In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff talks with Christine Buckley, the Executive Director and Board President of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. The episode delves into the complexities and risks associated with brain aneurysms, highlighting the critical nature of early diagnosis and proper treatment.

**Key Discussion Points:**

1. **Understanding Brain Aneurysms:**
- The brain's intricate role as an organ and the devastating impacts when an aneurysm occurs.
- Statistical insights into the prevalence and rupture rates of brain aneurysms.

2. **Personal Stories and Advocacy:**
- Christine shares touching personal stories of individuals affected by brain aneurysms, emphasizing the unpredictability and severity of the condition.
- The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.

3. **Advancements in Treatment:**
- How modern advancements have made treatments less invasive and more efficient.
- The ongoing challenge of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

4. **Foundation Initiatives:**
- The Brain Aneurysm Foundation's role in research, advocacy, and education.
- The "Scan to Save" initiative is designed to improve early detection and healthcare provider education.

5. **Impact of Education and Awareness:**
- Strategies to increase awareness and understanding of brain aneurysms among the public and healthcare professionals.
- The importance of sharing information through social media and community outreach.

6. **Challenges and Future Goals:**
- The need for more widespread awareness and support to prevent rupture-related fatalities and disabilities.
- Christine’s vision for a world free from the dangers of brain aneurysms and the continuous effort to secure research funding.

**Call to Action:**
Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast episode, follow the Brain Aneurysm Foundation on social media, and help spread awareness about the signs, symptoms, and importance of early detection of brain aneurysms.

**Links and Resources:**
- [Brain Aneurysm Foundation Website](www.bafound.org)
- Social Media:
[Facebook](www.facebook.com/bafound),
[X](x.com/BAFOUND),
[Instagram](www.instagram.com/bafound),
[LinkedIn] (www.linkedin.com/company/the-brain-aneurysm-foundation)
[YouTube](www.youtube.com/user/brainaneurysmfound

For more Small & Gutsy episodes: https://smallandgutsy.org/episodes/

I’ve spent decades working in, around, and now leading a small nonprofit called Small & Gutsy. And if there’s one thing I’ve consistently seen across the nonprofit sector, it’s this: a profound need for resources.

Sure, financial resources are always a challenge — that doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out. But what often surprises people is how limited the resource toolbox is for many organizations — not just the small ones.

In smaller nonprofits, staff are laser-focused on their mission and the direct work of serving clients. They’re stretched thin, wearing multiple hats, which leaves little time for long-term sustainability planning. But even larger nonprofits, segmented into departments, can lose sight of the bigger picture — missing opportunities to collaborate, streamline, or grow.

That’s why accessible, centralized, and free resources are so critical.

Enter: The Nonprofit Cooperative.

A nonprofit in its own right, The Nonprofit Cooperative operates with a powerful business model — one that gives back to the nonprofit community every single day, completely free of charge.

Their website is a true one-stop shop, offering:

• Human resources guidance

• Fundraising tools

• Insurance insights

• Grant and proposal writing support

• Webinars and workshops

• Networking opportunities

• Business-community vetted partnerships

• And… our very own Small & Gutsy podcast page!

Any nonprofit can sign up and record their own interview, adding their voice to our growing family and sharing their impact stories with the world.

In this way, Small & Gutsy isn’t just telling nonprofit stories — we’re partnering with The Nonprofit Cooperative to support those very organizations with the tools and visibility they deserve.

And I couldn’t be more excited to introduce today’s guest:
Danette O’Connell, Founder and Executive Director of The Nonprofit Cooperative.

Danette is a seasoned professional whose career has focused on helping nonprofits not just survive, but transform. She brings deep experience from the business world and a passion for equipping mission-driven organizations with practical, scalable solutions.

So, let’s get started.

Danette, welcome to Small & Gutsy. You have a significant business background — what inspired you to pivot and pour your energy into the nonprofit sector?

For more information, check out their website: www.thenonprofitcooperative.org

For more podcasts: www.smallandgutsy.org

Episode: AMBITION - Transforming Lives Through Power Not Pity

Guest: Nancy Gale - Founder of AMBITION and JAMAH Luxury Handbags

Episode Description:
A powerful conversation about transforming lives through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the unique approach of "power not pity." Nancy Gale shares how she integrated cause and commerce through her luxury handbag brand JAMAH and nonprofit AMBITION, creating opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The integration of cause and commerce in business
• AMBITION's signature "You Don't Know About Me" program
• The power of storytelling in transformation
• Access and exposure as key game changers for youth
• Breaking down barriers between different socioeconomic groups
• The importance of hard work and passion in achievement
• Teaching marketing and entrepreneurship to youth
• The story behind acquiring the AMBITION.org domain name

Notable Quote:
"If you can show how the angst and anger are going to help us solve the problem, I will out-angst and out-anger you any day." - Nancy Gale

Key Highlights:

1. AMBITION's unique approach combining entrepreneurship education with personal development
2. The two-semester program structure: personal narrative development followed by marketing skills
3. Success stories of students' transformations
4. The integration of JAMAH luxury handbags with AMBITION's mission
5. The importance of teaching youth to present challenges with "power not pity"

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: AMBITION.org
• Program: "You Don't Know About Me" initiative

Impact Metrics:

• The program serves primarily juniors and seniors in high school
• 16 years of operation
• Expanding through partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs

Guest Bio:
Nancy Gale is the founder of AMBITION, a nonprofit organization providing entrepreneurial education to disadvantaged youth, and JAMAH, a luxury handbag brand. With 25+ years in the fashion industry, she pioneered an innovative business model integrating cause and commerce. Her approach focuses on empowering youth through access, exposure, and real-world business experience.

Contact Information:

• Website: AMBITION.org
• Email: info@ambition.org

Call to Action:

• Visit AMBITION.org to learn more about the program
• Consider volunteering as a mentor
• Support through donations or purchasing merchandise

For more podcast episodes, please visit: https://smallandgutsy.org/episodes/