Growing Inland Achievement

Podcast Category: Achieving The Vision

  • Achieving the Vision: Accelerating Change Through Aligned Action

    Achieving the Vision: Accelerating Change Through Aligned Action

    About This Episode

    Season 2. Episode 5.

    In this inspiring episode of Achieving the Vision, we’re joined by two national leaders driving large-scale change for youth and families: Jennifer Blatz, President and CEO of StriveTogether, and Josh Davis, Vice President of Policy and Partnerships. Facilitated by Dr. Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement, this conversation dives deep into how communities across the country are transforming systems to create pathways to economic mobility, from cradle to career.

    Jennifer and Josh share how StriveTogether’s Theory of Action™, a nationally recognized framework, is helping nearly 70 communities across the U.S. use data, collaboration, and equity-focused strategies to align efforts and improve outcomes for young people.

    Throughout the episode, you’ll hear how:

    • StriveTogether supports communities in building civic infrastructure to drive long-term change

    • Data is being used as a powerful tool to illuminate barriers and accelerate progress

    • Cross-sector partnerships—from education to housing to health care—are key to creating real, measurable impact

    • Bold policy advocacy and strategic partnerships are advancing the goal of putting 4 million more young people on a path to economic mobility by 2030

    This episode is a must-watch for anyone working to create equitable systems of opportunity. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or community leader, you’ll leave with new insights, proven strategies, and a renewed sense of what’s possible when we align action for change.

    Watch the full episode now and join the movement to ensure that every child in every community has every opportunity to succeed.

    Featured Guests

    Jennifer Blatz
    President and CEO, StriveTogether

    Jennifer is a nationally recognized leader and expert in building place-based partnerships to improve outcomes for children, cradle to career. For more than two decades, she has designed, developed and implemented strategies that drive large-scale community improvement through partnership with local leaders and organizations.

    At StriveTogether, Jennifer was instrumental in launching the national Cradle to Career Network and creating the StriveTogether Theory of Action™. She led the development of the organization’s current strategic plan with a bold vision: to put 4 million more young people on a path to economic mobility by 2030. Under Jennifer’s leadership, StriveTogether was named a global Social Innovator of the Year by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, an honor she accepted at the 2024 World Economic Forum.

    Before leading StriveTogether, Jennifer was a founding member of StrivePartnership, serving Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Through her contributions, StrivePartnership became one of the most notable collective impact initiatives in the country. Jennifer began her career in the education sector. As executive director of Ohio College Access Network, she led a network of community-based programs focused on improving access to and attainment of postsecondary education.

    Jennifer’s work has been published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Social Innovations Journal, The Hechinger Report and The 74, among others. She serves as on the boards of Partners for Rural Impact and Raising A Reader, as a LEAP Ambassador and as a member of the Cincinnati Business Courier Leadership Trust.

    Jennifer has been named a YWCA of Greater Cincinnati Rising Star and a Cincinnati Business Courier Forty Under 40. She is a graduate of United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Volunteer Leadership Development Program, the Billions Institute Skid Row School for Large-Scale Change and the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce Women Excel Leadership Program.

    Josh Davis
    Vice President of Policy and Partnerships, StriveTogether

    Prior to StriveTogether, Josh was vice president of external affairs for the Delta Health Alliance (DHA), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting health and education initiatives across the 18-county Mississippi Delta region. His responsibilities included project implementation oversight, resource development, government relations, and external communications and partnerships. While pursuing governmental support sources, he assisted with grant and budget composition, briefed U.S. Congressional leaders and staff on efforts supported with public funds, and shared data and practices that helped inform policy. Josh joined DHA in 2010 with professional fundraising experience from higher education.

    He also served as project director for the Indianola Promise Community and the Deer Creek Promise Community, federally funded Promise Neighborhoods with DHA as the backbone. These initiatives unite government, nonprofits, health care, education, community and faith-based services to create a pipeline of resources for children from prenatal care through high school graduation. Josh used a results-based accountability framework with staff, partners and local stakeholders focusing on reaching population-level goals for academic success and community well-being.

    Josh uses results-based facilitation to moving groups from talk to action as they align efforts and reach consensus on shared goals, strategies and accountability. Previously, he held a number of roles at the University of Mississippi, including assistant director for the alumni association. Josh completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Mississippi and earned his master’s of public administration from the University of Memphis. He is a 2017 Presidio Institute Fellow and was named one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Under 40 Professionals in 2016.

    Watch the Episode 

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) created the Achieving the Vision video series to discuss important projects and initiatives that are driving regional educational transformation and student success in the Inland Empire region of Southern California–the 12th largest MSA in the U.S. with over 4.7 million residents and over one-million K-16 students. Learn more at https://gia.echofactory.dev.

  • Achieving the Vision: Transforming Education with AI – From Passive Consumption to Active Creation

    Achieving the Vision: Transforming Education with AI – From Passive Consumption to Active Creation

    About This Episode

    Season 2. Episode 4.

    In the latest episode of Achieving the Vision, we’re joined by Dr. Heidi Baynes and Jeff Oldfield for a powerful discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of education. Their presentation, titled Transforming Education with AI – From Passive Consumption to Active Creation, dives into how educators can embrace AI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a catalyst for deeper student engagement, creativity, and learning.

    As AI becomes increasingly present in our everyday lives, its integration into the classroom offers both exciting opportunities and important questions. Rather than students simply absorbing information, AI allows them to become active participants in the learning process—researching, building, and expressing ideas in new ways.

    Throughout the episode, Heidi and Jeff explore how AI can support both teachers and students by providing real-world classroom applications, guiding responsible implementation, and helping educators reimagine what teaching and learning can look like. They also reflect on the need for equitable access and thoughtful use of AI tools to ensure all students benefit from this technological shift.

    This conversation is ideal for educators, school leaders, and anyone invested in the future of learning. It offers a grounded yet forward-thinking look at how AI is no longer a distant idea, but an active part of how we can better engage and empower students.

    Watch the full episode now to learn how artificial intelligence can move education from passive consumption to active creation—unlocking new possibilities for teaching, learning, and student success.

    Featured Guests

    Dr. Jeff Oldfield
    Executive Director of Innovation and Competitive Advantage, Riverside County Office of Education

    After 14 years at Apple, Inc., I bring a love for emerging tech and AI into the world of education. Passionate about exploring what makes us uniquely human, I’m driven to challenge the status quo and rethink how students learn and succeed. New to education, but not to thinking differently, I believe in using technology to create a future where students thrive. I’m excited to innovate and break barriers in a field ready for transformation.

    Dr. Heidi Baynes
    Coordinator of Instructional Services, Riverside County Office of Education
    Heidi Baynes, Ed.D., Coordinator for Instructional Services for the Riverside County Office of Education, is a Google Certified Innovator and Raspberry Pi Certified Educator. With 25 years in education, she has extensive experience in online, blended, and traditional classroom settings, covering a wide range of subjects and grade levels. She is an advocate for computer science education and the #CSforALL movement. She believes artificial intelligence will transform teaching and learning, emphasizing its importance in preparing students for both current and future opportunities.

    Watch the Episode 

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) created the Achieving the Vision video series to discuss important projects and initiatives that are driving regional educational transformation and student success in the Inland Empire region of Southern California–the 12th largest MSA in the U.S. with over 4.7 million residents and over one-million K-16 students. Learn more at https://gia.echofactory.dev.

  • Achieving the Vision: Creating Safe and Equitable Learning Environments for Every Student

    Achieving the Vision: Creating Safe and Equitable Learning Environments for Every Student

    About This Episode

    Season 2. Episode 3.

    In this special episode of Achieving the Vision, we explore how to create safe and equitable learning environments for immigrant and mixed-status families. Facilitated by Ida Hermosillo, this conversation features Marcelino “Mars” Serna, Family and Community Engagement Specialist at SBCSS, who shares valuable insights on the rights, resources, and support available to students and families, regardless of immigration status.

    Together, we discuss how schools and communities can foster welcoming spaces, provide essential resources, and empower families to navigate the education system with confidence.

    Featured Guests

    Marcelino “Mars” Serna
    Family and Community Engagement Program Specialist. 

    Marcelino “Mars” Serna is in his 39th year as a public servant in the areas of Education, Recreation, and Human Services. For the past 17 years, Mars has served the districts of San Bernardino City Unified School District (2006 to 2014), Fontana Unified School District (2015-2016), and currently the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools as the Family/Community Engagement Program Specialist supporting the 33 districts throughout the county with their respective family and community engagement initiatives. He also has served as an Adjunct Professor at San Bernardino Valley College in the Human Services Department where he taught Cultural Proficiency and Cross-Cultural Communication. Mars also serves on a variety of community boards. He currently serves as president of the Governing Board of Education at Fontana Unified School District. He also serves on the Executive Board of the San Bernardino County Gangs & Drugs Taskforce, the Inland Empire Fatherhood Involvement Coalition, the San Bernardino County Mentoring Advisory Committee, and the Loma Linda University Health’s Community Benefit Advisory Council (CBAC). Along with serving on these boards, he was the co-founder of the Inland Empire Family Resource Center Coalition, where he served as Chairperson from 2008 to 2014. Mars received an associate degree from Riverside Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Public
    Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and his master’s degree from University
    of Redlands in Management. He is happily married to his wonderful wife Marissa and has (4) children and (5) grandchildren. He’s also rearing his 15 year old niece.

    Specialties: Community Organizing; Officiating Youth & Adult Sports; Disc Jockey and Notary Public

    Watch the Episode 

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) created the Achieving the Vision video series to discuss important projects and initiatives that are driving regional educational transformation and student success in the Inland Empire region of Southern California–the 12th largest MSA in the U.S. with over 4.7 million residents and over one-million K-16 students. Learn more at https://gia.echofactory.dev.

  • Achieving the Vision: Building an Inland Promise: Holistic Support for Student Success

    Achieving the Vision: Building an Inland Promise: Holistic Support for Student Success

    About This Episode

    Season 2. Episode 2.

    In this episode, we’re honored to feature Dr. John Barnshaw, a Senior Leader of College Promise, as we explore the transformative power of Promise programs and their role in shaping the future of student success.

