So much can happen in a season of Education Conversations! Join Jennifer for our final compilation episode, “Policy, Partnerships, and Community Prosperity”, featuring snippets from several of our season 2 guests.

S2E26 Education Today: Join this special episode of Education Conversation as we wrap up Season 2 that highlights guests and topics focusing on Education Today. Jennifer revisits popular subjects from Season 2, such as Artificial Intelligence, scholarships, and the 2025 State of Education Report. This is the first in a two-part compilation series, so stay tuned for more!

This episode features Representative Fiona McFarland, a champion for education and the Education Foundation. She and Jennifer discuss takeaways from the 2025 Legislative Session, where Sarasota Schools are today and how education may change in the future.

This episode focuses on our local economy, as Jennifer welcomes Erin Silk, president and ceo of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. Together they discuss the current and future outlook for local economic development and explore how education and a healthy economy are inextricably tied.

In this episode, Jennifer talks with the Community Foundation’s Vice President for Community Impact, Kirsten Russell about their annual State of Education report, the importance of early learning, and the role of philanthropy in our community

Jennifer talks with Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge Funders Collaborative and Economic Development with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Barb Clapp, CEO of Dwyer Workforce Development about their collaboration and partnership with Suncoast Technical College on an innovative training program for Certified Nursing Assistants. Tune in to learn more about the need they are filling for both students and the healthcare field.

For over a century, United Way Suncoast has been there to help regional families when they are in dire need of support. Join Jennifer with CEO Jessica Muroff in this interesting conversation about how United Way Suncoast is responding to today’s needs.

This special episode of Education Conversations captures the excitement and energy of the 2nd annual Education Foundation Ringling Bridge Run. Hear from runners, volunteers, and even celebrities who showed up for this 5K/10K race to support teachers and students.

Preparing for retirement after 17 years as the president of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Mary Chance sat down with Jennifer to reflect on her time in this role, the function of education foundations today, and her hopes for the future.

Abbey Stewart, Leadership Florida’s vice president of programs and planning, talks with Jennifer about her experiences working at the Department of Education, the importance of putting students first, and her work today convening a community of leaders to recharge their skills and to educate and inspire them to work for a better Florida.