00;00;00;12 - 00;00;35;02
Coach Dora Mendez
Welcome back, Amazing Leaders, to another powerful episode of Building Leadership Community Podcast. I'm your host, Coach Dora Mendez. Today we're diving into a conversation at the intersection of technology, equity and transformation three forces that are reshaping the future of leadership and social impact. Our guest is a visionary who understands that technology isn't just about innovation, it's about access, equity, and community.
00;00;35;04 - 00;01;28;01
Coach Dora Mendez
She spent two decades building bridges between people and possibility, leading digital transformations that don't just change systems, they change lives. I'm thrilled to welcome Jean Westrick, the Chief Executive Officer of Technology Association of Grant makers, also known as TAG. She's a change management leader and a champion for equity in Stem education. At the end of this conversation, you will walk away with fresh insights on how to leverage technology as a tool for equity, strategies, for leading transformational change in your organization, and a renewed understanding that innovation and inclusion are not just compatible, they're inseparable.
00;01;28;08 - 00;01;44;06
Coach Dora Mendez
This episode is your invitation to think bigger about how technology can amplify your impact strategically, equitably, and boldly. So let's settle in, take a breath, and get ready. Roll credits.
00;01;44;12 - 00;02;09;15
Coach Dora Mendez
Hello and welcome to Building Leadership Community Podcast. I'm your host, Dora Mendez. I am the founder and CEO of Coach Dora LLC. Our guests will be entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders that drive social impact. It can be lonely at the top, but it doesn't have to be.
00;02;09;18 - 00;02;33;07
Coach Dora Mendez
It means so much that you join us week after week for these conversations that you continue with us through season three. It can be lonely at the top, but it doesn't have to be. That's why we started this podcast. If you are new to the building leadership community, we are so glad you are here. Don't forget to like, share and subscribe so you never miss an episode!
00;02;33;08 - 00;02;56;10
Coach Dora Mendez
Say hi in the comments! We read every single one of them and reply to every single one. If you're watching us on YouTube, please hit that subscribe button so we can continue to bring you great content. We have a great resource to share with you today. If you're facing a setback in your career or navigating a transition that feels uncertain, you don't have to rebuild alone.
00;02;56;12 - 00;03;36;14
Coach Dora Mendez
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00;03;36;16 - 00;03;54;25
Coach Dora Mendez
Whether you're recovering from a layoff, shifting industries, or stepping into leadership, this plan gives you the structure you need to move forward with intention. Your comeback story deserves support, strategy, and a clear path forward. The link is in the description.
00;03;54;27 - 00;04;06;04
Coach Dora Mendez
Let me tell you about our guest, Jean Westrick. She's someone that, that is a client. She's a Coach Dora client.
00;04;06;06 - 00;04;35;25
Coach Dora Mendez
And I hope I hope that she would say that we've become friends, in this process. And I. And she's become someone that I really admire. She's the CEO of Technology Association of Grant makers, as we fondly call TAG Tech. TAG is a nonprofit organization that cultivates the strategic, equitable, and innovative use of technology in philanthropy.
00;04;35;27 - 00;05;18;17
Coach Dora Mendez
But her impact extends far beyond any single title. Jean brings two decades of experience building communities, leveraging technology and leading innovation and programmatic strategies. Prior to her role at TAG, she was a director of I.T. Strategy and Communications at the Chicago Community Trust, where she led change management efforts for the foundation's $6 million Digital Transformation Initiative. While at the trust, Jean also directed On the Table, an award winning engagement model designed to inspire resident action that was replicated in 30 cities nationwide.
00;05;18;20 - 00;05;51;12
Coach Dora Mendez
A long time advocate for equity in Stem education, expanding technology access and increasing science literacy. Jean holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University and a Master's of Science from DePaul University. And today, Jean is here to pour into you. I am so honored to welcome the innovative and inspiring Jean Westrick. So with no further ado, let's bring her onto the sTAGe.
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Jean Westrick
I have, I have.
00;05;55;20 - 00;06;20;08
Coach Dora Mendez
Hi, Jean. And I really do mean it. I mean, you're not just like, technically, you're my boss, right? You're my client. But you also have become just really someone I whose leadership I truly admire. And I'm so happy to welcome you on the show. And congratulations on elevating, to Chief Executive Officer. I'm so, overjoyed for you.
