Guest: Dr. Jamelle Connor, President of Amarillo College Host: Kimberly Anderson, Amarillo Area Foundation

Episode summary: Kimberly sits down with Dr. Jamelle Connor to meet the person behind the title. Jamelle shares her Florida upbringing (yes, baton twirling and boat days!), how high-school band shaped her life, and the long-story-short of finally dating and marrying her husband, Martin. She introduces us to their three very different (and very close) daughters, talks about falling in love with Amarillo's hidden-gem culture—from Comic Con to the symphony—and dishes restaurant favorites (Drunken Oyster, OHMS, The Big Texan). We also hear about Martin's new birding obsession, camping adventures in Palo Duro Canyon (first scorpion sighting!), Jamelle's love of reading (James Michener, Georgia O'Keeffe/Frank Lloyd Wright), and her current music kick (Blue October). Wrapping up, Jamelle shares her vision for AC: "Every student, every dream. One AC."—aligning programs, partnerships, and student supports to meet Amarillo's growing workforce and community needs.

In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Laura Storrs, CFO of the City of Amarillo, to uncover the person behind the title. Born and raised in Amarillo, Laura shares stories of her childhood, the influence of her parents, and how she discovered her passion for accounting. She opens up about her journey into motherhood through adoption, the blessings and challenges of raising a blended family, and the unique connection her husband—also adopted—brings to their home. Laura also reflects on her deep ties to community, from Rotary traditions to her new favorite hobby of leading a book club. As she looks toward retirement in 2026, she discusses her hopes for the city, her faith in what's next, and her commitment to giving back. This heartfelt conversation highlights the human side of a leader devoted to her family, her faith, and her hometown.

In this episode of This is the Panhandle, Broc sits down with colleague Beth Gunn, Grant Program Officer at the Amarillo Area Foundation. Beth shares her personal journey—from starting with the foundation through CYD, to leading scholarship programs, and now focusing on education grants.

Together, they explore the concept of Opportunity Youth—young people ages 16–24 who are disconnected from education or the workforce—and why addressing their needs is critical for the future of the Texas Panhandle. Beth unpacks local research, the challenges of tracking this population, and the values-driven insights gathered directly from youth voices.

Listeners will hear how collaboration among schools, workforce boards, foster care, and nonprofits is reshaping how the community supports these young people. From summits to policy changes, Beth highlights the Foundation's role in convening partners, funding innovative solutions, and shifting narratives about what young people truly want: connection, meaning, and the chance to make a difference.

Beth also shares the personal motivation behind her work, revealing how her own experiences inform her passion for helping others navigate systems and access opportunity.

In this inspiring episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Dr. Deidre Parish, the new superintendent of Amarillo ISD. While many know her for her impressive career in education—including two doctorates and leadership roles from rural districts to large urban schools—this conversation goes deeper, uncovering the personal side of Dr. Parish.

From her Lubbock roots to her early teaching days, Dr. Parish shares the winding path that led her from biology research labs to public school classrooms, and eventually to district leadership. Along the way, she opens up about her family's deep ties to education, her love of music and fine arts, her work as a certified yoga instructor, and the life lessons she learned from her biggest supporters—her grandparents.

We also meet the rest of her family: her husband of 33 years, Bud, and their two daughters, both educators themselves, carrying forward the family legacy. Dr. Parish talks candidly about her hopes for Amarillo ISD, her vision of the district as a "destination" for students and educators, and why collaboration with the community is key to student success.

This episode is full of heart, wisdom, and a reminder that great leaders are shaped as much by their passions and relationships as by their résumés.

Listen in to learn:

• How Dr. Parish's background in science and fine arts shapes her leadership

• Why she believes collaboration is the secret to strong schools and communities

• The personal routines and hobbies that keep her grounded in a demanding role

• Her vision for Amarillo ISD's future as a premier destination for education in the Panhandle

🎙️ This is the Panhandle —

In this very special episode, host Broc Carter sits down with Amy Lovell and her daughter Mattie Kate (MK) Lovell for the first-ever mother-daughter conversation on This is the Panhandle. Amy and MK share a deeply personal story about facing Amy's unexpected breast cancer diagnosis and the journey that followed — one marked by early detection, tough choices, family support, and hard-won hope.

Amy, a longtime advocate for nonprofits and co-founder of The Panhandle Gives, opens up about her life in the Panhandle, her work, and how a routine mammogram led to a stage-zero breast cancer diagnosis. Together, she and MK discuss how the news reshaped their family's plans, the emotional weight of choosing treatments, and why early detection saved Amy's life.

MK, a third-generation Red Raider and former state champion runner, shares what it was like to stand beside her mom during treatment and how the experience changed her outlook on preventative care and family.

