In this episode of The Torch, host Dominique Samario sits down with Amanda Corridan, RCOE’s first-ever Foster Youth Services Executive Director, and Cheryl Flores, a foster youth and champion for student well-being.

Together they discuss the Foster Youth Success Initiative from the Riverside County Office Of Education, and firsthand stories about what it takes to improve the system and build trust with vulnerable youth.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or community advocate, this episode sheds light on what’s working—and what still needs to be done—to ensure every foster youth gets the love, stability, and opportunity they deserve.

Ramon Ramos grew up with a very rough childhood plagued with tragedy, gangs, drugs, and trauma. Although these were not ideal conditions to thrive in life, Ramon made no excuses and made it his life's mission to break the generational trauma that has followed him and his family, thus The Exception was born. This non-profit organization, started by Ramon, looks to help marginalized communities and individuals going through the same things that Ramon did. The Exception looks to provide a holistic approach to anyone looking to breaking generational cycles of tragedy and abuse. Ramon Ramos and The Exception is one of the many partners in Riverside County who value in helping everyone who needs help.

In this episode of The Torch, professional athelete, former NFL player, and author of "Don't Let the System Beat You," Dwayne Wallace shares how his journey from the football field to public service has become a mission to empower foster youth across Riverside County.

Drawing from his own lived experiences, Dwayne discusses the challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care: navigating housing, education, and mental health, and how community support systems can make the difference between survival and success. He highlights the importance of creating actionable plans, developing life skills, and amplifying youth voices through mentorship and storytelling.

Listeners will hear inspiring real-world success stories, including students who turned setbacks into opportunities and discovered their purpose along the way. Dwayne’s message is clear: no matter your circumstances, you have the power to speak up, take ownership, and build a life beyond limitations.

Title: Beyond the NFL: Dwayne Wallace on Building a Future for Foster Youth

Featuring: Dwayne Wallace, Professional Athelete & Author

Host by: Dominique Samario, Riverside County Office of Education

The Torch podcast from RCOE, is a new show diving into different topics on education. From family engagement to new laws being put in that affects education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgable in these topics.

Listen to The Torch on:

Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple

Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

When Erin Gruwell stepped into Room 203, she faced students the system had written off. What happened next became a movement—immortalized in The Freedom Writers Diary and a major motion picture—that continues to inspire educators and students worldwide.

On this episode of The Torch, Erin shares how she turned a hostile classroom into a safe haven, the life-changing moment a Holocaust survivor met her students, why creating “safe spaces” for both students and teachers is urgent today, and how the Freedom Writers are still fighting for a voice—despite book bans and political pushback.

📚 Freedom Writers Foundation: freedomwritersfoundation.org

🎧 Listen to The Torch on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

#FreedomWriters #ErinGruwell #Education #Teaching #Hope #StudentVoice #Inspiration

Chapter Index:

00:00 - Banned, But Never Silenced – Erin Gruwell Speaks Out on the Freedom Writers' Legacy

00:25 - Meet Erin Gruwell

02:36 - From activist roots to teaching in Long Beach

05:01 - Imposter syndrome and early challenges

07:25 - The paper airplane that changed everything

12:27 - Building trust & creating safe spaces

14:22 - Tips for creating safe spaces

17:01 - Using pop culture to connect with students

19:28 - A racist drawing, the Holocaust, and redefining “survivor”

22:19 - Bringing history to life through field trips

26:06 - Facing pushback

28:37 - Where the Freedom Writers are today

33:44 - Book bans and protecting student stories

37:36 - Education is the key

41:09 - Standing up for students

43:42 - What still gives Erin hope

46:06 - Fire Round: Influential teacher, favorite book, inspiring quote

49:58 - Favorite quote?

52:12 - Closing thoughts

Absenteeism and life barriers can be a problem in education—but what can schools do to reverse the trend and ensure every student succeeds? In this episode of The Torch podcast, discover how educators are transforming the future of education by addressing absenteeism and supporting foster, homeless, and marginalized youth. Join this inspiring conversation with Elizabeth Bartholomew, Director of Pupil and Administrative Services, as she shares insights into building trust, leveraging data, and fostering connections to keep students engaged and thriving. Learn actionable strategies and success stories from Riverside County schools that are making a difference for families and communities.

What if every student graduated with the tools to manage money, build credit, and achieve financial health? Join us on this episode of The Torch as we explore the transformative power of financial literacy in education. Discover how schools and communities are partnering to teach students critical financial skills—from saving and credit to investments and beyond.

Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington, co-founder and president of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, a prolific public speaker, and anti-slavery advocate.

What if Frederick Douglass's legacy could help end modern slavery? In this gripping episode of The Torch, Dominique Samario welcomes Kenneth B. Morris Jr., the descendent of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington and co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. Together, we will uncover how his organization is tackling human trafficking through the power of education.

Learn how the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives blends historical storytelling with modern advocacy and is empowering students to recognize and fight exploitation while inspiring a new generation of changemakers. Packed with eye-opening insights and actionable solutions, this episode shows how history’s greatest abolitionists are still shaping the fight for freedom today.

Hit play to discover how you can join the movement to end modern slavery—starting in the classroom!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy (Intro)

01:20 - Kenneth B. Morris, Jr.'s Background

02:28 - Why Is Your Organization Called the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives? What Is Your Link?

