KConnect PACE Forward Podcast

In this episode of the PACE Forward podcast, we explore the work of the West Michigan Teacher Collaborative (WMTC) and its efforts to strengthen the teacher pipeline across our region. Morgan Dailey, Program Coordinator at WMTC, joins Dr. Shayla Young and Maegan Frierson to discuss how WMTC is preparing and supporting passionate educators. The conversation also highlights Teach Here , an innovativ...

As we wrap up a pivotal year, members of the KConnect team come together to reflect on the wins, challenges, and lessons learned in 2025, and to share what’s ahead in 2026. From community impact and partnerships to moments that stretched us and sharpened our strategy, this conversation offers an honest look at how the work evolved over the past year. The team discusses what worked, what we’d do di...

In this episode of the KConnect Podcast, we’re joined by Erika VanDyke , a longtime community leader and former organizer with the Urban Core Collective , to unpack the Invest in MI Kids ballot initiative and what it could mean for Michigan families. Whether you’re a parent, educator, advocate, or voter looking to better understand the issues impacting kids across Michigan, this conversation offer...

This episode provides a brief orientation to PACE 2026: Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? , framing how recent advocacy efforts and community needs are converging at a critical moment for children and families in Kent County. It explains the meaning behind the convening’s name, which reflects a real choice facing our region: fragmented responses that deepen instability, or coordinated...

KConnect’s GRow1000 interns, Joseph Guerra-Sandoval and Sydnee Bos, reflect on their summer experience and share how it shaped their perspectives on creating change. Their conversation offers a glimpse into the ideas, lessons, and aspirations that emerge when young people are part of the work to build a stronger future.

In this episode, we’re exploring the powerful intersection of education and policy with two inspiring guests who live at the heart of both. Dr. Christopher Cadogan of Lansing Public Schools and Yara Barbosa of East Kentwood High School are both current Teach For America Policy Fellows at KConnect. Join us to share how their experiences as educators are shaping systems-level change. Tune in for an...

In this episode, we explore how our community can better support student wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom. Join us for a powerful conversation featuring Giuliana Estrada from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Dr. Keenan King from Kent School Services Network (KSSN) as they share insights on the systems, strategies, and partnerships needed to create holistic support for stude...

PACE Forward: Honoring Women in Policy & Advocacy We’re celebrating the powerhouse women shaping policy and advocacy in our community. We're honored to be joined by Renell Weathers, Kathleen Bruinsma, and Jayme Vosovic , three incredible leaders who have been instrumental in advancing KConnect’s policy and advocacy work. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to systems change have helped...

Learn about KConnect's history, structure, and more with four members of the backbone team.

We’re excited to share the launch of the PACE Forward Podcast, the first podcast in a series focused on Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement. It dives into why advocacy is essential for moving systems forward and making a difference in our community. Tune in to learn how to make the most of your time with the legislators, as well as specific information about FLOC, Advocacy Day logistics, an...