22 APR 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Ivy Stein, an Impact Manager at the United Way of San Diego County. Learn about the importance of having a positive community effect, particularly in San Diego County where over one-third of households experience financial hardship. Ivy talks about the coalition that she oversees, emphasizing the significance of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in the area. The discussion emphasizes how important it is to educate people with low and moderate incomes—who frequently ignore available financial aid—about tax credits. Ivy describes how the coalition grew to include over forty organizations and highlights how they all worked together to help people with their taxes, from awareness campaigns to actual tax preparation and help after filing. In this episode, hear about the coalition's diverse range of organizations, including refugee services, and the vital role they play in helping disadvantaged communities.  Ivy offers intimate details about her motivation for working in community impact, which stems from her desire to change the world and make sure that people in need are the direct beneficiaries of her efforts. The episode ends with a preview of upcoming efforts that seek to further combine education and economic mobility programs in order to promote comprehensive community development. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Ivy Stein. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Raising awareness about tax credits, particularly the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), to support low and moderate-income individuals in San Diego County. - The collaborative efforts of over 40 organizations within the coalition, spanning refugee services and community organizations, to provide comprehensive tax assistance and financial education. - The significant impact of volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) programs in providing quality tax services and dispelled misconceptions about the free service's quality. - Economic benefits of tax credits like EITC and Child Tax Credit in supporting families, fostering financial stability, and stimulating the local economy. - Ivy's personal passion for community impact work and her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need, highlighting the importance of holistic community development initiatives. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Ivy, for your contributions in San Diego, 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.

15 APR 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Afira Devries, the president and CEO of the Monarch School Project. The Monarch School is the only public school in the US that serves only homeless pupils, offering kindergarten through high school education and support.  Afira talks about her experience working at the school, showing how it grew from a little one-room facility to being a pillar of support for kids without homes. She stresses how crucial it is to provide a secure and supportive atmosphere where kids can grow in confidence in their abilities and sense of belonging. In her discussion of the difficulties encountered by homeless students, Afira touches on the trauma of concealing their living circumstances in conventional educational settings. She reveals that because of continuous housing uncertainty, many students stay for years, even though others may achieve stability and graduate from the institution. In order to meet the requirements of various age groups and academic levels while keeping an emphasis on trauma-informed and restorative practices, Afira describes how the school functions as three schools in one. Throughout the entire episode, Afira's dedication to justice and equity, as well as her own experiences, drive her love for helping homeless children. She thanks the community for its support and the chance to speak up for her pupils' needs. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Afira DeVries. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - The school's mission to provide education and nurture the development of unhoused children from kindergarten through high school and the importance of creating a safe and stable environment for unhoused students to grow - The unique support services provided by the Monarch School, including the Butterfly Boutique for essential supplies, onsite health facilities, shower and laundry facilities, and a resource center for parents and caregivers - The importance of creating age-appropriate interventions and fostering a sense of community and belonging for students and the importance of small victories and moments of peace for students experiencing trauma. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Afira, for your contributions in San Diego, 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.

8 APR 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Jim Chilton, the CEO and founder of the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA). Jim talks about the goal of SOFA, which is to educate people about money all around the country through online seminars and events. In addition to explaining his own experience and the reasons he founded the organization, he highlights the significance of financial literacy and the necessity to address it from a young age. Jim uses personal experiences and instances from his neighborhood to illustrate the shortcomings in financial education. He talks about how difficult it is for people to manage their money, particularly in light of social pressures and the widespread use of credit cards. Jim also talks about how eating fast food affects money and stresses the need of controlling spending patterns. A discussion of Og Mandino's "The Greatest Salesman in the World" and biblical teachings, as well as Jim's own experiences and readings, are explored. He promotes a positive and supportive approach to financial education and emphasizes the significance of behavior change and accountability in reaching financial goals. Jim's enthusiasm and drive for enabling people to take charge of their finances are evident throughout the entire show. He encourages listeners to prioritize financial wellbeing and develop an attitude of commitment rather than simple involvement by sharing insightful and useful suggestions. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Jim Chilton. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - SOFA's goal of providing financial education nationwide through workshops and virtual events - The importance of early financial literacy - Jim's personal motivations behind founding SOFA and addressing gaps in financial education within communities - Challenges individuals face in managing finances, including credit card debt and societal pressures - The value of adopting a mindset of commitment to achieve long-term financial stability - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Jim, for your contributions in San Diego, 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.

