PhilanthroThink
PhilanthroThink
Podcast Description
Welcome to PhilanthroThink, a new podcast series that complements our existing discussion series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. In each episode, we sit down with wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers to discuss the real challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the sector both at home and abroad.
Whether you're a nonprofit insider, a passionate changemaker, or simply curious about how impactful giving is reshaping our communities, you won’t want to miss an episode of PhilanthroThink.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes related to philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, covering topics such as trust-based philanthropy, strategies for community impact, gender equity in philanthropy, and mental health initiatives for children. Future episodes may include discussions around innovative funding models and entrepreneurial approaches, exemplified by episodes like the one featuring Linsey Sherman-Zekulin on trust-based philanthropy.
Welcome to PhilanthroThink, a new podcast series that complements our existing discussion series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. In each episode, we sit down with wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers to discuss the real challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the sector both at home and abroad.
Whether you’re a nonprofit insider, a passionate changemaker, or simply curious about how impactful giving is reshaping our communities, you won’t want to miss an episode of PhilanthroThink.
In this episode of PhilanthroThink, Megan Skivington and Fengwen Yu speak with Raksha Bhayana, CEO and co-founder of the Bhayana Family Foundation, about recognition in the nonprofit sector and why it matters. Raksha reflects on her early career in social work, her family’s values, and how those experiences shaped the Foundation’s focus on celebrating frontline nonprofit workers across Canada through partnerships with United Way. She also discusses the advocacy behind nonprofit appreciation initiatives in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia, and how the next generation is helping guide new priorities, including awards recognizing entire emergency department teams in Toronto hospitals.
A grounded conversation on advocacy, leadership, and sustaining family philanthropy over time.
TAKEAWAYS
Frontline nonprofit workers often carry invisible pressure and limited recognition
Awards can serve as catalysts for broader awareness and change
Advocacy for the nonprofit sector requires persistence and collaboration
Family foundations evolve when leadership is shared across generations
Whole-team recognition strengthens healthcare and community systems
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to PhilanthroThink
00:40 Introducing Raksha Bhayana
02:30 Family roots and values in giving
05:00 Frontline experience and recognition gaps
07:10 Awards with United Way across Canada
09:15 Next-generation involvement
11:45 Emergency department recognition
15:20 Advocacy and nonprofit appreciation initiatives
19:45 Leadership and future priorities
29:55 Advice for emerging changemakers
32:10 Closing thoughts
GUEST
Raksha Bhayana
CEO and Co-Founder, Bhayana Family Foundation
Website: https://bhayanafoundation.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmb1/
Foundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bhayana-family-foundation/posts/?feedView=all
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
https://www.carleton.ca/mpnl/
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://x.com/mpnlcarleton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carletonmpnl/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpnlcarleton/
CREDITS
Hosts:
Megan Skyvington
Emily Goodwin
Fengwen Yu
Daniel H. Lanteigne
Production:
Keenlii
Website: https://www.keenlii.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/
Producer: Barry Keegan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrykeegan/
SUBSCRIBE AND ENGAGE
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ABOUT PHILANTHROTHINK
PhilanthroThink is a podcast series from Carleton University’s Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. Each episode features conversations with philanthropic leaders and changemakers exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in Canada and beyond.
Disclaimer
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