From redefining access in sports to battling social isolation with AI and revolutionizing how we carry gear in extreme environments — fresh from The Startup Grind Conference 2025 — this episode of Expert Connexions brings you three powerful stories of innovation born from purpose.

Meet the Founders:
🏀 Christine Schwarz — Co-Founder of Virtual Round Ballers
Christine is breaking barriers in sports and gaming as the creator of Virtual Round Ballers, the first VR experience designed to bring realistic, one-on-one basketball to players of all abilities. Her mission? Make athletics more inclusive, immersive, and empowering. As a tech-driven entrepreneur and accessibility advocate, Christine is carving out space for players who’ve long been left out of the game.
www.virtualroundballers.com

💙 Dan Hungerford — Founder of EverFriends.ai
Dan is the visionary behind EverFriends.ai, an app that uses digital companions to help those who combat loneliness and early cognitive decline. With a background in tech and a passion for social connection, Dan is reimagining how AI can offer empathy, comfort, and companionship — especially when real people aren’t available. His work is deeply human at its core.
www.everfriends.ai

🗺️ Kevin Burnett — Founder of Trail Eagle Packs
Kevin is the founder of Trail Eagle Packs, an outdoor gear startup building next-generation backpacks for serious hikers and professionals. Focused on real-world use, rapid access, and rugged durability, Kevin’s innovation is born from experience and built for people who need their gear to work, no matter the conditions. He’s blending engineering, design, and purpose to elevate the outdoor experience.
www.traileaglepacks.com

About Our Host:
Julie Holton Smith is the founder of mConnexions marketing agency and hosts Expert Connexions, a show that features industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are redefining success. Julie uses her platform to share real stories and insights for business leaders, creatives, and dreamers alike. She’s also a strategist, speaker, and advocate for women in leadership and business innovation.

CLIENT STORY: Communities In Schools of Michigan – Celebrating Jada Reynolds: Student of the Year

At University High School, one student stands out not just for her achievements, but for the heart and spirit she brings to every part of her life. That student is Jada Reynolds, Communities In Schools of Michigan’s (CISM) 2025 Student of the Year. A leader, a friend, and a bright light in her school community, Jada proves that real impact comes from showing up, staying kind, and helping others do the same.

**More Than a Student**

Jada wears many hats—student, volleyball player, photographer, and friend. She balances her studies and sports with creative work, taking photos at her church. But what makes her extraordinary isn’t just how much she does—it’s how she makes people feel while doing it.

Her CIS mentor described her as having a “beautiful spirit”—a phrase that couldn’t be more accurate. Whether encouraging classmates, comforting a peer in distress, or motivating others to keep going through college stress, Jada radiates warmth and support.

**A Natural Leader**

Leadership isn’t about titles for Jada—it’s about action. When another student came into the CIS office in tears, Jada immediately stepped in. Her compassion turned a difficult moment into the beginning of a real friendship. That kind of presence—thoughtful, aware, and kind—is what makes her leadership so powerful.

Jada doesn’t wait to be asked for help. Her simple motto, “If you need help, I got you,” is something she lives every day.

**Finding Strength Through Support**

Jada credits her growth to those around her, especially her CIS mentor, Ms. Gabby, whose smile alone brings comfort. These small moments of connection remind her she’s not alone, and they fuel her to be that same source of light for others.

And even when things get tough—like racing toward college application deadlines—Jada stays grounded. She keeps her head up, encourages others to do the same, and doesn’t let the pressure shake her dreams.

**Big Dreams Ahead**

Jada’s goals are as bold as her spirit. She’s planning to finish high school strong, head to college, and eventually become a doctor. She’s especially interested in surgery—something fast-paced and challenging, just the way she likes it.

While she knows it won’t be easy, Jada is ready. Her drive, supported by her community, will continue to propel her forward.

**A Message for Us All**

Jada’s journey reminds us that small acts—like a smile, a few kind words, or lending a hand—make a big difference. Her story is proof that leadership is about how you treat others, especially during difficult times.

In the complex landscape of homelessness prevention, one Michigan leader is proving that systematic data collection can be a powerful weapon against a persistent social challenge. Eric Hufnagel, Executive Director of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH), has spent decades working in nonprofit and public service roles. Still, his current position puts him at the center of a statewide effort that’s quietly revolutionizing how communities address homelessness.

MCAH operates as an umbrella organization connecting nearly 600 agencies across all 83 Michigan counties through a comprehensive data system called the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Unlike many states that rely on fragmented approaches, Michigan has achieved something remarkable: universal participation in a coordinated data collection effort that provides unprecedented insight into who experiences homelessness and what interventions work.

