Get Your Chat on with GYC Vegas

Gina Yager gets her chat on with Kim Treviño-Kiraly, a passionate literary advocate bringing writers and community together through Black Mountain Institute. Originally from Uvalde, Texas, Kim discusses her role in fundraising, relationship-building, and promoting literary activism at UNLV. She shares her experiences leading the Libros & Chisme book club, participating in local StorySlam events, and celebrating Latin American literature. Kim offers a unique perspective on the power of storytelling, nonprofit development, and creating meaningful connections through the written word. Her journey showcases how creativity and community can intersect to create lasting social impact. For more information on Black Mountain Institute, visit www.blackmountaininstitute.org.

Gina Yager gets her chat on with Chad Taylor, a dynamic outdoor enthusiast and marketing innovator managing over 100 marketing channels across seven resorts and marinas. With a passion for social impact, Chad discusses his role at Lake Mead Mohave Adventures, his philanthropic company Mentor Empire, and his extensive community involvement. He shares insights into driving revenue growth, promoting youth outdoor activities, and his advisory roles with Nevada’s outdoor recreation boards. Chad offers valuable perspectives on professional development, entrepreneurship, and making a meaningful difference in the Southern Nevada business landscape. For more information on Mentor Empire, visit www.mentorempire.com. For more information on Lake Mead Mohave Adventures, www.lakemeadmohaveadventures.com.

Gina Yager gets her chat on with Linda Smith, a fundraising icon recognized for her 38 years of leadership at Opportunity Village and her subsequent consulting work. Linda discusses her consulting business, her journey in nonprofit fundraising, and the inspiration behind The Christopher Smith Foundation, which she established in honor of her eldest son. She shares insights into her motivational spark, how her work pushes boundaries in nonprofit fundraising, and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs and nonprofit professionals. Linda also talks about her two books, ”Unwanted” and ”Confessions of a Sin City Fundraiser”, which chronicle her transformative personal and professional experiences. For more information on Linda and The Christopher Smith Foundation, visit https://lindaslife.com/ and https://www.christophersmithfoundation.org/.

Gina Yager gets her chat on with Julia Lazareck, Co-Founder and President of Prison Families Alliance (PFA), an organization dedicated to supporting families affected by the criminal justice system. Julia discusses PFA's range of services, her journey to establishing the organization, and the mission driving their work. She shares insights on what motivates her daily, how PFA pushes boundaries in advocacy for incarcerated individuals and their families, offers valuable advice for nonprofit founders, and provides a glimpse into upcoming initiatives and programs. Julia also talks about her book and podcast, both titled "Prison: The Hidden Sentence," which feature stories and insights from those impacted by incarceration. For more information on Prison Families Alliance visit www.prisonfamiliesalliance.org.

Gina Yager gets her chat on with Kodi Wilson, Campus Director of National Technical Institute (NTI) in Las Vegas. Kodi discusses NTI’s educational programs, his journey from a career in plumbing and HVAC to leading campus operations, and the mission driving their work in technical education. He shares insights on what motivates him daily, how NTI pushes boundaries in trades education, offers valuable career advice for those starting out or pivoting careers, and provides a glimpse into upcoming projects and innovations. Kodi also talks about his dedication to community service and his passion for mentoring and team leadership. For more information on NTI and its programs visit www.ntitraining.com.

Gina Yager gets her chat on with Lisa Holmquist, Founder & CEO of Down Syndrome Connections Las Vegas. They discuss the crucial support provided to the Down syndrome community, including comprehensive services offered by the organization, key milestones in its development, and the upcoming DS＞＞＞CONNECT24 conference. Lisa Holmquist also shares valuable lessons learned as a nonprofit founder and offers insights into future initiatives for Down Syndrome Connections Las Vegas.

Gina Yager gets her chat on with Cindy Goussak, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Collaboration Center, a nonprofit serving individuals and families impacted by intellectual, developmental, physical, and learning disabilities. Cindy discusses the organization’s comprehensive services, her journey to co-founding the center, and the mission driving their work. She shares insights on what motivates her daily, how the Collaboration Center pushes boundaries in disability support, offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and a glimpse into upcoming initiatives and programs.