04:29 - How Did That Transition Come About?

07:06 - What Was the Inciting Moment That Inspired You to Take Action?

10:13 - How Did You Combine the Legacies of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington to Address Modern Slavery and Human Rights Issues?

13:13 - How Are You Turning Your Ancestors’ Legacies Into Action Today?

16:55 - How Are Students Using Creativity to Combat Human Trafficking?

19:49 - How Did the Protect Program Revolutionize Anti-trafficking Education?

22:33 - How Does the ‘Power of One’ Curriculum Empower Young Leaders?

24:53 - How Can Educators Introduce These Sensitive Topics in an Age-Appropriate Way?

28:00 - How Can History Inspire Hope in Challenging Times?

30:59 - Fire Round: Question 1: Who Was One of Your Most Impactful Teachers or Educators in Your Life?

31:53 - Fire Round: Question 2: What Is Your Favorite Book?

33:16 - Fire Round: Question 3: What Is One of Your Favorite Quotes?

34:41 - Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy (Outro)

Hosted by Dominique Samario, The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show that dives into different topics in education. From family engagement to new laws that affect education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgeable about these topics.

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Connect with RCOE Online!

Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us

Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE

Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/

#humantraffickingawareness #stophumantrafficking #stopexploitation #endslavery #frederickdouglass #modernslavery #youthempowerment #bethechange

On this next episode of The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education, we bring on Amanda Wade to talk about Community Schools Partnership. As a Coordinator, Amanda is constantly looking for ways to improve the learning experience for our students across Riverside County with resources that will help students and their families thrive in their education.

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars is an American technology executive, author, Olympic bronze medalist judoka, and former UFC Bantamweight world champion. She is the president and founder of 7 Generation Games. She has a Ph.D. and M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of California, Riverside.

In this episode of The Torch, host Dominique Samario welcomes Dr. AnnMaria De Mars, president of 7 Generation Games and a passionate advocate for integrating technology and education. Known for her deep appreciation of mathematics, Dr. De Mars discusses how her love for math inspired innovative approaches to game-based learning, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for students.

Together, they explore the intersection of gaming and education, discussing the innovative ways games can engage students, support educators, and address critical issues in modern classrooms. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on how technology can transform traditional approaches to education.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Why Math Matters: The Game-Changing Benefits of Gamification in Education (Intro)

01:29 - Dr. AnnMaria de Mars' Background

04:22 - From Whim to Success: The Serendipitous Path to Higher Education

06:18 - How Do We Make Education Relevant for Every Student?

09:35 - How Can EdTech Unlock Student Potential?

13:01 - Can Game Development Drive Equity in Education?

14:36 - The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Rural Education

17:40 - Why Should Students Care About Math?

20:14 - How Do You Know When Students Are Truly Engaged?

23:49 - What Is Next for Dr. AnnMaria de Mars?

27:40 - Why Great Teachers + Smart Tech = Classroom Success

31:49 - Fire Round: Question 1: What Teacher or Educator Had the Most Impact on Your Life?

33:17 - Fire Round: Question 2: What Is Your Favorite Book?

33:49 - Fire Round: Question 3: What Is Your Favorite Quote?

34:44 - The Truth About EdTech: Passion Over Profits in the Classroom

36:04 - Why Math Matters: The Game-Changing Benefits of Gamification in Education (Outro)

Listen to The Torch on:

Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple

Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify

Hosted by Dominique Samario, The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show that dives into different topics in education. From family engagement to new laws that affect education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgeable about these topics.

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Connect with RCOE Online!

Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us

Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE

Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/

#RCOEtheTorch #RCOE #ai #artificialintelligence #interactivelearning #educationaltechnology #edtech #gamebasedlearning

Title: The Power of One: Empowering Students Through History

Featuring: Amanda Corridan

Hosted by: Dominique Samario

Where are we at with artificial intelligence (A.I.)? How did we get here? How can A.I. be used as a tool to better society and the learning experience? What ethical considerations are being addressed regarding A.I.? What resources are being provided to educators regarding A.I. in education? What has the feedback been like? Amanda Corridan, Chief Academic Officers for the Riverside County Office of Education's Educational Services department answers these questions and more on this episode of The Torch.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Artificial Intelligence & Education: Future Learning With A.I. in Schools - Intro

01:19 - Amanda Corridan's Background

03:52 - Where Are We at With A.I. and How Did We Get Here?

08:03 - How Can A.I. Be Used as a Tool to Better Society and the Learning Experience?

12:57 - Do You Think Emotional Intelligence and Relationship-Building Become Even More Essential With the Rise of Artificial Intelligence?

15:39 - What Ethical Considerations Is Your Team Addressing Regarding A.I.?

18:14 - What Resources Are We Providing to Educators Regarding A.I. in Education?

21:06 - What Feedback Have You Received From Districts and Educators?

23:28 - What Advice Would You Give Educators Feeling Overwhelmed by Constant Changes in A.I. and Education?

25:19 - The Fire Round

28:59 - Wrap-Up

29:21 - Artificial Intelligence & Education: Future Learning With A.I. in Schools (Outro)

Listen to The Torch on:

Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple

Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify

The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show diving into different topics on education. From family engagement to new laws being put in that affects education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgable in these topics.

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Connect with RCOE Online!

Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us

Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE

Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/