Changemakers Among Us

In this episode of Changemakers Among Us, we meet the founder of Courts for Kids, a nonprofit that has partnered with over 250 communities worldwide to co-build sports courts that do far more than host games. They become gathering places, cultural bridges, and symbols of what’s possible.Derek shares how a chance email led to his first international build, what it means to serve with humility, and how one determined teenager reminded him just how much a court can mean to a community.From post-war Bosnia to remote villages in Kenya, we explore the power of showing up, the beauty of grassroots momentum, and why full cultural immersion is at the heart of every Courts for Kids project.Listen in—and find out how sports courts are unlocking confidence, connection, and hope around the world.

In this episode of Changemakers Among Us, we meet Jibreel Jalloh — community organizer, Obama Foundation scholar, and founder of The Flossy, a grassroots organization in Brooklyn empowering everyday people to drive political and social change.Jibreel shares how losing a friend to gun violence in high school shaped his path, from interning on Capitol Hill to launching The Flossy to “close the advocacy gap.” He walks us through the real playbook for creating local impact — from listening to community voices and power-mapping stakeholders to launching rallies and securing $1.6M in city funding to reduce gun violence. He also unpacks how The Flossy’s Advocacy Academy is equipping the next generation of changemakers with tools to build campaigns that matter — and even explores how AI could fuel the future of civic action.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn frustration into a movement — or how everyday people can organize for real results — this one’s for you.

In this episode of Changemakers Among Us, we meet Justin Dillon — a touring musician turned filmmaker, entrepreneur, and founder of FRDM (Freedom), a tech company using supply chain transparency to fight modern slavery.Justin shares his remarkable journey from writing songs about justice to launching the world’s first “rockumentary” on human trafficking, building a viral State Department-backed tool that helped millions uncover their slavery footprint, and ultimately founding FRDM to help companies eliminate forced labor from their supply chains. Along the way, he opens up about cold-calling Madeleine Albright, staying in hostels to interview celebrities, and what it really takes to drive social change inside big business.If you've ever wondered how one person’s creative spark can light a global movement — or what it looks like to juggle chainsaws while walking — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Change Makers Among Us, we sit down with Bram Zeigler, founder of Capitalists for Shared Income (C4SI), a nonprofit with a bold mission: using capitalism to fight poverty. Bram, an investment banker turned social entrepreneur, shares his inspiring journey of creating a new model to support the working poor through a unique mix of charitable giving and investment.C4SI’s innovative approach taps into the power of the stock market, using dividends and capital gains to fund pre-loaded debit cards for those in need. Bram discusses how he turned an idea sparked by political debates and economic theories into a thriving nonprofit that not only helps individuals immediately but builds a sustainable fund to create long-term change.Listen in as Bram takes us through the challenges of getting started, the perseverance it took to launch a socially-conscious investment fund, and how his initiative is changing lives by providing cash in the hands of the people who need it most.

A single photograph can hold a lifetime of love, especially for families facing the unimaginable. That belief led Karen Henrich to leave a successful career in biotech and launch Moment by Moment Photography, a nonprofit that provides free professional portraits for families with medically fragile children. Nearly 20 years later, the organization has served over 9,000 families across California—growing from a heartfelt idea into a thriving, mission-driven enterprise.In this episode, Karen shares how she turned her passion into a sustainable nonprofit, the challenges of scaling an impact-driven organization, and the power of photography to bring comfort in life’s most difficult moments. It’s a story of heart, resilience, and entrepreneurial grit—one that proves business principles and deep compassion can go hand in hand.Learn more at momentbymoment.org.

In this episode of Change Makers Among Us, host Jen Deitsch sits down with Laura Bache, founder of Oli's Cookies, a mission-driven, plant-based cookie company dedicated to spreading autism awareness. Laura shares her inspiring journey of turning a personal challenge into a thriving business—one that not only provides delicious treats but also advocates for the autism community. From baking in her home kitchen to scaling up and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, Laura’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and purpose.Listen in as Laura opens up about the struggles and triumphs of building a business while raising her son, Oliver, who is on the autism spectrum. She shares how she overcame fears, learned the ropes of entrepreneurship, and found a way to blend her culinary skills with her deep commitment to advocacy. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a parent, or someone looking for an uplifting story of perseverance, this episode is packed with heart, insight, and inspiration.

What happens when a family is faced with a medical crisis far from home? For many, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. That’s where Hattie’s House steps in. Founded by Andy Albrecht, this nonprofit provides temporary housing for families navigating extended medical treatments in San Diego and Sacramento.In this episode, Andy shares the journey that led him to create Hattie’s House, the challenges of growing a mission-driven organization, and the impact it has on families in need. Tune in for a conversation about purpose, resilience, and the power of community.Learn more at hattieshouse.org.

Host Jen Deitsch introduces Changemakers Among Us, a podcast featuring the entrepreneurs building movements, non-profits and mission-driven businesses to create change that lasts.