Podcast Summary: The BossBabe Podcast Episode 442
Title: Building a Successful Non-Profit, Leadership in Tough Times + How to Help The Most Vulnerable This Season with Susan Ramirez of National Angels
Host: Natalie Ellis
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 442 of The BossBabe Podcast, host Natalie Ellis welcomes Susan Ramirez, the founder and CEO of National Angels—a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the foster care system in the United States. Natalie passionately highlights the importance of supporting National Angels, especially during the holiday season, and announces a generous matching donation initiative up to $10,000 for contributions made through the BossBabe community in response to this episode.
Susan Ramirez's Journey to Founding National Angels
From Corporate Ladder to Nonprofit Leadership
Susan Ramirez shares her unexpected journey from a corporate career in home sales to founding National Angels. Initially, her ambition was to climb the corporate ladder, working eight years in home sales. However, a pivotal moment occurred when a CPS worker encouraged her to attend a foster and adoption conference after she sold a home to a CPS worker (02:10). This experience fundamentally altered her perspective and ignited a passion to improve the foster care system.
Quote:
"It was a moment where when I walked in this conference, I walked in one way and came out a complete changed human being. And it changed the whole trajectory of my life."
— Susan Ramirez (02:54)
Building National Angels: Overcoming Initial Challenges
From Community Service to Systemic Change
After the transformative conference, Susan and her friends began volunteering with a placement agency in Austin, Texas. They organized community service projects like back-to-school and holiday events, aiming to provide consistent support to children in foster care. Over three years, Susan realized that while these efforts were beneficial, they weren't enough to change the systemic issues within foster care statistics.
Quote:
"We were not going to change any of the statistics. Children will move so many times in their foster care experience. And we know that about 50% don't graduate high school and 97% do not go on to earn a college degree."
— Susan Ramirez (04:49)
Determined to make a greater impact, Susan led the development of a pilot program that offered continuous, personalized support to foster families. This hands-on approach not only helped stabilize the foster environment but also inspired Susan to commit to the nonprofit full-time.
Quote:
"We basically changed his life and he made the football team...we continued to cheer him on and bought him the equipment necessary."
— Susan Ramirez (08:40)
Leadership in Tough Times
Navigating Rapid Growth and Personal Challenges
As National Angels expanded to 19 cities across 14 states, employing 117 people and serving 3,000 children monthly, Susan faced significant leadership challenges. The rapid scaling led to moments of self-doubt and burnout, particularly in 2021 when Susan struggled with maintaining her intuitive decision-making amidst increasing operational demands.
Quote:
"I found myself, I don't feel like I'm confident in my ability to make decisions."
— Susan Ramirez (16:08)
Seeking clarity, Susan took a sabbatical and embarked on a soul-searching retreat in Sedona. Through profound personal introspection and guided exercises, she confronted deep-seated insecurities and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and healthier leadership practices.
Quote:
"I came home from that experience and just thought, I am right to lead. I've got the right passion, the right heart."
— Susan Ramirez (21:55)
Personal Growth and Balancing Motherhood
Integrating Personal and Professional Life
Susan discusses the intersection of her role as a mother and her leadership at National Angels. Balancing the emotional weight of her nonprofit work with raising her own children has been both challenging and enlightening. She emphasizes the importance of fostering self-efficacy in her sons, teaching them to voice their needs and feel empowered.
Quote:
"I know the importance... your voice matters always. And so if you're uncomfortable, say it."
— Susan Ramirez (27:09)
Susan's commitment to intentional parenting mirrors her nonprofit's mission—empowering individuals and creating lasting positive change through supportive relationships.
Impact Stories: Hope and Transformation
Real-Life Successes of National Angels
Throughout the episode, Susan shares moving stories that highlight the profound impact of National Angels:
-
Jonathan's Transformation:
Jonathan, a boy with severe abuse and neglect, experienced a dramatic turnaround thanks to consistent support and empowerment, shifting his grades from F's to A's and fulfilling his dream of joining the football team.
Quote:
"It was a moment for me where I had no idea that we could actually help change the way that children viewed themselves."
