Bronwyn welcomes Pinellas Early Learning Coalition CEO Lindsay Carson and Hillsborough Early Learning Coalition CEO Gordon Gillette to the podcast to discuss what drives them, the current start of early learning, how the affordable housing and eviction crisis' are affecting recruiting and retention and more. Lindsay also discussing the "benefits cliff" and how partnerships like United Way Suncoast can make a difference. 

Bronwyn Beightol welcomes Children First CEO and Executive Director Philip Tavill. Philip discusses the pandemic’s impact on Children First, access and equity in early learning, the importance of mental health support at Children First, what it means to be in the top 1% of all Head Start programs, and more. 

Host Bronwyn Beightol is back to talk with Chancellor Matthew Mears on the role of the Chancellor of Education, emerging from the pandemic, helping early learning educators ‘ salaries, the importance of early learning, the engagement of the business community, and more.

Tampa Housing Authority Senior Vice-President/Chief Operating Officer Leroy Moore joins us to discuss rising rental and eviction rates, “the missing middle,” how much more government support is needed, redevelopment efforts, gentrification, transportation, and more. 

Host Emery Ivery chats with St. Petersburg Councilwoman Deborah Figgs-Sanders about starting as a councilwoman during the pandemic, the issue of housing and the eviction crisis, development in St. Pete, workforce development and transportation in the city, and more. 

Dr. Elizabeth Strom discusses the statewide eviction moratorium during the pandemic, what local non-profit organizations can do to assist in affordable housing, rent control, and solutions to this crisis moving forward. 

20:06: Emery's Big Takeaway. 

Florida Blue Southwest Florida Local Market Leader Nick Kouris discusses serving as local market leader, Florida Blue's overall outlook, breaking the cycle of generational poverty, reducing opioid deaths, and more on this edition of the Freedom to Rise Podcast.

25:25: Emery's Big Takeaway. 

Florida State Senator Jeff Brandes discusses affordable housing,  property insurance, early learning,  prison reform, and more.

25:23: Emery's Big Takeaway.

Clearwater Polic Chief Daniel Slaughter joins the podcast to discuss how a a substation became a resource center for the United Way, the department’s experience in working with the youth in the community, the relationship with the community in the wake of the death of George Floyd, and more.  

Eileen Coogan, executive director and CEO of Allegany Franciscan Ministries, discusses what it means to be a servant leader and leading non-profits for over 35 years, the Common Good Initiative, the successes in Wimauma, and more.