Built for Good

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Manny Hernandez, CEO of The Diabetes Link. Manny shares the evolution of The Diabetes Link, a nonprofit focused exclusively on young adults living with diabetes. The Diabetes Link provides community, clinically validated guidance, and culturally relevant resources so that no young adult living with diabetes has to face these transitions alone.He discusses how the organization has expanded across major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, while also growing internationally through online communities and university chapters in Canada. A key focus of the conversation is how The Diabetes Link empowers young adults to connect with peers facing similar challenges, reducing isolation and creating long-term advocacy leaders within the community.A central theme throughout the episode is disciplined focus in nonprofit leadership. Manny explains why organizations must clearly define their core strengths, avoid mission drift, and intentionally partner with specialized organizations—particularly in policy advocacy. Rather than expanding into adjacent areas like obesity, The Diabetes Link prioritizes staying within its expertise while collaborating with external partners who bring deeper domain knowledge.The conversation also explores the shifting funding landscape for nonprofits. With reductions in federal funding, increased competition for foundation grants, and the rise of AI-assisted grant writing, Manny highlights the growing importance of trust, transparency, and long-term relationships with funders. He also outlines how The Diabetes Link diversifies its funding through corporate partnerships, foundation grants, individual giving, and emerging earned-income strategies such as content licensing and referral-based revenue models.A powerful story from the episode centers on a student-founded chapter at Columbia University. A young woman living with diabetes builds a campus community from the ground up, which later becomes a lifeline for another student recently diagnosed. Their connection transforms both of their lives and ultimately leads them into advocacy roles within the broader diabetes community.The episode closes with reflections on leadership and personal growth, emphasizing humility, clarity, and the importance of listening more than speaking. Manny underscores that sustainable impact comes from staying aligned with mission, building strong relationships, and being willing to say no to opportunities that pull organizations off course.This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit leaders, funders, and anyone interested in building mission-driven organizations grounded in clarity, collaboration, and community empowerment.Explore The Diabetes Link: https://thediabeteslink.org/Explore Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC): https://www.diabetespac.org/Timestamped Overview00:25:03 Building youth communities across cities and universities 00:25:31 Expansion into Canada and global online community 00:26:23 Expanding into community colleges and trade schools 00:27:09 Workforce readiness and long-term youth impact 00:28:20 Collaboration as the foundation of nonprofit success 00:29:02 Staying in your lane and recognizing core strengths 00:30:21 Partnering for policy advocacy impact 00:31:43 Example: connecting youth to insulin policy advocacy partners 00:33:19 Columbia University student-led chapter story begins 00:35:05 Newly diagnosed student finds community support 00:36:14 “Life is never going to be the same for them” 00:37:00 Funding mix: corporate, foundations, and industry support 00:40:49 Nonprofit funding pressures and increasing competition 00:42:09 Earned income: licensing and referral models 00:45:09 Expense discipline and mission focus 00:47:42 Relationships as the core of fundraising success 00:50:49 The importance of saying no to misaligned funding 00:53:16 Advice to younger self: listen more, speak less#nonprofit #socialimpact #leadership #fundraising #communitybuilding #healthcare #diabetesawareness #youthdevelopment #collaboration #impact

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with John Roussel, Co-founder and CEO of Colorwave. John shares the founding story of Colorwave, launched during the uncertainty of 2020 with a mission to close the wealth gap by connecting underrepresented professionals to opportunities within venture-backed startups.Key discussion topics include the importance of networks in accessing startup careers, how storytelling and positioning impact hiring outcomes, and the structure of Colorwave’s fellowship model. John explains how the program equips participants with startup literacy, relationship-building skills, and direct exposure to hiring companies. He also discusses evaluating risk tolerance when transitioning into early-stage companies and the differences between startup environments.The conversation also touches on adapting to changes in DEI funding, shifts in the venture ecosystem, and the growing influence of AI on hiring and workforce development. John highlights Colorwave’s focus on alumni leadership, partnerships, and upskilling initiatives to expand economic mobility. This episode provides actionable insights for professionals looking to break into startups, nonprofit leaders, and organizations focused on inclusive talent pipelines.Explore Colorwave: https://www.thecolorwave.org/ Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/ Timestamped Overview 00:00 Founding Colorwave during 2020 05:02 Launching the first fellowship cohort 06:05 Scaling nationally through remote programming 10:21 The power of relationships in startup hiring 14:11 How the Colorwave fellowship works 17:52 Economic mobility and compensation outcomes 20:53 Storytelling and positioning for startup roles 22:03 Evaluating risk tolerance in career moves 24:38 Adapting to changes in tech and funding 26:43 Community-led growth and alumni leadership 29:17 AI upskilling and future workforce strategy#leadership #networking #network #socialimpact #founders #nonprofit #venturecapital

