Empowering Careers

Read the latest research on youth & careers from The DeBruce Foundation:
How to Talk with Youth About Careers in the Age of AI

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In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with National School Boards Association Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs about how school boards can help create more opportunities and pathways for students. Verjeana shares insights on preparing students for multiple futures, embracing innovation in education, and ensuring every student has access to the resources and choices they need to thrive. They explore the role of confidence, community partnerships, equity, and strong leadership in helping young people see more possibilities for what comes next.

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In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with NACE President and CEO Shawn VanDerziel about navigating today’s competitive and evolving workforce. Shawn shares insights on career readiness, translating experiences into valuable skills, and helping students tell compelling stories about what they can bring to employers. They explore the role of AI, internships, education, and networks in preparing people for winding career paths and expanding the possibilities for what comes next.

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In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with Executive Director of Multi-State Programs at AVID Center Jasmine Winslow about helping students build the confidence, skills, and support networks needed to thrive. Jasmine shares insights on expanding access to college and career opportunities while fostering self-advocacy, purpose, and future readiness. Together, they discuss how educators and communities can create intentional pathways that help close opportunity gaps so every learner can explore possibilities and pursue their goals with confidence.

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In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with Executive Director of the American School Counselor Association Jill Cook about how school counselors can help students expand what they believe is possible for their futures. From early career exploration to real-world experiences, Jill shares how counselors build confidence, connect students to meaningful pathways, and shift the conversation from “what do you want to be?” to “what do you enjoy?”, preparing students for a lifetime of learning and opportunity.

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In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with AASA President and Superintendent of Minnetonka School District David Law about his 30+ year journey in public education. From his start in the classroom to his leadership of Minnetonka Public Schools, David explores the importance of “failing forward,” closing opportunity gaps, redefining workforce readiness, and why he remains optimistic about the next generation’s ability to lead and succeed.

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In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with four-time TEDx speaker, illustrator, and founder of Draw Your Future, Patti Dobrowolski, about harnessing imagination as a powerful tool for career growth. From her pivot out of Broadway, to helping organizations and students worldwide visualize bold new possibilities, Patti shares the brain science behind drawing your future, overcoming limiting beliefs, and taking action to reach your goals!

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In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with Dr. Brad Johnson, bestselling author and internationally recognized education expert, about how small, intentional shifts can create powerful change in classrooms, schools, and careers.

Dr. Johnson shares insights on developing others, leading authentically, and building future-ready learning environments grounded in human connection. Listeners will gain practical strategies for cultivating meaningful relationships, empowering growth, and creating impact that extends far beyond the classroom.

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In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with Leslie Gill, President and CEO of Rung for Women, about empowering women to build sustainable, fulfilling careers.

From an unexpected start in public service to leading a career accelerator for women in St. Louis, Leslie shares how early life experiences, career agility, and community shaped her path. Listeners will learn why exposure and exploration are critical to career growth, how networks and mentorship fuel economic mobility, and what it truly means to invest in the whole person—not just the job.

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In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with Nitzan Pelman, CEO & Founder of Climb Together, about the life-changing power of networks.

From her early challenges in school to exploring leadership and entrepreneurship, Nitzan shares how relationships shaped her career—and how building social capital can transform opportunities for job seekers. Listeners will learn why all kinds of connections matter, and how to start creating networks that open doors.

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