In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks welcomes Dr. Lorilynn Bowie. Dr. Bowie discusses her multifaceted roles at National Louis University and beyond. As an outreach and enrollment specialist, adjunct professor, educational consultant, and advocate, she shares her post-doctorate experiences influencing the educational landscape since 2020.

She sheds light on her work with children with special academic needs, her recognition as an American Heart Hero, and her efforts to build effective relationships between families and schools. Dr. Bowie emphasizes the importance of trust, listening, and validation in her advocacy work and mentoring, and highlights the impactful power of educators believing in their expertise.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:26 Meet Dr. Lorilynn Bowie

02:18 Dr. Bowie's Journey Post-Doctorate

04:52 American Heart Hero and Advocacy

06:44 Influencing Education in Alachua County

08:52 Impactful Changes in Education

11:24 Encore Career at National Louis University

15:22 Educational Advocacy and Mentoring

28:48 Building Trust and Relationships

34:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch, an educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Period Zero Workforce Pathways. Dr. Lewis-Hoesch shares how her doctoral degree from National Louis University opened doors for her to influence systematic change in workforce preparation and educational innovation.

She discusses her nonprofit, Period Zero, which aims to close opportunity gaps for youth by embedding leadership development, financial literacy, and career readiness into micro-credential pathways recognized globally.

Additionally, Dr. Lewis-Hoesch talks about her role as a grants development specialist at the Community College of Allegheny County, where she is developing new healthcare pathways. She provides practical advice for educators, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative and staying curious. You will be inspired by Dr. Lewis-Hoesch's commitment to creating opportunities and making a lasting impact in education.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:28 Meet Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch

02:22 Impact of a Doctorate in Educational Leadership

03:52 From Classroom Teacher to Educational Innovator

05:17 Transforming Education with Period Zero

07:44 The Skills Framework and Global Competitiveness

08:49 How Period Zero Bridges Education and Employment

17:55 Building a Global Nonprofit

19:41 Teen Networking Nights and Real-World Skills

22:25 The Role of AI in Education

23:15 Embracing AI as an Ally

24:37 Preparing Students for the Future Workforce

28:47 Innovative Grant Writing

29:54 Healthcare Pathways and Apprenticeships

38:12 Advice for Educators and Change Makers

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks sits down with Alfredo Matthew III, an innovator dedicated to building an inclusive and regenerative economy. With over 25 years intersecting education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, Alfredo has transitioned from being a public school teacher to leading significant initiatives such as co-founding ESO Ventures and establishing SPCC One.

He advocates for project-based learning as a vital educational approach and addresses the pressing need for educators and institutions to adopt entrepreneurial mindsets. Alfredo offers his insights on the importance of collaboration, the evolution of the school choice movement, and the impactful role of interconnected learning in current and future educational landscapes.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:32 Meet Alfredo Matthew III

02:47 Alfredo's Professional Journey

04:45 The Importance of Project-Based Learning

08:58 Views on the School Choice Movement

14:52 Market-Based Approaches to Education

20:31 Current Projects and Future Vision

30:56 Recommendations for Educators and Leaders

38:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts