The Small Magic Podcast

Tampa is an entrepreneurial city and we are full of people creating new business ventures that impact not just them but also our community. One of those entrepreneurs is Valerie Ellis Lavin. Valerie retired after 21 years in the Army as the U.S Central Command Commandant Headquarters First Sergeant. Her military background and her experience as an entrepreneur has given her a unique perspective on Veteran's as professionals and as business owners at Operation Startup.

Jodi Pelletier would say she is no one special. I disagree. Jodi is a teacher in the local Tampa Bay area and I'd be willing to bet you that the eight learning challenged students whom she has taught would say she's pretty special too. Jodi does not have an organization backing her other than her school. What Jodi does have is heart and love and respect for other humans. Jodi has given her time to these kids and their lives will be forever changed because of it.

Melanie S. Griffin practices in Dean Mead’s litigation department, representing clients locally in Tampa and Orlando, statewide throughout Florida, and throughout the southeast. More importantly, she is my friend and a woman in the Tampa Bay area making BIG waves in our community! Among other things, Melanie mentors and advocates for women in not only the legal industry but across the board! Most recently, she presented on a diversity and inclusion for the Florida Bar YLD Diversity Symposium.

Today, I just wanted to talk with guys about some changes I'd like to make to the podcast. AND to thank you so much for your support and encouragement! I'd love to hear your feedback on the changes as well as some challenges and maybe some suggestions on inspirational people you know, in Tampa or anywhere! To send feedback or make suggestions, email me at lisa@lisademmi.com or you can find me on all social media or my website at http://lisademmi.com I look forward to hearing from you!

Ricky Sailor founded and has been running an organization called Unsigned Preps for some time now! The organization is built on positioning exposure, education, community service and consulting as the keys to effectively producing well-rounded student-athletes that flourish on college campuses. The NFL isn't the goal, however. Graduating from college and becoming a good citizen, responsible adult and all that comes with it, is. For more information, you can go to unsignedpreps.org

Jennifer Lockwood is a special human being. She's a pilot, a mother, and a former resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands.When her former home was destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, she couldn't sit idly by and do nothing. She got her employer, St. Pete Air, and the Glasscock Family Foundation and decided to take matters into her own hands. You can help! Just go to usvirelief.org and you can scroll the home page for ways to donate and help. 

John Robinson is one of those people making a BIG difference in his community, specifically when it comes to veterans. John is the Co-Founder and President of Post 9/11 Veterans and a former Marine. He, along with Marc Wolfson and a diverse Board of Directors and Advisory Board have put together one of the most unique and impactful veteran-centric organizations in the Tampa Bay area. For more information regarding Post 9/11 Veterans, take a listen and then go to https://www.post911veterans.org

Small Magic is all about connecting with other people, seeing their humanity and just being kind to each other. We all live on the same planet and our languages, religious beliefs, skin colors, sexual preferences, etc. should not stop us from knowing each other and looking out for all of us! The world needs more good stuff. Small Magic is that!