Sharlene O’Keefe, Executive Director of Poway OnStage, talks about its 35th Anniversary Year; its 2024-25 Performance Series; and its Arts in Education outreach to more than 100,000 San Diego County students.

Sylvia Echeverria, School Administrator for the San Diego Unified School District’s Home Hospital and Transition Supports program, talks about the instructional services offered to those students who are homebound or are in hospitals or mental health facilities due the serious nature of their physical or mental health condition.

Dr. Jenni Owen, Acting CEO of the Urban Discovery Academy, chats about the Academy’s mission and vision; its partnership with UCSD Extended Studies and Reality Changers; and its four pillars of student experience.

Shaun Briley, Co-Founder of Factly News and Coronado Library Director, is joined by Martin Kruming, a longtime journalist and lecturer at SDSU’s Journalism and Media Studies Department, to discuss the issue of news deserts and how Factly News and libraries such as the Coronado Library are addressing this growing issue.

Christina Piranio, the new CEO of the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, shouts out the museum’s popular hands-on programs that focus on play, discovery and curiosity.  Piranio discusses the museum’s new exhibits; its successful mobile museum outreach and it’s September 7 “Ignite Their Spark” fundraising event.

Jason Spark, an Alzheimer’s Association Board Member, chats about the Association’s myriad resources that are available for primary caregivers and families dealing with those impacted with the devastating disease.  Spark, who is joined by Mission Fed Credit Union President & CEO Doug Wright, discusses how he lost his beloved grandmother to Alzheimer’s.  Wright talks about Mission Fed’s role in supporting the Association.

Stephanie Cook, Executive Director of the San Diego Women’s Foundation, and Julie McKay, Foundation Board President, talk about the Foundation’s collective philanthropy mission; its grant cycle process; and how critical issues of the region are chosen for funding.

Kelly Martinez, the San Diego County Sheriff, discusses the priorities of her office; the department’s vast scope of responsibilities; and its focus on community outreach, including the RESPECT Project, Reentry Services and youth classes at the crime lab.

Afira DeVries, President & CEO of the Monarch School Project, chats about Monarch’s programs and services with unhoused youth and their families and it’s Chrysalis Center for the Arts.

Carly Topazio, Artistic Director & CEO of The Rosin Box Project, discusses the Project’s upcoming show –DEBUTS– in August; its outreach to Title 1 schools and underserved communities; and its unique approach to ballet.