In this episode, Reem Aly of the Ohio School-Based Health Alliance and Jordan Lewis of The Confess Project of America reflect on what it takes to build systems of care that last. From school-based healthcare in Ohio to mental health advocacy in barbershops across the country, the conversation explores sustainability, burnout, re-traumatization, and the hidden emotional cost of leading mission-driven work.

In this episode, Aaron Landrum of Deloitte and Erica Smith of Boys to Men Tucson reflect on the personal experiences that shaped their work in public health and mental health equity. From Aaron’s memories of his grandfather in Boston to Erica’s work creating healing spaces for Black and brown men in Tucson, the conversation explores masculinity, vulnerability, systems change, and why “systems need to be restructured — people don’t need to be fixed.”

Welcome to Founders and Funders, a podcast series featuring honest conversations between nonprofit leaders and the people funding their work. Listen to hosts Hassan Hassan (New Profit) and Alex Owens (Be Loud Studios) talk about what inspired the series and the big questions driving each episode. Through personal stories and candid dialogue, the series explores mental health equity, sustainability, and what it takes to build stronger partnerships during uncertain times.