    Dr. Barnshaw provides an in-depth look at how College Promise programs go beyond financial aid to deliver comprehensive support for students. By addressing not only the financial barriers but also the academic, emotional, and logistical challenges students face, these programs create pathways for equitable access to higher education and sustainable success.

    During our conversation, Dr. Barnshaw discusses:

    • The mission and objectives of College Promise and its impact on students across the nation.
    • Strategies for scaling Promise programs to reach more students while ensuring sustainability.
    • The critical role of holistic support systems, from mental health resources to career guidance, in empowering students to thrive.
    • How educators, policymakers, and community leaders can work together to implement and enhance Promise programs tailored to their unique communities.

    Watch the full episode now on our YouTube channel to learn more about the vision for student success and how College Promise programs are shaping the future of education.

    Featured Guests

    Dr. John Barnshaw
    Senior Leader for Research and Policy, College Promise
    John Barnshaw is a Senior Leader of College Promise, a national, non-partisan, non-profit initiative to increase post-secondary education access, affordability, quality, and completion. In this capacity, Dr. Barnshaw is responsible for managing the research and policy and serves as a leader in the promise movement on higher education and the workforce. Prior to joining College Promise, Dr. Barnshaw served as Vice President at Lightcast, a global leader in labor market insights, where he worked with more than 1,000 colleges and universities and 200 education partners. John also served as Vice President at Ad Astra, and immediately prior, served as Director of Research and Public Policy at the American Association of University Professors, where he directed the Faculty Compensation Survey, the oldest benchmarking study in higher education. Dr. Barnshaw also directed the National Study of Instructional Costs and Productivity (Delaware Cost Study), a longitudinal benchmarking that explores faculty teaching, separately budgeted research, and public service expenditures at the discipline level for four-year institutions. Barnshaw earned his degrees from the University of Delaware (Ph.D.) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (MA, BA) and serves as a Research Affiliate for Innovation at Davidson College.

    Watch the Episode 

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) created the Achieving the Vision video series to discuss important projects and initiatives that are driving regional educational transformation and student success in the Inland Empire region of Southern California–the 12th largest MSA in the U.S. with over 4.7 million residents and over one-million K-16 students. Learn more at https://gia.echofactory.dev.

  • Achieving the Vision: Leveraging AI to Drive Student Success in the Inland Empire

    Achieving the Vision: Leveraging AI to Drive Student Success in the Inland Empire

    About This Episode

    Season 2. Episode 1.

    The new season of Achieving the Vision launches with an episode that dives into the potential of artificial intelligence to reshape education and improve student outcomes across the Inland Empire. Host Alyssa Silva sits down with Charles Ansell, Vice President for Research, Policy, and Advocacy at Complete College America, to explore innovative ways AI is being used to enhance academic programs, streamline student support, and address educational equity.

    In this conversation, Charles draws from his extensive background in higher education and his work at Complete College America to share insights on using AI to create a more personalized and practical learning experience for students. He highlights how AI can support everything from academic planning and advising to developing career-aligned competencies, helping students navigate their educational paths with greater clarity and success.

    The episode also touches on the risks of the AI divide and the importance of ethical AI usage to ensure that advancements benefit all students, including those at under-resourced institutions. Charles shares practical tips for integrating AI thoughtfully, focusing on maximizing its strengths while safeguarding data privacy and educational equity. Whether you’re an educator, student, administrator, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable ideas and actionable strategies for harnessing AI’s power in education.

    Catch the full episode to learn how AI can be a transformative force in education and how institutions in the Inland Empire are leading the charge.

    Featured Guests

    Charles Ansell
    Vice President for Research, Policy, and Advocacy
    Complete College America
    Charles Ansell has dedicated his career to educational justice and equity. In his current role at Complete College America, Charles uses research to advocate for legislation and resources that help students graduate college, closing socioeconomic, racial or generational disparities that exist in college completion. As the Chief Operating Officer of the Community College System of New Hampshire, Charles directed research, strategy, finance and technology for a statewide system of colleges. In this role, he developed a data and reporting infrastructure that enabled an evidence-driven policy agenda to influence state legislation and appropriations to higher education. A student success agenda drove all projects and operations, resulting in more students graduating college and having career and continued academic success after graduation. Prior to this, Charles led student success efforts at the City Colleges of Chicago. There, he oversaw the development of a pathways program that ensured students enrolled for classes along semester-by-semester plans, aligned with individual academic aspirations. These plans embedded academic readiness requirements in Math and English that innovated traditional developmental education so students did not stall out in coursework that did not count to graduation requirements. Before the City Colleges of Chicago, Charles worked in various positions in higher education administration and information technology. He holds an M.S. in Business Information Technology from DePaul University and a B.A. from Carleton College. He is engaged in numerous local boards devoted to education and workforce.

    Watch the Episode 

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) created the Achieving the Vision video series to discuss important projects and initiatives that are driving regional educational transformation and student success in the Inland Empire region of Southern California–the 12th largest MSA in the U.S. with over 4.7 million residents and over one-million K-16 students. Learn more at https://gia.echofactory.dev.