418: Championing You-ness: Cultivating a Culture of Contribution

In this episode of the Leadership with Heart podcast, I sit down with Lorii Rabinowitz, the CEO of Denver Scholarship Foundation, for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about what it means to lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose. Lorii was referred to me by someone I deeply respect, and it quickly became clear why. Her approach to leadership is both profoundly human and boldly practical.

We explore the power of honoring each individual's "you-ness," a term Lorii uses to describe the unique combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and personal story that each person brings to a team. From her early days in media sales to her current role leading a 90-person organization, Lorii shares her zigzag journey and how every step along the way has informed her people-first philosophy.

The Denver Scholarship Foundation serves thousands of students every year through a powerful combination of access programs, wraparound success supports, and promise-based scholarships. But what makes Lorii's leadership stand out is her belief that every team member, whether in program delivery, administration, or fundraising, is an integral part of that mission. She talks about what it takes to scale a culture of shared purpose as the organization grows and how to create alignment without losing authenticity.

Lorii opens up about a personal leadership moment that changed everything for her. In the middle of a hectic workday, she almost overlooked a colleague's quiet request for help. That moment shifted how she shows up for people and how she listens. She also shares how her team navigated the return to in-person work after the pandemic and what they learned when their communication didn't land the way they intended. Rather than retreating, Lorii and her team chose to listen, adapt, and co-create a stronger culture.

We talk about the tension between honoring individuality and maintaining equity, the importance of knowing whose voices are missing from the table, and the value of learning out loud. Lorii reminds us that leadership is not a title but an activity, and that every person, regardless of role, has the power to lead from where they stand.

Whether you're in a nonprofit, corporate, education, or any team-based environment, this episode offers a powerful blueprint for leading with both heart and clarity. Lorii's wisdom is generous, grounded, and filled with insight that will stick with you long after the conversation ends.