Square Pizza

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Christine Edwards Pitkin, Founder & CEO of Civility Localized & Civic Impact Academy. Civility Localized is a minority and woman-owned Community Engagement Consulting Firm with headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.In this episode: Civility LocalizedMinority and woman-owned consulting firm and its mission to help communities grow with dignity through inclusive strategies for local and state government initiativesCommunity outreach and engagementCivic Impact AcademyAn educational experience that brings local community leaders and government leaders into the same roomsStarted in 2024Launching a new cohort in September and applications open in JulyBoard Member ExperienceGenerationNation, Humane Society, and QC Family Tree Best practices of high-performing boards?What aspiring board members knowBe ready and willing to give of yourself - your time, your money, your contactsSupport the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Maya Martin Cadogan, Founder & Exec Director of Parents Amplifying Voices in Education. Founded in April 2016 with an all-parent governing board, PAVE is dedicated to creating an environment where the vision for education in DC is created with children and families, not for them. We aim to shift the dynamic so that communities and parents are partners in creating great schools.In this episode: PAVEEmpowering parents as partners in creating a diverse and equitable education system in DCHow PAVE is making a difference in education in DCLearnDC - Parent Driven selection process Current Administration + Potential Closure of the Department of EducationHow it will effect their workPotential long-term ramificationsAI in EducationHow using AI tools to shape their work and drive change in educationSupport the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Square Pizza Audience, we have a special episode from our family empowerment work. We host quarterly convenings for leaders and key players from our family empowerment cohort to gather and share insights and best practices related to family engagement and empowerment at the school level. This round was focused on Spring Break and Family Learning Time. Jia Lin-Bothe, our Director of Family Empowerment, had a fantastic discussion with our community partners on how to maximize Spring Break for family learning! Guests (panelists) include Stephanie Cales (North Carolina Council on Economic Education), Kaiwen Cheng (Queen City Robotics Alliance), and Patrina Garza (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library); they shared valuable insights on:Unique learning experiences available for students during Spring BreakHow programs support academic growth, social-emotional development, and career explorationWays families can create low-cost, meaningful learning experiences at home or in the communityResources available to ensure accessibility for all familiesMrs. Cherie Graham (Chief of Instructional Support and Family Engagement at Sugar Creek Charter School) also shared the Spring Break BINGO Activity that the Family Engagement Council came up with a few years back. We hope you enjoy this episode on creating meaningful and accessible learning experiences for families during Spring Break!Resources: Link to the slide deckResources list shared by our panelistsSupport the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Christine Edwards Pitkin, Founder & CEO of Civility Localized & Civic Impact Academy. Civility Localized is a minority and woman-owned Community Engagement Consulting Firm with headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this episode: Civility LocalizedMinority and woman-owned consulting firm and its mission to help communities grow with dignity through inclusive strategies for local and state government initiativesCommunity outreach and engagement Civic Impact Academy An educational experience that brings local community leaders and government leaders into the same roomsStarted in 2024 Launching a new cohort in September and applications open in JulyBoard Member ExperienceGenerationNation, Humane Society, and QC Family TreeBest practices of high-performing boards?What aspiring board members knowBe ready and willing to give of yourself - your time, your money, your contacts Support the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Brandon Thompson, VP of Diversity and Inclusion at NASCAR .In this episode: Leadership Journey:Guest's path to NASCAR and how their career has evolved over time.Current role as Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion.NASCAR's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:Overview of NASCAR's DEI efforts starting with the Drive for Diversity program in 2001.Key initiatives: NASCAR Next Internship, Drive for Diversity, and Supplier Diversity.Data, impact, and success stories behind these programs.Current DEI Landscape:Discussion on the current environment for diversity, equity, and inclusion in NASCAR.Ongoing efforts and NASCAR's commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.Advice for Leaders and Businesses:Insights on how other leaders and organizations can drive DEI in their own spaces.Leadership Principles:The philosophy and principles that guide the guest's leadership approach.Support the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Brandon Thompson, VP of Diversity and Inclusion at NASCAR .In this episode: Leadership Journey:Guest's path to NASCAR and how their career has evolved over time.Current role as Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion.NASCAR's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:Overview of NASCAR's DEI efforts starting with the Drive for Diversity program in 2001.Key initiatives: NASCAR Next Internship, Drive for Diversity, and Supplier Diversity.Data, impact, and success stories behind these programs.Current DEI Landscape:Discussion on the current environment for diversity, equity, and inclusion in NASCAR.Ongoing efforts and NASCAR's commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.Advice for Leaders and Businesses:Insights on how other leaders and organizations can drive DEI in their own spaces.Leadership Principles:The philosophy and principles that guide the guest's leadership approach.Support the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Chris Jackson, President and CEO, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont.In this episode: Leadership Journey & Connection to GoodwillThe CEO shares their leadership story and commitment to community serviceGoodwill Overview:$80M annual budget1,200 team membersServes 9,000+ residentsKey programs include