Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast

In this episode, we welcome two distinguished voices in bilingual education: Dr. Kathy Escamilla, Professor Emeritus of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, and Dr. Saul Maldonado, Professor in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education at San Diego State University. Together, they explore what effective bilingual education really looks like—and what it takes to crea...

In this episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, Iliana Gallego talks with Jordan Heberlein, Family and Community Engagement Supervisor at the Shasta County Office of Education , and Dr. Janet Núñez-Pineda, Director of the California Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC), about the power of connecting family engagement leaders, building a strong community of practice, and expanding the impact of...

What happens when schools truly invest in families? Superintendent Roberto Vaca shares the strategies, partnerships, and lessons behind his district’s success in engaging families.

In this special episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, host Iliana Gallego sits down with PIQE's new CEO and President, Reyna Hernandez, for an inspiring conversation about the experiences that shaped her life, her passion for educational equity, and her vision for PIQE's future. Reyna shares her personal journey, reflecting on her childhood, the unwavering support and advocacy of her parents, and...

In this episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, host Iliana Gallego speaks with Dr. Kelly Greco, licensed clinical psychologist and Professor of Clinical Education at the USC Rossier School of Education, about the growing impact of academic stress on students. Together, they discuss the pressures students face today, warning signs families should watch for, healthy coping strategies, and practical...

Should students spend summer relaxing or preparing for the future? In this episode, college counselor Maria Jose Lamadrid, founder of Admitology, shares how high school and college students can use summer break to grow personally, strengthen college applications, and still avoid burnout. A practical conversation for parents and students navigating academics, extracurriculars, and admissions. Schol...

In today’s episode, we highlight PIQE’s inspiring Parent Ambassadors—parents and caregivers who completed a PIQE workshop and stepped up as leaders to uplift their communities. Meet Julia Sosa, Myra Vera-Rizo, and Francisco Sanchez, three dedicated advocates using their voices and experiences to help families engage in their children’s education, build stronger partnerships with schools, and creat...

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode highlights the leadership and impact of three remarkable women who are helping shape stronger communities and expand opportunities for students and families. Rachel Hernandez, Mayor of Riverbank, California; Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, Deputy Director of Californians Together; and Gabriella Barbosa, Senior Portfolio Manager at Ballmer Group join hos...

In this conversation, I’m joined by Norma Fernandez of Everyone On and Dr. Ryan Alcantara of PIQE to highlight their impactful partnership. Everyone On works to close the digital divide through affordable internet and digital skills, while PIQE empowers parents with knowledge and skills. Together, they’re helping families and students thrive in today’s digital world.

Families are clear: bilingual education matters. This episode examines public demand for bilingual and dual language education and what the findings mean for educators, policymakers, and communities serving multilingual families. Tune in to hear insights from the authors of the What Families Want report.

Who’s making the decisions that affect your child’s school? Join us as we sit down with school board members to understand their roles, responsibilities, and the impact they have on our schools—and why every family should pay attention.

In this episode, Ángel Rentería from the Student Debt Crisis Center shares practical strategies for managing student debt before it spirals into a financial crisis. Drawing from his own experience as a borrower and his work in advocacy, Ángel explores how equitable policies and informed choices can protect students and families from the long-term impacts of student loans.

In this episode, we’re joined by Israel Flores Beltran, Strategic Outreach Coordinator at the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). A proud CSU Sacramento graduate and former undocumented student, Israel brings a powerful personal perspective to his work helping students and families navigate the path to higher education. We talk about the FAFSA, the California Dream Act, and other key forms o...

Welcome to Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast — where we explore the issues that matter most to families, schools, and communities. In our very first episode, we’re joined by Dr. Bilma Bermudez, proud principal of Topaz Elementary School in Fullerton, CA. With over 21 years of experience in education, Dr. Bermudez shares her insights on how schools and families can work together to support every child's p...