Education Conversations

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.

The Tampa Bay Partnership President and CEO, Bemetra Simmons talks with Jennifer about all things education—from graduation rates to teachers salaries and the impact of education on the economy. It’s an insightful podcast you won’t want to miss.

Join Jennifer in this special episode from Tallahassee, where she is attending the Spring 2025 legislative session! She talks with Darrick McGhee, a lobbyist AND senior pastor–truly an anomaly–who shares a fascinating perspective on what is happening and expected to happen in Florida. Budget, education, the economy…this one touches on it all!

In this episode of Education Conversations, Jennifer talks with Christine Robinson, Executive Director of The Argus Foundation, a think tank and government watchdog. They discuss the importance of education in a community and how business leadership can be a catalyst for change.

In the continuation of our Education Conversations miniseries on Education and the Economy, Jennifer talks with New College of Florida president, Richard Corcoran. They discuss the value of a liberal arts education in today’s world, humanities, philosophers, AI, and more! And spoiler alert for those who listen…it was Benjamin Franklin! You won’t want to miss this one.

In this continuation of our miniseries on education and the economy, Jennifer talks with CareerSource Suncoast President and CEO Josh Matlock about current and future workforce needs and how we’re preparing students to meet the changing demands of tomorrow.