Donate & Shop, training programs, Opportunity Campus, and construction skills trainingWhat People Should Know About Goodwill Focus on empowering individuals through workforce development and community support.Future Vision (2025 & Beyond) Expanding workforce programs and community outreach to meet evolving needs.Team Culture Strong, inclusive culture is key to success, and Goodwill continues to nurture this environment.Workforce DevelopmentDiscusses the importance of partnerships and key requirements for successful programs.Leadership PrinciplesEmphasizes collaboration, community impact, and empowerment as guiding leadership values.Support the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Johari Matthews, Vice President and Executive Director, ONE Community & Titans Foundation. The ONE Community platform includes multi-faceted programs that reach many of Nashville's most underserved communities with a focus on three areas – Opportunity, Neighborhoods, and Education.In this episode: Nashville's growth and the Titans Foundation's role in shaping the city's futureTitans Foundation has served 135 local organizations through direct investment, programming, and partnershipOne (Opportunity, Neighborhoods, Education) Community & Titans FoundationDifference between the twoCurrent Highlights + InitiativesWhat's on the horizon + goalsWhat other NFL foundations can learn from the TitansKey lessons from leading the Titans FoundationSupport the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Dominique Waters, Founder & Exec Director, Akron Sneaker Academy. Akron's mission is to shape the next generation of innovators—one sneaker at a time. In this episode: Akron Sneaker Academy (ASA)An initiative empowering youth through sneakers and STEAM industries.LeBron James, founder of the UNKNWN brand, Deep ties to AkronLeadership lessons after one year of leading ASAASA's mission and goalsUsing sneakers to introduce kids to science, technology, engineering, arts, and manufacturing.ASA's offerings:Sneaker Summer CampsAfter School EnrichmentLace-Up Learning WorkshopsBusiness strategies and community impactASA's role in Akron.Support the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Square Pizza Audience, we have a special episode from our family empowerment work. We host quarterly convenings for leaders and key players from our family empowerment cohort to gather and share insights and best practices related to family engagement and empowerment at the school level. This round was focused on College Readiness and Family Support. Jia Lin-Bothe, our Director of Family Empowerment, hosted a panel discussion featuring a few of our community partners focused on college readiness and persistence: Amy Garcia (Program Manager, Latin American Working for Achievement), Katie Weisman (Director of Academic Success, Carolina Youth Coalition), and Mackenzie Wilkins (Program Manager, College LAUNCH for Leadership, Wake Forest University). Listen for best practices when it comes to family engagement and empowerment and college readiness, as well as success stories and resources! Resources: Link to the slide deckResources list shared by our panelistsSupport the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Sheryl Cababa, Author of Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking For Designers and Chief Strategy Officer at Optimistic. Sheryl is the author of Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking For Designers. She drives a human-centered design practice that is focused on systems thinking and evidence-based design. She is the Chief Strategy Officer for Optimistic Design, which is womxn-led, committed to equitable impact. In this episode: Journey and Experience in Education60-second recap of path in the fieldWork at Optimistic Design and key projectsEquitable DesignWhat is equitable design?Why is it important in education?Consequences of not utilizing equitable designSystems Thinking in EducationWhat is systems thinking?Importance of systems thinking in educationBook: Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking for DesignersKey lessons and their applicability to K-12 and higher educationFuture of higher educationClosing the Loop: Systems Thinking For Designers: As design continues to impact our products, services, and solutions at scale, it is more important than ever to understand the systems and context that surround design decisions. Closing the Loop will introduce you to a powerful systems thinking mindset and provide you with the tools and frameworks to define the systems that surround your work.Support the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Dr. Donnell Butler, Founder & President, Prelude. Prelude is a nonprofit organization accelerating students into purpose-filled lives that lead to economic freedom.In this episode: Deep experience in and around higher educationF&M, PrincetonOpportunity College + PreludeOpportunity CollegePrelude: “a nonprofit organization accelerating students into purpose-filled lives that lead to economic freedom”Insight + Name Change Success metricsHow success is measured within the organizationKey indicators of impact and outcomes, particularly in terms of student success and career progressionObservations and insights on CharlotteSupport the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Square Pizza Audience, we have a special episode featuring our family empowerment cohort. Our school leaders and key players in family engagement/empowerment gather quarterly to share insights and best practices about family empowerment at the school level. This round, our focus was on supporting newcomer and multilingual families. You will hear from Ms. Quenesha Pinkey, social worker at Reid Park Academy, on how the school uses one specific annual event to focus on their multilingual learners. You will also hear from Mrs. Michele Mveng-Managa, dean of students at Governors' Village STEM Academy, about how the school launched monthly family empowerment and networking nights to support multilingual families. In this episode: Challenges faced by newcomer familiesLanguage barriers, unfamiliarity with educational expectations, and cultural differences.Strategies for supportBuilding trust, fostering a welcoming environment, and ensuring clear, culturally relevant communication.Community resources and networksTools and resources available to help schools engage and support newcomer families sustainably.Resources: Quarterly Convening Slide DeckCheck out our NEW Family Empowerment ToolkitSupport the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Fontella McKyer, Director of Workforce Development, SchermCo. Fontella has been a part of the team