What's Your Perspective? with Kathleen Marchi + Susan Linn + Janet Alikpala

Professional brainstormer, do-it evangelist, sassy speaker, lover of chocolate, founder of The Founding Moms + host of the Why Are We Shouting? podcast.

Janet Alikpala is a CEO and Co-Founder of a fundraising tech start up called KOHA based out of Chicago as well as a Project Manager for the Asian/Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship known as National ACE, where she cultivates partnerships with minority business organizations and AAPI chambers of commerce across the country. Her background is in nonprofit marketing, fundraising, PR and communications and was also the former Public Affairs Director for Dominick’s, a division of Safeway, Inc.

Kathleen Marchi serves Samaritans, Inc. as Executive Director and President. In this leadership position, Kathy represents its life-saving suicide prevention mission and values to external audiences at city, state, regional, national, and international levels. She collaborates with other organizations in the suicide prevention community, corporate partners, and legislative leaders in Massachusetts to further raise awareness that suicide is preventable. Kathy brings over 30 years of leadership, advancement, and management skills to Samaritans. Kathy describes her commitment to the mission, “There’s not a person in the universe who hasn’t felt despair and isolation at one point or another in their lives, and in those moments, there’s nothing like a compassionate and kind ear to listen and offer friendship and support. I couldn’t be more aligned personally or professionally with Samaritans’ mission and am eager to help lead the next phase of its growth and development alongside a dedicated and compassionate team, amazing Board of Directors, and exceptional volunteers.”

Susan Linn has been serving nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years. Susan’s early career days as a direct service worker for struggling children and families continue to influence her leadership of programs and services today. Her leadership roles include two decades in upper management, fundraising leadership, and chief executive roles for schools, municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits. Susan’s spouse has epilepsy, and they have been involved with epilepsy-related causes in a number of capacities for many years. When not at work, Susan values her time with her children, 2 dogs, and 4 cats, especially time in the outdoors. She and her family frequent Maine for surfing in the summer!