OpportunitySC Podcast

Opportunity SC Podcast is our new monthly podcast hosted by Bernie Mazyck, President and CEO of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED).

Each episode features candid conversations with leaders and explores the policies, investments, and strategies that are strengthening communities, expanding economic opportunity, and addressing some of the state’s most pressing challenges.

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Episode 1 - The Untold Stories of Poverty: Challenging Stigma and Building Empathy

In our premiere episode, host Bernie Mazyck kicks things off with a deep dive into how South Carolina’s most impactful leaders are transforming poverty through system change and community power. He sits down with Donna Waites, president of Sisters of Charity Foundation, as she shares her inspiring journey from rural South Carolina to leading statewide philanthropy and explores how a legacy of impact was built through a deep commitment to changing systems that keep families in poverty.

Episode 2 -The Power of Philanthropy to Influence Policy and Systemic Change

Host Bernie Mazyck sat down with Darren Goss, President and CEO of the Coastal Community Foundation, as he talks about the critical importance of listening, authentic storytelling, and closing the loop to build trust and genuine influence.

Episode 3- coming soon

Host Bernie Mazyck sits down with Robert MacDonald, executive director for the SC State Housing Finance & Development Authority (SC Housing), as they dive into South Carolina’s affordable housing shortage and how this is affecting the state’s economy.