for 6 months now!In this episode:Exciting UpdatesWelcomed First GrandchildPhilanthropy & Workforce Development JourneyStarted in philanthropy with Foundation for the Carolinas, later worked with Dress for Success, which led to her role at SchermCo. Passionate about workforce development and community impact.Fear vs. RiskThe balance between fear and risk in career decisions, and how hindsight shows that she could have taken bold steps sooner.Insights from SchermCoReflecting on her past 6 months with SchermCo, the impact on workforce development, and how the company is positively influencing the community.Holiday Season ExcitementLooking forward to the holidays, especially celebrating with family and a special family photo featuring the new grandchild.Support the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, guest host, Kim Perez is in conversation with Ana Silva Rey – CEO, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, Anacecilia Liberato – Partnership Manager, SmartStart of Mecklenburg County, and Elisa Benitez – Newcomer Services Site Coordinator, Communities In Schools at PACE A Academy @ E.E. Waddell High School. In this episode, these three amazing women discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by newcomer families in Charlotte, especially in education. In this episode:Discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by newcomer families in Charlotte, especially in education.Learn about how different organizations are supporting immigrant and newcomer families.Insights on community resources and the work being done to support these families.Addressing barriers and how educational spaces in Charlotte are adapting to better accommodate newcomer families.Discover how schools and community organizations are preparing to meet the needs of newcomers.Support the showhttps://www.messyroots.org/

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Mario Jovan Shaw, Founder & Coaching Consultant, Messy Roots. Messy Roots is a community that offers services to grow current and aspiring coaches of color.In this episode:Shares his Teach For America experienceProfound Gentlemen Building from the Ground Up: Mario reflects on the challenges and lessons learned while creating an impactful organization.Effective Leadership: He discusses the importance of leading with intention and authenticity.1,000 male educators of color Multi-million $$$ budgetSelf-Discovery: Personal experiences reveal the transformative nature of leadership.Messy RootsSymbolism of the nameThe intricate connections between a plant's roots and the complexities of leadership.Designed for coaches and organizationsMessy Roota PodcastSupport the showhttps://www.messyroots.org/

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Demetria Gallagher, VP, Innovation Ecosystems, VentureWell. VentureWell fosters collaboration among the best minds from research labs, classrooms, and beyond to advance innovation and entrepreneurship education and to provide unique opportunities for STEM students and researchers to fully realize their potential to improve the world.In this episode:VentureWellCourse & Program (C&P) grants program, which provided over $15.2 million to 275 colleges and universities to further their I&E work. Size + Scope of VentureWellPosition + ResponsibilitiesVP, Innovation EcosystemsInnovation work with HBCUs and MSIsFLIPspace Advanced Mobility in NW Arkansas New pilot program focusing on specifically on addressing the transportation challenges of the region, offering participants the opportunity to develop and commercialize new mobility technologies that will shape the future of transportation.Support the show

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. Greg is stepping into the spotlight as the guest of the hour being interviewed by none other than Eric Gorman, the visionary Founder of Wily, as part of their popular Talk Tuesday series. Tune in to this engaging conversation to dive deep into Greg's professional journey. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories of SchermCo's formative years, including the challenges and triumphs that shaped its evolution, and what is keeping Greg up at night.Support the Show.

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!The Square Pizza Pod welcomes back a guest who last appeared on July 17, 2020, Mo Green. Mo served as the executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from 2016-2023. Prior to ZSR, Mo served more than seven years as superintendent of Guilford County Schools – the third largest district in North Carolina. He is now running for NC Superintendent of Public Instruction.In this episode:Reasons for running for the position of NC Superintendent of Public InstructionCurrent state of North Carolina's public schoolsSevere underfunding (ranking 48th, 49th, and 46th in various metrics)Increased funding for vouchers that divert resources from public educationHis new vision that reveres public educators, enhances parent and community engagement, and addresses systemic challenges like teacher pay and working conditionsLegal issues affecting education policy in NCPersonal motivationsSupport the Show.

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg and Jia are in conversation with Kim Perez, SchermCo, Family Empowerment Associate. Kim has been a part of the team for over 6 months now! In this episode: Who is Kim PerezWhat brings her to this workK-12 journeyWhy SchermCoSurprises about Schermco / being on this side of the workVulnerability with both school staff and community membersLessons learned over the past 6 monthsMeet the team :)Support the Show.

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Welcome back to another episode of #squarepizzapod. This week, guest host and Associate Director of Family Empowerment, Mathu Gibson, sits down with Cherie Graham (Chief of Instructional Support and Family Engagement) of Sugar Creek Charter School. Sugar Creek Charter School is one of the oldest charter schools in Charlotte, NC. Their mission is to eradicate generational poverty in the lives of their students by providing a rigorous education from kindergarten through 12th grade, focusing on academic preparation, college and career readiness, and life skills for success. On this episode, we discuss Graham's journey to education and the work she and Sugar Creek Charter are doing to empower families at their school.In this episode: Influence and story: Education journeySugar Creek Charter School and communities What challenges families at SCCS face, + how is SCCS working to help families overcome themVision and hope How she sees herself making a difference in the lives of familiesSupport the Show.