This heartfelt conversation is a powerful reminder of the impact of early screenings, the strength of open family dialogue, and the importance of showing up for each other when life changes overnight.

Key Takeaways:

• Why annual mammograms matter — early detection can be lifesaving.

• Navigating the emotional reality of a cancer diagnosis, even when prognosis is strong.

• How family support, honest conversations, and shared decisions make all the difference.

• Encouragement for other mothers and daughters to prioritize proactive health.

If you listen to one episode this season, let it be this one — and share it with the women in your life.

In this inspiring episode, Broc Carter sits down with Filiberto Avila—known to many as Fili—a Spearman, Texas native currently wrapping up a Fulbright fellowship in Madrid, Spain. Fili shares his incredible journey from growing up in a rural Panhandle town to becoming student body president at West Texas A&M University, participating in the Rogers LEAD program, and ultimately teaching university-level students in Spain.

Fili reflects on:

• His academic and leadership experiences at WTAMU

• The impact of the Rogers LEAD program and student government

• Helping launch the Market on Tierra Blanca food pantry in Canyon

• Life and learning in Madrid as a Fulbright Fellow

• Teaching international students and promoting cultural exchange

• Why he's returning home to teach high school English in Spearman

• His dreams of serving in the U.S. Foreign Service

This conversation is a testament to the power of small-town roots, public service, and global perspective. Fili's story is a reminder that great things can start in the Panhandle—and make their way around the world.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn about The Fulbright Program

In this episode, host Raul Rodarte Suto sits down with John Wittler, Executive Director of Ogallala Commons, to explore his inspiring journey from growing up on a farm in southeast Colorado to leading a multi-state nonprofit focused on revitalizing rural communities.

John shares his unconventional path—opting out of college to pursue entrepreneurship, finding meaning through work and family, and eventually joining Ogallala Commons to empower youth and small towns across the High Plains. He discusses the value of integrating work and life, the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, and how his personal philosophy around meaning (inspired by Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning) influences his leadership.

The episode also delves into:

• The mission and multi-state reach of Ogallala Commons

• Key program areas: leadership development, natural resource stewardship, and local food systems

• What it means to build "life-giving" rural communities

• The importance of non-traditional education and youth mentorship

• And yes—why some people know him simply as "Sandals"

This is a heartfelt, insightful conversation about leadership, learning, and living with purpose—whether you're in boots or Birkenstocks.

🌐 Learn more about Ogallala Commons at ogallalacommons.org 📍 Brought to you by the Amarillo Area Foundation.

In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Don Powell to explore the person behind his prominent titles and accomplishments. While Don's résumé includes leadership roles such as President & CEO of First National Bank of Amarillo, FDIC Chairman, and federal coordinator for Gulf Coast recovery efforts, the conversation focuses on his personal journey, values, and lessons learned along the way.

In this episode of This Is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Doug Loomis—recently retired superintendent of Amarillo ISD—to explore his journey from growing up in Dalhart to leading one of the region's largest school districts. Doug shares personal stories about his upbringing, football days, and family life; reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership and advocacy for public education; and offers insights on community collaboration. Midway through, Vice President of Community Investment Laura Escobar joins to outline grant opportunities through the Amarillo Area Foundation. Listeners will come away with inspiration on building win-win relationships, supporting local nonprofits, and sustaining a thriving Panhandle community.

Doug Loomis recently retired after 39 years with Amarillo ISD, having served at every level from teacher to superintendent. A Dalhart native, he deeply appreciates small-town roots, has a passion for public education as a leveling force, and is committed to empathy-driven leadership. Doug is joined in life by his wife, Gisele, and their children, Jordan and Braydan , all of whom feature in heartfelt anecdotes throughout this conversation.

🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, host Raul Rodarte Suto sits down with Ryan Pennington, Executive Director of the Refugee Language Project. Ryan shares his journey—from growing up in Washington State to studying linguistics and Bible translation at Dallas Baptist University, then serving as a missionary in remote villages of Papua New Guinea. He reflects on the challenges of first‐contact language work, the power of cultural humility, and the life-changing lessons learned on that mountain ridge. After returning to Amarillo in 2016, Ryan channeled those insights into welcoming displaced families, launching "The Place" community center, and expanding the Refugee Language Project's English classes, interpreting services, and cross-cultural trainings—all driven by the belief that language is the doorway to genuine welcome and community flourishing.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

• Refugee Language Project: https://refugeelanguage.org

• "The Place" Multicultural Community Center

• Panhandle Gives Campaign: https://panhandlegives.org

📣 Call to Action: If you believe everyone has something to offer, consider volunteering as an English tutor, interpreter, or cultural ambassador through the Refugee Language Project. Subscribe to This Is the Panhandle for more stories of community, connection, and the surprising lessons we learn when we truly welcome our neighbors.