More Precious Than Gold: Alexa Benson-Valavanis on the Goodness of Humanity

💛 Episode 26: From Global Adventures to Local Impact with Alexa Benson-ValavanisWhat happens when a Chico State basketball recruit follows a path that takes her from Northern California to Shanghai, China, and Guatemala - only to return and help transform one of the region's most influential nonprofit organizations?In this inspiring episode of Hearts of Gold, Erin and Jaymes sit down with Alexa Benson-Valavanis, President and CEO of the North Valley Community Foundation, to explore her remarkable journey of service, leadership, and community impact. Alexa shares how she first arrived in Butte County as a student-athlete at Chico State, the experiences around the world that shaped her worldview, and how she ultimately found her calling helping communities thrive through philanthropy. She opens up about rebuilding NVCF from the ground up, leading disaster recovery efforts following the Camp Fire, and mobilizing millions of dollars to support wildfire and pandemic relief throughout Northern California.Beyond her professional accomplishments, Alexa offers a candid look at her personal spiritual journey, the lessons she learned while reconciling faith and identity, and the role that compassion and unconditional love play in her life and leadership. She also reveals some of her favorite hidden gems around Butte County and shares wisdom for anyone looking to make a meaningful difference in their own community.Whether you're passionate about community service, leadership, personal growth, or simply love hearing stories of people making a difference, this conversation will leave you inspired and hopeful.Join Erin and Jaymes Lackey for our hyper-positive regional podcast highlighting local individuals in Northern California who have a Heart of Gold.This episode is sponsored by: Erin Lackey Photography. Head to www.erinlackey.com or seenagain.erinlackey.com to learn more about the upcoming project featuring amazing women in Butte County!