Igniting Change

Season 5, Episode 11 - Tapping into Sustainable Water Solutions with Well Aware

April 18, 2024 01:00 - 44 minutes - 39.8 MB

Welcome to the latest episode of Igniting Change, where we dive into the transformative journey of Sarah Evans, from securities law to the forefront of water sustainability in East Africa through her non-profit organisation, Well Aware. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, including the global water crisis, non-profit funding challenges, innovative fundraising, and the role of technology in ensuring water project sustainability. Tune in and ignite change with us!

Season 5, Episode 10 - Bridging Activism and Innovation with Relate

April 11, 2024 00:00 - 43 minutes - 29.3 MB

In this episode of Igniting Change, we're joined by Sarah Berry, Director of Marketing at Relate, to discuss her unique career journey and how she's utilising technology to promote social change within the charity sector. From career aspirations of bubble-blowing as a five-year-old, to the realisation of technology's potential in activism, Sarah shares her story and Relate's innovative AI projects aimed at supporting personal relationships. She takes us through her 'pre-mortem' strategy, an ...

Season 5, Episode 9 - Empathy and Code Crafting a Better Future in Global Development with Oxfam

April 04, 2024 00:00 - 55 minutes - 45.2 MB

Tune into the latest episode of Igniting Change to follow the inspirational journey of Elizabeth Shaughnessy, who went from the world of English Literature into the heart of digital innovation at Oxfam. This episode is not just a story; it's an adventure that explores the pivotal role of digital tools in amplifying the voices of those on the margins and tackling the digital divide head-on. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and challenged to think differently about the digital world's rol...

Season 5, Episode 8 - Tech, Human Rights, and the Ethical Challenges of AI: A Conversation with Amnesty International

March 28, 2024 02:59 - 46 minutes - 39.3 MB

Join us for a fascinating chat with Michael Kleinman from Amnesty International USA, where we dive into the heart of tech's role in human rights. We'll tackle everything from the dark side of spyware to the battle over online freedom, and shine a light on the digital warriors fighting for a fairer world. Michael also gives us the lowdown on AI's double-edged sword and the hopeful horizon of regulations and grassroots power-ups. If you're keen on seeing how small teams can make huge waves and...

Season 5, Episode 7 - Project Groundwater: Environmental Protection through Radical Innovation

March 21, 2024 00:00 - 38 minutes - 31.3 MB

Join us this week on Igniting Change we chat with hydrologist Jonathan Mackay from the British Geological Survey and Jed Ramsay from Project Groundwater, about the complexities and challenges of groundwater flooding and its management in the wake of climate change. Jon's expertise in forecasting water-related events pairs with Jed's hands-on experience with Project Groundwater, revealing the urgent need for advanced modelling and community-centric strategies to fight the often-overlooked iss...

Season 5, Episode 6 - AI in Disaster Risk Reduction: Enhancing Preparedness and Resilience with Mayleen Cabral @UNDRR

March 14, 2024 00:00 - 40 minutes - 36 MB

Explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in disaster management in our latest episode of Igniting Change. We're joined by Mayleen Cabral from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction to dive deep into how AI is reshaping everything from emergency preparedness to recovery efforts. Witness firsthand the game-changing role of AI in improving risk assessments and utilising geospatial data during crises. Our discussion with Mayleen will uncover the latest in...

Season 5, Episode 5 - The Front Line of Gender Equality in the Internet Era with Oxfam - IWD Special

March 08, 2024 00:00 - 49 minutes - 39.2 MB

Welcome to our conversation with Amina Hersi, Head of Gender Rights and Justice at Oxfam International, as we explore the landscape of the feminist movement in digital spaces. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Amina sheds light on the tightening grip on digital and civic freedoms that activists are experiencing. Join us to learn about the intersection of human rights and digital rights and the vital role solidarity plays in keeping the flames of motivation and change burning.

Season 5, Episode 4 - Female Pioneers Transforming HealthTech - IWD Special with Planned Parenthood

March 06, 2024 00:00 - 37 minutes - 26.4 MB

Could the future of tech look brighter, more diverse, and more impactful with women at the helm? Our special guest, Nicole Levitz, Senior Director of Digital Health Interventions and Insights at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, joins the Igniting Change podcast to talk with Puff all about the transformative power of women in the technology sector. As we are celebrating International Women's Day this week, Nicole shares her unexpected venture into digital health technology and advoca...

