Welcome to season 2, episode 13.
This week my guest is Helen Archontou, MSW, LSW, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA of Northern New Jersey. As Chief Executive Officer since 2011, Helen Archontou is focused on guiding YWCA Northern New Jersey into its next century of living its mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and strengthen communities. As you will hear during this interview Helen doesn't have a career. She has a calling. What she is doing now is no surprise to those who know her. Although, she did have a love for the performing arts, but her parents encouraged her to go after another passion. So, Helen uses her voice for those who do not know how to use theirs in a way that will affect much needed change.
Helen has overseen the development of a continuum of programs to support women and families in every stage of life as well as to raise awareness and take action to end racial and social injustice. In 2019, Helen received the Crime Victim’s Rights Award from the NJ Office of the Attorney General and the Excellence Award of Victim’s Justice. She was also named among The Powerful Women of NJ in Senator Loretta Weinberg’s 2019, 2020 and 2021 Women Power List. In 2020, Helen received the Top 50 Women in Business from NJ Biz and the Top 25 Women in NJ Award from Leading Women Entrepreneurs. In 2021, Helen was recognized by Commerce & Industry Association of NJ (CIANJ) as a Women Leader on the Rise. Helen is an adjunct professor at Montclair State University since 2005 in the School of Social Work.
When you are this motivated and driven to do such incredible changemaking it is important to find balance and Helen has learned what that means for her. Between self-talk, self-kindness, and visualization, she has rituals that she uses in order to find her center. When you feel a bit of the weight of so many people, even populations it is important to know how to find a way to reconnect after a long day.
Listen in to hear Helen's response to the question, what is the footprint you are creating now that you want to leave behind?
Next week, I have a special guest co-host from my first season of the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast. Scott Chesney, known as the Commander in Change and I interview Laura Berman Fortgang, Career Reinvention Analyst, Founder of
Now What?® Coaching, author & TEDx speaker. We talk about Laura's background, starting her career as an actress, and how that supported her as her career morphed into her very successful coaching career. You will have to listen in to hear more about this sought after Coach!
Today is the Day Changemakers is hosting the first annual Challenge Yourself...Disrupt the Status Quo Changemakers Forum on Thursday, March 24 with CNN Heroes, TEDx speakers, authors, CEO's, entrepreneurs, inspirers, a former FBI Agent, previous NFL & NBA executive, an Executive TV Producer & Writer, and many more. Join us for a day filled with connection and inspiration. Read about our incredible keynote speaker, Henry De Sio, Jr. For more information visit https://bit.ly/todaychangemaker.
Subscribe to Today is the Day Changemakers - YouTube channel or stream on all streaming sites. Visit the website for more information on how Today is the Day can help you on your journey. Jodi is a keynote speaker, moderator, inspirer, and Change Agent. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @todayisthedayliveit.
Have a great week everyone!