Unity In Action: The Claudia Romo Edelman Story The Caring Economy With Toby Usnik podcast

33:31

How do you build trust in a world where proof matters more than promises? In this episode of The Caring Economy , we sit down with MeiLin Wan, VP at GenuTrace, to explore how DNA technology is revolutionizing transparency in fashion, agriculture, and global supply chains. From verifying organic cotton to holding brands accountable for their sourcing claims, MeiLin shares how traceability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Tune in to discover how science, sustainability, and ethics intersect—and why traceability is quickly becoming the gold standard for purpose-driven business.…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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Not Just a Crypto Mom: Why Hester Peirce is the Voice of Reason in a Digital Age 27:55

17 days ago27:55

27:55

What happens when a financial regulator becomes one of the most thoughtful advocates for innovation? In this episode of The Caring Economy , SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce—widely known as “Crypto Mom”—opens up about her unlikely journey from small-town Ohio to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and why she believes regulation should empower, not restrict. Peirce shares candid insights into the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, the importance of financial literacy, and how we can bridge the gap between innovation and investor protection. Whether you’re a crypto skeptic, enthusiast, or curious bystander, this conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of digital finance, Web3, and trust in public institutions. Key themes: – The role of transparency in regulation – Financial inclusion and digital assets – Rethinking investor protection – Government’s evolving role in tech innovation – Why dissent is vital for democracy Don’t miss this rare, honest conversation with one of the most nuanced voices in the regulatory world.…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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What We Lose If We Let Go: Walter Dabney on Parks & Public Ownership 40:16

25 days ago40:16

40:16

What We Lose If We Let Go: A Conversation with Walter Dabney On this episode of The Caring Economy , we speak with Walter Dabney , former National Park Service superintendent and lifelong public lands advocate, about the urgent need to protect America's natural heritage. With decades of experience overseeing some of the nation’s most treasured landscapes, Walter shares what’s at stake when public spaces are threatened—by underfunding, privatization, or neglect. From climate change to equitable access to nature, this conversation explores how public lands shape our democracy, our health, and our sense of belonging. If you're passionate about parks, purpose, and public ownership , this episode will challenge and inspire you. 🎧 Tune in to discover: What happens when parks are treated like commodities The link between environmental justice and community well-being How leadership and long-term vision are key to preserving public land for all The Caring Economy showcases bold leaders who blend business with purpose—because how we care is how we thrive. 📍 Want to get involved? Visit americaspublicland.org…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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How RAISEFashion is Sewing Justice into the Seams of the Industry: Conversation with Felita Harris 37:53

7 weeks ago37:53

37:53

n this episode of The Caring Economy , host Toby Usnik sits down with Felita Harris, Executive Director and Co-Founder of RAISEFashion , to explore how she’s transforming the fashion industry into a more inclusive, equitable space for BIPOC creatives and professionals. With over 25 years of experience at brands like Nordstrom and Donna Karan, Felita has witnessed firsthand the structural inequities in fashion. In the wake of the George Floyd protests, she helped launch RAISEFashion, a nonprofit committed to mentoring, supporting, and opening doors for Black and Brown designers and emerging talent. Tune in as Felita shares how she’s using the power of storytelling, corporate partnerships, and mentorship to challenge the status quo and uplift a new generation of diverse fashion leaders. This conversation covers: The origins and mission of Raise Fashion How DEI efforts are evolving in 2025 The importance of mentorship in fashion Why access — not just talent — determines success Whether you’re in the industry or simply care about social impact, fashion, and equity, this is a powerful listen about turning purpose into practice. 🎧 Subscribe and listen now on your favorite podcast platform.…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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What Happens When You Give a Damn: Cox Enterprises' Approach to Real Change 27:56

8 weeks ago27:56

27:56

In this episode of The Caring Economy , Toby Usnik sits down with Maury Wolfe , Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Impact for Cox Enterprises , to explore how a century-old company is doubling down on impact in a modern world. From bold climate commitments to long-term investments in workforce development, Maury breaks down Cox’s holistic approach to corporate responsibility—and what it takes to build trust, resilience, and relevance in 2025 and beyond. We discuss: How Cox is rethinking corporate legacy through environmental and social innovation Why real change starts from the inside—by engaging employees and elevating voices How Cox’s $400 million CleanTech investment strategy reflects purpose-driven business The power of cross-sector partnerships in creating scalable impact If you're looking for a roadmap on embedding CSR into the DNA of a company—and doing it authentically—this is the episode for you.…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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The Myth of the ‘Other’: Homelessness and the Humanity We Share with Dawn Pinnock 30:10

