DT_T (Do The _ Thing)

DT_T-Season1 - Episode 12 Spotlights on Sreejani Malakar (Founder & Director, AYLI Peers Foundation-As You Like It Peers Foundation )In this episode of Do The _ Thing, Sheela sits down with Sreejani, community organizer and founder of AYLI (As You Like It) — a collective focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and community-centered care in India.Sreejani shares her journey growing up in a middle-class family in Siliguri, navigating experiences of bullying, invisibility, and systemic inequities that shaped her early understanding of the world. These lived experiences stayed with her and gradually led her into the social justice space.Through her work in feminist organizing and campaigns like Health Over Stigma, Sreejani began to reimagine leadership — not as authority or charisma, but as the willingness to take responsibility and create space for collective action.In this conversation, she reflects on:• How lived experiences shape the work we choose to pursue• Rethinking leadership as shared responsibility and ownership• The importance of creating community-centered spaces for mental health• The journey of building AYLI — a collective rooted in listening, care, and connection• What it means to move from “helping” to enabling others to claim their own leadershipSreejani’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful work often begins with what we have lived through — and takes shape when we choose to respond.If you are someone navigating your own path, this conversation offers both reflection and encouragement to take your next step.To learn more about AYLI and their work, you can connect through their social platforms and community initiatives.🤍 AYLI Peers Insta : https://www.instagram.com/asyou_likeitpeers?igsh=MWx5MmZiZ2t2ZWVj&utm_source=qr👋 Join AYLI? - Reach out at +91 8583826356 or [email protected] —Do The _ Thing is a conversation series with nonprofit leaders and purpose-driven individuals exploring how people come to do the work they do and how those journeys might inspire others to take their own next step.Dear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T (Do The — Thing) Season 1 - Episode 11 Spotlights Roopali Rajvanshy — Founder & CEO of Rocz.usRoopal’s journey is a powerful testament to the fact that it is never too late to find your voice. After a successful career in some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names like Cisco and IBM, Roopali realized she needed to do something more with her life than just "being a corporate person". Her "Next Chapter" was born out of a deeply personal 50-year journey to find the vocabulary for her own mental health in a culture where such topics are often hidden behind a veil of silence.  In 2020, she founded Rcoz (Our Cause) to provide the South Asian community with the tools, stories, and experts she wished she had growing up. By shifting the focus from "Log Kya Kahenge" (What will people say?) to proactive, preventive care, Roopali is helping individuals and families move from crisis to courage.  In this episode of DT_T (Do The — Thing), Roopali reflects on:• The Burden of Silence: Despite growning up in a supportive environment, she didn't have access to the tools or or the vocabulary for mental health discussions.  • The 50-Year Search for Vocabulary: Why it often takes decades for individuals in the South Asian community to seek help, and the liberation that comes once you finally do.  • The Power of Community Dialogue: How moving from one-on-one therapy to collective conversations can magnify impact and help 100 people in a single hour.  • Preventive Action vs. Crisis Mode: The importance of youth programming and workshops for suicide prevention and substance abuse—addressing issues before they become tragedies.  • A "Next Chapter" Built on Truth: How nudges from her husband and the support of trusted friends gave her the freedom to build an organization true to her own soul.  Today, through Rcoz, Roopali is creating a "cog in the wheel" for psychologists and psychiatrists to reach the community, proving that no matter how successful you are, everyone has a story worth sharing. Her work reminds us that while we cannot change our past, we can absolutely give ourselves permission to talk about it.  Learn more about Our Cause, Rcoz:🔗 https://www.rcoz.us/ #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SocialImpact #ChangeMakers #DT_T #DT_TPodcastDear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaDear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T (Do The — Thing) Season 1 - Episode 10 Spotlights Dr. Tiffany Green - Founder , Uprooted Academy.Dr. Tiffany Green’s journey is one of relentless curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to ensuring everyone has the "guidebook" to success. From her early days as an inquisitive child in New Haven to her decade-long career as a therapist, Tiffany has always been a "translator" for those navigating the world's roadblocks.  