00;06;20;10 - 00;06;26;02
Jean Westrick
Thank you. Dora. Can I call you Dora, or do you do you prefer me call you Coach Dora?
00;06;26;05 - 00;06;29;12
Coach Dora Mendez
Dora works great.
00;06;29;15 - 00;07;03;28
Jean Westrick
Well, you have you have certainly been a coach to me. So I appreciate that title that you've that you've taken on yourself. Yes, I am. I'm so grateful, to be sitting with you here two years after starting with the Technology Association of Grant makers, initially as its executive director and, and and its third executive director, and then recently being recognized as its first Chief Executive Officer and President, which I'm so grateful for.
00;07;04;00 - 00;07;22;10
Jean Westrick
This is an incredible time to be leading this small but mighty organization who, really works at that important part of of leveraging technology to advance change in service of mission. And so I'm grateful to be here to talk to you about that.
00;07;22;13 - 00;07;46;14
Coach Dora Mendez
Thank you so much. So I'm so thrilled because, you know, this is our third season at Building Leadership Community. And you technically, you are our first, technically, technically. You are our first guest who really sits at the center of philanthropy and technology. And I would love for you. I know we shared your bio, but I would love for you to tell us in your own words.
00;07;46;16 - 00;07;51;25
Coach Dora Mendez
Share with our listeners and our viewers your unique leadership story.
00;07;51;27 - 00;08;18;07
Jean Westrick
Yeah, no, I think I think that's I you know, people often ask this and like, how did you get here? And, I am, you know, I'm, not to give away my age, but, a lover of those 80s movies. So if you remember, say anything when Lloyd Dobler said, you know, “what do you want to be when you” thowing out this big question? And he's he says, “I don't want to sell anything or buy anything or process anything as a career”. He had this whole sort of monologue about that.
00;08;18;07 - 00;08;36;02
Jean Westrick
And, I have to say that that really resonated with me. And I'm, I'm grateful that I have been able to spend my entire professional career working on mission, you know, on the big ideas that that really can bring about positive change.
00;08;36;05 - 00;09;00;29
Jean Westrick
Because at the heart of of what I, you know, how I show up every day is, is an optimist that we can do better. And so, you know, taking, you know, tactically speaking, I started my career in philanthropy almost 25 years ago. I was a young, ambitious, you know, young woman who who wanted to change the world.
00;09;01;01 - 00;09;46;04
Jean Westrick
And I saw this opportunity at the Joyce Foundation here in Chicago. And I became a program assistant where I supported the grantmaking efforts of of that organization, which is a which, is a huge funder here in the Midwest, and supports a number of causes. But, you know, I was really just, just struck by this, you know, coming from a blue collar background, this idea about philanthropy and the role that philanthropy plays in, in, really I think in three, in three central tenets, like, there's this idea around, you know, creating positive change and, and, and doing that with a spirit of generosity.
00;09;46;06 - 00;10;11;28
Jean Westrick
And then, you know, and then also ultimately this, this focus on the North Star of justice. And so those three, themes that we find in philanthropy really spoke to me, and inspired me, that I can, contribute to supporting changemakers who are striving to make the world a better place. And so that really, planted a seed in me 25 years ago.
00;10;12;05 - 00;10;36;19
Jean Westrick
And that has really helped dictate, you know, my own career choices. I, I've actually turned down jobs, that paid more, because the mission on another opportunity resonated more, more, more with my own heart. And so, so I've used that to guide my own choices. Am I taking on ambitious projects that are gonna help me learn and become better?
00;10;36;24 - 00;10;54;23
Jean Westrick
And then I'm also going to contribute to making the world a better place? You know, we're here for such a short time. And and time is is that is that, nonrenewable resource that we have to hold precious. And how we spend our time really has to be important.
00;10;54;26 - 00;11;13;11
Coach Dora Mendez
I love that, Jean. And I appreciate you sharing that so much. And, we have that in common. We have two things. There are two things, that you said that we have in common. One, we love 80s movies. ‘Say Anything’ is one of my favorite movies ever. So, thank you for sharing that.
00;11;13;11 - 00;11;14;02
Jean Westrick
Yes.
00;11;14;05 - 00;11;22;20
Coach Dora Mendez
And then the other thing is we spend I've spent my whole career in the public sector and government and nonprofit, and now philanthropy.