9 weeks ago30:10

30:10

In this powerful episode of The Caring Economy , host Toby Usnik speaks with Dawn Pinnock , President & CEO of the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS). As the first woman and first person of color to lead CUCS, Dawn shares her bold vision for addressing homelessness through integrated care, systemic equity, and community-based leadership. We explore: The evolving face of homelessness in urban America Why CUCS’s model of housing + healthcare is setting national standards How Dawn’s decades of NYC public service inform her approach to leadership Why compassion, infrastructure, and dignity must go hand in hand If you care about public health, affordable housing, and the future of cities—this episode is for you. Learn more: cucs.org Subscribe to The Caring Economy for conversations at the intersection of purpose and leadership.…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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Can Capitalism Care? A Conversation with R. Adam Smith on Family Wealth 31:52

11 weeks ago31:52

31:52

n this episode of The Caring Economy , we sit down with R. Adam Smith—seasoned investor, family office advisor, and legacy strategist—to explore how wealth, legacy, and leadership are being redefined for a new generation. Adam brings decades of experience working with founders, families, and next-gen inheritors navigating the emotional and financial complexities of intergenerational wealth. From private equity to purpose-driven investment, he shares fresh insights on why the most successful family legacies aren’t built on spreadsheets—they’re built on storytelling, empathy, and trust. We explore: How family offices are evolving into “family galaxies” Why emotional intelligence is becoming the most valuable asset in finance What rising generations are asking of their wealth—and their advisors Whether you’re advising wealth, building a legacy, or simply curious about what it means to lead with care, this conversation is a must-listen.…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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AmeriCorps & The Future of Work: Conversation with Michael Smith 29:31

14 weeks ago29:31

29:31

In this episode of The Caring Economy , we sit down with Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps , to explore how national service is shaping the future of leadership, social impact, and civic engagement . With over 200,000 AmeriCorps members serving across 40,000+ communities , the organization is tackling some of the nation’s biggest challenges—from education and disaster relief to public health and climate action . Michael shares his personal journey from growing up in a working-class Massachusetts town to leading one of the most influential service organizations in the U.S. We discuss the business case for volunteerism , how service can be a powerful career accelerator , and why corporate leaders should embrace community engagement as a strategic advantage . As we move into 2025 , where purpose-driven work is becoming the norm, this conversation challenges us to think about the role of service in leadership, workforce development, and social cohesion . 🎧 Tune in now for a thought-provoking discussion on the power of giving back.…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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Power Plays: How Renee Wittemyer is Flipping the Script on Gender Equity 31:38

15 weeks ago31:38

31:38

The data is clear: when women thrive, economies flourish. But are we really putting our money where our values are? In this powerful episode of The Caring Economy , we sit down with Renee Wittemyer , VP of Program & Strategy at Pivotal Ventures , the Melinda French Gates-backed organization reshaping how we fund gender equity and economic opportunity. Renee shares eye-opening insights into how strategic investments in women’s leadership, innovation, and workforce inclusion are driving real, measurable change —and why traditional philanthropy isn’t enough. We discuss: ✔️ The ROI of Gender Equity – Why funding women isn’t charity, it’s smart economics ✔️ Breaking Systemic Barriers – The biggest challenges preventing women from accessing capital, leadership roles, and opportunity ✔️ Pivotal Ventures' Bold Approach – How innovative funding models are accelerating change across industries ✔️ What’s Next? – The shifts we need to see in corporate and VC spaces to build a truly inclusive economy If you're serious about rethinking corporate social responsibility, gender equity, and how capital can drive systemic change , this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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Brewing a Better Future—Bob Stiller on Purpose-Driven Business 29:19

