
IN THIS EPISODE, WE CHAT ABOUT:
- How each nonprofit is addressing urgent needs in the Phoenix community
- The ripple effects of strategic partnerships between businesses and nonprofits
- What nonprofit leaders wish more people understood about giving and impact
- Creative ways entrepreneurs can align their business with purpose
- How to go beyond writing a check: volunteering, advocacy, and resource sharing
- Building authentic relationships with nonprofits to create long-term change
RESOURCES + LINKS
Follow our amazing panelists and their organizations:
Ashley Finch
- Learn more about Fresh Start Women’s Foundation: freshstartwomen.org
- Follow Fresh Start Women on Instagram: @freshstartwomen
- Connect on Facebook: Fresh Start Women
- Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: Ashley Finch
Tamala McBath
- Discover Dress for Success Phoenix: dfsphoenix.org
- Follow Dress for Success Phoenix on Instagram: @dressforsuccessphoenix
- Follow Tamala on Instagram: @tamalajmcbath
- Connect with Tamala on LinkedIn: Tamala McBath
- Take the Empowerment Quiz: dfsphoenix.org/empowermentquiz — Take this short 5-question quiz to uncover the barriers and breakthroughs for women striving for financial independence. For every quiz completed, $5 will be donated to Dress for Success Phoenix—plus, you’ll receive a custom sticker designed by local artist Gabriela Angulo as a thank you!
Nicolee Thompson
- Explore Harvest Compassion Center: harvestcompassioncenter.org
- Follow on Instagram: @harvestcompassion
- Find them on Facebook: Mitchell Swaback Charities
Check out the full recap, photos, and highlights from Chicks Who Give a Hoot LIVE
Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative
Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot
THIS SHOW IS AN ELLY AND NORA CREATIVE PROJECT
Elly and Nora Creative helps purpose-driven businesses grow their income and impact through branding, digital content, and publicity.
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Website | ellyandnoracreative.com
SHOW NOTES:
In this special live recording of the Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, captured during our LIVE event, I had a powerful conversation with nonprofit leaders who are driving lasting change in Phoenix and beyond. This episode explores how mission-driven organizations are responding to community needs—and how entrepreneurs, business owners, and everyday individuals can show up to support their work in meaningful ways.
Ashley Finch is the Senior Director of Community and Client Engagement at Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, where she has served for over five years. With over a decade of experience in the Phoenix nonprofit sector, Ashley has created and led initiatives that empower youth and families with the social and emotional skills they need to thrive. Outside of work, she’s a passionate advocate for health and wellness and a proud mom to two young children.
Tamala McBath is the Chief Executive Officer of Dress for Success Phoenix, guiding the organization’s mission to help women and their families achieve financial independence. Beyond her role as CEO, Tamala is a dynamic keynote speaker, executive coach, and trainer with expertise in both nonprofit and for-profit leadership. Her service includes appointments to the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the City of Phoenix’s Human Services Commission, and the national board of the Meaning & Hope Institute.
Nicolee Thompson is the Co-Founder and current CEO/Executive Director of Harvest Compassion Centers, a nonprofit that provides food, hygiene, baby, and clothing items to families in need. After the tragic loss of her brother Mitch, Nicolee and her family founded Mitchell Swaback Charities, which now operates three Harvest Compassion Center locations across Phoenix. Her work honors her brother’s legacy by bringing tangible support to local families facing economic hardship.
CLIP HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Welcome to the Show
00:58 Introduction and Event Overview
01:20 Introducing the Nonprofit Leaders
01:47 Ashley Finch’s Journey and Impact
02:15 Tamala McBath’s Leadership and Vision
02:43 Nicolee Thompson’s Story and Mission
03:27 The Importance of Female Leadership
04:36 Nicole Thompson’s Personal Story
05:34 Harvest Compassion Center’s Beginnings
10:35 Tamala McBath’s Background and Role
13:21 Dress for Success Phoenix’s Mission
15:16 Ashley Finch’s Path to Fresh Start
17:30 Challenges and Systemic Issues
27:51 Empowering Women: A Hand Up, Not a Handout
28:24 The Power of Women in Control
29:09 Challenges and Policies Impacting Women
30:09 Breaking Stereotypes and Serving All Walks of Life
34:51 Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
35:59 Creative Ways to Contribute and Volunteer
40:27 Collaborating for Greater Impact
49:39 Final Thoughts