{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 8 -- Janice Simmons-Mortimer '25","description":"Janice is the Executive Director of the Portage Foundation and a passionate advocate for community connection and service. In her conversation with Andra, Janice shares how serendipity led her to the Foundation at a pivotal moment in life, when her two daughters were heading off to college and she found herself asking, \u201cWhat\u2019s next?\u201d After years of championing her family and community in different ways, Janice discovered an opportunity to serve Portage County in a broader capacity\u2014first as Outreach Manager and later as Executive Director. Janice explains the role of a community foundation as a bridge between donors and the causes they care about, emphasizing that philanthropy is not reserved for the wealthy. Whether through donor-advised funds, scholarships, rapid response efforts, or targeted initiatives like the Portage Pride Fund, Janice highlights how every dollar and every voice can make a difference. She and Andra discuss the importance of listening to community members, responding to emerging needs, and recognizing the power that exists when people come together with shared purpose. Throughout the episode, Janice reflects on growing up as the youngest of nine children in a family rooted in service and humility\u2014values that continue to guide her leadership today. She shares her mantra of \u201cembrace failure,\u201d encouraging authenticity over perfection and reminding young professionals that success is rarely a straight line. Janice also speaks about the importance of \u201cshowing up\u201d\u2014wherever you are in life\u2014and being present, engaged, and open to others\u2019 experiences. In discussing Portage County\u2019s strengths, she celebrates its diversity, resilience, and deep sense of care, while urging residents to focus less on criticism and more on connection and contribution. Check out The Portage Foundation at https:\/\/portagefoundation.org. ---------- The Best Leadership Podcast Ever is a project of Leadership Portage County in Northeast Ohio and showcases alumni from the program. Guests share stories of leadership successes and challenges. Follow The Best Leadership Podcast Ever wherever you get your podcasts. ","author_name":"Best Leadership Podcast Ever","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/597100","html":"