Watch | ‘Who’s Doing it Best’ from “American Compassion LIVE”

We recently wrapped up season 3 of American Compassion: LIVE, our 4-part conversation about the state of the modern safety net, in partnership with the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas-Austin. “Who’s Doing it Best”?, Season 3, Episode 4 is available now! This episode features leaders who are actively working to improve the experience of poverty and social care through technology and innovation.

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American Compassion Season 3, Episode 4: Who’s Doing it Best?

Erine Gray, Findhelp CEO and Founder, was joined by:

• Amber Lombardi, CEO and Founder of Mainly Teeth
• Adrian Lewis, President and Founder of CarePortal
• Julian Paraschiv, CEO and Co-Founder of AIDA Healthcare.

The conversation, moderated by Rebecca McInroy, highlighted the role of technology and innovation to manage data, empower individuals, and enhance the human experience of care. The panelists shared their personal stories and discussed the challenges and opportunities of using technology to address gaps in the safety net.

From Personal Journeys to Social Innovation

The panelists discussed how their personal experiences significantly shaped their commitment to addressing gaps in the American safety net. For instance, experiences in Haiti profoundly influenced both Adrian and Amber, and helped them recognize their passion for serving people in need. This fueled Adrian to establish CarePortal, connecting children and families in crisis with essential resources, and inspired Amber to found Mainely Teeth, delivering community-based dental care.

Similarly, Julian’s firsthand experience working in a long-term care facility revealed the challenges of patient transitions, motivating him to develop AIDA Healthcare to streamline care coordination. Erine’s desire to improve access to social services was sparked, in part, by his work at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. He recognized the need for better information and coordination, leading him to create Findhelp.

These personal experiences across the panelists serve as a driving force, highlighting the importance of empathy and connection in developing effective solutions.

Technology as an Enabler

Technology plays a vital role in each of the panelists’ organizations, serving as a powerful enabler for change. While the technology itself may not always be cutting-edge, its innovative application is key to bridging gaps in the social sector. The panelists emphasized the importance of balancing technological innovation with the human element of care.

As technology becomes more integrated into their work, the need for meaningful human connections becomes even more critical. Technology should enhance these connections, not replace them, to ensure that the focus remains on the people being served.  

Collaboration and Community

The theme of collaboration was weaved throughout the discussion. Panelists emphasized the importance of working with other organizations, community members, and even each other to maximize impact. They also highlighted the vital role of community involvement and the power of connecting people to resources and support. By fostering collaboration and strengthening community bonds, they are building a more resilient and responsive safety net.  

Advice for Aspiring Social Innovators

The panelists offered valuable advice for those seeking to create their own solutions to social challenges. They emphasized the importance of learning from the efforts of others and encouraged thorough research into existing solutions. The panelists highlighted starting with a focused approach, and suggested concentrating on one specific problem and developing a targeted solution. Finally, they stressed the necessity of perseverance in the face of challenges and setbacks, urging aspiring innovators to remain committed to their mission.

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Catch Up on American Compassion Season 3 

Listen to previous Season 3 episodes focusing on the modernization of the social safety net:

Feb. 12, 2025 | “Social Care in the Digital Age”

• This episode highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, interoperability, and digital platforms in building a modernized social service landscape and using technology to manage data, empower individuals, and enhance the human experience of care.
• The panel featured Jaffer Traish, Chief Operating Officer at Findhelp, Emily Barey, Vice President of Nursing at Epic, Sherri Greenberg, Assistant Dean and Professor of Practice at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, and Amy McCarthy, Chief Nursing Officer at Hippocratic AI. 

Nov. 13, 2024 | “What Happens Now?”

• After the results of the US presidential election, we explore what the outcome means for social care and the future of the safety net — for the next four years, at least.
• Findhelp SVP Glen Chambers joined a panel featuring  documentary filmmaker and educator Paul Stekler, nursing practitioner leader and advocate Barbara Chapman, and BGR Group Chairman and CEO Bob Wood.  

Sept. 18, 2024 | “The Broken U.S. Safety Net”

• We kicked off season 3 with a big picture look at the modern safety net — we asked questions like ‘How did we get here?’, ‘What’s broken?’, and ‘What are the biggest challenges standing in the way of Americans who need help?’.
• Findhelp Founder and CEO Erine Gray joined a panel featuring Professor Maninder “Mini” Kahlon of Dell Medical School, Turning Point Center Founder Isha Deselle, and Dr. Pritesh Gandhi, Chief Community Health Officer for Walmart.