2 APR 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Carol Dedrich, the CEO of Girl Scouts San Diego, Carol Dedrich. Hear about Carol and the organization's illustrious past and goals of empowering young women. The Girl Scouts, an organization founded by Julia Gordon Lowe to encourage girls and women to be self-sufficient, have a long history of developing strong people. The program's main objectives are to help young girls become resilient, increase their self-esteem, and develop leadership abilities. The curriculum also includes goal-setting, financial literacy, and public speaking, giving girls useful skills for navigating life. The episode also showcases the Girl Scout alumni's outstanding accomplishments. Girl Scouts boast a wide range of accomplished women, ranging from CEOs and astronauts to well-known individuals in science and politics. The organization once included well-known people like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.  The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu's "The Book of Joy" serves as an inspiration for Carol Dedrich, who is driven to empower females. Hear about the issue of accessibility and the Girl Scouts organization. Over 40% of Girl Scouts San Diego's membership comes from low-income households, demonstrating the organization's commitment to encouraging involvement from all backgrounds.  To reach additional communities and increase their impact, they actively look for funds and volunteers. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Carol Dedrich. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - The rich history of the Girl Scouts organization and their work in San Diego - Different pillars of the Girl Scouts and programs they have to achieve these goals - Some of the most well-known Girl Scouts - How Girl Scouts is increasing accessibility to all communities within San Diego - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Carol, for your contributions in San Diego, 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.

25 MAR 2024 · This excellent episode features a riveting discussion between Nancy Sasaki, the CEO of United Way of San Diego County, and Jose Cruz, CEO of the San Diego Council on Literacy. Throughout this episode, Nancy and Jose reflect on their journey over the past 100 episodes, celebrating their milestones and reminiscing on their favorite moments. The discussion covers a wide range of subjects, including the effects of dyslexia on learning and the difficulties in addressing juvenile mental health, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They share their aspirations for the podcast's future, stressing the value of problem-solving conversations and encouraging cooperation across various agencies and organizations. Additionally, Nancy and Jose discuss the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can affect problem-solving and communication. They convey their appreciation for the chance to interact with enthusiastic people committed to improving their areas. Nancy and Jose intend to keep examining important topics in leadership and education as they look ahead to the next 100 episodes, all the while attempting to forge deep connections and spur constructive change. Through their discussions, they hope to raise awareness of the difficulties that people and communities confront and to showcase creative solutions. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Nancy Sasaki and Jose Cruz. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Nancy and Jose remember notable conversations with influential figures in education, like Shirley Weber, Tony Thurmond, Cindy Martin, and Kelly Sam Ann Hurley. - The hosts share their ambitions for the podcast's future, highlighting the need for groups to work together and explore solutions. - Going forward, Nancy and Jose hope to keep talking about important topics, forming deep connections, and igniting change in the world. - The answers to the warm-up questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Nancy and Jose, for your contributions in San Diego, 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.

18 MAR 2024 · In this milestone 100th episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Tony Thurmond, the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the California Department of Education Listen in as Thurmond discusses his own reading history, crediting his mother's influence and his own upbringing for his early passion with comic books and biographies. He emphasizes the value of taking in knowledge from a variety of narratives, particularly in light of Black History Month, and he gives special attention to characters that inspire us, such as Raphael Augustine and the NASA women featured in "Hidden Figures."  As the discussion progresses, Thurmond considers how important education has been in his life, having been influenced by mentors and growing up in a home where there was financial hardship. Thurmond then goes on to talk about California's educational initiatives, including its efforts to alleviate gaps through universal meal programs, preschool programs, and dyslexia screening. He places a strong emphasis on the use of evidence-based literacy instruction and the function of community schools in offering all-encompassing student support. Thurmond ultimately promotes teamwork in order to guarantee that every student has access to a high-quality education and support services, highlighting the significance of efficient communication and collaboration between educators, decision-makers, and communities. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Tony Thurmond. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Tony Thurmond talks about the value of reading and relates his own reading experience, emphasizing his early exposure to biographies and comic books. - The value of listening to other people's experiences and emphasizes the necessity of having access to a wide range of books, particularly during Black History Month. - California's initiatives to reduce educational inequalities include expanded preschool programs, free meal programs, and dyslexia screening. - Techniques for enhancing literacy include teacher professional development, evidence-based training, and community schools offering comprehensive support. - The significance of efficient communication and cooperation between educators, legislators, and community members in guaranteeing that every kid has access to high-quality instruction and assistance. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Tony, for your contributions in San Diego, throughout California, 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.

10 MAR 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Dr. Eduardo Reyes, the Superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District.  Dr. Eduardo Reyes offers insightful commentary on educational leadership, community involvement, and the critical role that literacy plays in influencing students' futures throughout the whole program. Listen as Dr. Reyes highlights how education is changing and how kids are receiving more active and interesting learning opportunities. The importance of giving every child the chance to realize their potential is another topic covered in this episode. Dr. Reyes commends the Chula Vista district for its dedication to providing teachers with the greatest resources possible and supporting their efforts. In order to promote student success, he emphasizes the value of community engagement and recognizes the collaboration between parents, teachers, and the district. The emphasis on literacy is also discussed, and Dr. Reyes mentions the district's objective of having all third graders read at 100% proficiency. The episode looks at issues that today's children must deal with, such as different family dynamics and outside forces that are out of the school's control. Dr. Reyes highlights the need of cultivating a sincere love for reading and integrating literacy and reading skills throughout the day. The episode also discusses how reading can transport people to different eras, places, and experiences in their imaginations. Dr. Reyes emphasizes the ability of books to impact lives and pushes for a change in perspective so that reading is seen as an adventure and a joyful activity. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Dr. Eduardo Reyes. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Community engagement is recognized as a vital aspect of student success, emphasizing the collaboration between parents, educators, and the district. - Challenges faced by students, including diverse family dynamics and external factors, are acknowledged, with an emphasis on the school's role in providing a secure and welcoming environment. - The need to embed reading and literacy skills throughout the day, advocating for a genuine love for reading among students. - The transformative power of books is highlighted, with Dr. Reyes encouraging a shift towards viewing reading as a source of joy and exploration rather than a chore. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Dr. Reyes, for your contributions in San Diego, 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.