After years of seeing the "whole picture" in others through clinical practice, Tiffany moved into her next chapter: founding Uprooted Academy. This organization is a direct response to her own childhood experience of waiting for an "invitation" to college that never arrived, a lesson in the vital importance of social capital.  In this episode of DT_T (Do The _ Thing), Dr. Tiffany Green reflects on:• The Power of Curiosity: How leaning into a "nerdy," inquisitive spirit can lead to a career of impact.  • A Lineage of Giving: The profound influence of her 99-year-old grandmother and the "bloodline" of service that drives her work today.  • The Social Capital Playbook: Why access to information and relationships is the "cheat code" that communities need to thrive.  • Uprooting to Grow: A powerful metaphor for how proper care and nutrients allow us to transition into larger spaces and unleash our true potential.  Today, through Uprooted Academy, Tiffany focuses on "unleashing" the potential that is already inside every student, rather than trying to fix what isn't broken. Her work ensures that once a student is "uprooted" from their home to go to college, they don't just survive—they flourish with agency and dignity.  Learn more about Uprooted Academy:🔗 uprootedacademy.org  Dear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaDear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T (Do The _ Thing) Season 1 - Episode 9 Spotlights Pastor Todd — A Story of Discernment from Tech to Seminary to Faith In Action East BayPastor Todd’s journey is one of discernment, patience, and answering a call that unfolded over time.After careers in academia, higher education, and biotech, Pastor Todd sensed a deeper call. Through spiritual discernment and patient reflection, he transitioned into pastoral ministry and now leads Faith in Action East Bay, a grassroots faith-based organizing network.In this episode of DT_T (Do The _ Thing), Pastor Todd reflects on: Discerning a second-career calling  Discovering compassion and curiosity as gifts  The power of spiritual direction and community conversation  And how ordinary people often have more power than they realize Today, Pastor Todd serves as Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay, part of a national network of grassroots, faith-based community organizing groups. Through intentional one-to-one conversations, relationship-building, and collective action, Faith in Action helps communities recognize their own leadership capacity and work together to create meaningful change — from violence prevention to housing, education, and immigration advocacy.His story reminds us that sometimes the “_ Thing” we are called to do emerges slowly through patience, trusted conversations, and the courage to listen deeply.Learn more about Faith in Action East Bay: 🔗 Search “Faith in Action East Bay”Dear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T (Do The _ Thing) Season 1 - Epsiode 8 Spotlights on Edward “Ted” Miguel — Founder and Faculty Co-Director of the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) and Distinguished Professor of Economics, Oxfam Professor in Environmental and Resource EconomicsTed’s work focuses on understanding one of the most fundamental questions of our time: why do some parts of the world continue to face poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and systemic inequality—and what truly helps improve lives in a meaningful way.Drawing from his own upbringing as the child of immigrants, Ted shares how early experiences of witnessing global inequality shaped his path. What began as a personal awareness evolved into a lifelong commitment to combining empathy with rigorous problem-solving.At CEGA, Ted and his team work at the intersection of research and action—generating evidence on global development challenges and partnering with governments, nonprofits, and organizations to translate that knowledge into policies that improve lives around the world.In this reflective conversation, Ted speaks about: the role of empathy in shaping a life’s work  the importance of evidence in creating real impact  how research can move beyond theory into action  the sustaining power of community in long-term impact work  and why staying rooted in one’s values matters more than following a single “right” path He also offers a thoughtful perspective for those discerning their own path—encouraging listeners not to let immediate barriers limit their vision, but to stay connected to their values and the kind of life they hope to build.This conversation is a reminder that impact is not only created through action—but also through understanding, intention, and the pursuit of truth.Learn more about CEGA: https://emiguel.econ.berkeley.edu/Dear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T – Season 1 – Episode 7 Spotlights