00;11;22;22 - 00;11;50;02
Coach Dora Mendez
And so and part of that was because I always felt that you're going to... You spent so much time at work, away from your families, so much time at work that I truly believe it should be for something that, is is in service and is. So we share this purpose driven... Nothing against people who want to make money and work in corporations and all that.
00;11;50;05 - 00;12;13;29
Coach Dora Mendez
But I, we share this like purpose, mission driven in common. And so I would I would love to... Besides 80s pop culture. I would love for you to share what community means to you. You know, leadership can be lonely and isolating. So here's kind of your opportunity to share some wellness tips and why community is so important to you.
00;12;14;02 - 00;12;36;05
Jean Westrick
Oh, that's that's such a good question. And, you know, prior to, you know, becoming an accidental techie, because before I joined TAG, I was at the Chicago Community Trust, which, you know, having worked for a big private foundation, the Joyce Foundation, and then going to a community foundation, they serve they serve in different ways.
00;12;36;08 - 00;13;01;11
Jean Westrick
And, and community foundations are really about responding to community need. And I had the great fortune of joining the Chicago Community Trust, as part of its centennial. It's one of the oldest community foundations in the country. And so, being able to tell that story of community and how community shows up in purpose, and through generosity can make big things happen, really, has has inspired me.
00;13;01;13 - 00;13;22;13
Jean Westrick
I got to be the the director of civic engagement, for the foundation, its first director of civic engagement. Where I lead a project called On the Table, which was a day of civic reflection and dialogue We had that was a huge, initiative is our largest public facing initiative that we did at the Chicago Community Trust.
00;13;22;15 - 00;13;49;29
Jean Westrick
And it was an opportunity for everyday residents to come together, break bread and talk about what matters to them. And what you know, what what they value in need in community. And we had a whole host of other activities around that, that model of civic engagement, community engagement in ways that are different than, you know, say, political engagement, but the things that connect you to your neighbors and what you share in common, you know, really did inspire me.
00;13;50;02 - 00;14;02;25
Jean Westrick
And that, also inspired about 30, I think, 35 communities across the country use that model to have their own sort of listening opportunities with residents. And so, you know.
00;14;02;27 - 00;14;37;00
Coach Dora Mendez
And I like that. So when so community, what community means to you is bringing together your neighbors. And and you found inspiration in that. So I, I love that notion of bringing together neighbors and then being able to replicate the model of how to bring, neighbors together, is just really is is fascinating to me.
00;14;37;03 - 00;15;04;11
Jean Westrick
Yeah. I think, you know, we're, we're we're living in pretty divisive times. And, and that's unfortunate because, you know, with division, we're not solving problems. We're not solving the things that really matter at the heart of each and every one of us. And we share a lot more than we than than we differ. And so we're we're in a time where there's a lot of anxiety, there's a lot of uncertainty, there's a lot of change that is happening.
00;15;04;14 - 00;15;26;21
Jean Westrick
And so I really do believe that the antidote to to that anxiety is community. And so that, you know, that's something that you do not need to be a CEO of a small nonprofit, like, like I am in order to tap into your community. Your community can be geographically located by the people who live in your building or on your block.
00;15;26;23 - 00;16;04;09
Jean Westrick
But also two, it can be it can be, your, your chosen community too. And so, you know, this where I sit now at this space, you know, with, leading an organization that that, is the global voice or philanthropy tech. I've got members across the country who, are trying to do really powerful big things, whether it be, you know, address homelessness or housing crisis or, you know, poverty issues or improve educational outcomes, whatever their sort of challenge is, we're all doing it in service of, of of our community.
00;16;04;09 - 00;16;28;01
Jean Westrick
However we define that. But being able to come together and to and to be able to just have genuine conversation, means that we're not doing this alone because we can because no man is an island or woman, is an island. But we're we're we have to do it, in collaboration. And we have to do that within our community, to make change happen.
00;16;28;03 - 00;17;09;13
Coach Dora Mendez
I love that nugget. That community is an antidote to anxiety. Yeah. I just love that. I love that nugget. And I think, our listeners and viewers will. Well, you know, that's a really great, highlight considering the context of the times that we live. And so, just building on that, I'd love to pivot a bit and ask you specifically, you know, what advice do you have for the next generation of leaders and, and what and would that be something you would tell your younger self when you first started early in your career?
