Maggie Barrera Paz’s Post

Great to be back again serving as emcee at the 17th Annual Hearts of Texas Luncheon, honoring Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Randy Bowman, Community Partners of Dallas and the Lewisville ISD. Volunteerism transforms lives! Thanks to Volunteer Now CEO, Rachel Currie Triska, for inspiring her incredible team. Americans gave 4.1 billion hours of service to humanity as volunteers last year. There's nothing more impactful than making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. As I share in my keynote address: "Live your life as a go-getter, yet, forever share your life as a go-giver."

This is why building and strengthening Community Capacity should be at the forefront of economic development.

August is National Make-a-Will Month and you can plant the seeds of your legacy for generations to come through planned giving. While wildflowers and wills may seem to have little in common, they have more similarities than one might think. A planned gift is like a seed that grows to produce a future full of beautiful flowers. Read on to learn more about planned giving and how to create your will: https://lnkd.in/ec3JX3bi

Happy Memorial Day!! This Memorial Day, let's take a moment to rest, reset, and recharge. As we honor those who have served, let’s also take care of ourselves and cherish the time with loved ones. Embrace the power of a well-deserved break to fuel your week ahead. Remember, even the busiest go-getters need to pause and rejuvenate. #memorialday #restandrecharge #ResetYourMind #streetstudio #streetteam #streetdesign #streetcreations #streetstudioway #yourcreativeteam #branding #staycreative #brandagency #marketingagency #creativeagency #atlantabusiness #qualitybranding #authenticcontent

Memorial Day in Orange County is more than just barbecues and parades. It's a time to honor our heroes and come together as a community. 🇺🇸 I remember last year, helping a retired couple downsize to a home that perfectly fit their new lifestyle. During our conversation, they shared their excitement about the local Memorial Day celebrations. It reminded me how deeply we are all connected by our history and our shared values. For many of us, especially baby boomers and retirees, moving can feel like a daunting task. But it's also an opportunity to create new traditions and embrace the vibrant culture of Orange County. Here are a few ways you can make the most of Memorial Day while transitioning to a new home: ✅ Attend local parades and events: Join the community in honoring our veterans. It's a great way to meet neighbors and feel a sense of belonging. ✅ Organize a barbecue: Invite your new neighbors over. Nothing breaks the ice like sharing stories over good food. ✅ Visit local landmarks: Explore Orange County's historical sites. It’s a perfect way to appreciate our rich heritage. ✅ Give Back: Participate in community service events. It’s a fulfilling way to honor the spirit of Memorial Day. As you celebrate, remember that every home we help find is a step towards building strong, connected communities. How are you celebrating Memorial Day in your community this year? Share your plans below and let’s honor this special day together. #MemorialDay #Community #RealEstate #BabyBoomers #OrangeCounty

Do you think one person can make a difference? (Or are things just hopeless?) Do you think someone can overcome intense discrimination? (Or are things just hopeless? ) In the face of “no”, what should you do? (Give up? Keep going?) Fascinating answers from the story of Clara Barton via Susan Hassmiller Following in the Footsteps of Clara Barton tour. Check out the daily blog posts here: https://lnkd.in/gdFaZZTZ

After a few months of exploring possibilities for my next career adventure, I've discovered the answer to the question of what I'm looking for - what will fill my cup in my next role. The answer: joy. I am a mission-driven leader. There are so many worthy nonprofits and corporate brands out there that fit my requirement of making the world a better place. But what will make the "right" opportunity stand out to me? What will motivate me to show up and give 110% every day, and leave me fulfilled at the end of a hard week? Joy. A mission and purpose and people who are filled with joy when they come to work, when they face tough challenges, and when they look at the output and outcomes of their efforts. Not familiar with this? Take a look at this post from All Access Life and you'll see what I mean. The world can be an ugly place, and when you look around to notice all the brokenness that needs our help it can get lonely and hopeless pretty fast. To date, I've had the good fortune to find organizations that either led with joy or allowed me to discover and build and amplify that joy internally and with their audiences. There's nothing like it. So employers, if you find joy in your work, in your mission and purpose, I want to talk to you. If you're looking to scale and need help building a team that believes in your purpose and shows up fully committed for that purpose, let me know. We just might make great partners.

**Reflecting and Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend** As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, it's essential to remember the significance of this holiday. Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Their courage and dedication are the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy today. While we take this time to reflect, let's also ensure we celebrate responsibly. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind over the weekend: 1. **Grill Safely** Ensure your grill is placed away from your home, clean, and never left unattended. Safety first! 2. **Water Safety** Whether at the pool, lake, or beach, always supervise children and swim in designated areas. 3. **Drive Responsibly** Expect increased traffic this weekend. Buckle up, stay alert, and never drink and drive. 4. **Stay Hydrated** With the warm weather, it's crucial to drink plenty of water and take breaks in shaded areas to prevent heat-related illnesses. 5. **Fireworks Caution** If celebrating with fireworks, handle them with care, follow local regulations, and maintain a safe distance. Let's honor our fallen heroes by enjoying this time with our loved ones safely and responsibly. Wishing everyone a meaningful and safe Memorial Day Weekend. #MemorialDay #HonorTheFallen #SafetyFirst

Dive into our most recent issue of Heritage and discover how planned giving can create your legacy at Texas A&M.

**NEW REPORT** In 2016, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) formally launched its Folk Arts & Cultures (FAC) program to support the intergenerational transmission of artistic skill and cultural knowledge. This report celebrates the work to date of 17 FAC grantee partners across the Upper Midwest (with a specific focus on Nordic-American folk arts and cultures) and Central Appalachia. Behind the following stories, numbers, and photographs lies a systematic analysis of grantee partner impact by Wilder Research that illuminates the ripple effects of FAC-funded work. By studying the substantial and rich work accomplished by FAC partners and in hearing the stories of the many people they have impacted, MACP hopes to gain insights that will inform future work and inspire others to more deeply engage and invest in the folk arts and cultural traditions. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/42uChyI