David Smith 11/6/25 David Smith 11/6/25

MISSION Story Slam Podcast - Marta Rusek MISSION Story Slam 12: The Time Is Now

“Any time I didn’t understand the world, I would go back to a movie reference. And the only movie reference I had for this was Rain Man. If you haven’t seen Rain Man, it’s about an emotionally immature man who takes a trip across the country. And Dustin Hoffman is there with him.”

MARTA RUSEK

Communication strategist Marta Rusek’s story of self-discovery had everyone on the edge of their seat all the way through to the triumphant conclusion. Hear it and more on the MISSION Story Slam Podcast.

PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

Communication Strategist Marta Rusek told a wonderful story of self discovery that had the audience on the edge of their seat all the way through to the triumphant conclusion. She told her story to benefit Women Against Abuse at MISSION Story Slam 12.

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David Smith 10/20/25 David Smith 10/20/25

MISSION Story Slam Podcast - Roz Pichardo MISSION Story Slam 12: The Time Is Now

Roz Pichardo: “When I survived the attempted homicide by X who then murdered by boyfriend and then being intimidated by family members and community members at age 16 and had to testify. So I learned early on not shut the fuck up and to speak up.”

ROZ PICHADO

Roz Pichardo founded Operation Save Our City to provide care, skills, education, and basic necessities to people who have experienced grief, addiction, or secondary trauma from violence. She has personally administered over 2,400 doses of Narcan to help save her Philadelphia community.

PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

Kensington Philadelphia Activist Roz Pichardo won the $250 Judges’ Award for Operation Save Our City, a volunteer organization that supports homicide victims’ families in their time of greatest need.

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David Smith 3/3/19 David Smith 3/3/19

MISSION Story Slam - Mara Nissley

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MARA NISSLEY

Mara Nissley is the Communications and Events Manager for the ALS Hope Foundation. Her work honors her beloved Grandfather who passed away from ALS in 2000. In her story, Mara tells us of the connection between her Grandfather’s gentle teaching and her desire to make a difference in the lives of people living with ALS. Mara’s story won 2nd Place and the $100 prize for ALS HOPE at the first MISSION Story Slam.