00;17;09;14 - 00;17;30;01
Coach Dora Mendez
You know what what advice you have to share because you you certainly have amassed like a huge, you know, dossier and a wealth of knowledge and putting ideas into real impact. So I think, you know, I would love to hear your advice to the next generation of leaders.
00;17;30;04 - 00;17;50;07
Jean Westrick
Yeah. I think I think a lot of this comes back to community in and of itself. And, you know, I, I'm so grateful, you know, going back to this, this 80s movie moment. It's it's like I'm so grateful. I grew up in an analog era, and and now, you know, I'm, you know, got a foot now in both camps of of what it was like.
00;17;50;07 - 00;18;25;26
Jean Westrick
And, in a, in a simpler time, you know, because we are so we're so, much behind the screen. And, and sometimes the way in which we communicate can be very, very transactional. And so, and I, I try to, I try to try to be the, the leader that I had hoped that I had had the role that someone who would coach would give me, you know, good advice, be a cheerleader, but also be able to give direct, feedback.
00;18;25;28 - 00;18;51;14
Jean Westrick
Because I think that that helps us grow, is when we can give constructive feedback. But I also come back to a motto that I have for, for myself and how I, how I try to be, is is first, you know, be cool, be sweet, be yourself. So number one, be cool. Stay calm. You know, like not everything is an emergency.
00;18;51;17 - 00;19;25;12
Jean Westrick
Don't chase drama. I'm. I'm, absolutely hyper allergic to drama. You know, “how do we stay super focused on our purpose and maintain that cool head?” Because cool heads will prevail. You'll do your best thinking and your best actions when you're calm. And so trying to just don't be so reactive. Be cool. Be sweet. You know, there, we are again, acting in our best self, our best interests.
00;19;25;12 - 00;19;48;07
Jean Westrick
When we act with a spirit of kindness and generosity. And you don't have to know everybody's story. Because there's a lot of things that people are holding on to that they're dealing with, that they're juggling with in their daily, daily life and try to give people grace, try to show up with kindness and generosity. This doesn't mean that you need to be a pushover.
00;19;48;10 - 00;19;51;29
Jean Westrick
You know, I think that there's there's there's got to be, a balance there.
00;19;52;06 - 00;19;52;20
Coach Dora Mendez
But.
00;19;52;22 - 00;20;13;06
Jean Westrick
Try to lead with sweetness because you can't put the kitty back in the cage, you know? So don't don't go out there. You have to really sort of stay cool, try to try to show that you are are leading with best intention and and and understand that people are trying to do their best as well. So be be kind.
00;20;13;09 - 00;20;35;20
Jean Westrick
And then I think the last piece is be yourself. You know, I, I think we can get way too much in our head about what kind of leader we should be, how we should show up, how we should talk, act, walk, look, whatever the thing is, and, you know, we're, you know, we're in in a time where authenticity is your is your golden ticket.
00;20;35;22 - 00;21;07;27
Jean Westrick
And so when you can lean in and really be yourself, your experience, your perspectives, your voice, which are true, truly, uniquely yours, those are your invaluable gifts. And so leverage your gifts, in a way that, that, that that honors your, your true self. I never invited more anxiety to my own life when I tried to act like somebody else or tried to.
00;21;07;29 - 00;21;32;25
Jean Westrick
You know, model, model myself off of somebody else. I think that when you're authentically you, you're going to shine and people are going to connect to that because people are hungry for authenticity in this, in this day and age where we're seeing a lot of AI slop and a lot of, a lot of transactional conversations and things, just, you know, how do you, maintain honor to your own true, experience?
00;21;32;25 - 00;21;37;27
Jean Westrick
Because that diversity is really it's your superpower.
00;21;37;29 - 00;22;10;26
Coach Dora Mendez
I love that that is our, that is one of our, in our description of the Building leadership, community podcast, we have authenticity is is a superpower that is in the description of this podcast. And so I love that. “Be cool. Be sweet. Be yourself.” I love it: “Be cool. Be sweet. Be yourself.” And so that's great advice.
00;22;10;28 - 00;22;21;25
Coach Dora Mendez
And, I just a were you aware, Jean, that, “slop” is the 2025 word of the year?