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!Jia Lin-Bothe, our Director of Family Empowerment, is in conversation with three special guests from SchermCo's family empowerment work. The focus of this episode is to share insights + reflections from Innovate Public Schools' Leadership Institute (April 2024).Parents from SchermCo's family empowerment workGovernors' Village STEM Academy: Deneka Sampson, Ayesha ScottRidge Road Middle School: Lisa DiversIn this episode:Intros Innovate Public Schools + Leadership InstituteSchermCo has partnered with Innovate Public Schools and sent many parents and parent leaders to this training Training focused on community organizing, advocacy, civic leadership, and moreLI in February 2024 - 6 parents from our network completed this trainingLI in April 2024 - another 20 parents from our network completed this trainingReflectionsOpportunity and experienceExpectations What has happened since then?DS + AS - February LILD - April LI Check out Innovate Public Schools' work here: https://innovateschools.org/. Support the Show.

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg and Taylor James are in conversation with Dr. Adrian Mims, Founder & CEO, The Calculus Project. The Calculus Project partners with school districts, parents, teachers, and partners to accelerate learning in mathematics for Black, Hispanic, and low-income students beginning in grade 7.Fun fact: Taylor is an alum of The Calculus Project, and she went through the program in Boston when she was growing up. In this episode: Dr. Mims + TCPHistory + ContextScope and scale of TCPOutcomes of TCPTaylor + TCPHer experience growing up and attending schools in BostonWhy she joined TCPSchermCo + TCP Partnership Earned Revenue Model(s) + StrategyReflections on process + outcomesWins Support the Show.

Jia Lin-Bothe, our Director of Family Empowerment, is in conversation with two special guests from SchermCo's family empowerment work. Keiba Young is a parent from one of our partner schools last year and attended the Parent Leadership Institute training in March 2023. In this episode:This episode features Keiba's insights and reflections from this powerful training. Arleen Vargas joins us from Innovate Public Schools to share more about the upcoming Leadership Institute, taking place April 11-13, 2024. Check out Innovate Public Schools' work here: https://innovateschools.org/. Support the show

The Square Pizza Pod welcomes back a guest who last appeared on March 4, 2021, Nicole Jarbo. Nicole is the interim CEO of 4.0 Schools. 4.0 connects, coaches, and invests in people to test new learning spaces and tools with their communities.In this episode: Last InterviewCEO of GoodbetsCareer as a collegiate soccer player at Cal / Alex Morgan Fundraising best practices Overview of Boost + her journey Start of her career, lecturing at CalTeach for America in New OrleansAdvice for entrepreneurs and leadersInterim CEO, 4.0 SchoolsOverviewCurrent focus as Interim CEOCEO Search AIWhere she is in the AI journeySupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Irene Shih, CEO, MMBay. Minds Matter Bay Area (MMBay) is an education nonprofit that connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world.In this episode:The story behind launching Minds Matter Bay Area (MMBAY)What MMBAY doesProviding educational opportunities to underserved studentsCurrent initiativesMentorship and college readiness programsRecruiting volunteersEnsuring alignment with the organization's mission and student needsEvolution over the next yearExpanding reach and impact through innovative partnerships and initiativesUndermatching, Cross-Class BridgingFocus on social mobility and capital for studentsProfessional background Career from the classroom, a leader of a non-profit, as well as city, state, and policy level workBio: Irene Shih is CEO of Minds Matter Bay Area (MMBay) based in San Francisco, CA. She joined MMBay as its first full-time CEO in 2019, returning to her hometown roots in the Bay Area. For 18 years, Irene has served students in low-income communities — previously as a middle and high school classroom teacher in Arizona, a strategic advisor to superintendents in large urban school districts like Boston Public Schools, and a thought leader on state-level education policy in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Irene is a corps member alumna of Teach For America, holds an M.P.P. in Social & Urban Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and completed a B.A. in English Literature and Women's Studies from U.C. Berkeley.As CEO of MMBay, Irene leads a 300-student and 300-volunteer strong community to foster a world-class educational environment that nurtures generational impact on high-school students by cultivating transformational relationships between students and an ecosystem of volunteer mentors. Since assuming the position in 2019, Irene has led the chapter through its expansion from San Francisco into San Jose.Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Ali Medina, Executive Director of the Oakland Public Education Fund. The Oakland Public Education Fund is a nonprofit that leads the development of community resources in Oakland public schools so that all students can learn, grow, and thrive.In this episode: Current Role, Executive Director, Oakland Public Education FundStarted in April of 2020  Core aspects / programs of the Oakland Public Education FundFiscal sponsor for OUSDRaising and managing $20M to support innovative initiativesProfessional BackgroundFuture Work What initiatives does the organization envision to advance and improve the educational environment for students in Oakland public schools?Bio:Ali Medina has served as the Executive Director of the Oakland Public Education Fund (Ed Fund) since April 2020. She has led the agency through two major campaigns, the COVID-19 Rapid Relief Campaign and #OaklandUndivided. The COVID-19 campaign raised over $3M for food security, distance learning, healthy schools, and direct aid to families. As a lead founding partner in #OaklandUndivided, the Ed Fund serves as the fiscal sponsor of this city-wide campaign to close the digital divide. #OU raised $13M in its first round and provided 25,000 students in Oakland public schools with computers and internet access.Previously, Ali spent eight years as the Senior Director of Programs at a community-based education organization in Oakland working with secondary students and building a new preschool. She created, designed, and implemented community school programming at four Oakland high schools to build career pathways and is an expert in using data to drive improvement. She began her career at the forefront of after-school program development and was a statewide leader in the Healthy Schools movement. She served as an After School Services Administrator for five years, administering over $4M in state and federal grant-funded programs and intervention services. Ali graduated from the University of California-Berkeley with a BA in History focusing on Ethnic Studies and earned a Master's in Educational Leadership from Cal State East Bay.Support the show

