8 MAG 2024 · In this episode of YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, host Suzanne F. Stevens interviews Jacey Shnarr, the founder of Butterfly Ethical Gifting. They discuss the inception of the business during the pandemic, its mission to elevate workplace engagement through ethical gifts, and its focus on supporting small, diverse, and eco-friendly businesses. Jacey shares her journey from working in the corporate world to becoming a full-time entrepreneur and the social impact of her business, including donating 2% of revenue to charities and working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The podcast explores the challenges and rewards of running a socially responsible business, with advice for entrepreneurs on making a social impact, the importance of ethical sourcing, and the role of technology in modern gifting. The conversation also delves into Jacey's personal involvement with mentorship programs and how Butterfly Ethical Gifting advocates for environmental and social responsibilities through its operations.   00:00 Introduction to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast 00:27 The Birth of Butterfly Ethical Gifting 04:03 Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 06:44 The Essence and Impact of Ethical Gifting 08:24 Empowering Small Businesses and Ethical Practices 11:38 Leveraging Technology for Ethical Gifting 14:39 The Ripple Effect of Social Contributions 21:20 Engaging with Small Businesses for a Greater Impact 31:01 Sustaining Social Impact and Future Initiatives 40:54 Final Thoughts and Advice on Social Contribution

18 APR 2024 · Empowering African Women by Hiring Virtual Assistance: The Dada Dunia Journey   This episode of the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast features an interview with Jayne Akinyi, the founder and CEO of Dada Dunia, a company that connects virtual assistants in Africa with socially responsible businesses in Canada.   Born from Jayne's personal struggles as an immigrant in Canada and her desire to help African women gain access to better opportunities, Dada Dunia not only provides virtual assistance services but also focuses on the personal and professional development of its employees, offering training, mentoring, and workshops focused on emotional intelligence and confidence building.   The podcast explores Jayne's journey from Kenya to Canada, her motivations for starting Dada Dunia, the challenges of building a business that bridges two very different worlds, and the impact Dada Dunia is having on both the virtual assistants it employs and the businesses it serves.   00:00 Introduction to Jayne Akinyi and Dada Dunia 02:14 The Essence of Dada Dunia: Connecting Africa and Canada 04:01 Jayne's Journey: From Kenya to Canada and Beyond 06:07 The Vision and Impact of Dada Dunia 09:56 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Diversity 12:07 Empowering African Women Through Virtual Assistance 19:37 Navigating Time Zones and Client Expectations 24:51 Education and Empowerment: Beyond Degrees 30:45 Empowering Women Beyond Traditional Roles 31:40 The Vision and Impact of Dada Dunia 31:46 Feminism and Voting Rights: A Global Perspective 31:46 Dada Dunia's Pricing Model and Ethical Practices 32:45 Creating a Thriving Wage and Support System 35:21 Building a Community and Sisterhood at Dada Dunia 37:25 The Journey and Growth of Dada Dunia 37:59 Fostering Stability and Growth for Virtual Assistants 40:28 Partnering for Social Impact with Canadian Companies 42:25 The Story of Finding a Business Partner 45:22 Transformative Stories of Dada Dunia Assistants 48:44 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Advice 57:22 Final Thoughts on Making a Conscious Contribution

4 APR 2024 · Tackling Human Trafficking with Sandy Biback on YouMeWe Amplified Podcast.   This episode of the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast features Suzanne F. Stevens hosting Sandy Biback, Founder of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT). Sandy shares her journey from a retired meeting planner to an advocate against human trafficking, prompted by her travels in Vietnam and Cambodia. The podcast delves into various forms of modern slavery, including sex trafficking and indentured labor, stressing that human trafficking is not just an international issue but occurs locally, even in Canada. Sandy discusses the vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit, from social media to street kids, emphasizing the need for awareness, education, and better protection measures at home and in the hotel industry. The conversation also explores the efforts of MPAHT to educate and mobilize the hospitality and meeting planning industry against human trafficking, highlighting collaborative efforts with Ottawa Tourism and other organizations to make a greater impact. Sandy's call to action involves raising awareness, being vigilant, and advocating against human trafficking in one's community.   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and the Fight Against Human Trafficking 01:41 Meet Sandy Biback: A Crusader Against Human Trafficking 03:33 The Catalyst for Change: Sandy's Journey to Combat Human Trafficking 06:57 Understanding the Complex World of Modern Slavery 09:00 The Harsh Realities of Sex Trafficking and Its Victims 18:53 The Role of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT) 26:12 Expanding the Fight: Education, Awareness, and Supply Chain Ethics 31:52 Measuring Social Impact: Personal Stories and Strategies 32:37 Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activities 38:24 Expanding Awareness: Strategies and Challenges 45:57 Building a Volunteer Network: Engagement and Sustainability 50:47 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Inspirations 55:24 Closing Thoughts: Making Your Contribution Count

