25 JUN. 2024 · In yet another great episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, the President of CSU San Marcos, one of the top universities in the country for social mobility.  To be more specific, Dr. Neufeldt leads a university ranked in the top 1% nationally in supporting students as they move up in life, change their own story arc, become role models for their families, all while lifting communities.   Speaking of social mobility, we hear from Dr. Neufeldt of her own upward ascent.  Her Dad was  first in his family to head to college and in only one generation, she now finds herself leading a university.  Quite a story.  No doubt why she loves leading a university with 16,000+ students, 70% of whom are students of color, 55% are first generation to college, and 80% stay in the community after graduation. Talk about the impact on lives, generations, and communities!   An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Dr. Ellen Neufeldt. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - The growing relationship with the city of Temecula, where they maintain a site - The embrace of community engagement with the various regional Economic Development agencies  - The joy and importance of doing campus tours with third graders - The true lifetime economic value of a college degree - 88% higher earnings!  - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Dr. Neufeldt, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.

16 JUN. 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Carrie Scott, a longtime champion of literacy and the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the San Diego County on Literacy.  And it all happened for Carrie somewhat serendipitously - she saw a sign looking for volunteers to help folks learn how to read and she decided to use the payphone and call them!  The rest is history. The conversation centered around the importance of education and literacy in San Diego, particularly in bridging gaps in education and addressing racial and wealth disparities. Heavily emphasized was the significance of literacy skills for adult learning and personal growth, and highlighted the need for workplaces to adapt to changing job requirements. They also shared personal anecdotes and success stories to underscore the impact of literacy education on individuals, while expressing concern about the ability of some learners to read and providing permission for help. Overall, the conversation emphasized the value of teaching literacy skills and fostering good reading habits. For Carrie, we learn it all began with "Hop on Pop" by Dr. Seuss! An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Carrie Scott. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - The importance of lifelong learning in the face of technological advancements like AI - The important role the workplace can play in building foundational skills and adaptability - Literacy has a direct impact on the ability to participate fully in life, including parenting, work, and healthcare - Literacy challenges and the connection to mental health and personal growth - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Carrie, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.

10 JUN. 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Cheryl Morrow, a San Diego Community Activist, CEO of California Curls, and the Founder of the San Diego Monitor News Network. She talks about her varied pursuits and her opinions on social concerns. In fact, Cheryl's podcasts are all dedicated to dispelling falsehoods. She draws attention to the book "Imperial Leather," which examines the psychological and historical dimensions of oppression, with a focus on gender dynamics. Cheryl finds the book's explanations of how cultural standards have evolved to oppress women to be incredibly fascinating and instructive. The significant linkages that exist between conversations about Afro hair and more general concerns of freedom and cultural expression are highlighted by Cheryl's talk. She describes how the Afro hairstyle evolved into a representation of greater social acceptance and individual independence once it was incorporated into military standards. Cheryl demonstrates how seemingly specialized cultural issues may have a global resonance and have unanticipated effects on a variety of populations. When talking about her own path, Cheryl considers carrying on her parents' legacy and her changing position as a stakeholder in the community. In contrast to traditional activism, she characterizes her approach as solution-focused and emphasizes the role of the private sector in resolving public challenges. Cheryl thinks the private sector can frequently solve societal issues more quickly and effectively by eschewing the traps of self-interest and bureaucracy. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Cheryl Morrow. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - The three podcasts that Cheryl Morrow hosts - all about Afro hair - focus on dispelling and breaking down societal myths. - Cheryl talks about the important book "Imperial Leather," which examines the psychological and historical aspects of oppression, especially as they relate to gender dynamics. - Cheryl highlights the wider ramifications of conversations over Afro hair, emphasizing how acceptance of the Afro hairstyle represents more general themes of ethnic expression and independence. - In order to address societal challenges more quickly and effectively, Cheryl advocates for the commercial sector to become involved. Her approach to activism is centered on collaboration and finding solutions. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Cheryl, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.

3 JUN. 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Zach Hebert, a friend with a unique educational and personal journey. Zach has a very high IQ even though he struggles greatly with reading and was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. He describes how these difficulties had an impact on his education and caused him to repeatedly drop out of high school and college. Zach overcame these obstacles to pursue a non-traditional career path and found joy in creating his own position as an event planner at a grocery store. His narrative highlights the value of accepting one's capabilities and choosing a career path that fits one's interests and skills. After that, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) is brought up, and Zach discusses how AI and human intellect may work together. In order to emphasize the significance of keeping up with technological changes, he draws attention to the evolution of computer literacy into smartphone literacy and, more recently, AI literacy. Zach contends that since AI may improve human abilities, it should be viewed as a partner rather than an enemy. He busts myths around artificial intelligence, highlighting the fact that, despite its shortcomings, knowledge of and use of its advantages is essential for success in the future. Zach's free courses, which seek to demystify AI and provide people useful skills, demonstrate his commitment to teaching others about the technology. He gives examples of how AI may be applied to jobs like creating excellent grant submissions, which can aid organizations in more effectively obtaining financing. In order to keep ahead of the curve, he urges listeners to embrace AI and look for educational opportunities. Zach's observations provide a progressive viewpoint on incorporating AI into day-to-day activities, demonstrating his dedication to assisting society in navigating the challenges of the digital era. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Zach Hebert. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - The relationship between mental health issues and high intellect, pointing out that many people with high intelligence also experience mental health issues such as ADHD. - How pace and deep thinking, which help him keep mental clarity and order his thoughts, are some of his personal coping techniques for dealing with ADHD and mental health. - The importance of individualized education plans (IEPs) for kids facing particular difficulties, promoting more specialized teaching methods that take emotional and psychological requirements into account. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Zach, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.