To our listeners, thanks for making 2023 another great year. SchermCo wishes you the happiest of holidays, and we look forward to seeing you back next year. We have some fresh slices coming your way in January 2024. Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Gary Officer, President & CEO of the Center for Workforce Inclusion.  CWI Labs is the largest and most experienced nonprofit dedicated exclusively to workplace inclusion and economic opportunity for low-income, older job seekers.In this episode: CWI Labs  Core aspects / programs of CWI Labs?AIThoughts on how it will affect work Professional BackgroundSuccessfully grew Rebuilding Together from an operating budget of $3.5 million to $23 millionWhat advice would he would give to other leads as they consider growth and fundraising? Affordable housing + Property valuesPromising solutions for affordable housingBio: Gary A. Officer is a seasoned social entrepreneur and Chief Executive. He is known for innovative, value-driven public-private partnerships that remove barriers to community development. In addition to founding CWI Labs, Gary is the President & CEO of the Center for Workforce Inclusion, the largest and most experienced nonprofit dedicated exclusively to workplace inclusion and economic opportunity for low-income, older job seekers.Gary previously served in senior executive positions at the Newseum and the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars in Washington, D.C. From 2006-2013; he served as the President and Chief Executive Officer at Rebuilding Together, Inc., the nation's most extensive volunteer-based homeownership preservation nonprofit, and fourth-largest remodeler. Under his leadership, Rebuilding Together grew operating income seven-fold and created award-winning partnerships with blue-chip corporate brands to support of the organization's mission.Gary has served as President of the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF), the national foundation supporting credit union development in the United States. As an affiliate of the Credit Union National Association, NCUF promotes and manages credit union development and consumer savings programs on behalf of CUNA and the US credit union movement. The Foundation also manages the National Development Education Volunteer Program. During his three-year tenure, NCUF successfully grew a community investment fund providing grants, loans, and secondary capital, to credit unions and related organizations throughout the United States.Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hon) Political Science from the Manchester Metropolitan University and a Master of Science Msc (Econ) in International Relations from the London School of Economics. In 2012, he completed the Advanced Management and Leadership Program (OAMLP) at the Said Business School at Oxford University.Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Lacey Robinson, President/CEO of UnboundEd. UnboundEd designs learning for educators that exemplifies equitable instruction so that students experience grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful instruction.In this episode: UnboundEd Overview MergerPivot Learning & UnboundEdUnboundEd Programs HighlightedLeadership InstituteMLLScience PathwayCohortMath Leader CollaborativeCOREServed as the CEO since 2019When she began leading the organization in 2020, UnboundEd recorded $14.3 million in revenue. In two years' time, she'd grown it to $35 million.New book - Justice Seekers: Pursuing Equity in the Details of Teaching and LearningPractical advice for leaders of an education non-profit as they seek to growSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Maria Flynn, President and CEO of Jobs for the Future. Jobs for the Future is a national nonprofit driving transformation in the American workforce and education systems. In this episode: Connection from episode 73 with Lydia Logan, IBM Jersey girl + Bruce Springsteen fanJobs for the future and why their work is urgentAligning workforce and education systems and  where she sees opportunities and current successesMaria's Forbes article: To Support Women in the Workforce, Stop Focusing on Women She shares key takeaways she'd like readers to take away withWhat practical advice she has for leaders of a workforce development non-profit as they seek to growSupport the show

We are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Eric Thomas on his MASS Impact: The Education Podcast. Eric Thomas, Ph.D., is a critically acclaimed author, World-renowned speaker, educator, and pastor. As he is better known, ET has taken the world by storm with his creative, common-sense approach to living a successful, satisfying professional and personal life. Through a significant social media presence and regular domestic and international tours, “ET, The Hip Hop Preacher” has become a global phenomenon!Each week, MASS Impact: The Education Podcast provides actionable and relevant content that gives teachers, mentors, youth leaders, and parents what's needed to close the gaps that negatively affect students every day. In this episode:About SchermCo and how it startedBringing value and credibility back to the educational institutionMajor keys for the well-being of studentsProviding families with impactful resources to succeedSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This particular episode is a special mash-up of our top five most downloaded guests. In honor of our 100th episode coming soon, we decided to bring