21 MAR 2024 · Photography as a Pathway: Amina Mohamed’s Mission for Economic Empowerment for girls and women in Uganda and beyond In this episode of YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, host Suzanne F. Stevens welcomes Amina Mohamed, the founder of Cameras For Girls, a social enterprise aimed at empowering women and girls in Uganda and beyond through photography. Amina shares her journey from moving to Canada as a refugee to founding her organization that teaches photography, journalism, and business skills to women and girls. The initiative aims to provide economic empowerment, challenge social norms, and advocate for gender equality. Amina discusses the catalyst for Cameras For Girls, the success stories, and the challenges faced in funding and implementing the program. The conversation also touches upon the significance of ethical photography, informed consent, and the impact of uplifting women through education and skills training. To read, watch, or listen to the entire interview or subscribe for new episodes visit: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/amina-mohamed-cameras-for-girls/   00:00 Welcome to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast: Empowering Women Through Photography, 01:01 Introducing Amina Mohamed and Cameras For Girls 03:21 Amina's Journey: From Canada to Empowering Ugandan Girls 05:09 The Catalyst for Change and the Vision of Cameras For Girls 07:15 The Impact of Cameras For Girls: Empowerment Beyond Photography 08:51 Challenging Gender Norms and Celebrating International Women's Day 14:30 The Power of Education and Overcoming Barriers 22:07 Internships, Opportunities, and the Importance of Paid Work 27:38 Building a Sustainable Future and Expanding Impact 29:20 Exploring the Source of Cameras and Fundraising Efforts 30:39 Innovative Fundraising: The Chocolate Fundraiser Story 31:25 Empowering Girls Through Mentorship and Paying It Forward 33:16 Choosing the Right Camera for Empowerment 35:38 The Importance of Ethical Photography and Informed Consent 45:29 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions 49:51 Final Thoughts on Social Impact and Contribution

17 NOV 2023 · Amplifying Underrepresented Voices in Podcasting: A Conversation with Marla IsacksonIn this episode of YouMeWe Amplified podcast, host Suzanne F. Stevens speaks with Marla Isackson, Founder and Chair of OSSA Collective Inc., an AI-driven podcast advertising marketplace. Marla discusses her journey in creating OSSA, which supports underrepresented voices in podcasting. She shares insights into the importance of diverse voices in podcasting and how OSSA empowers podcasters, predominantly women and other underrepresented groups, with opportunities to monetize their work and achieve financial empowerment. Furthermore, Marla highlights the importance of effective communication, team collaboration, networking, and embracing change in the organization. She also underscores the role of conscious contribution and the need to be clear about one's mission when aiming to make a substantial social impact. 00:20 Introduction and Welcome 00:54 Meet the Host: Suzanne F. Stevens 01:10 Introducing the Guest: Marla Isackson 01:36 Marla's Journey into Podcasting 02:26 The Birth of OSSA 04:03 The Role of Social Return on Investment in OSSA 05:09 The Importance of Financial Empowerment 05:30 The Growth and Evolution of OSSA 06:35 The Power of Podcasting for Underrepresented Voices 07:07 OSSA's Unique Approach to Podcasting 14:50 The Importance of Consistency and Community in Podcasting 24:58 The Impact of Social Initiatives on Business Sustainability 25:42 Key Initiatives for Sustainable Social Impact 26:18 Growing OSSA's Creator Community 27:12 The Power of Networking and Partnerships 30:46 Building and Managing a Virtual Team 33:19 Engaging and Communicating with a Virtual Team 35:49 The Future of OSSA and Social Initiatives 36:48 Personal Insights and Reflections 44:00 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion 45:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

29 SET 2023 · If you have ever considered incorporating a social initiative into your business, listen to this podcast. Whether you are a consumer, small business, or an entrepreneur… You can take a wealth of information from my conversation with Erin Houston, the co-founder of Wearwell. This is a masterclass on creating a sustainable social impact for you, your business, and the community. Watch, listen, or read, and you will learn: How to attract and keep consumers by aligning with their values How to evaluate sustainable trends - this goes beyond the environment. How to make an impact through the supply chain How to assess brand partners and make it a light lift. What is greenwashing, and how does a small business or consumer identify it? How to bake a social initiative into your revenue model while engaging the consumer? How do you create a lower carbon footprint while being an online business that ships products? ... and so much more!

