Known Profits

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Known Profits

Kyle Szucs, JR Roberts and Drew Meyers

34 episodes

5 days ago

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Mikisha Plesco, Founder and CEO of Cultivating Futures and a passionate advocate for the young people and families of West Michigan. Mikisha shares how her own journey led her to create Cultivating Futures, an organization dedicated to helping youth build confidence, develop meaningful life skills, and access the support systems they need to thrive. She talks about how mentorship, stability, and community-centered programming can change the tra...

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All content for Known Profits is the property of Kyle Szucs, JR Roberts and Drew Meyers and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Mikisha Plesco, Founder and CEO of Cultivating Futures and a passionate advocate for the young people and families of West Michigan. Mikisha shares how her own journey led her to create Cultivating Futures, an organization dedicated to helping youth build confidence, develop meaningful life skills, and access the support systems they need to thrive. She talks about how mentorship, stability, and community-centered programming can change the tra...

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Episodes (20/34)

Known Profits

Cultivating Futures | Mikisha Plesco

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Mikisha Plesco, Founder and CEO of Cultivating Futures and a passionate advocate for the young people and families of West Michigan. Mikisha shares how her own journey led her to create Cultivating Futures, an organization dedicated to helping youth build confidence, develop meaningful life skills, and access the support systems they need to thrive. She talks about how mentorship, stability, and community-centered programming can change the tra...

2 weeks ago

32 minutes

Known Profits

Friends of Grand Rapids Parks | Stacy Bare

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Bare, Executive Director of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, a nonprofit working to ensure every neighbor has access to vibrant, welcoming, and well-cared-for public green spaces across the city. Stacy shares how Friends’ work — from community-led, urban tree plantings and park revitalization projects to youth programs and neighborhood partnerships — is strengthening local ecosystems and deepening residents’ connection to the outdoors. The ...

4 weeks ago

50 minutes

Known Profits

Osofomaame | BeAnka Masefiade

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with BeAnka Masefiade, Executive Director of Osofomaame - a Grand Rapids nonprofit that is committed to reducing the overrepresentation of Black families in the child welfare system. BeAnka shares how Osofomaame’s work - through programs like the Abundant Life Academy and community education initiatives - is building pathways to belonging, stability, and empowerment for young people navigating the foster care system. The organization also provides v...

1 month ago

41 minutes

Known Profits

Catherine's Health Center | Megan Erskine

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Megan Erskine, CEO of Catherine’s Health Center - a Grand Rapids nonprofit expanding access to exceptional, compassionate healthcare for every neighbor, regardless of income or insurance. Megan shares how Catherine's Health Center's dedication to community health and health equity fuels their mission to break down barriers to care. From primary and preventive services, to behavioral health and community outreach, the organization is meeting peo...

1 month ago

37 minutes

Known Profits

Lions & Rabbits Center for The Arts | Hannah Berry

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Berry, Executive Director of Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit transforming communities through creativity, collaboration, and public art. Hannah shares how her journey as an artist and entrepreneur inspired her to build a space where art isn’t just seen - it’s shared, celebrated, and used as a catalyst for community change. From large-scale murals and artist residencies to creative workforce developme...

2 months ago

45 minutes

Known Profits

Culinary Cultivations | Shawn Kohlhaas

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Kohlhaas, owner of Culinary Cultivations and a dedicated local philanthropist who is using his passion for hospitality to strengthen the West Michigan community. Shawn shares how his journey as an entrepreneur led him to see food and hospitality as more than business, it’s a vehicle for connection, generosity, and change. Through his philanthropic efforts, Shawn supports a wide range of causes, from workforce development and education to ...

2 months ago

36 minutes

Known Profits

Season 2 Preview

Send us a text New Look. New Season. Same Mission. One year in, and we’re just getting started. In this episode, we celebrate our first anniversary, share an exciting new partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way, and give you a look at what’s next for the podcast. Tune in and join us for the journey ahead!

3 months ago

12 minutes

Known Profits

Covenant House | Stacy Datena-Postma & Shelisa Jeffers

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Datena-Postma, Senior Philanthropy and Engagement Manager, and Shelisa Jeffers, Case Manager with Covenant House, a nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter, support, and opportunity to young people experiencing homelessness. Stacy and Shelisa share how Covenant House works to break the cycle of homelessness by offering not just a safe place to sleep, but also comprehensive wraparound services like education, job readiness, and mental hea...

3 months ago

42 minutes

Known Profits

Fleece & Thank You | Nicholas Kristock

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Kristock, founder and Executive Director of Fleece & Thank You, a nonprofit bringing comfort and hope to children facing extended hospital stays. Nicholas shares how the simple gift of a handmade fleece blanket—paired with a personalized video message from the maker—creates a powerful connection between volunteers and patients. Since its founding, Fleece & Thank You has delivered thousands of blankets to hospitals across Michig...