Season 5, Episode 3 - Breaking Barriers in Tech with CARE's Brittany Dernberger - IWD Special

March 04, 2024 00:00 - 35 minutes - 29.5 MB

Have you ever wondered how a story can ignite a revolution? Brittany Dernberger, Senior Care Manager at CARE, joins us to chat challenging the status quo and advocating for gender equality through the power of data and storytelling. As we celebrate International Women's Day, she brings to light the gender gap in tech, urging more women to step forward and diversify a field typically seen as monolithic.

Season 5, Episode 2 - AI in Action: Transforming Healthcare at Boundless with Michelle Williams

February 29, 2024 00:00 - 42 minutes - 32.9 MB

This week Puff catches up with Michelle Williams, IT Director Boundless, as she shares her journey from a call center to IT leadership. Discover how mentorship and community service sculpted her path, and the crucial role networking played in her career. Join us as we examine the game-changing impact of AI and smart technologies in healthcare, showcasing examples from telehealth to communication aids that enhance care quality and efficiency. Tune in to gain insights into the future of health...

Season 5, Episode 1 - Revolutionising Philanthropy with Data and Technology: Insights from UNICEF USA's Max Dakin

February 22, 2024 00:00 - 50 minutes - 35.4 MB

From theatre stages to the strategic implementation of philanthropy data, Max Dakin, UNICEF USA's Deputy Director of Philanthropy Data Strategy, helps us kick off Igniting Change Season 5 with a conversation that intertwines data with compassion. Max discusses his transformative journey, shedding light on how UNICEF USA harnesses the power of data to lead impactful fundraising campaigns for children worldwide. His story is a fantastic representation of the marriage between passion and analyt...

Season 4, Episode 13 - Bernhard Kowatsch

December 14, 2023 00:00 - 51 minutes - 43.5 MB

In a world of plenty, where enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet, hunger should be a thing of the past. However, conflict, climate change, disasters, and inequality means that one in ten people globally are still going to bed hungry and famine looms for millions. In our latest Igniting Change episode, we sit down with Bernhard Kowatsch from the World Food Programme to discuss their tireless work to feed millions of the world’s hungriest people.

Season 4, Episode 12 - Dr Isabelle Widmer

November 30, 2023 00:00 - 47 minutes - 40.9 MB

Access to healthcare is a basic human right. According to the World Health Organization, up to 3.5 billion people, almost half the world’s population, lack access to the health services they need. Something needs to change. Welcome Dr Isabelle Widmer into the conversation. She joins this week’s episode to discuss how Virtual Doctors are saving lives in Africa by harnessing technology to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved communities. From the nitty-gritty of telemedicine to their ...

Season 4, Episode 11 - Christina Barstow

November 22, 2023 23:00 - 35 minutes - 30 MB

Meet Christina Barstow, the dynamic Director of Strategic Partnerships at Helvetas, an International Nonprofit Organization. Christina, an engineer by training, shares her fascinating professional trajectory that took her from the classrooms of the University of Colorado to rural communities across East Africa, where she has been at the helm of impactful projects in the water sector. In this conversation, we navigate the world of 'tech for good', a sphere that Christina and her team at He...

Season 4, Episode 10 - Dr. Melanie Garson

November 15, 2023 23:00 - 48 minutes - 34.8 MB

Have you ever thought about the immense influence technology wields in shaping our societies? Get ready to have your curiosity satisfied in a big way… Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating world of digital transformation with our guest, Dr. Melanie Garson, the Cyber Policy and Acting Director of Geopolitics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. We explore how technology is a game-changer in various sectors. From its role in search and rescue missions to predicting climate d...

Season 4, Episode 9 - Matt Holbrook

November 08, 2023 23:00 - 47 minutes - 40.8 MB

Get ready to find out how our next guest, Matt Holbrook, the Director of Operations at Global Growers Network is igniting some serious change in the world. We dive into the inspirational work that Matt and his team are doing to uplift immigrants and refugees in Atlanta by providing access to community gardens for folks to enjoy on a personal level, and even larger plots for those who dream of launching their small businesses. But Matt's journey doesn't stop at Global Growers. Find out ...

