Local entrepreneur Jocelyn Ramirez was recently selected from over 8,000 nationwide applicants to receive a grant for her small business from H&R Block’s Fund Her Future program, which awards women entrepreneurs with funding grants as well as a year of expert small business services from Block Advisors. You can check out Jocelyn’s business at Todo Verde, Latina-owned with a mission to amplify the true-to-culture flavors of Latin America through chef-crafted products. If you’re interested in applying for grant funding yourself, visit www.hrblock.com and search “Fund Her Future.”

Wendy Smith, Ph.D., LCSW, is a retired clinical professor of social work and associate dean of curriculum development and assessment at the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Dr. Smith’s latest book will be available this fall – “Before Their Crimes: What We’re Misunderstanding About Childhood Trauma, Youth Crime, and the Path to Healing” delves into the misunderstandings about childhood trauma and what is necessary to heal. Learn more at wendybsmithphd.net.

Tucker Perkins has worked in clean transportation for nearly three decades. He serves as President & CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council and is a recognized voice in the shift toward cleaner school transportation. Tucker will be discussing a breakthrough news study showing that low emissions are linked to improved test scores and cleaner options for the school bus fleets. He will also provide information about schools using propane buses and the BetterOurBuses.com program. Learn why more than 1.3 million students will ride a propane school bus this year.

Listen to The Kim Pagano Show 7AM-8AM (8/23/2025)