3 months ago

32 minutes

Known Profits

Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MIOCA) | Karol Clason

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Karol Clason, a board member with Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting early detection, supporting survivors, and funding research to end ovarian cancer. Karol shares some of her own personal story with OC and how MIOCA is raising awareness across the state through education, advocacy, and community engagement, while also providing vital resources and connections for those impacted by the disease. From stat...

4 months ago

31 minutes

Known Profits

Access of West Michigan | Gratia Lee & Satorie Spicer

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Gratia Lee and Satorie Spicer from Access of West Michigan, a nonprofit dedicated to building a community where all people have access to healthy food and economic opportunity. Gratia and Satorie share how Access is addressing food insecurity and poverty through collaborative partnerships, poverty education simulators, innovative food systems work, and programs that equip individuals and communities for long-term change. From supporting local f...

4 months ago

40 minutes

Known Profits

WMCAT | Jamon Alexander

Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Jamon Alexander, President and CEO of West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT), a nonprofit in Grand Rapids working at the intersection of equity, education, and opportunity. Jamon shares his path to leadership and how WMCAT is empowering teens and adults through creative programs, career training, and community partnerships. From afterschool arts and design classes for high school students to career pathways in healthcare and...

4 months ago

50 minutes

Known Profits

Wedgwood Christian Services | Dan Gowdy

Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Dan Gowdy, President and CEO of Wedgwood Christian Services, a nonprofit in West Michigan providing life-changing support for youth and families. Dan shares his journey into leadership, the evolving needs of the community, and how Wedgwood continues to respond with care, innovation, and deep-rooted commitment. From residential care and counseling to education and prevention programs, Wedgwood’s work reflects a holistic approach to healing...

5 months ago

43 minutes

Known Profits

Trillium Living (Holland Home) | Troy Vugteveen

Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Troy Vugteveen, President and CEO at Trillium Living (parent organization of Holland Home), a nonprofit senior population health organization working to enhance the lives of today's and tomorrow's seniors. With a focus on wellness, community, and compassionate care, Trillium Living surrounds seniors, their loved ones, and caregivers with continuous resources and solutions to optimize health and wellness at each step of the aging journey. ...

5 months ago

39 minutes

Known Profits

King's Table Ministries | Jodee Bruneau

Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Jodee Bruneau, Program Director at King’s Table, a nonprofit in Grand Rapids, MI that’s on a mission to make sure everyone feels seen, known, and loved. Rooted in the belief that every individual deserves a seat at the table, King’s Table creates inclusive programs that support and celebrate children and adults with disabilities. King's Table's work is all about friendship, fun, and the kind of belonging that changes lives. Jodee shares p...

6 months ago

37 minutes

Known Profits

Comprehensive Therapy Center | Ellen Sawyer & Savana Beal

Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Ellen Sawyer, Executive Director, and Savana Beal, Development Director of Comprehensive Therapy Center (CTC)—a Grand Rapids nonprofit that has been transforming the lives of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 40 years. Ellen and Savana take us inside CTC’s unique, whole-child approach, which combines speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, sensory integration, and motor therapy. Through their work...

7 months ago

33 minutes

Known Profits

Treetops Collective | Tarah Carnahan

Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Tarah Carnahan, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Treetops Collective—a cross-cultural movement that connects with and invests in New American refugee women leaders to transform communities into places of belonging. Tarah shares how Treetops is fostering cross-cultural community, empowering refugee and immigrant women as leaders, and creating pathways for economic mobility and meaningful social connection. Want to make a difference? Vi...

7 months ago

33 minutes

Known Profits

Ele's Place | Tammy Campbell

Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Tammy Campbell, Director at Ele’s Place, to discuss the incredible work she and her team are doing to support grieving children, teens, young adults, and their families. Tammy shares how Ele’s Place thoughtfully creates family support groups and peer-to-peer programs in local schools—helping hundreds of young people cope with loss and begin their healing journey after the death of a parent, sibling, or loved one. Interested in making a di...

7 months ago

33 minutes

Known Profits

Positive Equation | Dana Snyder

Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Dana Snyder—CEO and Founder of Positive Equation, host of the Missions to Movements podcast, author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind, and nationally recognized speaker. Dana dives into the power of consistent, monthly giving and why it’s a game-changer for nonprofits looking to grow and sustain their impact. She shares how her work at Positive Equation helps nonprofits build strong, sustainable giving models—making it easier for anyone to...

8 months ago

38 minutes

Known Profits

Children's Advocacy Center | Leah Ortiz

Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Leah Ortiz—President and CEO of The Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County—to explore the critical work her team is doing to support children and families affected by severe sexual abuse. Leah opens up about the harsh realities these children face, the complex challenges her team tackles daily, and the powerful impact the Center has had on the community since its founding in 1993. For over 30 years, the CAC has provided a safe, trauma-...

8 months ago

48 minutes