20 MAY. 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Adriana Brunner and Daniel Nagey from MyPoint Credit Union. The vice president of community and business development, Adriana, talks about how important financial literacy is as a life skill and shares her passion for it. She talks about her Colombian origins and how her volunteer work shaped her dedication to improving the San Diego neighborhood. This view is echoed by Daniel, the Marketing and Business Development Officer, who emphasizes the credit union's nonprofit status and goal of reinvesting revenues back into the community. The importance of financial education is discussed in detail, with a focus on underprivileged areas. Adriana draws attention to the difficulties faced by immigrants, including linguistic and cultural limitations that may make it difficult for them to comprehend the American financial system.  Adriana and Daniel talk about how minority communities have misconceptions about credit and how important it is to teach responsible credit usage in order to avoid debt accumulation. They use personal tales, such the widespread misconception regarding credit card payments, to highlight the gaps in financial literacy. The episode also covers the more general problem of financial literacy in schooling, pointing out that this important knowledge is frequently missing from schools, which can cause financial difficulties for young adults. This episode discusses the importance of financial institutions putting education first before providing lending products. To enable community members to make educated financial decisions, MyPoint Credit Union makes sure that people are fully aware of what they are getting into. Both the hosts and visitors concur that, particularly in a multicultural city like San Diego, having easy access to financial resources and information is essential for promoting economic mobility and success. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Adriana Brunner and Daniel Nagey. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Emphasis on the nonprofit status of MyPoint Credit Union which allows them to reinvest profits back into the community, focusing on educational and supportive initiatives - Specific obstacles faced by immigrants, such as understanding credit systems and financial products, and how MyPoint Credit Union addresses these through tailored programs -  The lack of financial literacy education in schools and the critical need for early financial education to prevent future financial issues - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Adri and Daniel, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.

13 MAY. 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Alex Mazloom, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mind Treasures The journey Alex took from Iran to create a special financial literacy program with spiritual underpinnings is covered in this episode. Despite Iran's lack of school libraries, Alex and his spouse were motivated to spread financial literacy. They combined financial education with spiritual Bahá'í teachings, putting an emphasis on wealth that goes beyond worldly belongings and character development. They educate youngsters life lessons like patience and punctuality through their curriculum, "ABCs of Wealth," which incorporates real-world events and sets up Google Classroom for interactive learning. Children receive play money as part of the 12-week curriculum and learn how to save, invest, and create a budget. Take-home tasks let parents become involved, and success stories—like the kid who founded an investment club—showcase the program's effectiveness. Alex is dedicated to the program's goal even in the face of uncertain future plans; he puts all of his effort into its expansion while maintaining a detached attitude about its results. The episode emphasizes the long-lasting effects that financial literacy has on developing minds as well as its transforming ability when combined with spiritual principles. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Alex Mazloom. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Rather than a conventional approach, Mind Treasures derived their curriculum from spiritual writings, emphasizing character development alongside financial education. - Those participating in Mind Treasures learn to set goals, prioritize spending, and understand the importance of saving through practical exercises and discussions. - The program aims for a long-term impact, evident in success stories like Marquis, who continued applying financial principles into adolescence. - Alex discusses the challenges of forecasting the future of Mind Treasures, acknowledging the fluidity of business plans and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances.  - Mazloom emphasizes detachment from specific outcomes, focusing instead on putting effort into the program and letting go of expectations. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Alex, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.

7 MAY. 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Chase Peckham, the Director of Community Outreach at the San Diego Financial Literacy Center.  Learn about Chase's experience and observations around financial literacy. He reflects on his early experiences of being read to by his parents and how he later discovered his talent for storytelling when reading to his own kids. He thinks back on the books that had a profound influence on his life, such as "Rocky" and "The Count of Monte Cristo," which gave him a passion for storylines with strong protagonists. As he moves on to financial literacy, Chase opens up about his own financial hardships, including building up credit card debt at the beginning of his baseball career. He describes the turning point in his life when his parents declined to save him, which made him take charge of his money and make challenging lifestyle adjustments. Motivated by his personal experience, Chase pursues his career in financial education, stressing the value of awareness and decision-making in money management. Chase offers insightful guidance for parents, urging candid discussions about money and responsibility with kids at an early age. He makes comparisons between managing finances and keeping up a healthy diet, emphasizing the significance of creating realistic budgets and sustainable lifestyle decisions. Chase's enthusiasm for equipping people with financial literacy is evident throughout the episode, providing guidance and helpful advice for overcoming the challenges associated with managing personal finances. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Chase Peckham. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Chase Peckham talks on the importance of financial literacy and shares his experience in this area as the director of community outreach at the San Diego Financial Literacy Center. - Chase encourages parents and kids to have honest discussions about financial obligations at a young age, stressing the need of knowledge and decision-making in financial management. - Chase's commitment to providing people with financial literacy is evident throughout the show, as he provides motivation and useful guidance for managing the difficulties of personal money. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Chase, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.