14 SET 2023 · Welcome to YouMeWe Amplified! Well, this is a first. Today's conversation is with a woman in the machine manufacturing industry, Tara Lordi, the Co-founder and CEO of WeeDoo Boats, which preserves nature and wins the fight to clean aquatic vegetation from the waterways without chemicals. Tara is from Florida, United States. Tara has a knack for getting to the heart of the matter. She shares how small businesses, citizens, and governments can efficiently and cost-effectively clean our waterways to reduce the impact on water and our health. In this episode, we discuss: - What it takes to start an innovative business. - How to engage the Federal Government in the development of your product. - How to lead a team without being the boss. - Creating a culture where employees are invested in the social initiatives' success - How to empower customers to become your biggest advocates - And the 10 in 10 at the end of our conversation is definitely worth a listen! As a small business owner, you'll appreciate the candid dos and don'ts that will propel your business and impact forward. - And if you're a parent, Tara provides thought-provoking advice for empowering your children. After you listen to this episode, I hope you feel as empowered as I did to make your contribution count! To watch the video, visit: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/tara-lordi-weedoo-greenboat/

1 SET 2023 · At YouMeWe Amplified Podcast we have conversations with sheIMPACTpreneurs transforming where WE Live & Work with Sustainable Social Solutions. Hosted by Suzanne F. Stevens, CSP, international speaker, author, coach, sheIMPACTpreneur Community Builder, and Multi-Award winning IMPACTpreneur. Receive actionable insights into what, why, and how to make a social impact to empower you, your organization, and your community! Like, Comment, Subscribe. Don't want to miss a dose of inspiration and action? Subscribe to receive email notifications of new episodes. Visit https://podcast.youmewe.ca/ Resources and search by country and impact: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/jordana-guimaraes-fashinnovation/ Be empowered to make your contribution count! In this episode, we have a conversation with Jordana Guimaraes, co-founder of Fashinnovation Inc. I have never laughed so hard in a podcast! Fashionnovation marries fashion, technology, and sustainability. Jordana and her partner Marcelo created a community where affordability, structure, and sustainability in fashion meet. They offer budding designers and fashion entrepreneurs internationally access to information, innovation, and collaborators, providing the inaccessible and making it, and them, accessible. As part of Fashinnovation business mission, they give opportunities to talent in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jordana also advocates for sustainability and SDGs goals by sitting on the board of different organizations.Conversation highlights... - Discover the one fundamental must-have for every budding business. - The benefits of democratizing content as a business and social impact strategy. - The one thing that can stop social and environmental progression. - Business strategies to go from rags to riches. - The opportunities in the Fashion industry. - Two not-to-be-ignored keys to Fashinnovation’s sustainable business. - Collaboration strategies to grow your business and impact. - How do you take the emotion out of an emotional business? …and more

19 AGO 2023 · At YouMeWe Amplified Podcast we have conversations with sheIMPACTpreneurs transforming where WE Live & Work with Sustainable Social Solutions. Hosted by Suzanne F. Stevens, CSP, international speaker, author, coach, sheIMPACTpreneur Community Builder, and Multi-Award winning IMPACTpreneur. Receive actionable insights into what, why, and how to make a social impact to empower you, your organization, and your community! Like, Comment, Subscribe. Don't want to miss a dose of inspiration and action? Subscribe to receive email notifications of new episodes. Visit https://podcast.youmewe.ca/ Resources and search by country and impact:https://podcast.youmewe.ca/jayne-larson/https://podcast.youmewe.ca/jayne-larson/ Be empowered to make your contribution count! In this episode, we have a conversation with Jayne Amelia Larson. In addition to being a bestselling author, actress, TV producer, and Activist, she is the Creator & Host of Bonus Babies Podcast from Los Angeles, California. Bonus Babies is committed to changing the current landscape of the failing foster care system. The podcast’s aim is to prevent children from entering foster care in the first place AND to empower those in care to achieve healthy and sustainable independence.Conversation highlights... - What is a CASA and its role in the Foster Care System? - What are the issues in the Foster Care system, and why do they exist? - What can citizens do to address the challenges in the foster care system? - Why are foster children vulnerable to trafficking? - What do many superheroes have in common … the answer may surprise you. - How to run a business and nonprofit together? - Who makes the best collaborators? … and more.

13 MAG 2022 · Interview with Natasha Halliday, Therapist, Emerging Resilient Counselling and Psychotherapy; Canada. Natasha Halliday is a therapist, speaker and comedian. Natasha believes that we all possess resilience. Natasha has worked supporting individuals with their mental health for over 20 years. She is dedicated to uncovering the resilience already there, fostering and building resilience where needed, and demonstrating how to grow through adversity. She is passionate about helping people move past fear into the life they desire and are purposed to live. Natasha infuses humour into most aspects of her life, a skill she learned growing up in a very funny family. Natasha is a published author and was recently part of a collaborative project called Affirmations For a Woman on a Mission Journal. INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS: - What affects youth’s mental health, and what are just human emotions. - How to assist a child when concerned about their mental health - How to connect to youth - How to gain insights into issues affecting other cultures - How to contribute so you don’t suffer from compassion fatigue Subscribe above to be invited to guests’ full interviews.