In this incredible and globetrotting episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in studio by Simona Valanciute, the incredible CEO of San Diego Oasis. The leader of this hidden gem of an organization shares her passion for improving the lives of seniors and children, representing in her mind the two most important generations, reflecting wisdom and knowledge on one end and promise and curiosity on the other end. Whether it is her work with eleven school districts or bridging the "digital divide" for seniors, Simona shares her personal interest in systems change and the importance of being patient in making the right long-term investments in what works and not the distraction of the short-term fix.

And where does some of this passion and mindset come from? She does share with affection her excellent foundation with an outstanding and free education in her native Lituania where all had access to academics, multiple learned languages and music and arts. We even get an excellent bit of history of the Soviet Union from the perspective of three generations, including Simona seeing the end of the Soviet Union. Well worth a listen!

What else worth listening to is Simona's passionate discussion of a book which stumped our hosts..."The Three Comrades" by Erich Maria Remarque. Simona was so excited that she had brought an unknown book to the show!

Some amazing takeaways from the interview with Simona Valanciute:

- Three keys for healthy aging as practiced by San Diego Oasis: stimulate your mind,
stimulate your body and have a meaningful daily purpose
- The importance of understanding the diversity of needs in different communities in order
to deliver the right services
- A provocative question as it relates to America and its celebration of youth..."does nobody
love their grandmother?"
- A "gapminder" is someone with the intellectual vision to see gaps and one who cares
enough to act
- The answers to the Rapid Fire questions!

A truly fascinating interview from a phenomenal gap minder. Thank you, Simona Valanciute, for your contributions to America, seniors, young children, the community, literacy, books, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.