Our world is changing rapidly—and so is education. In this podcast, we’re exploring these changes and how we can best meet the needs of students to help them thrive. Hosted by Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Education Conversations brings together teachers, students, community stakeholders, and thought leaders to explore and share innovative and relevant thoughts, research, and ideas on education today.
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Our world is changing rapidly—and so is education. In this podcast, we’re exploring these changes and how we can best meet the needs of students to help them thrive. Hosted by Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Education Conversations brings together teachers, students, community stakeholders, and thought leaders to explore and share innovative and relevant thoughts, research, and ideas on education today.
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 sponsor for this podcast episode.
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.
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 Students.
So much can happen in a season of Education Conversations! Join Jennifer for our final compilation episode, “Policy, Partnerships, and Community Prosperity”, featuring snippets from several of our season 2 guests.
S2E26 Education Today: Join this special episode of Education Conversation as we wrap up Season 2 that highlights guests and topics focusing on Education Today. Jennifer revisits popular subjects from Season 2, such as Artificial Intelligence, scholarships, and the 2025 State of Education Report. This is the first in a two-part compilation series, so stay tuned for more!
This episode features Representative Fiona McFarland, a champion for education and the Education Foundation. She and Jennifer discuss takeaways from the 2025 Legislative Session, where Sarasota Schools are today and how education may change in the future.
This episode focuses on our local economy, as Jennifer welcomes Erin Silk, president and ceo of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. Together they discuss the current and future outlook for local economic development and explore how education and a healthy economy are inextricably tied.
In this episode, Jennifer talks with the Community Foundation’s Vice President for Community Impact, Kirsten Russell about their annual State of Education report, the importance of early learning, and the role of philanthropy in our community
Jennifer talks with Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge Funders Collaborative and Economic Development with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Barb Clapp, CEO of Dwyer Workforce Development about their collaboration and partnership with Suncoast Technical College on an innovative training program for Certified Nursing Assistants. Tune in to learn more about the need they are filling for both students and the healthcare field.
For over a century, United Way Suncoast has been there to help regional families when they are in dire need of support. Join Jennifer with CEO Jessica Muroff in this interesting conversation about how United Way Suncoast is responding to today’s needs.
This special episode of Education Conversations captures the excitement and energy of the 2nd annual Education Foundation Ringling Bridge Run. Hear from runners, volunteers, and even celebrities who showed up for this 5K/10K race to support teachers and students.
Preparing for retirement after 17 years as the president of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Mary Chance sat down with Jennifer to reflect on her time in this role, the function of education foundations today, and her hopes for the future.
Abbey Stewart, Leadership Florida’s vice president of programs and planning, talks with Jennifer about her experiences working at the Department of Education, the importance of putting students first, and her work today convening a community of leaders to recharge their skills and to educate and inspire them to work for a better Florida.
Our world is changing rapidly—and so is education. In this podcast, we’re exploring these changes and how we can best meet the needs of students to help them thrive. Hosted by Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Education Conversations brings together teachers, students, community stakeholders, and thought leaders to explore and share innovative and relevant thoughts, research, and ideas on education today.