those guests back and check in with them. In this episode, you will learn about what they have been up to since their last episode, their work, and what it means to be in the top downloads of square pizza history. Guest featured in this episode: Charlotte Lab StudentsTaylor James & Mathu Gibson, SchermCoAlex Abisch and Jia Lin-Bothe, SchermCoDr. Howard Fuller, Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate AcademySupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Alejandro Gibes de Gac, CEO & Founder, of Springboard Collaborative. Springboard closes the literacy gap by closing the gap between home and school.In this episode: FELA Methodology6 basic steps of FELA methodologyImportance of setting a winnable goal within 5 to 10 weeksThree cycles of FELA recommended over a yearSpringboard ProgramAim to close the literacy gap between home and schoolWeekly workshops as the secret sauce to equip families to support learning at homeParents delivering 25 hours of one-on-one tutoring at home for every hour that a teacher leads a workshopChallenges in Education SectorThe disproportionate impact of the pandemic on marginalized learnersEngaging families in at-home learning is critical for learning recoveryCompany transitioning towards a performance culture and accountabilityClear definition and standardization of workStructural ChangesSpringboard and Paloma creating an independent entity as a public benefit corporationShared vision of making parent-teacher collaboration standard practice in educationRelationship and optimization of synergies to bring the vision to lifeSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Jia Lin-Bothe, who is our Director of Family Empowerment, is in conversation with Katura DeVane and Syrina Rice. Both are parents and part of SchermCo's family empowerment work. In this episode:PLI in CLTFirst-ever in-person East Coast Training!7 parents from our partner schools completed this training ReflectionsWhat did they gain from this opportunity and experiencePartnershipsHow can schools and school networks work together with families to better serve students and families? SchermCo's family empowerment work What would they like other parents and school leaders to know about your experience?How can district and charter schools work together to better serve students and families? Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, we have two guest hosts from the SchermCo team! Alex Abisch, Director of Strategic Implementation, and Taylor James, Strategic Implementation Associate. Alex and Taylor are in conversation with Jerika Jones who is the Executive Director of INTech Foundation. In this episode: BackgroundHow did she get interested in Women and Gender Studies?How does her experience and education in Women and Gender Studies impact her work at INTech Foundation?Is there a connection between music and technology? Or Art and Tech? What would she like the future to look like for young women in Tech?As most people know there are not a lot of women of color in the STEM field, how would she like to see this change in the future?Intersectionalities she has witnessed among women in the STEM field across cultures?Support the show

We are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with three Charlotte Lab students, Ara Jenkins, Ahmir Lee, and Aliyah Walker, who are in 11th grade. One fun fact: this is part two of their first episode (#78) as they hold the 4th most downloaded episode in Square Pizza history. In this episode:What's new?How has their educational experience changed in the past year?How have they changed/evolved since we chatted last year?How is CLT Lab supporting them as 11th graders?Shoe collaboration? What's the plan for after CLT Lab?Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, we have a guest host, Mathu Gibson, who is our Associate Director of Family Empowerment. Mathu is in conversation with Principal Glenn Starnes II, Harding University High School, and LeDuan Pratt, Garinger High School. Two Black Male Principals from our partner schools. In this episode: Influence and StoryHow did they get to where they are today? Who was their greatest influence? Community ImpactTell us about your school community and what makes it unique!What challenges do the families at your school face, + how are you working to overcome them?Vision + Hope:25 years from now:What impact do they hope to leave on their community?What changes within education and their community do they desire to see? Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Lakisha Young, Founder & CEO, The Oakland REACH.  Who is Lakisha Young? Lakisha Young is the Founder & CEO of The Oakland REACH, a parent-run organization founded in 2016. She knows from her own story that winning in education is par for the course when you already have what you need to win in life — and because of that, everything the REACH does must be about ensuring every family has what they need to win in life.Lakisha developed a formula that has guided the REACH's work since day one: Ask families questions. Listen to their aspirations. Build the solutions. This formula has produced a mix of groundbreaking programming and advocacy work over the last 6 years, including The Opportunity Ticket, which gives the most vulnerable students higher preference for enrolling in quality schools, and the Literacy for All campaign.What is The Oakland REACH? The Oakland REACH is a parent-run, parent-led organization. Our parents know what it's like to be overlooked, mistreated, and miseducated by the school system. We are committed to changing that for future generations. We empower families from our most underserved communities to demand high-quality schools for their children.In this episode: Background Why "education is destined to be [her] journey" The Oakland REACH Family Advocacy Fellowship / The Hub / Opportunity Ticket (2019)Paid family tutors + graduationFocus on implementationRelationship with local district and chartersWhat does the future look like for Oakland ReachSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Jia Lin-Bothe, Director of Family Empowerment Work, Charlene Mack, Vice President, National Partnerships & Training, Innovate Public Schools, and Katura DeVane, Parent, and part of SchermCo's family empowerment work. What does Innovate Public Schools