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Ajani Husbands, Vice President & Senior Counsel at Build Up Companies and the Campbell Law Firm, to explore his multifaceted journey from his Caribbean roots to diplomatic service, law, and nonprofit leadership. Ajani shares powerful stories from his upbringing in Barbados, international diplomatic work, and efforts to support grassroots movements and community organizations.Their discussion encompasses the challenges of movement building in hostile environments, the importance of lived experience and diversity in philanthropy, and how organizations like Build Up Inc. and the Campbell Law Firm are working to streamline nonprofit operations so leaders can focus on impactful work. Ajani explains the value of fiscal sponsorship, capacity building for BIPOC- and women-led organizations, and the shift towards collaborative, equitable philanthropy.Listeners will gain insights on overcoming structural barriers, starting and scaling nonprofit projects, and practical tips for effective advisory relationships. The conversation emphasizes purposeful work, optimism in challenging times, and the critical importance of empowering communities to lead change. Helpful links to Ajani’s documentary and projects are included in the show notes.Explore Ajani’s alcohol brand, 1966 Rum: https://www.drink1966.com/ Fiscal Sponsorship: 6 Ways to Do it RightBook by Gregory L. Colvin Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Ajani’s Background06:29 Diplomat to Lawyer Journey09:47 Journey from Law School to Practice10:55 Brave Nonprofit Legal Advisory Services14:19 Discovering Diplomacy Through Friendship18:11 Legal Support for Social Impact23:14 Fiscal sponsorship simplified25:03 Capacity Building Support Services29:50 Decolonizing philanthropy discussions31:24 Harriet Tubman Grant Skit35:14 Streamline collaboration in philanthropy39:16 Facilitating change through collaboration42:33 Fundraising Challenges and Support45:38 Choosing fiscal sponsor or independence49:06 Intentional Innovation for Nonprofits50:32 Decolonizing Philanthropy Focused Efforts

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Michael Pace, founder and CEO of Social Good Fund—one of the nation’s most impactful nonprofits supporting grassroots changemakers. Michael shares his personal journey: the frustrations that inspired him to create Social Good Fund, how he intentionally lowered barriers to fiscal sponsorship, and the driving philosophy at the heart of his work—helping others shine their light into the world.The conversation explores key learnings for emerging and established nonprofits, including the importance of building the right team, leveraging technology for greater impact, and prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout. Michael and Kian also discuss leadership values, the evolving fiscal sponsorship landscape, current sector challenges, and the power of nonprofit collaboration in times of uncertainty. Michael’s inspiring stories, especially from seeing Social Good Fund’s real world impact in African communities, remind us of the direct and often unseen change nonprofits spark every day. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in nonprofit leadership, social innovation, and building resilient, mission-driven teams.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Michael’s Background05:26 Creating Community Support Initiative08:08 Cultivating Joy and Positive Influence10:54 Building Social Good Fund Origins16:14 Building the Right Team18:26 Finding Leadership Within23:38 Navigating Technological Advancements Alone24:14 Pioneering Real-Time Financial Access28:04 Tech Adoption Challenges in Organizations30:35 Creating Secure Work Environments34:12 Burnout and Self-Reflection39:36 Commitment to Community-Driven Culture43:20 Unity in Adversity: Collaborative Resilience44:32 Grounded Humanity Amidst Technology50:13 Clean Water Access Transforms Village51:27 Transformation Through Social Good Fund54:56 Gratitude for Rare Insights

In this insightful episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Elena Chavez Quezada, a leader in philanthropy and social impact who has shaped policy and practice across nonprofits, government, and foundations. Elena shares her inspiring journey from growing up in New Mexico to navigating roles at Tipping Point, the Aspen Institute, the California Governor’s Office, and now, co-leading Starwise Solutions. The conversation dives deep into challenges facing philanthropy and nonprofits: power dynamics, the mechanics of moving money, and the persistent disconnect between funders and operators.Elena discusses hard-to-solve issues—like risk aversion in funding, overcomplicated reporting processes, and operational struggles within nonprofits. Drawing from real stories, including a transformational intervention with Canal Alliance, she highlights the game-changing power of trust, radical transparency, and authentic relationships. The episode also explores fiscal sponsorships, the complexities they introduce for both funders and grantees, and how leveraging tech and operational excellence can streamline impact.Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on building candid partnerships, navigating funding mechanics, fostering continuous improvement, and embracing failure as a pathway to growth.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Elena’s Background04:35 Bridging Policy and Ground Realities07:14 Government-Philanthropy Collaboration Strategies10:43 Philanthropy's Power Dynamics Dilemma14:53 Vulnerability in Funder-Nonprofit Conversations17:29 Building Trust in Funding Relationships21:14 Emergency Grant Saves Vulnerable Service Organization25:53 Philanthropy's Risk Aversion27:05 Funder Concerns with Fiscal Sponsorship30:25 Challenges in Due Diligence Process36:16 Seizing Opportunities with Fiscal Sponsorship39:02 Community Partnerships with Government41:42 Optimizing Nonprofit Financial Data44:22 Philanthropy's Shift Towards Risk and Innovation48:49 Radical Transparency in Relationships50:34 Navigating Early Challenges in Building

Built for Good launches on Tuesday, August 19th. Subscribe now to hear the first episode as soon as it drops!