Join Empower Hour as host Carina Martin sits down with Mayor Guyleen Castriotta of Broomfield, Colorado to explore the powerful intersection of government and nonprofit collaboration. Drawing from her unique experience as both a public servant and former nonprofit worker, Mayor Castriotta shares invaluable insights on building effective partnerships that serve community needs.

Key topics covered:

• 00:00 Introduction to Guyleen Castriotta and Her Journey
• 02:53 The Role of Nonprofits in Community Development
• 05:42 Challenges Faced by Nonprofits
• 08:13 Collaboration Between Government and Nonprofits
• 10:44 Funding and Grant Application Insights
• 13:26 Impactful Nonprofits in Broomfield
• 16:09 Health and Safety Initiatives
• 18:49 Regional Collaboration and Shared Challenges
• 21:30 Common Mistakes in Grant Applications
• 24:08 Resources Beyond Funding for Nonprofits
• 27:48 Community Support and Nonprofit Collaboration
• 31:03 Government's Role in Nonprofit Sustainability
• 33:09 Representation and Diversity in Local Government
• 35:34 Qualities of Effective Nonprofit Leadership
• 37:36 Housing Challenges and Nonprofit Involvement
• 40:28 Future of Nonprofits and Government Partnerships
• 43:25 Personal Passion for Community Development
• 47:22 Balancing Public Service and Personal Life

Learn about:

• Strategies for nonprofits to effectively partner with local government
• Innovative approaches to addressing housing and health needs
• Tips for accessing government resources beyond direct funding
• Building inclusive community services
• Real examples of successful government-nonprofit partnerships

Mayor Castriotta shares practical advice for nonprofit leaders while offering a transparent look at how local government can support community organizations. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, public servant, or community advocate, this episode provides actionable insights for creating meaningful change through collaboration.

In this premiere episode of Empower Hour, host Carina Martin sits down with Lisandra Gonzales, CEO of Cradle to Career Colorado, to explore how collective action can transform communities and create lasting social change.

Key moments:

• 0:00 Introduction & Welcome
• 5:15 Understanding Collective Action
• 12:30 The Seven Critical Milestones
• 18:45 Youth Voice & Civic Influencers
• 25:30 Direct Services vs. Systems Change
• 32:15 Data-Driven Decision Making
• 38:40 Building Business Partnerships
• 45:20 Lessons Learned & Success Stories
• 52:30 Future of Collective Impact

Discover:

• How the Strive Together framework aligns community efforts
• Why data measurement is crucial for systemic change
• Real success stories of community transformation
• Strategies for engaging business partners
• The role of youth voices in creating change
• How to overcome common collaboration challenges

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, educator, or community advocate, this episode provides practical insights into creating meaningful change through collective action. Learn how communities can work together to ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive from cradle to career.