319. How to Channel Your Passion + Build a Platform for Good - Monica Yunus

Monica Yunus, Sing for Hope, We Are For Good Podcast

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Overview

Meet Monica. This internationally renowned soprano believes in the power of the arts to gather, unify & awaken positive change. She's the co-founder of Sing for Hope, a leading nonprofit that brings arts outreach programs to communities in need and presents initiatives that make the arts accessible to all. We're talking about scaling up a nonprofit and using your platform for good. This operatic superstar-for-good absolutely exceeded our Ungettable Get expectations!

💡Learn

Scaling a nonprofit from the ground up
How to approach partnerships with corporations & municipalities
Flexing your platform for good
The mission story of Sing for Hope

Today’s Guest

Monica Yunus Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Sing for Hope

“You can’t keep a voice inside and when you are allowed that space, allowed that opportunity to make a little noise and sing your song, it’s a really beautiful thing.”

— Monica Yunus Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Sing for Hope

Episode Transcript

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Episode Highlights

Monica’s story (5:00)

Overview of Sing for Hope (8:30)
Sing for Hope’s programs (16:00)
Scaling a nonprofit (27:15)
Monica’s advice for those looking to start a nonprofit (29:45)
Creating magical partnerships (33:10)
Using your gifts and showing up authentically (37:00)
A powerful moment of philanthropy in Monica’s life (41:00)
Monica’s One Good Thing: Be good to yourself. (49:00)

Powerful quotes

“You can't keep a voice inside and when you are allowed that space, allowed that opportunity to make a little noise and sing your song, it's a really beautiful thing and I don't take that for granted.” -Monica

“Today, there are a lot of things that we could be down about. There's so much division right now. Art is one of the ways that we can have a conversation, have an opportunity to see one another as humans and to see a way forward.” -Monica

“We all know the song that's gonna get us through a hard day. We all have those pieces of art that are meaningful to us. I think it goes to a cellular soul level of why humans need to connect.” -Monica

“I think when people hear the world word philanthropy, they may think that it's a financial engagement, but I don't think that’s it. It's finding what you're passionate about, and then going and seeking a way to be of service. You don't need to be any kind of special person. You just are a human. You see a need and you try to figure out a way to help that in whatever way you can.” -Monica

“Be good to yourself, because if you're not taking care of yourself, you're not going to be able to go out there and be your best self.” -Monica

“The arts are so unifying. They are deeply powerful and they bring people together like no other.” -Becky