Do?Innovate Public Schools is a nonprofit organization working to make sure that all students — especially low-income students and students of color — receive a world-class public education that prepares them for success in college, careers, and beyond. Interested in the Parent Leadership Institute? Innovate Public Schools invites you to join parent leaders from across the country for their first-ever in-person East Coast Training on March 10th -12th. Build your leadership skills and learn how to leverage the power of community organizing to make transformational change for students in your community.Learn how to:Organize effectively for community changeDeepen your public leadershipEngage more parents in the effortUse your voice to hold public officials and systems accountable to students and familiesIn this episode: Sharing more about PLI and this incredible opportunityConnection to SchermCo's family empowerment workWhy is PLI an important opportunity for familiesPositive outcomes that have been seen from families who have previously taken advantage of this opportunitySupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Nehemiah Frank, Black Wall Street Time. The Black Wall Street Times was founded by Nehemiah in 2017. He is the descendent of two families that survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.This prosperous community was the victim of the worst act of racial violence against Black people in American history. As a means of honoring the victims, survivors, and descendants, Nehemiah named his publication The Black Wall Street Times.The Black Wall Street Times  maintains a hyper-focus on issues affecting the City of Tulsa and the Greenwood community or Black Tulsans. In this episode: Connection to the Square Pizza Podcast  Background Family Education The Black Wall Street TimesThe Grammy's Delegate at the National Parents UnionSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with another set of members from SchermCo. Alex Abisch is our Director of Strategic Implementation, and Jia Lin-Bothe is our Director of Family Empowerment. This is the second time we have interviewed team members of SchermCo, and this won't be the last! We hope you enjoy! In this episode:Alex AbischArtist and Art Therapy, Masters in Art TherapyWhy Art is a core part of who she isCorporate Relations - what she learned in these experiencesWhat her day to day looks like leading our SI workWhy SchermCo? Jia Lin-Bothe Background in Architecture What lead her to education Experience as an immigrant in this countryWhat her day to day looks like leading our FE workWhy SchermCo?Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is wrapping up the 2022 year! We have had one of the best years thus far and are excited to share these milestones with you. Here's to many more years to come. In this episode:  What we've done over the course of the year Accomplishments we've achieved Who we've interviewed on the Pod Plans for the future Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with the two newest members of SchermCo. Taylor James is our Strategic Implementation Associate, and Mathu Gibson is our Associate Director of Family Empowerment. Did you know Taylor published a book or that Mathu is a former NFL player turned educator? This is the first time we have interviewed team members of SchermCo and this won't be the last! We hope you enjoy! In this episode:Taylor JamesActing background / aspirationsWriting: published book (The Inheritance of Noise in Joburg)Agnes Scott - All Women's CollegeWhy SchermCo?Mathu GibsonFootball Career WritingEducation/Family EngagementWhy SchermCo?Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Maurice Jones, CEO of OneTen. One fun fact you will learn about Mr. Jones is that he grew up on a tobacco and corn farm. In this episode:BackgroundBirth of OneTenCreating 1 million family-sustaining jobs for Black talent in America by 2030Board of  OneTenHow leaders helped shape the vision of OneTenGuest Question:Dewey Norwood, Senior Lead Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, Enterprise HBCU Strategy8 years from now, once you've reached the goal of 1M sustaining careers, what do you believe the societal change will be?If you have to deliver a message to corporate partners on why they should join the OneTen family, what would you tell them? Why are non-degreed individuals so important in today's society?Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Reuben Ogbonna, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Marcy Lab School. One fun fact you will learn about Marcy Lab School is that they aspire to be incredibly transparent with their team, including sharing salaries. You will find out why this is important to them in this episode. In this episode:Advice for securing a major partnershipLessons learned from his experience with Teach for America  Marcy Lab SchoolOverview and outcomesWhat makes Marcy unique from other alternatives to college programs, bootcamps, and workforce development programsGap between colleges/job training programs + employersSharing salariesSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with three guests, Jonathan Gardner,  Director of GardHouse, Jania Massey,  Founder and Executive Director of Stiletto Boss University, and Manuel Campbell, CEO of Aspire Community Capital. One fun fact you will learn about these three incredible individuals is that they served on a panel together recently about leading non-profits of small businesses as black lead founders and owners. In this episode:Positive changes or feedback since the panelWhat the funding community can do differentlyHow to better support black-led nonprofits/organizationsAdvice to aspiring non-profit leadersSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Dr. Shontoria Walker, Education PowerED, Executive Director. One fun fact you will learn about Dr. Walker is her love for Houston, Texas.  