Episode 17 - Elaine Birks-Mitchell - Making a Living from your Giving
Making a Living from your Giving
What happens when purpose and profit work together?
On this episode of the ALC ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jennifer Sconyers sits down with social entrepreneur Elaine Burks-Mitchell, founder of The Bra Recyclers, to explore how businesses can create meaningful social impact while remaining financially sustainable.
Elaine shares how a simple question about what to do with unwanted bras grew into a national social enterprise that supports women and girls in need, diverts textiles from landfills, and creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities. She also offers practical insights into building sustainable business models, adapting during economic uncertainty, and weaving purpose into every aspect of an organization.
Connect with Elaine and The Bra Recyclers
Facebook: The Bra Recyclers
Instagram: thebrarecyclers
LinkedIn: The Bra Recyclers
YouTube: BraRecyclers
The Undie Chest: https://undiechest.org/
About Abundance Leadership Consulting
The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.
At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.
Exploring a Nonprofit Merger, Partnership, or Sustainability Strategy?
The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.
ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.
Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:
Connect with Us
If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.
- Visit: Abundance Leadership Consulting
- Learn about nonprofit mergers and mission continuity: https://nonprofit-ma.com/
- Connect with Jennifer Sconyers on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to the ALC ChangeMakers Podcast for conversations with leaders creating lasting change in their organizations and communities.
Because sustainable organizations create sustainable impact.