Episode 229 Chris Simonsen
Chris Simonsen
Orangewood Foundation, CEO
“Chris left the private sector to pursue a career at non-profit Orangewood Foundation and found that creating ways to help foster children transition to safe housing and a successful adulthood was his life’s calling.”
Chris Simonsen and Jeanne Pepper at the PeppTalk Studios June 2025
Episode 229 features an insightful conversation with Chris Simonsen, the dedicated CEO of the Orangewood Foundation. Chris’s journey is a powerful testament to finding your life's calling outside of traditional career paths. As the host notes, Chris “left the private sector to pursue a career at non-profit Orangewood Foundation and found that creating ways to help foster children transition to safe housing and a successful adulthood was his life’s calling.” This interview explores the motivation behind this significant career shift and the deep fulfillment he found in non-profit leadership.
The Orangewood Foundation is a vital force in Orange County, dedicated to supporting young people who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or economic hardship. Chris discusses the foundational mission of the organization: ensuring that every youth has the resources and mentorship needed for a successful transition to adulthood. This includes securing essential services like safe housing, education, job training, and mental wellness support—the building blocks for a stable and independent life.
Chris candidly shares what it took to leave a potentially lucrative career in the private sector for the demanding world of non-profits. He details how his strategic business acumen is now leveraged to scale the foundation's impact, helping to grow programs that provide concrete pathways to successful adulthood for foster children who often face overwhelming odds. His story is one of profound leadership and intentional action, demonstrating that the greatest success comes from aligning your professional skills with your deepest values.
Tune in to hear how Chris Simonsen is creating a lasting legacy by focusing on the most vulnerable members of the community. This episode is crucial listening for anyone interested in the dynamics of non-profit management, the power of purpose-driven careers, and the transformative work being done every day at the Orangewood Foundation.
Episode 229
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Chris Simonsen
Orangewood Foundation Website
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme Music: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to our volunteers
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