Education Conversations

Alison Rini, founder of STAR Lab, joins Education Conversations to discuss how her Sarasota microschool uses neuroscience, hands-on learning, frequent recess, and mastery-based assessments to meet students where they are. Alison shares how STAR Lab grew from five to 50 students, its recent $500,000 Yass Prize recognition, the challenges of starting a microschool, and why providing families with di...

What does it really take to support educator well-being beyond individual self-care? Jennifer Vigne sits down with Sandi Herrera and Dr. Stacie Herrera, co-founders of HumanizEdu, to explore how well-being, psychological safety and school culture affect both educators and students. They discuss burnout, the importance of relationships and everyday “micro moments,” and ways schools can create envir...

What does it take to build a stronger talent pipeline and create clearer pathways from education to meaningful careers? Jennifer Vigne sits down with Tommy Gregory, president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, to discuss the role education plays as essential economic infrastructure in our region. President Gregory shares how his experiences in the military, law, public service and high...

In this episode of Education Conversations, Jennifer Vigne sits down with Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, to explore the vital role of arts education in today’s schools. Brian shares why the arts are essential to a well-rounded education, helping students develop lifelong skills that prepare them for success. From strengthening communication and critical thin...

In this episode of Education Conversations, Jennifer Vigne welcomes Amity Schuyler, President and CEO of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, for a forward-looking discussion on the future of education in Florida. Together, they explore emerging trends in school choice, artificial intelligence, career readiness, chronic absenteeism, and the vital role that education foundations play in...

In this special episode of Education Conversations, we honor the life and legacy of Brock Leach—an innovative thinker, compassionate leader, and devoted advocate for young people. Originally recorded in 2023, this conversation explores leadership, community, human potential, and the importance of creating support systems that help every student discover who they are and who they are meant to becom...

In this episode of Education Conversations, Jennifer Vigne sits down with Sarasota County Schools’ Supervisor of Government Affairs, Chris Parenteau, to unpack the 2026 legislative session and what it means for local students, families, and public education. From school funding and scholarship accountability to long-term sustainability and innovation, this timely conversation offers valuable insig...

In the final episode of their inaugural season, students tackle the questions many high schoolers face as they prepare for life after graduation. Guided by Jake, Aaron, Debbie, and Nate share candid reflections on what shaped their paths. From test prep and resumes to extracurriculars and finding support, as they prepare to graduate, they share their experiences on how they got to this point. They...

Jennifer sheds some light on the scope of scholarships offered through the Florida Lottery. Joined by the Florida Lottery Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Shaqueria Myrick and Education Foundation Student Success Coach, Diana Berris, they talk about who’s eligible, important deadlines, and the application process.

Future-Ready: Student Voices highlights authentic student experiences and expert advice to help Sarasota County Schools students make informed, confident decisions about their futures. In this episode, Riverview High student Nate Grandusky leads a thoughtful conversation with State College of Florida student Paul Whiteside and CareerSource Suncoast President and CEO Josh Matlock. Together, they ex...

During a time of pivotal changes in education, Jennifer is joined by CEO of Florida School Boards Association, Andrea Messina, to discuss the role of school boards today and programs offered by the Association to provide insights and training.

Join Aaron Nielsen for the second episode of our student-produced podcast series where students explore a variety of options after high school. Aaron talks peer-to-peer with a student attending Auburn and another at Columbia, to learn how they landed at these universities, how they’ve grown in their first year, advice on how to stand out among the applicants, and what they plan to do next. In addi...

In this episode, Jennifer Vigne speakes with Makayla Buchanan, Chief of Staff at the Children’s Movement of Florida, to explore the data and research behind early learning and how the first five years can shape a child’s path to academic success and graduation.

Join Debbie B in our first student-produced podcast series where students explore a variety of options after high school. Debbie talks with Marine Corps Recruiter, Staff Sargeant Jayvon Rivera about his own journey into the Marines. They also explore different branches of the military and he shares some personal and professional benefits of joining the service, if someone decides that’s the path f...

Join Jennifer in this eye-opening follow up with Helios Education Foundation’s Kimberly Lent Morales. They discuss the findings from a recent study conducted to assess the real economic value of state colleges.

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Robyn Faucy, CEO and owner of Results 1st, an organization that guides nonprofits, foundations, and other organizations to achieve greater success through proven tools and methods. Together, they explore where nonprofits are succeeding, and where they can improve.

We’re excited to introduce the 2026 Sarasota County Teachers of the Year! Jennifer talks with the three finalists about their teaching methods, their students, and what it means to them to represent their schools as Teacher of the Year. Our thanks to Sunset Automotive Group for sponsoring this episode.

Sarasota County Schools Chief of Strategic Innovation, Dr. Brandon Johnson, joins Jennifer in a timely conversation about how our public schools are transforming models and policy to meet the needs of students today…and tomorrow.

Jennifer is joined by State College of Florida’s Director for College Readiness and Early College Programs, Raul Lorenzo. As a first-generation student, he has a deep understanding of some of the challenges his own students and their families face today when navigating life beyond high school.

Join Jennifer and entrepreneurs Andrew Grossman and Chef G to learn more about how they’re connecting kids and healthy cooking in their innovative after school programs at Booker Middle and High Schools.

Jennifer is joined by Dr. Kimberly Krupa, network development and engagement consultant for Florida College Access Network (FCAN.) They touch on topics such as the role of local college access networks in preparing students for life beyond high school, FASFA, and Talent Strong Sarasota, a new campaign spearheaded by FCAN which is now being adopted at the local level. Thank you to Miter Brands, our...

Jennifer talks with Geri Chaffee, the dynamic founder of Dreamers Academy. They discuss the dual language immersion model of teaching and its effect on students and families, charter schools, and community impact, including the upcoming Newtown Family Center. Our thanks to Golf Therapy Club for sponsoring this episode of Education Conversations.

Jennifer talks with TNTP’s Leadership Development Partner, Nicola Martin about teacher retention–a much talked about issue–and what we can do as a community to keep our teachers here. The solutions may surprise you! Our thanks to Gilbane Construction for sponsoring this episode of Education Conversations.

Join Education Foundation’s President/CEO Jennifer Vigne and Director of Student Programs, Dr. Anayah Walker as they reflect on the first year of the Future-Ready programs—initiatives that, through deep relationships and connections, help students prepare for life after high school with a plan. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Warton-Smith, Inc.

Jennifer talks with Norin Dollard, senior policy analyst and director of KIDS COUNT at the Florida Policy Institute. They discuss one of today’s hot issues in education, school vouchers: the benefits and the downfalls for students, the economy, and public education at large. For more to the story, tune in to our prequels from Season 1: Funding Public Education and Ensuring Opportunities for all St...