa’s culinary journey from South Sudan, South Africa, and the U.S.
• The mission and purpose behind Food Horizons
• Upcoming events: Panel Discussion on April 24th and the Secret Food Stories Festival on October 25th
• The role of food policy and sustainability in shaping our eating habits
• Asantewaa’s signature dishes, including peanut butter spinach and Malva pudding
  
  
  

Connect with Food Horizons:

• Website: https://foodhorizons.us/
• Instagram: @foodhorizonsus
• Newsletter: Subscribe to the Food Report for industry insights and event updates
  
  
  

Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Nonprofits HQ and The Boost.

Listen & Subscribe:
Stay connected with Beyond Giving for more stories from inspiring nonprofit leaders and change-makers!

In this inspiring episode, Zac sits down with Carmen Lydia, the powerhouse behind The Madrina Project in San Antonio, TX. Carmen shares her heartfelt journey from receiving a donated dress to building a nonprofit that empowers young women through confidence-building events and access to formalwear for milestone events like prom and graduation.

Carmen discusses the evolution of the project, the creation of the annual Empowerment Conference, and the deep community partnerships that sustain their mission. Tune in to hear how The Madrina Project creates moments of dignity, celebration, and transformation—one dress at a time.

Host:

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guest:

Carmen Lidia Fajardo, Founder of The Madrina Project

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-lidia-fajardo-99325723b/

The Madrina Project Website:

https://www.themadrinaprojectsa.org/

The Madrina Project LinkedIn Page:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-madrina-project/posts/?feedView=all

Find Us:
YouTube: / @theboostchannel
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427
Facebook: / theboostchannel
Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

Topics Covered

• Origin Story: Carmen’s personal experience that sparked The Madrina Project.
  
  
• Mission in Action: How the organization provides dresses and builds confidence.
  
  
• The Empowerment Conference: Learn to Earn model with education, leadership, wellness, and self-worth sessions.
  
  
• Creative Programming: From pop-up boutiques to musical welcomes and Hot Cheetos with cheese.
  
  
• San Antonio Roots: Why collaboration and community make this city special for nonprofit work.
  
  
• Tech & Tracking: How Nonprofits HQ is helping The Madrina Project grow sustainably.
  
  
• Future Vision: Girl-led conference development days and expanding partnerships.
  
  

How to Get Involved

Donate Dresses: Particularly gray velvet hangers and boutique-quality gowns.

Spo<

In this episode of Beyond Giving, Zac sits down with Dr. Lizette Goodloe from the Comal Education Foundation to explore how high school students are learning to build real businesses through hands-on incubator programs. From classroom pitches to national competitions, discover how Comal ISD is preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Host:

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin

Guest:

Dr. Lizette Goodloe, Executive Director of the Comal Education Foundation

Linkedin

Find Us:

YouTube

Facebook

Website

Episode Highlights:

• From Classroom to Foundation:
  Dr. Lizette Goodloe shares her journey from being an 18-year classroom teacher and coach to leading innovative programming at the Comal Education Foundation and Comal ISD.
  
  
• Inside the Student Incubator Program:
  Discover how Comal ISD empowers high school students to become entrepreneurs through a hands-on, pitch-driven incubator class across three campuses—culminating in a pitch competition where winning teams may advance to a national stage in Chicago.
  
  
• Beyond the Grades—Real-World Learning:
  Students build business plans, pitch to real audiences, fundraise, create prototypes, and connect with mentors, gaining unmatched communication, marketing, and leadership skills. Dr. Goodloe explains how even non-entrepreneurial students benefit long-term from the experience.
  
  

Foundation-Fueled Support:
Learn how the Comal Education Foundation supports students and teachers with:

• Grants for classroom innovation
• Startup funds for new schools
• Mock interviews and hiring fairs
• Internships and externship partnerships
• Community engagement and mentorship programs

Events That Make an Impact:
Hear about two major fundraising events:

• Spring Fling at Knibbe Ranch (April 3rd) – featuring student-made auction items, live music, and more.
• Fall Golf Tournament at Canyon Springs – now with a new Ladies’ Golf Clinic in partnership with First Tee.
  
  

Takeaways:

• Public education needs more than funding—it needs your time and expertise.
  
  
• Mentorship, speaking, and internships can dramatically shape a student’s path.
  
  
• Foundations like Comal's play a critical role in bridging school and community.
  
  

Get Involved:

Visit: Comal ISD Education Foundation Website

Attend upcoming events or volunteer as a mentor, speaker, or site partner.

🎧 Subscribe to Beyond Giving for more inspiring stories of impact, innovation, and community change-makers in the nonprofit world.