The numbers reveal sobering realities. While Black residents comprise only 12-13% of Michigan’s general population, they represent approximately 40% of the state’s homeless population—a disparity that has remained stubbornly consistent over time. This data not only highlights problems but also drives policy conversations and funding decisions at both the state and federal levels.

Hufnagel’s background brings a unique perspective to the role. Having worked in mental health services and currently serving as a City Commissioner in St. Johns, Michigan, he understands both the grassroots challenges and the policy mechanisms needed for systemic change. His attraction to MCAH stemmed from recognizing homelessness as the persistent issue that touched every organization he’d worked with, yet no single entity claimed responsibility for solving it comprehensively.

The coalition’s approach goes beyond simply collecting statistics. MCAH trains local agency staff, ensures data quality, and creates “data warehouses” that cross-reference information from different social service sectors. For example, comparing Medicaid usage among homeless individuals helps identify where additional healthcare support might prevent housing instability.

Federal mandates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) require agencies receiving federal funding to participate in HMIS systems. Still, Michigan’s implementation stands out for its completeness and sophistication. This comprehensive approach enables MCAH to advocate effectively for policy changes, such as recent legislation prohibiting “source of income discrimination” that prevents landlords from rejecting tenants simply because their rent comes from government vouchers or non-traditional income sources.

However, Hufnagel acknowledges the ongoing challenge of translating data into action. While numbers can make compelling cases for policy changes, elected officials often gravitate toward visible, immediate solutions, such as emergency shelters, rather than addressing root causes through mental health services, job training, or affordable housing development.

The funding landscape reflects this complexity. Most resources originate from federal sources, particularly the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), while state and local governments play supporting roles within their respective capacity constraints. MCAH’s advocacy work aims to ensure these various funding streams align with what the data shows works.

Despite the demanding nature of nonprofit leadership, Hufnagel maintains perspective through family time and comedy, simple pleasures that prevent burnout in emotionally challenging work. His message to those interested in supporting the cause is straightforward: reach out, get involved, and recognize that ending homelessness requires sustained collaboration rather than individual heroics.

Through methodical data collection and strategic advocacy, MCAH demonstrates that systematic approaches can make measurable progress against seemingly intractable social problems, one policy change and one partnership at a time.

As AI transforms industries, the law is racing to keep up. In this episode of Expert Connexions, we’re joined by Attorney Lindsey Mead of Foster Swift to explore the U.S. Copyright Office’s latest report on AI and copyright.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
✅ What “authorship” really means in the age of AI
How to protect your content if you use AI to brainstorm or create
✅ Where the legal gray areas begin (and how to avoid risk)
✅ What businesses should include in contracts & policies today
Don’t let legal gray areas become business risks, you need to know where the law stands and where it’s going.

ARTS ROLL-CALL: Barb Whitney–finding hope and joy through the grit

Welcome to episode 29 of Arts Roll Call, a podcast for the arts curious. Join host Robin Miner Swartz as she interviews artist and arts educator, Barb Whitney. They talk about her artist life, her work in arts administration and arts education and look at the changes and growth of the arts scene in Greater Lansing.

About Arts Roll Call
Arts Roll Call pulls back the curtain to explore the lived experience of artists and arts organizations in the Greater Lansing region. Presented by Arts Council Greater Lansing and hosted by local celebrity Robin Miner-Swartz, this podcast was created to give the Council’s members an opportunity to share their thoughts and talk about the role of the arts and why they are important to the region and the community. Whether you are from the Greater Lansing area or not, if you are a lover of arts and culture, you will enjoy getting a peek into the creative minds of these leaders and makers in the arts. For more information on the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, visit lansingarts.org. This production is sponsored by UnoDeuce Multimedia and Miner-Swartz Editing & Consulting. Please Note: The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host, producers or the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.

From Digital Nomad to Global Change-Maker 🌍

Meet Victoria Levinsohn, a passionate entrepreneur who is turning the world into her workspace, one volunteer project at a time.

In today’s episode, Victoria shares how she blends her marketing expertise with a love for adventure and volunteering in communities around the globe.

She’s answering the question: “How do visionary entrepreneurs build businesses that go beyond profit and create long-lasting impact?” through the stories she’d lived.

What can entrepreneurs learn from Victoria’s unique journey?
✅ Social Media for Social Good: Using your skills to amplify voices and causes you care about
✅ Building Community Across Continents: The power of volunteering and real-world connections in today’s business landscape
✅ Creativity Beyond Borders: How to incorporate adventure and giving back into your business model

Tune in to hear how Victoria’s travels, nonprofit work, and creative initiatives are shaping a better world — and how you can incorporate some of her values into your own entrepreneurial journey.

