The Can't Win Victory Fund helps "cant-idates" run for office in gerrymandered, unwinnable districts. Why? Because the organization believes that we deserve competitive elections that hold our leaders accountable. The organization recruits, trains, and supports candidates who show up, tell the truth, and build trust in communities that feel like their voice no longer counts. In the last election cycle, they supported over 60 "cant-idates" in state-wide elections. The Can't Win Victory Fund builds social networks and makes politics fun. Their long-term success is that the communities they foster keep working together long after the election.

Teddy Bears with Heart has gifted over 350,000 stuffed animals to help first responders assist children in crisis. In addition, the organization provides nine hospitals and more than 150 agencies with stuffed animals to comfort those in need. They also sponsor the "Share a Bear Because You Care" program through which supporters can purchase small teddy bears from Teddy Bears With Heart and personally share them with people they encounter in everyday life — a neighbor, a senior, a child having a tough day, a first responder, or someone who just needs a moment of comfort.

Richard Walden is the founder, President, and CEO of Operation USA, a Los Angeles-based international disaster relief and development agency helping communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease, violence, and endemic poverty. Since 1979, Operation USA has worked in 101 countries—delivering over $450 million in aid for relief and development projects around the world.

Katherine Grainger, co-author of the NY gay marriage law, champion of groundbreaking work to enshrine gender protections in state constitutions across the country, and Managing Partner of Civitas Public Affairs Group, joins guest cohost Vanessa Priya Daniel and Mitch Winick. She ignites our imaginations about what true gender equality could look and feel like in our daily lives, and how we achieve it. With 25 years of policy, legal, and advocacy experience, Katherine Grainger is a unique thought leader challenging cultural and system norms towards a freer future.

Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the nonprofit American Journalism Project, reminds us that local journalism keeps communities informed and holds the powerful accountable. Equally important, it is the key to an informed citizenry and provides the tools to safeguard a healthy democracy.

Linda Krop, Chief Counsel of the nonprofit Environmental Defense Center has dedicated her career as an environmental advocate to fighting offshore oil and gas development, protecting natural resources, and preserving open space lands. In her role as chief counsel, she leads the organization's efforts to defend nature and advance environmental justice through community advocacy and legal action. EDC has represented more than 100 nonprofit organizations and helped preserve more than 100,000 acres of woodlands and open space for long-term public use and protection from development or industry use.

Vanessa Priya Daniel’s first book, Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning, centers the work of women of color in social justice movements.. She shares the three superpowers of successful WOC leaders that we can all adopt: a 360 vision, boldness, and generosity.

Drew Moser, CEO of The Lucky Duck Foundation, discusses how applying sound business principles with a bias for action, a focus on strategic collaborations, and the support of private philanthropy, can reduce homelessness and successfully address other community needs.

Kate Compton Barr is a trailblazing advocate for democracy who made waves as the 'Can't Win' candidate for the North Carolina State Senate in 2024. Her candidacy was never about winning. Instead, it was a platform to focus the community's conversation on the un-democratic effect of partisan gerrymandering. Kate's current campaign is equally unique. She is campaigning openly as a progressive running in the Republican primary for North Carolina's US House District 14 on a platform supporting fair maps that support democracy by reflecting the bipartisan demographics of her state.

As Director of Monterey County Homeless Services Program, Roxanne Wilson is a seasoned community leader with over a decade of dedicated service to housing justice and homelessness reduction. She leads the county's efforts to integrate policy, planning, and partnerships across governmental and nonprofit sectors by overseeing strategic initiatives and homeless response systems.