Tynkertopia is a place filled with opportunities to play, invent and launch imaginations into overdrive! Designed for kids, parents, teachers, and community members, Tynkertopia builds STEAM skills and encourages independent thinking, questioning, inquiring, designing, building, exploring and tinkering!
8. Dr. Alice Christie, Founder and CEO of Tynkertopia
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
Release Date: 04/23/2024
21. Innovating for Impact: How Christa Stelzmuller is Using Technology to End the Water Crisis
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this episode of Non-Profit North Stars, host Jim Eskin sits down with Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer at Charity Water, to explore how technology and data are transforming the fight for global access to clean drinking water. With nearly one in ten people worldwide lacking safe water, the consequences ripple through health, education, and economic opportunities—especially for women and children. Key Takeaways: ✅ Tech for Good – How Charity Water uses data and innovation to expand clean water access. ✅ Leadership with Purpose – Krista’s approach to leading with...
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20. Cody Knowlton: Grantmaking with Purpose—Funding Health, Faith & Community
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this inspiring episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Cody Knowlton, President and CEO of the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio. Since 2012, Cody has led the foundation in awarding grants to nearly 100 nonprofits annually, impacting healthcare, food security, and faith-based initiatives. With a background in higher education fundraising, Cody brings a unique perspective on both sides of philanthropy—soliciting and granting funds. He shares insights into the challenges of fundraising, the foundation’s most impactful grants, and how faith and strategy drive...
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19. Legacy, Leadership, and Loyalty: Larry Kosow’s Dedication to BU and Nonprofit Excellence
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Larry Kosow, Principal and Treasurer of Venture Tape, whose lifelong passion for philanthropy and Boston University has shaped his extraordinary journey. A dedicated BU alumnus with a deep family legacy at the university, Larry has played a pivotal role in supporting BU’s storied hockey program, including funding the university's TV broadcast booth in memory of his father. Larry shares the story of his family's immigration, perseverance, and entrepreneurial success—how his grandfather's journey through Ellis Island and...
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18. Guiding Nonprofits with Data-Driven Insights: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Korbel
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this episode of Non-Profit North Stars, host Jim Eskin sits down with Dr. Susan Korbel, founder of Core Research, to discuss the crucial role market research plays in the nonprofit sector. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Korbel has helped countless organizations—both public and private—make informed decisions that maximize their impact. From strategic planning to feasibility studies, she shares how nonprofits can apply research to stretch their resources and better fulfill their missions. This insightful conversation sheds light on how nonprofits can leverage data to navigate...
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17. Love of Space featuring Caroline Schumacher, President & CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this special 17th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we are joined by Caroline Schumacher, CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), to explore how ASF is nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators. With a mission rooted in the legacy of America's pioneering astronauts, ASF is propelling the United States toward sustained global leadership in technology and innovation. Carolyn shares the foundation's inspiring history, the rigorous selection process for scholars, and her vision for reigniting public enthusiasm for space exploration. Key...
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16. Fundable, Findable, and Fearless: Kevin L. Brown on Reinventing Nonprofit Fundraising
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this inspiring 16th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Kevin L. Brown, Founding Partner and CEO of Mighty Ally, a global force in nonprofit strategy and branding. Speaking from Malaysia, Kevin shares the story behind his new book, Fundable & Findable The Brand-New Way to Fix Your Nonprofit Fundraising, a labor of love born from years of consulting, training, and community-driven research with 340+ nonprofits in 51 countries. Kevin unpacks his bold Fundable/Findable Framework, explaining how nonprofit leaders can finally escape the starvation cycle and...
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15. Keeping Fundraisers Fundraising: Insights on Retention and Leadership with Sally Bryant
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this thought-provoking 15th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we sit down with Sally Bryant, CEO of the Bryant Group, to tackle the critical issue of fundraiser retention in the nonprofit sector. With decades of expertise in recruiting and coaching advancement professionals, Sally offers actionable strategies for building strong organizational cultures, hiring smarter, and investing in leadership development. Join us as we delve into the causes behind the high turnover rates among fundraisers, the importance of creating a culture of philanthropy, and how exceptional...
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14. Local Action, Global Stewardship - A Conversation with Mitzi Perdue
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this heartfelt episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we are joined by Mitzi Perdue, an extraordinary humanitarian and advocate for Ukraine. From her deep involvement in providing mental health support through the "Healing Hidden Wounds" project to her visionary approach to global philanthropy, Mitzi shares the inspiring story of her journey. With her unique perspective as a writer, activist, and fundraiser, Mitzi sheds light on the importance of thinking big and making a meaningful impact, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Key Takeaways: The Role of Mental...
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13. Mentorship and Mission: John Donohue’s 40 Years of Guiding Nonprofit Excellence
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this inspiring 13th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we honor the incredible journey of John Donohue, Vice President for College Advancement at The College of New Jersey. With a career spanning over four decades, John has mentored countless professionals and transformed the fundraising and advancement landscape. From adapting to diverse regional nonprofit cultures to fostering authentic donor relationships, John shares the wisdom and strategies behind his extraordinary impact. Nominated by Brett Davidson, John’s legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service...
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12. A Hero’s Perspective: National Security and Leadership with Tommy Waller
Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
In this episode, Jim Eskin salutes Tommy Waller, President and CEO of the Center for Security Policy, and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel. Waller reflects on his time in the military, his views on current national security threats, and the pressing issue of complacency in America regarding global dangers. He also shares the Center’s mission to safeguard America by addressing both ideological and infrastructural threats, including their critical work on protecting the U.S. electric grid. Key Takeaway: Complacency is the greatest threat to national security today. To maintain...
info_outlineDr. Alice Christie, Founder and CEO of Tynkertopia has been an educator for the last 56 years. She taught in the K-12 arena for 20 years, was a professor of education at Arizona State University for 20+ years and spent 9 years traveling to 37 states to provide STEM education workshops to over 5000 PK-12 teachers. In 2017, she founded and self-funded Tynkertopia, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in Flagstaff, AZ.
Dr. Christie received her Ph.D. in Language and Literacy and Educational Technology in 1995. She served first as assistant professor, then as associate professor at Arizona State University. She retired in 2008 as ASU President’s Professor Emerita. This designation is one of Arizona State University’s most prestigious faculty honors. It is designed to reward enthusiasm and innovation in teaching, the ability to inspire original and creative work by students, mastery of subject matter and scholarly contributions. Only 36 professors at ASU hold this title.
Tynkertopia, Inc. is a non-profit community center in Flagstaff, AZ. We focus on creativity, inquiry, and STEAM knowledge and skills. Flagstaff is America’s First STEM Community, and Tynkertopia is Flagstaff’s STEAM Community Center. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) + A for the Arts = STEAM.