Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Justin Levy, Executive Director of Conscious Alliance, who shares some of his powerful and inspirational story of managing through hardships, including Cerebral Palsy, enduring 14 surgeries, being in and out of wheelchairs, having to learn how to walk four times before graduating high school, and severe dyslexia, to seek out his purpose and become the Executive Director of a national nonprofit bringing healthy food into underserved communities and fusing music with opportunities to make a positive impact.
During the interview, Justin discusses some of his formative experiences in grade school and how a counselor and then a school trip changed the trajectory of his life, he talks about why and how he got involved in Conscious Alliance, how the nonprofit has grown to become a movement and the importance of their efforts and impact. He shares a number of ways individuals can awaken compassion to find their purpose and make a difference, as well, and highlights an easy way to join in the fight against hunger.
ENTER TO WIN: Join Conscious Alliance in the fight against hunger! Complete 3 actions to be entered for a chance to win 2 Tickets to any 2023 Live Nation show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (contest ends 3/31/23): https://consciousalliance.org/pages/take-action
Learn more about Justin Levy and Conscious Alliance by visiting https://consciousalliance.org.
About Justin Levy: Justin Levy has served as Executive Director of Conscious Alliance since 2012. His focus on expanding the organization's distribution capabilities resulted in the acquisition of a national distribution center and headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado in 2020, as well as the launch of new and innovative programs to accelerate delivery and impact. Levy has made food quality a priority, improving the health and nutrition standards of donated foods. Levy’s focus lies heavily on serving the Native American and youth communities through seeking donations, as well as implementing gardening programs that align with community culture. On a personal note, Levy’s story of overcoming a life of unique challenges is content-worthy all on its own. With Cerebral Palsy and severe dyslexia, Levy works with his limitations to bring a fierce spirit to support others. Levy has had 14 surgeries, has been in and out of wheelchairs, and has endured thousands of hours of painful physical therapy – and he had to learn how to walk four different times before finishing high school. Due to the hardships he has endured throughout his life, Levy is unable to read or drive. As a highly functioning Executive Director, where he lacks in creating spreadsheets and emails, he makes up for tenfold through inspiration, facilitating a powerful organizational culture, and cultivating meaningful partnerships through strong relationships. Levy holds a degree in Service-Learning Program Development from Warren Wilson College.
NOTEWORTHY AWARDS:
2021 Industry Leader & Community Champ Award by Naturally Boulder
Top 25 Influential Young Professionals in Colorado
Biz GenXYZ Awards 40 Under 40 by BizWest
Arthur M. Bannerman Memorial Leadership Award by Warren Wilson College
Frederick G. Ohler Service Award by Warren Wilson College
Leigh Mansberg, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South - Every Child. World Ready.
Alma McLemore, Executive Director, African American Heritage Society - Preserving History and Building Community in Franklin, Tennessee
Tammy Alvarez from Career Winners Circle - Love every Monday by becoming the CEO of your career
Zach Montroy – Building Brave Workplace and Healthy Teams
Mike Berry - President of Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas: Transforming Fort Worth, Texas into an Economic Powerhouse
Jeremy C. Park - CEO, cityCURRENT: How Becoming a SPARK to Power The GOOD Can Transform Your Life and Community
Dr. Sarah Petschonek - Founder & CEO, Volunteer Odyssey: Creating New Pathways for Corporate Engagement & Meaningful Volunteer Experiences
Traci Schubert Barrett - How to Navigate the Journey & Find Significance Beyond Success
Marcus Walker Executive Director, Daily Bread Ministries - A Collaborative Approach to Fighting Hunger, Fostering Faith and Strengthening Community
Matt Kripke CEO of Kripke Enterprises, Inc., Mid South Aluminum - Building a Corporate Culture of Caring
Mark Melson of Gladney Center for Adoption - The Power and Magic of Adoption
Tom and Ellen Harris of The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation – Shining a Light on Depression and Suicide
Michael Graber, Managing Partner of Epic Pivot - Conscious Capitalism and the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Beverly Robertson, President and CEO of The Greater Memphis Chamber - Creating Economic Prosperity Through Opportunity, Equity and Inclusion
Elizabeth R. Brands, President & CEO of The Morris Foundation - Removing Barriers and Creating Pathways for the Vulnerable Populations
Kris Intress, Founder and CEO of Rock Springs Retreat Center - From Hospitality to Health, Finding Balance and Hope
Deborah Macfarlan Enright, Ed.D. - Improving the World Through Skillful Disruption of the Status Quo
Dwania Kyles, Co-Founder of The Memphis 13 Foundation - Approaching Healing and Leading with Love
Jared Barnett, CEO of Slingshot Memphis, Inc. - Promoting a Results-Driven Poverty-Fighting Ecosystem
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