MACC Conversations

Tune in to hear from Chief Program Officer at FamilyWise Services, Brittany Seidel, and MACC's Program Director, Laurel Hansen, as they discuss how to help employees grow and become strong leaders. They talk about how FamilyWise creates a positive and safe workplace where everyone feels supported and has a chance to learn new skills. They encourage and are committed to advancement and Brittany shares her story of moving up from an entry-level position to an executive leadership role and how teamwork and trust made that possible. She shares that mistakes should be treated as learning opportunities rather than punishment when it comes to employee development in the workplace. Seidel explains why it’s important for leaders to listen, encourage others, and help their staff reach their goals. At FamilyWise they prioritize that staff feel valued and supported so everyone can succeed.

For this Black History Month, tune in to hear from Khadijah Cooper, the Education Director at Annex Teen Clinic and Laurel Hansen, MACC's Program Manager! Khadijah talks about being a Black woman leader while facing challenges in our communities in Minnesota. Right now, a lot of people are feeling fear and stress, she explains that oppression has always existed, but right now it feels more visible and intense. She explains that her main focus is caring for her team and making sure they feel safe and supported at work. The Annex Teen Clinic helps young people by offering sexual health care, teaching about healthy relationships and consent, and supporting parents and other adults. To feel joy when dealing with unrelenting circumstances, Khadijah also shares that she does stand-up comedy, and she believes laughter and joy help people stay strong during hard times. Khadijah’s story shows that strong leadership, community care, and moments of joy can help people stay hopeful and united even in the hardest times.

Tune in to hear from Simpson Housing's Steve Horsfield, Executive Director of Simpson Housing, and Christina Jacobson, Equity and Human Resources Director joining MACC's Program Manager, Laurel Hansen about their work to end homelessness one household at a time. They share how Simpson Housing is building a new shelter and housing space designed to treat people with dignity and help families move into stable homes. They focus on why paying staff a living wage matters and how fair pay supports both workers and the people they serve. Steve and Christina explain what “true cost” funding means and why government contracts should cover the real cost of doing the work. Together they highlight how fair wages, equity, and strong partnerships can lead to better outcomes for staff, participants, and the community.

Tune in to hear from Sharon Day, Executive Director of the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, and MACC's Program Manager, Laurel Hansen, joined by MACC's Communications Director, Clara Owen! The three talk about how to support young people, building strong communities, and staying connected to culture and identity. For this Native American Heritage Month, Sharon shares the story of how the Indigenous Peoples Task Force began in 1987 during the AIDS epidemic. She goes further to explain how storytelling and theater became powerful ways to teach, heal, and inspire the Native youth around her. Sharon talks about how Indigenous Peoples Task Force emphasizes how caring for youth workers, building lasting relationships, and honoring Indigenous practices can help create healthier and stronger communities.

In this episode of Powerful Voices, Lasting Impact, Hispanic Heritage Month edition, Michelle Sanchez, MACC Human Resources Generalist, holds an insightful conversation with Claudia Lainez, Director of the Workers' Center at COPAL. She shares her story of moving from El Salvador to the U.S. and how her childhood shaped her belief in working together as a community. Claudia explains how these values help her support Latino workers and immigrant families in Minnesota. She also talks about challenges she has faced, like not always being listened to, and how teamwork and new tools can make communities stronger.

In this episode of Powerful Voices, Lasting Impact, Hispanic Heritage Month edition, Michelle Sanchez, MACC's Human Resources Generalist, holds an insightful conversation with Rosa Gomez, the office manager at COPAL. Rosa shares her story of growing up in a blended, multi-ethnic family and how her identity shaped her passion for helping communities. She explains how education and collectivist values taught her to use her opportunities to support others, not just herself. Rosa also talks about the importance of working together, while reminding us that growth and change can happen without losing our culture or community values.

In this episode of Powerful Voices, Lasting Impact, Hispanic Heritage Month edition, Mya Corbin, MACC's Communication's Specialist, holds an insightful conversation with Victoria Campoverde, manager of Latino Leadership at Neighborhood House. Victoria shares her journey as an immigrant from Peru and how her cultural identity has shaped her career in nonprofits supporting immigrant and refugee families. She highlights the importance of collectivism, collaboration across departments, and leadership that listens to community voices. They emphasize the communication, cultural respect, and the value of building supportive, connected communities.

Tune in as Laurel Hansen, MACC program manager, talks with Francisco Segovia, the leader of COPAL, for Hispanic Heritage Month! Francisco tells the story of moving from El Salvador to Minnesota and how his culture has shaped the way he leads at his organization. Francisco shares why he started COPAL, to give Latinos a stronger voice through community work, jobs, and policy change. Francisco also explains the struggles many Hispanic workers face, like unfair treatment and not being able to use all their skills, and how nonprofits can help by standing together and supporting immigrant communities. They'll discuss the importance of staying connected to your roots, leading with care for others, and building communities where everyone belongs. 

Tune in to hear from Warren Duncan from People Incorporated Training Insititute, and Laurel Hansen, MACC's Program Manager. In this episode they discuss the burnout, compassion fatigue, and mental health challenges that nonprofit staff face, especially in uncertain times with limited resources. Duncan speaks on how organizations can better support staff by implementing psychological safety, normalizing conversations around stress, and addressing increased burnout due to poor communication or toxic work culture. He emphasizes the importance of naming and addressing emotional strain stating, “name it to tame it," to build trust with teams and strategies for balance. Prioritizing well-being and open communication allows individuals and organizations to remain resilient, effective, and committed to their mission.

In this recruitment-focused episode, Cheryl Jensen from Strategic Consulting and Coaching talks with Laurel Hansen, MACC's Program Manager, about how to lead nonprofits during times of big change. Cheryl discusses building and leading strong teams and shares what she's learned when guiding organizations through leadership change. She shares that it’s important to listen to each organization’s needs, build trust, and create a strong team where people feel supported and can grow. The two of them talk about helping leaders plan for the future, take care of themselves, and work together to keep serving their communities well.