00;22;21;27 - 00;22;24;05
Jean Westrick
No, I did not know that. But,
00;22;24;07 - 00;22;25;18
Coach Dora Mendez
I think we're slow and, like.
00;22;25;20 - 00;22;28;07
Jean Westrick
There's a lot of slop out there in the world.
00;22;28;10 - 00;22;51;01
Coach Dora Mendez
Merriam-Webster. It this this was just announced, like, a night ago. You know, at the this this recording is going to be in 20. This recording is going to air in 2026. This is December. Were recording. Now you're in Chicago. I'm in New York just for our listeners and viewers. So to know sort of where we are geographically.
00;22;51;04 - 00;23;00;05
Coach Dora Mendez
And it's December 2025 and the word of the year, Merriam Webster's word of the year is slap. And you mentioned I slap. So it's a.
00;23;00;07 - 00;23;21;22
Jean Westrick
Well, you know, I am I am a thought leader. Dora and I do have my own tech trends that I'm, that I'm proposing for that philanthropic space. And, yeah, I hope that I hope we produce a lot less slop, and a lot more intention that helps move community forward because, the need could never be greater.
00;23;21;25 - 00;23;44;27
Jean Westrick
And, the, the work, the work remains regardless of the tools that are out there. Just because we can do more doesn't always mean we're going to do more better. And so I, I just, I think that this intentionality has to be our, our guide as well as our purpose has to be that that North Star that we we stay focused on.
00;23;45;00 - 00;23;47;25
Jean Westrick
It's easy to get distracted.
00;23;47;28 - 00;24;12;29
Coach Dora Mendez
And I have to just thank you so much for coming on our little show, and for taking the time. I know how busy you are because I work with you. And, I, I'm I'm just I'm so proud and happy to showcase your thought leadership, to showcase, what a North star you are as a person.
00;24;13;01 - 00;24;30;17
Coach Dora Mendez
To the world and with our audience, with our viewers. And can you share with our audience viewers how if they wanted to learn more from you, how they can keep in touch with you? How can they learn more from you? What would you like to to to leave our audience and viewers with?
00;24;30;19 - 00;25;03;24
Jean Westrick
Well, you know, you can find me on LinkedIn. I'm “Jean Westrick” and and I and I think I'm the only one. But, but I'm easy to find there. You can also follow the Technology Association of Grant Makers on LinkedIn as well to learn more about our programing and our mission. And if you are a foundation, who is struggling with things like, developing a data culture, to really leverage data for good insight and decision making, and just managing your data in a way that really powers your mission and positively join TAG.
00;25;03;27 - 00;25;34;26
Jean Westrick
If you are trying to manage complex risk and and dealing with where to start with your cybersecurity program, join TAG. And and finally, if you're thinking about leveraging technology to really transform your organization and leveraging AI, which is everywhere these days in a way that is going to really honor your mission and your vision, join TAG. So, so I think that's a that's a call out if you are a grant making organization, you know, check us out.
00;25;34;26 - 00;25;44;05
Jean Westrick
TAGTech.org. And and certainly feel free to reach out to me on, on LinkedIn. I'm always happy to hear from folks out there.
00;25;44;08 - 00;26;06;24
Coach Dora Mendez
So, Jean, thank you so much again, and I want to share from you this is a great audience for that pitch because, before us meeting with you, we actually had a head of development for a community foundation. So, this is a great audience, for TAG and for you and for you and, you heard it here.
00;26;06;27 - 00;26;26;01
Coach Dora Mendez
“Be cool. Be sweet. Be yourself.” And join TAG. If you care about supporting, community at the intersection of equity and technology. Thank you so much, Jean. I'm going to ask you to hold on as we roll our closing credits.
00;26;26;03 - 00;26;28;29
Coach Dora Mendez
Thanks, everybody.
00;26;29;01 - 00;26;58;09
Coach Dora Mendez
You've been listening to Building Leadership Community. Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Listen, wherever you get your podcasts, follow me on LinkedIn, InsTAGram, and YouTube @CoachDoraM. Visit me on the web at CoachDoraMendez.com. Hosted by me, Dora Mendez. Produced by Dora Mendez and Dylan Rogers. Graphics, editing, and sound mixing by Dylan Rogers.