Season 4, Episode 8 - Dan Lammot

November 01, 2023 23:00 - 42 minutes - 31.4 MB

On this week’s episode, we dive into the world of social entrepreneurship with our inspiring guest, Dan Lammot, CEO at threshold.world. From California surfer to tech-savvy social entrepreneur in Puerto Rico, Dan's journey has been an interesting one and is as exciting as his mission to revolutionise the nonprofit sector with cloud-based solutions. Tune in to discover how b.world—the world’s first impact storytelling platform—is breaking barriers by enabling smaller organisations to access...

Season 4, Episode 7 - Attiya Hirji

October 25, 2023 23:00 - 44 minutes - 34.8 MB

Did you know using a simple emoji can help unlock the door to more impactful fundraising? This week Attiya Hirji, Digital Fundraising Specialist at Oxfam International, joins us to pull back the curtain on the world of tech-empowered non-profit fundraising. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Attiya shares her journey from her early fundraising efforts, to now playing a key role in addressing global issues such as poverty, climate change, and gender inequality. Throughout the conversation, she unde...

Season 4, Episode 6 - Ariana Vargas

October 18, 2023 23:00 - 55 minutes - 42 MB

In recent years, technology has proven what an incredibly powerful tool it can be for mental health advocacy and support. Join us for a fascinating dive into the innovative mind of Ariana Vargas, an accomplished documentary filmmaker and the founder of Stigma, a game-changing app that champions mental health through the art of storytelling. Ariana’s journey is a testament to her courage and resolve, transitioning from a pre-med student to a tech startup founder, fueled by personal experience...

Season 4, Episode 5 - Lester Coutinho

October 11, 2023 23:00 - 39 minutes - 34.1 MB

Imagine having the power to redefine the conversation on sexual and reproductive health, reaching millions around the world. In this episode, we’re joined by Lester Coutinho, Director of Innovation and Insights at DKT International, a trailblazer in this field for over 25 years. Find out how DKT International has revolutionised access to contraceptives, clinics, counselling, and follow-up care. Join our conversation as we explore how these innovations empower individuals, providing them with...

Season 4, Episode 4 - Doug Krehbel

October 04, 2023 23:00 - 40 minutes - 32.8 MB

Ever wonder how Greenpeace harnesses the power of big data to deliver on its radical mission? Catch our conversation with Doug Krehbel, Director of Data and Business Intelligence at Greenpeace USA, to get his insightful answer to that burning question. With a background in software development and data strategy, he reveals how his team uses data to transform strategies for environmental advocacy and fundraising.

Season 4, Episode 3 - Jamil Khan

September 27, 2023 23:00 - 40 minutes - 34.1 MB

Curious about tech’s transformative role in the nonprofit sector? This week, we chat with Jamil Khan, Digital Engagement Leader at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. From its origins, sparked by 4-year-old Alex Scott’s heartfelt lemonade stands, to its present-day impact, raising $250M+ for pediatric cancer research and family support. Tune in for an inspiring journey of resilience, innovation, and impact.

Season 4, Episode 2 - Bill Miller

September 20, 2023 23:00 - 37 minutes - 33.2 MB

Thrilled to have Bill Miller, CEO of the Keane University Foundation, join us this week. We delve into the evolution of philanthropy in the digital era - where data analytics and AI aren’t just buzzwords, but catalysts for massive change.

Season 4, Episode 1 - Seema Iyer

September 13, 2023 23:00 - 43 minutes - 37.3 MB

Seema Iyer, Senior Director of The Hive at USA for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, joins us to discuss her circuitous career path, and how she went from studying human migration patterns in the former Soviet Union during the '90s to running the data science and innovation lab for UNHCR.

Season 3, Episode 24 - Vicky Godfrey

July 06, 2023 23:00 - 28 minutes - 24.1 MB

In an Igniting Change first, we have Vicky Godfrey back in the hot seat to give us an update on the challenges and successes of launching an app now that DNApal has launched in the iOS store!

Season 3, Episode 23 - Alex Sindorf

July 04, 2023 23:00 - 35 minutes - 29.4 MB

Alex Sindorf, Food Assistance Programs Manager at Indy Hunger Network, joins us to discuss their movement to end food insecurity for anyone who is hungry.