29 ABR. 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by William York, the CEO and president of San Diego Health Connect, and 211 San Diego/Community Information Exchange. Hear William talk about the different groups and how they help the community.  William emphasizes how crucial these groups are to meeting the needs of the community, particularly in regards to social services and health. In order to promote holistic wellness, he highlights how interrelated services are and how cooperation is essential.  William talks about his own experiences, such as how he came to join 211 San Diego during the 2007 wildfires and how his Catholic education shaped his curiosity and interest in religion. He talks about how his faith influences his job and his support for expanding resource accessibility. William sees these organizations as being crucial to the successful coordination of services and accomplishment of favorable results for people in the future. He talks about how organizations should showcase their offerings to employees in order to improve comprehension and efficiency. Listen to this intriguing episode and hear about the important work that William and his organizations do in providing people with necessary services and fighting for systemic changes. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with William York. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Challenges faced by William's organizations, including resource limitations and eligibility issues for services. - Personal experiences shared by William, including his journey to joining 211 San Diego during the 2007 wildfires and his background in Catholic education. - Vision for the future of 211 San Diego, emphasizing its role in coordinating services, achieving positive outcomes, and advocating for systemic improvements. - Emphasis on the interconnectedness of services and the need for collaboration to support holistic wellness in the community. - Importance of agencies presenting their services to 211 San Diego staff to enhance understanding and effectiveness in connecting individuals with essential resources. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, William, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.

22 ABR. 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Ivy Stein, an Impact Manager at the United Way of San Diego County. Learn about the importance of having a positive community effect, particularly in San Diego County where over one-third of households experience financial hardship. Ivy talks about the coalition that she oversees, emphasizing the significance of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in the area. The discussion emphasizes how important it is to educate people with low and moderate incomes—who frequently ignore available financial aid—about tax credits. Ivy describes how the coalition grew to include over forty organizations and highlights how they all worked together to help people with their taxes, from awareness campaigns to actual tax preparation and help after filing. In this episode, hear about the coalition's diverse range of organizations, including refugee services, and the vital role they play in helping disadvantaged communities.  Ivy offers intimate details about her motivation for working in community impact, which stems from her desire to change the world and make sure that people in need are the direct beneficiaries of her efforts. The episode ends with a preview of upcoming efforts that seek to further combine education and economic mobility programs in order to promote comprehensive community development. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Ivy Stein. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - Raising awareness about tax credits, particularly the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), to support low and moderate-income individuals in San Diego County. - The collaborative efforts of over 40 organizations within the coalition, spanning refugee services and community organizations, to provide comprehensive tax assistance and financial education. - The significant impact of volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) programs in providing quality tax services and dispelled misconceptions about the free service's quality. - Economic benefits of tax credits like EITC and Child Tax Credit in supporting families, fostering financial stability, and stimulating the local economy. - Ivy's personal passion for community impact work and her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need, highlighting the importance of holistic community development initiatives. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Ivy, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.

15 ABR. 2024 · In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Afira Devries, the President and CEO of the Monarch School Project. The Monarch School is the only public school in the US that serves only homeless pupils, offering kindergarten through high school education and support.  Afira talks about her experience working at the school, showing how it grew from a little one-room facility to being a pillar of support for kids without homes. She stresses how crucial it is to provide a secure and supportive atmosphere where kids can grow in confidence in their abilities and sense of belonging. In her discussion of the difficulties encountered by homeless students, Afira touches on the trauma of concealing their living circumstances in conventional educational settings. She reveals that because of continuous housing uncertainty, many students stay for years, even though others may achieve stability and graduate from the institution. In order to meet the requirements of various age groups and academic levels while keeping an emphasis on trauma-informed and restorative practices, Afira describes how the school functions as three schools in one. Throughout the entire episode, Afira's dedication to justice and equity, as well as her own experiences, drive her love for helping homeless children. She thanks the community for its support and the chance to speak up for her pupils' needs. An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Afira DeVries. Here are some other takeaways from the interview: - The school's mission to provide education and nurture the development of unhoused children from kindergarten through high school and the importance of creating a safe and stable environment for unhoused students to grow - The unique support services provided by the Monarch School, including the Butterfly Boutique for essential supplies, onsite health facilities, shower and laundry facilities, and a resource center for parents and caregivers - The importance of creating age-appropriate interventions and fostering a sense of community and belonging for students and the importance of small victories and moments of peace for students experiencing trauma. - The answers to the rapid-fire questions. An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Afira, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders. Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show. If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening. To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.