on Kellina Powell | Disability Inclusion Advocate & AuthorKellina brings both lived experience and thoughtful advocacy into conversations around disability inclusion and mental health.Kellina Powell’s journey is one shaped by resilience, identity, and a deep commitment to creating space for others.Becoming hard of hearing at the age of four, Kellina grew up navigating between two worlds—the deaf community and the hearing community—often searching for where she truly belonged. Those early experiences of difference, along with moments of bullying and self-doubt, quietly shaped her strength and self-awareness over time.A turning point came through lived encounters—from connecting with young individuals who longed for representation, to a moment with a young boy who saw himself in her. These experiences stirred a deeper question within her: What can I do to create a safer, more supportive space for the next generation?Guided by this question—and inspired by the words of her grandmother before her passing, that she would go on to make a difference—Kellina began to step into her calling.Today, as a disability inclusion advocate and mental health coach, she is dedicated to supporting individuals, raising awareness, and helping others navigate their own journeys with confidence and self-worth.In this conversation, Kellina reflects on: the strength she built while navigating two identities  the impact of loss and legacy on her path  what inspired her to use her voice in service of others  and what she would gently offer to those still discovering their own “_ thing” This episode is a reminder that our lived experiences—even the most challenging ones—can become the very foundation of the work we are called to do.Kellina Powell’s bestselling book is available on Amazon.📖 Link to the book: https://a.co/d/0fQzpBeaDear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T (Do The _ Thing) Spotlights Remi Sobomehin — Founder of Ambition AngelsRemi’s story begins long before Ambition Angels.Raised by parents who believed deeply in the God-given potential of every person, Remi grew up watching service lived out daily particularly by Remi's father - service in the form of foster children in the home, neighbors supported or young people mentored. He learned early that life wasn’t about accumulating wealth, but about helping others see what was possible for their lives.That conviction shaped his journey into youth development.After years of working directly with young people especially in low-income communities. Remi noticed a growing challenge: teens were disengaging from traditional in-person programming, yet deeply engaged on their phones. Instead of resisting that reality, he leaned into it.Ambition Angels was born a nonprofit creating a career exposure app that allows teens to explore well-paying careers they may never have seen before through 30-day simulated internships, all from their phones. The goal is simple yet powerful: help young people establish a clear, exciting career vision and move toward it consistently.In this episode of DT_T (Do The _ Thing), Remi reflects on: Growing up shaped by service  Recognizing his gift for communication and inspiration  The courage to start small  Celebrating growth at every stage  And listening to the inner voice that calls us forward His story reminds us that sometimes the “_ Thing” we are called to do begins with noticing injustice and believing deeply in someone else’s potential.Learn more about Ambition Angels: 🔗 Ambition Angels App is available on app stores 📩 Connect: [email protected] Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T (Do The _ Thing) Spotlights Elizabeth Weal — Founder of Upward ScholarsElizabeth Weal is the founder of Upward Scholars, an organization dedicated to empowering adult immigrants to achieve their educational and career goals. Her journey began during her years as an ESL teacher at Sequoia Adult School, where she noticed that many students despite their determination and potential remained in low-paying jobs after graduation rather than continuing their studies at nearby Cañada College.Moved by this gap and inspired by her students’ resilience, Elizabeth felt compelled to act. Upward Scholars was born from her commitment to expanding opportunity by offering scholarships, academic advising, and a supportive community that helps adult immigrants transition from education into meaningful careers.In this episode of DT_T (Do The _ Thing), Elizabeth reflects on recognizing her calling, the courage required to step forward, and the lasting impact of serving others through education. Her story reminds us that the “thing” we are called to do often begins by noticing a need and choosing to respond faithfully.Learn more about Upward Scholars and their work: 🔗 https://www.upwardscholars.org/Dear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T (Do The _ Thing) Spotlights Evelyne Keomian — Founder of The Karat School ProjectEvelyne Keomian’s journey began in Côte d’Ivoire, where she was denied access to education as a young girl growing up in poverty. Determined to learn, she sold water in the marketplace to buy her own school supplies and secretly attended classes whenever she could.Years later, guided by the conviction “If not me, then who?”, Evelyne founded The Karat School Project (KSP) to empower children through education. From its humble beginnings with 17 students, KSP now serves hundreds of children in West Africa and supports families experiencing housing insecurity in Silicon Valley.In this episode of DT_T (Do The _ Thing), Evelyne shares her inspiring story of resilience, faith, and courageous action—reminding us that meaningful change begins with one intentional step.Documentary referred in the Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwfQmywgdyoLearn more: https://theksp.org/Dear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T Spotlights Jaime-Alexis Fowler — Founder & CEO of Empower WorkJaime-Alexis Fowler Originally drawn toward academic research and teaching, her path shifted after a late-night conversation with a young woman navigating a painful workplace challenge. Jaime realized something startling: while millions of people struggle at work , facing job loss, inequity, or toxic environments, there was no accessible, independent crisis support designed specifically for workers.She couldn’t let that inequity go.Driven by a deep sense of justice, empathy, and tenacity, Jaime founded Empower Work, a national nonprofit creating healthy, equitable workplaces where people are valued, supported, and empowered. Through a free crisis text line, peer counseling, coaching, and systemic research, Empower Work has now supported over 500,000 people across the United States.In this episode of DT_T (Do The _ Thing), Jaime reflects on: The unexpected pivot from academic dreams to social entrepreneurship  How empathy became her superpower  Why compassion is not a “soft skill” but a radical force for change  And how we can each align our next step with our deepest values Her story reminds us that sometimes the “thing” we are called to do begins may not be with ambition but with noticing a gap and refusing to look away.Learn more about Jaime-Alexis Fowler and Empower Work: 🔗 https://www.empowerwork.orgDear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T Spotlights Shalini Gupta — Co-Founder of AnewVista Community ServicesShalini Gupta shares how her passion for mentoring and simplifying technology led her to co-found AnewVista Community Services, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering seniors through digital literacy and access to resources.Inspired by her father’s lifelong curiosity and her volunteer work with seniors, Shalini transformed her calling into a mission that now serves thousands of older adults each year.In this episode of DT_T (Do The _ Thing), she reflects on recognizing her gifts, taking action, and building a community-centered organization that enhances seniors’ independence and quality of life.Learn more: https://www.anvcs.org/Dear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

DT_T (Do The _ Thing) Spotlights Kim Jones - CoFounder, Executive Director (she/her) of Change Maker InitiativeKim spent 20 years as a pediatrician in Silicon Valley before being called out of that work into changemaking.  She was a Changemaker Fellow in 2018 and is passionate about enabling people to find their abundant, purpose-filled life.Sometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.About her organization -  As a large church in Silicon Valley, Los Altos United Methodist Church (LAUMC) embraced the vision of Senior Pastor Kathi McShane and partnered with the secular social entrepreneurship organization Ashoka for one year to learn about making change.  And more about Change Maker Initiative at https://thechangemakerinitiative.org/Little bit about DT_T Podcast: The DT_T/Do The _ Thing podcast is a conversation series with nonprofit leaders and purpose-driven individuals who are quietly transforming their communities. The podcast highlights the human stories behind service — calling, compassion, courage, and small acts of love that ripple outward.I created the DT_T(Do The _ Thing) podcast with the hope of supporting people who are searching for their next chapter and also those who sense something within them but haven’t yet named it as the series highlights nonprofit founders who first looked inward, and then chose to bring their gifts forward in service of others.Humbly with Care,Your DT_T Podcast Host Sheelawww.lightinactionmedia.comDear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.

Dear Listeners, If something in this conversation resonated, feel free to share your reflections. Warmly, SheelaSometimes the purpose we’re called to do begins long before we know how to name it.