— Susan Ramirez (08:40) -
Ryan's Birthday Surprise:
Ryan, who had never experienced a proper birthday celebration, received a special gift that made him feel loved and valued for the first time.
Quote:
"John said, I just want you to know that I love you."
— Susan Ramirez (11:00) -
Abel's Marathon Achievement:
Abel, a foster youth, was gifted a new car upon completing the Austin Marathon, symbolizing the community's support and belief in his potential. This support enabled him to pursue internships and dream of a future with National Angels.
Quote:
"I believe it will happen."
— Susan Ramirez (32:53) -
Barbara's Academic Success:
Barbara, who endured numerous home placements and a harsh residential treatment center, overcame immense odds to become a freshman at Texas State University.
Quote:
"We've got data and research on our programs...every single statistic can be rewritten with human connection."
— Susan Ramirez (35:28)
These stories underscore the transformative power of sustained community support and personal mentorship.
Maintaining Emotional Resilience
Coping with the Emotional Toll
Susan is candid about the emotional challenges of her work. While she experiences moments of heartbreak and grief, she draws strength from the successes and resilience of the children she serves. National Angels fosters a supportive community among its team members, encouraging them to process emotions collectively and use their passion as fuel to drive continued change.
Quote:
"This whole child welfare experience can feel so dark and so heavy. But we're on the hope side, we're on the redemption side."
— Susan Ramirez (30:27)
How to Support National Angels
Multiple Avenues for Contribution
Susan outlines various ways listeners can support National Angels:
-
Financial Contributions:
- Angel Alliance:
A monthly donation of $25 helps pull children off the waitlist and into the program.
Impact:
Consistent support ensures that each child receives continuous mentorship and access to resources like summer camps, back-to-school events, and essential supplies.
Quote:
"As little as $25 a month can help us pull a kid off of our wait list and into our program."
— Susan Ramirez (40:46)
- Angel Alliance:
-
Volunteering:
-
Dare to Dream Mentorship Program:
Volunteers are matched with youth to guide them through critical life milestones, such as obtaining a driver's license, financial literacy, and career planning.
Quote:
"It's this beautiful partnership about empowering kids."
— Susan Ramirez (44:00) -
One-Off Volunteer Opportunities:
Participation in events like back-to-school drives, Christmas shopping experiences, and annual galas offers hands-on support and engagement.
Quote:
"We do an annual back to school event... all their school supplies."
— Susan Ramirez (42:36)
-
-
Starting a Chapter:
Individuals inspired by National Angels' mission can establish new chapters in their communities, expanding the organization's reach and impact.
Quote:
"Find out information on how to do that at NationalAngels.org."
— Susan Ramirez (38:47) -
Spreading the Word:
Sharing National Angels' story through social media, documentaries, and personal networks amplifies their mission and attracts more support.
Quote:
"You never underestimate how just your simple words can be so much comfort to somebody."
— Susan Ramirez (36:40)
Conclusion
Episode 442 of The BossBabe Podcast offers an inspiring and heartfelt exploration of Susan Ramirez's dedication to transforming the foster care system through National Angels. Susan's personal journey, leadership challenges, and the tangible impacts of her nonprofit underscore the profound difference that compassionate leadership and community support can make in the lives of vulnerable children. Listeners are encouraged to engage with National Angels through donations, volunteering, or advocacy to help rewrite the futures of thousands of children across the nation.
Key Takeaways:
- Transformative Power of Support: Consistent, personalized support can dramatically alter the lives of children in foster care.
- Leadership and Personal Growth: Navigating rapid growth and personal challenges requires resilience, self-reflection, and a steadfast commitment to the mission.
- Community and Relationships: Building strong, supportive relationships is central to effecting meaningful change.
Notable Quotes:
-
"Every single child should have at least one healthy adult who knows the color of their eyes and the passions of their heart."
— Susan Ramirez (02:54) -
"We are on the hope side, we're on the redemption side."
— Susan Ramirez (30:27) -
"I would tell her like, I'm so proud of you for not giving up and just keep going because it's worth it."
— Susan Ramirez (46:53)
For more information and to support National Angels, visit NationalAngels.org or connect on Instagram @NationalAngels.