Nina Menis is the CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting youth and fostering community engagement. In her role, she leads efforts to provide youth with opportunities for personal growth, mental health support, and career exploration. For over 30 years, Nina has worked in advancement for public and private P-20 educational institutions, association management, and area not-for-profits. Her experience includes serving as the Director of Community Relations at Naperville School District 203, the Executive Director at the National School Foundation Association, and leading various educational programs. She is passionate about mentorship and youth development, creating programs that help young people say no to destructive choices and yes to endless possibilities.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [2:15] Nina Menis shares her journey to her current role in KidsMatter
- [5:29] The grassroots beginnings and the 20th anniversary of KidsMatter
- [8:08] How KidsMatter pivoted to address the emerging challenges in youth mental health
- [9:47] The shift towards proactive conversations about mental health among young people
- [15:50] Nina’s leadership style, challenges, and learning experiences at KidsMatter
- [19:53] KidsMatter’s funding model and program development
- [24:08] The innovative programs offered by KidsMatter that make a difference
- [30:48] The importance of expanding the list of caring adults in the lives of young people
In this episode…
Unlocking the potential of today’s youth is crucial for creating a thriving society. With rising challenges like social media pressures and mental health concerns, it’s essential to help young people navigate these hurdles for a better tomorrow. But how can young minds be nurtured to develop resilience and a positive sense of self in today’s complex world? How can community leaders, organizations, and data-driven programs pave the way for creating a brighter future for the next generation?
Nina Menis, a proponent of empowering young people with a sense of purpose and identity, delves into these pivotal questions. Drawing from her extensive experience in education and nonprofit sectors, she discusses how initiatives like KidsMatter actively respond to the shifting dynamics in youth needs, especially post-pandemic. She stresses the importance of collective impact, community collaboration, and proactive approaches in addressing mental health and fostering a sense of purpose among youth. Nina’s leadership exemplifies how adaptability and dedication to mission-driven goals can enhance community relations and build solid foundations for the leaders of tomorrow.
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Nina Menis, CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter, about empowering youth and nurturing their mental well-being. Nina shares the journey that led her to KidsMatter, how KidsMatter pivoted to address the emerging challenges in youth mental health, the shift towards proactive conversations about mental health among young people, and KidsMatter’s funding model and program development.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Quotable Moments:
- “Young people are very proactive about mental health because they talk about it.”
- “Being a parent is such a wonderful thing, but so much more complicated in certain ways today.”
- “The more assets a young person has, the more likely they are to say no to destructive choices.”
- “You only have so much bandwidth or capacity; where can you make that biggest impact?”
- “We’re all trying to work through certain things and with young people struggling, it puts a lot of pressure on parents.”
Action Steps:
- Engage in the community by volunteering or joining local initiatives that support youth: This helps build personal connections and provides positive role models for young people.
- Create opportunities for career exploration to inspire youth about their future prospects: This connects education to real-world experiences, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.
- Normalize conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and promote well-being: This enhances understanding and proactive support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Become a mentor to young individuals in your area of expertise: This facilitates knowledge transfer and offers guidance that can shape a young person’s career path.
- Collaborate across sectors for collective impact in addressing social challenges: It unites resources and expertise to tackle complex issues more effectively and sustainably.
Sponsor for this episode…
Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.
They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.
PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.
To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].
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