We're Good

In this heart-stirring episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee visits Higher Achievement in Washington, DC—where mentoring transforms futures. CEO Lynsey Wood Jeffries and Board Member and alumni Mitchell Brooks share how this 50-year legacy of connection, turns middle school years into launching pads for college and purpose. Mitch - who now leads a multimillion-dollar firm— says he’s living proof that me...

In this uplifting episode, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee spotlights Community Foundation for Northern Virginia 2025 grantee Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia—more than a running program, it fuses movement with life lessons for 3rd–8th graders. Jaimi Taylor and Sammy Carr share an evidence-based “Go-To Toolbox” (star power, happy pace, breathe-and-reset) that builds confidence during a critical time of girls’ development. The ...

As We’re Good wraps an unforgettable year, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee pulls back the curtain on what’s coming in 2026—and it’s powerful. From emotional finish lines with Girls on the Run, to life-changing mentorship at Higher Achievement, to neighbors showing up through the Shepherd’s Center, this episode teases stories of courage, connection, and everyday brilliance. New on-location episodes. New voices. Deeper impact. If you...

Season One of the We’re Good Podcast wraps with a powerful reflection on the moments that made us laugh, cry, and believe even more deeply in the good happening around us. From emotional stories at Jill’s House and Horton’s Kids to surprising revelations at College Track, Year Up United, DC SCORES, and more, this episode captures the heart of community: belonging, resilience, and everyday brilliance. Plus, Dr. Christina Prather’s w...

The season-one finale of the We’re Good Podcast is filled with gratitude and full of reveals! The We’re Good team peels back the curtain to share what we learned, loved, and heard from you—like “wait, what?” moments: a public–private fix for affordable housing, a neighbor’s call that saved a woman’s future, and a young man’s independence (and cookies) through a program we thought we knew. Behind the cameras, lights and microphones,...

In this episode of the We’re Good Podcast, Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee interviews a local geriatrician– Dr. Christina Prather MD –  to reveal ways to age well and lower dementia risk. Learn why some memory slips are normal, the 10 p.m. ritual that helps your brain “take out the trash,” and the two-word mantra—“motion is lotion.” She decodes study hype, previews biomarkers and therapies, reframes dementia as an “odyssey,” equips care...

In this heartfelt episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee is joined by co-founder Tanya Ruiz La Force as they spotlight Insight Memory Care and open up about how Alzheimer’s and dementia have touched their own families. This honest episode includes testimony from Mary Jo Ammon, whose husband Steve was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Through humor and grace, Mary Jo reveals how Insight Memory Care helpe...

In this episode of We’re Good, DC SCORES takes center stage—a transformative after-school program fusing soccer, poetry, and service to empower youth across Washington, D.C. Meet 13-year-old poet-athlete Kayla Nelson, whose words now live in the Library of Congress, and Tony Francavilla, a passionate leader of the movement. When teachers are also after-school coaches, trust deepens, lives change and a family is formed. From soccer ...

In this uplifting episode of the We're Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee speaks with two outstanding Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington “Youth of the Year” participants. Discover how Nola transformed personal trauma into strength through her powerful brand, "Strong as a R.O.C.K.," and how Vera stepped boldly out of her sisters' shadows. Hear how these neighborhood-based clubs foster resilie...

In this inspiring We're Good episode, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee speaks with Dr. Minnie Annan from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Dr. Annan shares success stories, from BGCGW alumni thriving in careers on Capitol Hill and at Amazon, to young people overcoming adversity and discovering new pathways through club opportunities. Dr. Annan shares her personal journey, and highlights the Youth of the Year lea...

In Part II of We’re Good at the Durant Center, Wanda Durant—mother of NBA star Kevin Durant and President of the Durant Family Foundation—gets deeply personal. She opens up about overcoming self-doubt, the power of faith, and a young girl’s words that reignited her purpose. Hear how the Durant Center builds lasting impact through trust, mentorship, and love. This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy starts with showing up. Wa...

What happens when a $10 million dream meets unstoppable determination? In this inspiring episode of We're Good, hear how NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s gift launched College Track in Suitland, Maryland—transforming the futures of first-generation college students. President of the Durant Family Foundation, Wanda Durant, shares her powerful reflections, Executive Director James Williams breaks down the life-changing support model...

What happens when you mix purpose-driven nonprofits, inspiring students, and generous donors? Magic! In this special We’re Good pop-up podcast with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, hear how SPARC and Our Minds Matter are changing lives—and meet two remarkable scholarship recipients whose dreams are now within reach. From overcoming obstacles to building legacies, this episode is packed with heart. Find us at www.were...

Military moves, mental health, and mission‑driven community all come together in our newest We’re Good episode. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee chats with Blue Star Families Program Manager- Krysti Pereira and a military spouse Lesley Rose about the vital support Blue Star Families provides our military and their families.  Hear how Coffee Connect meet‑ups, 2,000+ free Blue Star Museums, and the Emmy‑winning Combat the Silence camp...

In this uplifting episode of the We’re Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee takes you inside Dog Tag Bakery in the heart of Georgetown, D.C. As Hillary Richonne, Communications Director will warn, don’t be fooled by the sweet smells and cupcakes. While the cupcakes are on point, this is not just a bakery. It’s a launchpad for military veterans, spouses, and caregivers to rebuild their futures through entrepreneurship, educ...

In this inspiring episode of the We're Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee spotlights Compass Pro Bono, a powerful nonprofit that strengthens communities by empowering other nonprofits. CEO  Bethany Henderson and longtime volunteer—and now board chair—Cathy Bernasek share the compelling story of how Compass was born from a desire to serve after the September 11th attacks, founded by Harvard Business School alumni see...

In this heartening episode of the We’re Good podcast, listeners are invited into the impactful world of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA), a powerhouse of local philanthropy that’s quietly shaping the region for the better. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee welcomes CFNOVA CEO Renée Yancey and donor-turned-volunteer Benton Fisher to unpack the vital role community foundations play in times of crisis and calm ali...

Talent for Tomorrow: Transforming Youth Futures Through Nonprofit Collaboration in the DMV

In this episode of the We’re Good podcast, the spotlight is on Talent for Tomorrow, a powerful nonprofit alliance transforming the futures of young adults across the Washington, D.C. metro area. This coalition—comprising Genesis Works, Year Up United, New Futures, Spark the Journey, and PerScholas—works collaboratively to provide Opportunity Y...

In this episode of the We're Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee highlights the inspiring work of the Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless veterans find stable housing. Despite the sacrifices made by our armed forces, over 32,000 veterans face homelessness, a number that may be even higher according to experts.

The foundation was founded by retired Army Lt. Colonel Deborah Snyde...