Sam Rodriguez, Associate Membership Director and Ambassador for SPARTA Pride, discusses the organization’s mission; it’s community outreach efforts; and the impact of reinstating a ban on transgender troops.

Nora Carman, author of Tiger in My Tummy, discusses the inspiration for her book; confronting world hunger; her partnership with Kids Around The World (KATW); and her recent trip to the Dominican Republic with a KATW team.

Leaders from the Fleet Science Center, A Reason to Survive (ARTS) and Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center share the power of their collaborative efforts in National City focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts and math.  Eric Meyer, Assistant Director of Education and Engagement for the Fleet Science Center, is joined by Olimpia Vazquez Ojeda, Program Manager of ARTS and Jeni Barajas, Director of Youth Programs for the Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, to talk about the collaborative.

Steve Breen, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist, chats about his work at inewsource; the Fentanyl Project; and illustrated storytelling.

Deacon Jim Vargas, President and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, is joined by Paul Delessio, FJV’s Director of Coordinated Services, to discuss its expanded services that are tailored to meet the needs of each individual that include adding Psychiatry and Harm Reduction outreach to the Street Health program and innovative housing solutions.

Martha Martinez, Head of Research and Evaluation at SEAL, is joined by Patty Chavez, SEAL’s Head of External Relations, and Izela Jacobo, Senior Director of Multilingual Education and Global Achievement for the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), to talk about the SEAL/SDCOE partnership and the importance of Multilingualism.

Baltazar Perez, Director of Innovation and Partnerships for the Elementary Institute of Science, shouts out the Institute’s 60-plus years of shining a light on STEM education and STEM-related careers. 

Jasmine LeFlore, Executive Director of Greater Than Tech, and Dr. Brittany Wheeler, the organization’s Director of Education, chat about their company’s mission; its roots and STEM Fairs.

Joseph Clevenger, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Programs for the San Diego County Office Education (SDCOE), shouts out SDCOE’s bold “North Star” initiative to significantly reduce the number of students receiving free or reduced lunch by the end of the 2029-30 school year.  Clevenger promotes SDCOE’s 1st Annual “A Salute to Purple Star Schools” event that will recognize those schools that support military-connected students and their families. The event will be held on March 20 at SeaWorld.

Peter Callstrom, a longtime San Diego County community leader and new Executive Director of the Burn Institute, is joined by David Ott, the Institute’s Board President, to talk about the 43-year history of the organization.  Callstrom and Ott chat about the Institute’s prevention and education programs; its Burn Survivor Engagement/Support Programs; and its annual “Fill the Boot” fundraiser, slated for March 5.