Season 3, Episode 22 - Rachel Wells

July 02, 2023 23:00 - 38 minutes - 33.2 MB

Rachel Wells, Senior Manager of Community Programs at DataKind, joins us to talk about how she enables social impact at her organisation with AI & data science.

Season 3, Episode 21 - Shiloh Paul

June 29, 2023 23:00 - 32 minutes - 28.3 MB

Shiloh Paul, Product Manager at MeaningSphere, joins us to discuss her role at an inspirational start-up that’s on a mission to help people find more meaning in their work lives.

Season 3, Episode 20 - Rachel Hope

June 27, 2023 23:00 - 36 minutes - 29.6 MB

Rachel Hope, Director, Digital Services, Vaccinations NHS, joins us to discuss how her career beginnings in civil service led to her impressive career utilising technology to bring services and care into people’s homes.

Season 3, Episode 19 - Jamie Bearse

June 25, 2023 23:00 - 34 minutes - 30 MB

Jamie Bearse, President & CEO at Zero Prostate Cancer, joins us to discuss the work his organisation does to advocate for prostate cancer research and how their life-saving ZERO360 program fights to cut through the red tape and support patients through their cancer journeys.

Season 3, Episode 18 - Mary Wellen

June 22, 2023 23:00 - 36 minutes - 32 MB

Mary Wellen, Senior Digital Fundraising Manager at Wildlife Conservation Society, joins us to talk about how a happenstance business trip became the catalyst and inspiration for her to forge a new career path in an organisation that protects wildlife + wild places in over 50 countries.

Season 3, Episode 17 - Camila Tapias

June 20, 2023 23:00 - 45 minutes - 36.2 MB

Camila Tapias, Global Disaster Resilience Specialist at SPIN Global, joins us to discuss her passion for disaster preparedness and its parallels to sports like basketball.

Season 3, Episode 16 - David Thau

June 18, 2023 23:00 - 41 minutes - 36.2 MB

Dave Thau, Data and Technology Global Lead Scientist at WWF joins us as we explore technology's role and impact in conservation and tackling biodiversity loss.

Season 3, Episode 15 - Akshay Khullar

June 14, 2023 23:00 - 41 minutes - 35.9 MB

Akshay Khullar, Director of Digital Fundraising at American Humane, joins us to discuss how a 145-year-old organisation manages to stay ahead of the game in terms of innovation and digital fundraising.

Season 3, Episode 14 - Dr. Paula Hall

June 07, 2023 23:00 - 37 minutes - 28.9 MB

Dr. Paula Hall, Clinical Director at Pivotal Recovery, joins us to discuss how her platform uses technology to help people overcome pornography and sex addiction.

Season 3, Episode 13 - Michael Edmonson

May 31, 2023 23:00 - 37 minutes - 28.5 MB

Michael Edmonson, Co-Founder & CEO of Worthy Mentoring, joins us to discuss his non-profit that connects mentors and mentees in the LGBT+ communities to deliver help and guidance.

Season 3, Episode 12 - Isabelle Smith

May 24, 2023 23:00 - 33 minutes - 29.2 MB

Isabelle Smith, Chief Information Officer at All Hands and Hearts, joins us to discuss how she went from volunteering in the Philippines to her role as a CIO of a global organisation that helps communities recover from disasters.

Season 3, Episode 11 - Lara Strangways

May 17, 2023 23:00 - 36 minutes - 32.2 MB

Lara Strangways, Head of Business & Human Rights at Global Rights Compliance, joins us to discuss how they deliver remedy and justice through the innovative application of international law.

Season 3, Episode 10 - Petya Kangalova

May 10, 2023 23:00 - 35 minutes - 31.2 MB

Petya Kangalova, Open Tech Collective Facilitator for Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, joins us to discuss the incredible power of open-source technology and the competitive advantage that collaboration and openness can offer the third sector.

Season 3, Episode 9 - Rachel Kimber

May 03, 2023 23:00 - 47 minutes - 42 MB

Rachel Kimber, Vice President of Grants Management at Smile Train, joins us to discuss the inspirational journey from her upbringing, travelling on her gap year(s), to how she began working at a global charity that supports children born with cleft palates in 70 different countries.

Episodes