4 MAR 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Dr. Ricky Shabazz, the president of San Diego City College. Listen as Dr. Shabazz talks about how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting education, especially when it comes to content correctness and sentence form. This episode also discusses the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching critical thinking, as well as the difficulties experienced by community college students, such as plagiarism and fake news. Hear Dr. Shabazz discuss the significance of attending to students' basic needs, which include access to affordable housing and mental health services. Initiatives at San Diego City College, such as a farm, a food bank, and integrated mental health programs in subjects like math, are highlighted by Dr. Shabazz. Listen as Dr. Shabazz highlights the importance of community colleges, dispelling misconceptions and emphasizing their function in offering affordable, superior education. Dr. Shabazz highlights the open admission rules and varied programs of community colleges as reasons why potential students should visit and enroll there. Dr. Shabazz recognizes the critical role community colleges play in preparing a wide range of students for successful futures and urges support for California community colleges. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Dr. Ricky Shabazz. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Dr. Ricky Shabazz discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, focusing on sentence structure and content accuracy. - Dr. Shabazz shares personal anecdotes, emphasizing the transformative power of education and his journey from a first-generation college student to the president of San Diego City College. - The discussion challenges myths about community colleges, emphasizing their world-class education, personalized attention, and smaller class sizes. - The episode highlights the success of community college transfer students, noting their higher GPAs compared to freshmen entering four-year universities. - A call to action encourages prospective students to visit and enroll in community colleges, emphasizing their open admission policies and diverse programs. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Dr. Shabazz, for your contributions in San Diego, 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.

25 FEB 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Dr. Lydia Burgos, the Principal of J. Calvin Lauderbach Elementary. Take a listen as Dr. Burgos talks about how she went from wanting to be a teacher at a young age to being a principal throughout a 16-year career in education. Dr. Burgos' current school, Lauderbach Elementary offers a 50/50 bilingual curriculum and is a dual immersion school. She highlights the difficulties encountered, including a large proportion of English language learners and the requirement for substantial support as a result of poor socioeconomic level. Lydia talks about the methods employed, such as small-group instruction and tutoring after school. Learn about some of Dr. Burgos's methods for teaching, which include having grade-level teams examine individual student data, deal with interventions, and guarantee that every kid advances academically. She also discusses the scaffolding and assistance that emergent bilingual students require, placing a strong emphasis on language competence evaluations. In particular, Lydia observes notable progress in oral practice among emerging bilingual pupils. Lydia also talks about the district-level programs that helped them succeed. She credits a committed staff focusing on the needs of the students, a student-centered approach, and high-impact language tactics for their achievement. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Dr. Lydia Burgos. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - The importance of books in Dr Burgos's childhood and some about her favorites. - Dr. Burgos' role as a principal and her recent activities focusing on analyzing student data and planning interventions. - Challenges faced during the pandemic, particularly in teaching writing online, leading to a renewed focus on supporting students in reading and writing. - Strategies used at Lauderbach, including after-school tutoring and small-group instruction, to support students in literacy and math. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Dr. Burgos, for your contributions in San Diego, 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.

20 FEB 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Sonia Teder-Moore, the Children's Outreach and Event Coordinator at Warwick's Bookstore in La Jolla. Sonia highlights the value of independent bookshops in creating thriving communities by sharing her visit to Warwicks, the oldest family-run bookstore in the United States. The show also discusses Warwicks' participation in programs like as Read Across America, in which they work with United Way to advance reading. The discussion then shifts to Sonia's efforts to connect writers with young readers by inviting authors to schools. Additionally, this episode emphasizes the value of smaller bookstores in the neighborhood and promotes patronizing small companies rather than ones with a wider audience. As you listen, While highlighting the difficulties of reading promotion in the digital age, Sonia also underscores the value of fostering a reading culture within families. She talks about her own experiences, such as a workshop she led on "how to grow a reader," which highlights the value of reading areas and family time spent together. This episode offers a fun look into the world of literary events and bookish encounters by jokingly exploring famous authors who have visited Warwicks, such as Salman Rushdie and Brian Selznick. This is a fascinating and perceptive episode since Sonia's love of books and dedication to encouraging a love of reading are evident throughout. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Sonia Teder-Moore. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Sonia Teder-Moore's varied career history, which includes working as a de facto librarian at an elementary school in La Jolla and her current position at Warwicks as an events coordinator and children's bookseller - The rich history of Warwicks, emphasizing its 125th anniversary in 2021 and its position as the country's oldest continually family-run bookstore - Helpful advice on how families may foster a love of reading in their children - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Sonia, for your contributions in San Diego, 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.