18 weeks ago29:19

29:19

What if corporate success wasn’t just about profit but about creating a positive impact on the world? Bob Stiller, founder of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters , built a billion-dollar brand while pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) . In this episode of The Caring Economy , Bob shares how he turned a small Vermont coffee company into a leader in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and employee empowerment . From investing in fair-trade coffee farmers to fostering a people-first company culture , Bob’s leadership proves that business can be a force for good . Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or passionate about social impact , this episode is packed with insights on building a mission-driven company that thrives. Key takeaways from this episode: ✔️ Why CSR is a competitive advantage , not a cost ✔️ How long-term thinking builds stronger businesses ✔️ The role of employee engagement in driving innovation ✔️ Why sustainability and business success go hand in hand 💡 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with a true pioneer in purpose-driven business…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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The New ROI: Visa Foundation & Graham McMillan on Impact Investing 34:48

19 weeks ago34:48

34:48

How do we redefine ROI in today’s world? In this episode of The Caring Economy , we sit down with Graham McMillan , President of the Visa Foundation , to explore how corporate philanthropy and sustainable investments are reshaping the business landscape. Visa Foundation is at the forefront of financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and social impact , ensuring that capital works for underserved communities worldwide. Graham shares his expertise on blending purpose with profit, the power of partnerships, and how corporations can drive real social change . If you're interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR), ESG initiatives, and how financial institutions are stepping up to address global challenges , this episode is a must-listen.…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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Bridging the Divide in 2025—A Conversation with Paul Solman 27:12

21 weeks ago27:12

27:12

Join us on the latest episode of The Caring Economy as we sit down with Paul Solman, the celebrated PBS NewsHour correspondent and co-founder of the American Exchange Project. With a career spanning five decades, Paul has been a beacon of curiosity, understanding, and storytelling. In this episode, Paul shares: His unique journey from art history major to Emmy-winning journalist. The transformative mission of the American Exchange Project, connecting high school seniors across the U.S. to foster empathy and bridge divides. Timeless advice on finding purpose, embracing curiosity, and the power of everyday moments. As we step into 2025 and launch Season 15, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have by building bridges and creating connections. 🎙️ Tune in now to start the year inspired! #PaulSolman #TheCaringEconomy #AmericanExchangeProject #Connection #Empathy…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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Gymnastics, Grit, and Giving Back: Wendy Hilliard’s Inspiring Journey 32:36

21 weeks ago32:36

32:36

Step into the inspiring world of Wendy Hilliard, a trailblazing gymnast and the first Black rhythmic gymnast to represent the U.S. on the global stage. Wendy’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to making gymnastics—and opportunity—accessible to all. In this episode, Wendy shares her journey from Detroit to the international spotlight, her experiences overcoming systemic barriers, and the mission behind the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation. With over 25,000 children served in urban communities like Harlem and Detroit, Wendy’s foundation is empowering the next generation through the transformative power of sports. 💡 What You'll Hear : Wendy’s groundbreaking achievements in rhythmic gymnastics. The challenges she faced as a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport. How her foundation is creating access and equity in gymnastics for underserved communities. The life skills gymnastics instills—discipline, leadership, and confidence—and why they matter beyond the sport. As we step into 2025, Wendy’s story inspires us to embrace resilience, foster opportunity, and create meaningful change in our communities. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how Wendy Hilliard is turning dreams into reality, one gymnast at a time. #TheCaringEconomy #WendyHilliard #Gymnastics #SportsForGood #Resilience #EmpoweringYouth #Podcast…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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The Ripple Effect of Care: Scott Jackson’s Vision for Impact 29:59

23 weeks ago29:59

29:59

In this episode of The Caring Economy , host Toby Usnik sits down with Scott Jackson, a visionary leader in global development and the President and CEO of Global Impact. With decades of experience addressing some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, Scott shares insights into the power of collective action, the importance of sustainable partnerships, and the personal moments that shaped his journey. From his early days as an advocate for social change to his current work mobilizing resources for communities in need, Scott’s story is a testament to the transformative potential of leadership rooted in empathy and purpose. Discover how Scott and his team are redefining philanthropy by turning hope into measurable outcomes and why the work of global impact organizations is more critical than ever. Whether you're looking to be inspired or gain practical insights into making a difference, this conversation will leave you with a renewed sense of possibility and commitment to creating positive change. Don't miss this episode of The Caring Economy !…

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

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Granting Change: Sam Caplan on Tech, AI, and Empowering Nonprofits 31:37

26 weeks ago31:37