In this final episode of Community Good, Marney is joined by Karen Olson, founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise. This national organization has helped over one million people experiencing homelessness. Karen shares how a single act of noticing—a moment of connection with a woman on the street—sparked a lifetime of advocacy, leadership, and impact.

Together, Marney and Karen explore how values-driven work shapes not only our legacy but also how we navigate each season of life. They discuss the evolution of Family Promise, the challenges of nonprofit leadership, and what it looks like to stay grounded in compassion in a world that often pulls us away from it.

As the closing chapter of Community Good, this episode serves as a powerful reminder of how doing good in your community begins with paying attention, following through, and trusting that one small act can truly change everything.

More about Karen Olson:

Karen Olson is the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise, a nonprofit organization that began with a single local initiative and evolved into a national movement to support families experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, the organization expanded to over 200 affiliates nationwide, mobilizing more than 200,000 volunteers annually.

Karen is also a writer, speaker, and lifelong advocate whose reflections on faith, community, and service have helped inspire people to lead with purpose and compassion. Her work has earned her numerous national awards and recognition, but she remains grounded in the belief that real change always begins with small, intentional acts.

Today, she continues to write and speak on topics of leadership, personal transformation, and aligning your actions with your deepest values.

www.karenolsonauthor.com

Facebook: Karen Olson Author

Instagram: @karen.olson.author

Connect with Marney:

Insta: @shelives.intentionally

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandes

In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes and Sylvia Torres explore breaking traditional career cycles, counterculture recruiting, and the power of community support—especially for women. Sylvia shares her journey into recruiting, highlighting the importance of challenging conventional hiring practices and recognizing new opportunities. Together, they discuss the freedom of portfolio careers, the value of specialization, and the courage to pursue diverse career paths. This episode is a call to action for redefining success, embracing passions, and taking bold steps toward an intentional, fulfilling professional life.

Main Topics

00:00 The Power of Connection

05:59 Breaking Cycles in Career Development

11:58 The Journey into Recruiting

18:10 Challenging Traditional Hiring Practices

23:58 Redefining Career Mindsets

31:32 The Power of Specialization

39:00 Making Choices and Taking Action

49:51 Redefining Community and Support for Women

More about Sylvia Torres:

Sylvia Torres is the kind of person who turns “what if” into “why not?” Her journey began as a teen mom with big dreams and a fearless determination to discover her path. Fast-forward to today: Sylvia founded Switchboard, a boutique hiring agency that connects small businesses and startups with the talent they need to thrive. But she’s not just a recruiter—she’s a career strategist, writer, and coach for bold women pursuing non-traditional ways of making a living.

Through her publications, Where to Start and Girl Friday, Sylvia shares practical job search wisdom and unfiltered stories about taking risks, embracing quirks, and crafting a life outside the lines. Known for her nontraditional approach to work and life, she inspires others to rethink what’s possible and take charge of their narratives. Whether she’s on stage speaking, coaching, or penning her next piece, Sylvia is a storyteller at heart—one who helps people turn ambition into action.

Websites: https://substack.com/@sylviatorres

Connect with Marney:

Insta: @shelives.intentionally

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandes

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In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes and Christina Joymon dive into the intersection of clarity, values, and action as they discuss the unique journeys of women navigating male-dominated fields. Christina shares her career evolution from engineering to entrepreneurship, illustrating how aligning decisions with personal values fosters fulfillment and success. The conversation uncovers the challenges women face in the workplace, including cultural inclusion and the need for a supportive community.

Christina highlights her experience building empathy-driven communities, the power of shared stories, and the role of self-discovery in empowering the next generation of women. They also explore the importance of self-care, quiet reflection, and cultivating strong partnerships to thrive in personal and professional spaces. Together, they emphasize how women can proactively navigate complexities and take decisive action to create supportive, inclusive environments for diverse backgrounds.

Main Topics

00:00 Introduction to Clarity and Career Paths

04:51 Christina's Journey: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

08:29 Finding Clarity: Aligning Values with Decisions

16:22 Navigating Challenges: Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field

20:54 Empowerment and Self-Discovery: Knowing Your Worth

26:33 Cultural Inclusion: Bridging Gaps Through Community Engagement

28:27 Building Community Through Shared Experiences

30:39 Taking Action: The Power of Decisiveness

34:19 The Importance of Self-Care and Quiet Time

39:04 Navigating Relationships: The Need for Partnership

46:08 Understanding Values in Relationships

More about Christina Joymon:

Christina Joymon is a trailblazer in engineering and entrepreneurship. With a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Drexel University and a Master’s in Systems Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, she broke barriers as the first Asian woman to serve as President of the IEEE at her university. Christina’s career spans prestigious engineering roles, including her work as a Systems Engineer and Project Manager at BAE Systems, where she earned multiple accolades for innovation and leadership.

As the Founder of XIA Capital, Christina has spent over a decade helping others launch tech innovations with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and sustainability. Her passion for inspiring others extends beyond STEM—she’s also an award-winning novelist whose debut, Royal Planet, explores meaningful topics like colorism, adoption, and self-worth through an engaging, symbolic narrative.

A sought-after speaker, Christina has keynoted conferences like LeadHERship, championing equity and inclusion in STEM. When she’s not driving innovation, Christina enjoys running, family adventures, and fostering a spirit of curiosity and connection in everything she does.

Insta: @christina.joymon

Websites: www.christinaj.com

Connect with Marney:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandes

Insta: @shelives.intentionally

Listen, rate, and subscribe!