In this episode:Education PowerEdCulture to the Max book The inspiration behind writing bookWho is culture to the max forHow educators and families can work together to ensure equality in a classroom/schoolTexas book ban Bio:Dr. Shontoria Walker is a graduate from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas with a degree in Professional Leadership with an emphasis in Literacy. Her research focuses on using culturally relevant pedagogy to influence literacy achievement for Middle School Black Male Students based on her experiences as a former 8th grade English teacher at an all-boys preparatory academy. She has also served on the Texas Teacher Advisory Board, a Teach Plus Policy Fellow as well as a Senior Policy Fellow with Teach Plus Texas from 2014-2019. During her time and beyond she has advocated for educational policy laws that directly impacted the classroom as well as contributed to policy briefings for the revision of The Every Student Succeeds Act and national policy reports such as If You Listen, We Will Stay: Why Teachers of Color Leave and How To Disrupt Teacher Turnover. She is the co-author of Culture to the Max! Culturally Responsive Teaching and Practice along with David McDonald, M.ED., Danielle Ross, M.ED., and Andre Ross, M.ED.Check out Culture to the Max!: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Practice by David McDonald (Author), Danielle Ross (Author), Andre Ross (Author), Shontoria Walker (Author)Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week's episode is a little different from the rest. This particular episode is a special mash-up of recent guests sharing what square pizza reminds them of.  Sometimes square pizza reminds you of nothing so it actually makes you think of something, or maybe it reminds you of a book, or times with friends at school. In our eyes, square pizza day was the best day of the week as it was for others. We hope you enjoy this episode!Guest featured in this episode: #81 - Abi Olukeye, Smart Girls HQ, Founder + CEO#18 - Munro Richardson, Read Charlotte#52 - Sharif El-Mekki, Center for Black Educator Development#60 - Nicole Jarbo, CEO of Goodbets Group#66 - Dan Lugo, President, Queens University of Charlotte#69 - Fidel Vargas, President & CEO, Hispanic Scholarship Fund#76 - Reyna Montoya, Founder, CEO, and Board Member, Aliento#82 - Brittany Young, Founder + CEO, B-360Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Brittany Young, Founder + CEO of B-360. One fun fact you will learn about Brittany and B-360 is the Mayor of Baltimore designated March 25th as "B-360" day to honor the five-year anniversary of their organization. The celebration includes a press conference and a proclamation from the Mayor. In this episode:B-360 history and overview Awards: Kelly Clarkson, Steve Harvey, Ne-Yo, Ted TalkFellowship experience at Camelback & Echoing GreenDiverse funding modelRide for Change campaignSuccess and challengesBio:Brittany is a retired engineer, educator, professor, and Baltimore native; she has programmed nuclear plants, developed medical devices, and planned satellite explorations, but finds the most satisfaction in her roles in education, problem-solving & service to her community. After the incarceration of her minor brother as an adult, she became empowered to create solutions to funnel talent which resulted in B-360. B-360 , is an organization that utilizes dirt bike culture to end the cycle of poverty, disrupt the prison pipeline, and build bridges in communities. Through STEM education, community engagement, workforce pipe-lining, and events the organization is changing the perception of engineers and dirt bike riders.She was the first Black woman Baltimore native to have a TED Talk, the First Black person ever to receive the prestigious Bessie Stringfield Award, and is currently creating the first ever campus for dirt bikes and education in the country. If you visit Union Station Market in DC, she is currently on a mural 3 blocks from the White House focusing on successful Black women entrepreneurs. Outside of being a history maker she has some of the following accolades and accomplishments: Yale School of Management Lecturer, Baltimore 40 under 40, Echoing Green Fellow, Baltimore's Woman to Watch, and transition team member to Mayor Brandon Scott. Her work has been featured in Johns Hopkins, CBS, Forbes, Teen Vogue, Afro-Punk, Broccoli City Fest, Toyota, Nike NBC Sports, and more!   Brittany is a champion for Black joy, Black women, and true systemic change and providing digits and skills access to people just like her. Brittany's life goals are to show people how smart they truly are and to unlock innate genius. When she is not advocating for change through B-360, you can also find her advocating for caregivers and supporting her brother who lives with down syndrome. Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Abi Olukeye, Founder + CEO of Smart Girls HQ.  One fun fact you will learn about Abi is her love for tv shows, especially Ozark.   In this episode:Big picture vision for the Smart Girls HQWhy outreach and community service is so important despite all the growth Things learned as a IOT strategy development at Fortune 500 How to write a proposal (received $256,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) & VELA Education)Leadership Charlotte experience Bridging the gap of racial equity and equality in educationAbi Olukeye is the founder and CEO of Smart Girls HQ, A learning platform to facilitate STEM career education with a focus on female learners and non-traditional learning spaces. Core offerings include parent education for STEM informal learning at RaisingSmartGirls.com and Dear Smart Girl kits, a project-based career-focused STEM curriculum for girls. Her vision is to create an ecosystem of products that when used together are a powerful catalyst for sustaining long-term engagement in STEM for young girls. Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education through Small Business Innovation Research(SBIR) Awards, the NC Idea Foundation, and the Vela Education Fund.Previously, she led Internet of Things (IOT) strategy development and digital transformation projects at a diversified Fortune 500 manufacturing company. She has over fifteen years of professional and leadershipexperience spanning new product development, technology commercialization, process improvement andstrategy.Abi is a member of the Computer Science K12 Standards Committee for North Carolina and serves on the board ofCSEdResearch.org. She holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Virginia Tech and MBA from Indiana University. She and her husband live in Charlotte, NC, and have two young daughters whogreatly inspire her work.Support the show