In this inspiring episode, host Rich Sanders welcomes Vanessa Russell, CEO of Catholic Charities Atlanta and former corporate executive, for a wide-ranging conversation about service, faith, and what it means to truly love your neighbor. Vanessa shares the story of her unexpected transition from corporate life to nonprofit leadership and how the words of Pope
Francis, her late father, and a lifetime of military family experience shaped her mission to serve.
From helping veterans navigate the VA to transforming financial literacy for families, Catholic Charities Atlanta works to lift people into lives of dignity and self-sufficiency. Vanessa shares real stories, hard-won lessons, and a moving reminder: “Charity that leaves the poor as they
are is not sufficient.” This is a must-listen for anyone called to align their business, faith, and generosity.
In This Episode:
• 02:30 Vatican Transitions & Pope Francis’ Legacy
• 09:45 The Call to Transform, Not Just Sustain
• 14:30 A Story of Dignity: Veteran Outreach in Action
• 19:30 From Uniform to Uncertainty
• 26:15 From the Corporate World to Catholic Charities
• 33:00 Seeing the Human Behind the Struggle
• 38:15 Financial Education: The Secret Sauce of Self-Sufficiency
• 44:00 Volunteers, Donors & Living Out the Faith
• 50:20 The Heart of Catholic Social Teaching
• 56:45 Work as Worship, Giving as Glory
At Koinonia Mission, we don’t just share our work — we amplify the work of others who serve in Christ’s name. Through our upcoming quarterly newsletter, we highlight the charities supported by past guests of The Christian Capitalist Podcast, sharing updates on the ministries they believe in.
Our goal is to keep this information updated in real-time on our website, helping you discover, connect with, and support impactful organizations around the country — especially those serving the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten.