Our very own Director of Strategic Alliances Tommy DiMisa was featured in Mental Health Matters from Roslyn Living. Every month, they feature a story or interview about anything & everything touching upon this subject. Below is his interview with Prashant Gupta, Director of Program Development & Strategic Initiatives at Mental Health Association of Nassau County (MHANC).
Prashant: They call you ‘the non-profit sector connector’! How did that come about and what is your big WHY to be a part of this sector?
Tommy: After initially becoming familiar with the work done by the nonprofit sector, I became captivated by the people and organizations in this space. Initially, my focus (or phocus) was to connect with nonprofit organizations and learn how we, Vanguard Benefits and I, could add value. Vanguard Benefits is our employee benefits agency that consults with employer groups on strategies and concepts to utilize benefits to attract and retain talent. While this was the beginning of my exploration of nonprofits, in a short time, I joined several nonprofit boards, and in January of 2021, I launched Philanthropy in Phocus. I am approaching 200 episodes. Each Friday morning, I interview a nonprofit executive leader to help them “Tell Their Story & Amplify their Message.” My show streams on several platforms and will be hosted as a podcast on several podcast platforms in 2024, 200,000 people made their way to listening or watching.
Prashant: In the world of non-profits, which organizations or causes are of most interest to you? And on that note, at a recent gala that you emceed, you left the audience with major food for thought: BREAK THE STIGMA. Tell us about that statement.
Tommy: Something happened in the last few years and caused me to realize that I am meant to be on this path to highlight the importance of normalizing conversations regarding mental health issues. I have become very tuned in to working with organizations that are addressing mental health and mental illness. I am on a journey to EndTheStigma around discussing mental health and mental illness. It’s organizations such as TSINY, Options for Community Living, and MHANC – Mental Health Association of Nassau County, that I interact with and are at the forefront of providing education, services, and support to the community at large. Prashant, we must make these discussions common and teach people young and old that trauma is real and there MUST be no shame in asking for help, seeking help, and giving help! In addition to my current programs, Philanthropy in Phocus and Long Island Changemakers, my newest series is EndingTheStigmaTogether. On each episode, I will have a guest share what they do to be part of the solution to put an End to The Stigma. Its leaders like Jeff McQueen, Executive Director of MHANC, Dr. Jeff Reynolds of FCA Family of Services, Dr. Larry Grubler of TSINY, Yolanda Robano Gross, CEO of Options for Community Living, and so many other leaders and service providers in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors that I look to for guidance and answers! With this campaign, TV show, and journey, EndingTheStigmaTogether is becoming my own personal – MISSION! It is my colleagues, friends, and relationships that keep me learning and curious. I know that I do not have the answers, and I also know that maybe the answers are not all that complicated – it’s love, compassion, and support – I believe that everything else grows from there!
Prashant: What do you feel is a great way for the private sector to get involved with the non-profit sector, and why should they?
Tommy: I know that many companies are interested in being involved in their community and still others are looking for options and strategies to be good corporate citizens. Job candidates and employees are looking for employers to become involved and will make career decisions based on partnering with employers who make the most significant impact. Companies need to connect to what speaks to them, their culture, and their people. While there are almost immeasurable causes to get involved with as I sit here now – I have a hard time imagining that any of these causes are uninvolved or unaffected by mental health – well, at least any causes that involve humans – this topic transcends – It reminds me of a comment, my friend Jeff McQueen mentioned when I last sat with him “We need to stop punishing people for being sick!” I look forward to discussing these topics with Jeff on #EndingTheStigmaTogether while we explore Mental Health Approved Workspaces!