Every community needs moments that unite people around a shared purpose—moments that create real impact. That’s the heart behind the *35 Hours of Giving* campaign, a fast-paced, online movement that proves small donations can lead to significant, lasting change.

The concept is simple but powerful: for just 35 hours, the community rallies together on social media to support two local organizations doing vital work—**CASA for Kids** and **The Davies Project**. With quick, easy donations and widespread sharing, this campaign creates a wave of generosity that strengthens support systems for children and families in need.

Unlike typical fundraising campaigns that stretch on for weeks, *35 Hours of Giving* thrives on momentum. The idea is to make giving accessible and approachable for everyone. No gift is too small. Whether someone donates $5, $25, or $100, their contribution becomes part of a collective force for good. It’s this grassroots energy that makes the campaign special—neighbors, friends, coworkers, and local businesses all chipping in to build something meaningful together.

One of the key focuses of this campaign is sustainability. While immediate support is essential, the ultimate goal is long-term impact. That’s why this year’s campaign emphasizes **building the endowment**—a permanent fund that generates ongoing financial support for these organizations. Endowments function like a savings account for the future, where only the interest is spent, ensuring the organization can continue to serve the community year after year.

**CASA for Kids** (Court Appointed Special Advocates) ensures that children involved in the legal system have a consistent, caring adult to advocate for them. These volunteers give a voice to children who may otherwise be overlooked. Every donation helps train and support CASA volunteers to keep standing up for kids in difficult situations.

Meanwhile, **The Davies Project** focuses on assisting local families with children who face serious medical needs. From providing rides to doctors’ appointments to connecting families with critical resources, The Davies Project removes barriers that many families face when dealing with medical crises. Every dollar donated helps them continue offering these life-changing services.

The real beauty of *35 Hours of Giving* lies in its accessibility. People can give, share, or spread the word on social media. Local businesses often jump in to match donations, friends challenge each other to give, and supporters share heartfelt stories about why the campaign matters to them.

When the 35 hours wrap up, the impact continues. Funds raised help ensure both CASA for Kids and The Davies Project can keep doing their essential work—not just today, but for generations to come.

In a time when so many people are looking for a meaningful way to contribute, the *35 Hours of Giving* campaign offers a clear, collective call to action. It reminds us that when a community comes together, even for a short time, the results can be powerful, personal, and deeply inspiring.

Match Day is a momentous occasion for every medical student—a day filled with emotions, surprises, and the start of a new journey. At the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), Match Day 2025 was no exception. It marked the beginning of exciting transitions as students learned where they would be continuing their medical training and launching the next chapter of their careers.

For MSUCOM students, Match Day is more than just an announcement. It’s the culmination of years of rigorous academic work, countless clinical hours, and personal dedication. Each student receives their residency match, discovering where they will spend the next several years refining their skills and stepping into their roles as physicians.

One student was thrilled to match with their first choice at McLaren Macomb, an institution known not only for its excellence in medicine but also for its holistic and patient-centered approach. These values align closely with MSUCOM’s osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes whole-person care and community impact.

Another student shared their excitement about heading south to the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. The shift from Michigan to Louisiana represents a significant cultural and professional change—one that offers a broader understanding of regional healthcare needs and patient diversity. This adaptability and eagerness to embrace new environments reflect the dynamic nature of today’s medical professionals.

Surprises are always part of Match Day, and this year was no different. One student expressed astonishment after matching at Dartmouth Health Medical Center, a prestigious institution offering incredible learning opportunities. Another celebrated their placement at Kettering Health Dayton, proud to join one of the nation’s oldest osteopathic hospitals—an environment that perfectly blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation.

Throughout all the excitement, one sentiment echoed loud and clear: pride in being a Spartan. Regardless of where they matched, MSUCOM students carry with them the values instilled during their time at Michigan State University.

“Go Green. I’ve always been proud to be a Spartan and I’m ready to be an MSU alumni and take that wherever I go,” one student shared. This sense of pride and belonging extends beyond graduation, becoming a lifelong connection that supports them in every step of their journey.

Match Day is not only a celebration of personal achievement, but also a reflection of MSUCOM’s commitment to excellence. The college’s partnerships with diverse healthcare institutions across the country create unmatched opportunities for students to train in various settings, serve different patient populations, and develop skills tailored to their passions and goals.

As these students step into their roles as residents, they bring with them a solid foundation of education, compassion, and resilience. They are the future leaders of medicine, equipped to serve their communities with knowledge, empathy, and purpose.

MSUCOM Match Day 2025 was a day of dreams realized, paths discovered, and futures launched. The entire Spartan community stands behind these new doctors, proud of how far they’ve come—and excited to see how far they’ll go.

For more updates and inspiring stories from MSUCOM, follow the college’s official channels.