Think Bigger Voices

What if the key to student success wasn’t just academics—but believing you belong?Attending a large state university can be overwhelming for many students but imagine the extra challenges and pressures of being the first person in your family to attend college. Host Jennie Treby sits down with Michael Hartline, Dean of the Florida State University College of Business, to explore how FSU is transforming the college experience for first-generation students. With over 1,100 first-gen business majors and initiatives that include living-learning communities, etiquette dinners and professional development funding, FSU is leading the charge in student success.Listen in to learn: ●     Why first-gen students often hesitate to pursue business degrees —and how FSU is changing that●     How early engagement programs and living-learning communities build confidence and help students overcome Imposter Syndrome●     The importance of career readiness, soft skills and real-world prep beyond the classroom●     Dean Hartline’s personal first-gen journey and the impact of leading with empathy With the right support, first-gen students aren’t just finding their way—they’re leading the way. Links:Think Big for KidsFlorida State University College of Business More about Dean HartlineDean Hartline on LinkedInAbout host Jennie Treby 

When talent is everywhere but opportunity isn't, Year Up United becomes the bridge young professionals need.Join host Jennie Treby as she sits down with Gary Flowers, CIO, Transformation and Technology Services at Year Up United, to explore an innovative approach to workforce development that's transforming young lives. Discover how this national workforce development organization ending the Opportunity Divide for 18-29-year-old young adults, connecting untapped talent with leading corporations like Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Apple.In this episode, you will:Learn how the nation’s largest employers partner with Year Up United to develop their talent pipelinesUnderstand how the organization helps young adults from underserved communities launch successful careersHear inspiring stories of graduates who have overcome obstacles and achieved remarkable successExplore Year Up United’s approach to workplace readiness and skills trainingDiscover the inspiring mission behind Year Up United and how they're changing lives, one career pathway at a time.  Links:Think Big for KidsYear Up United More about Gary Flowers:Gary on LinkedInAbout host Jennie Treby

For two decades, a tiny 6-by-9-foot closet in a high school has become a lifeline of dignity, transforming thousands of students' lives. In this episode, Jennie Treby sits down with Tracey Keim, an educator at St. Petersburg High School and the Founder of The Green Devil’s Pantry & Closet. With her unwavering belief in human dignity, Tracey is changing lives—one backpack, one essential supply, and one act of kindness at a time. What began as a simple mission to help students find prom dresses, tuxedos and professional attire has blossomed into a lifeline for thousands, proving that powerful change often starts in the smallest of spaces. In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, you’ll learn how The Green Devil’s Pantry & Closet goes far beyond providing food, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies—it offers dignity, hope and stability to students and families facing financial uncertainty.Tune in to hear:● The inspiring story of this community-driven initiative● How one teacher is modeling benevolence and creating lasting change● Practical ways YOU can help students in your own community Discover how the most impactful changes often happen in the most unexpected places.More about the Green Devil's Pantry & ClosetThink Big for KidsAbout Host Jennie Treby

Music, education and community—Dr. Alex Harris has spent his career at the intersection of all three. As a renowned singer-songwriter, producer and philanthropist, he’s performed alongside legends like John Legend and Alicia Keys. But his biggest passion? Empowering the next generation through the Arts Conservatory for Teens (ACT). In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, host Jennie Treby sits down with Dr. Harris to explore his journey from performing as a child with his siblings to founding ACT, an organization that provides arts education and career opportunities to underserved youth. Discover how creativity fosters confidence, how exposure leads to empowerment, and why the arts are essential to building a brighter future for America’s teens. Listen in as they discuss: ●      How arts education helps students from all backgrounds build confidence and career skills.●      The importance of mentorship and real-world exposure for young creatives.●      ACT’s unique approach to preparing underserved and at-risk teens for success beyond the stage.●      Why giving back is just as important as professional success. Join us for an inspiring conversation that proves the arts aren’t just about performance—they’re about community transformation. More about Dr. Alex Harris hereArts Conservatory for Teens Think Big for KidsAbout Host Jennie Treby

For economically disadvantaged and first-generation students, financial aid can be the key to unlocking higher education—but navigating the system is often overwhelming. How can we, as advocates and changemakers, help ensure these students get the support they need? In this episode, Nadine Bailey, VP of Regulatory Affairs at Ultimate Medical Academy, joins host Jennie Treby to explore the resources, policies, and programs designed to break down financial barriers. Together, we’ll discuss: - The latest FAFSA updates & what they mean for low-income students- Grants, scholarships & financial aid programs that make a difference- The great FAFSA debacle: what happened and what we learned- How schools, nonprofits & community organizations can provide better support- Strategies to empower first-gen students & families in need Join us in the movement to make higher education accessible for all. Tune in to learn how you can help bridge the financial gap and create real change. Links:FAFSA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@FederalStudentAid FAFSA Pro-Tips - https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/pro-tipsFAFSA Parents - https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-apply/parents Think Big for Kids – https://thinkbigforkids.org/Ultimate Medical Academy - https://www.ultimatemedical.edu/More about Nadine Bailey Nadine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-bailey-09a462b/About host Jennie Treby

What if your bank could make a real difference in your community? With 40% of American families and young people struggling to make ends meet, Thomas Feindt, CEO of Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, shares how the not-for-profit banking model is focused on breaking cycles of poverty and creating lasting change. Drawing on 25 years of experience in the credit union industry, he explains how Grow Financial is meeting this critical need. Join host Jennie Treby in the latest Think Bigger Voices episode as she sits down with Feindt to explore how credit unions are transforming financial inclusion and uplifting communities. Listen in as they discuss:How not-for-profit models enable credit unions to focus on members over profits, with interest rates capped at 18%.The importance of financial literacy in helping kids and young adults navigate milestones like first car and first home purchases.Insights into America’s debt crisis, including generational challenges and the pitfalls of "buy now, pay later."Grow’s efforts to open branches in underserved areas and collaborate with nonprofits in the Tampa Bay community.Understanding the ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) population and how credit unions foster hope and financial stability. Tune in to discover how credit unions like Grow Financial are reshaping banking for a stronger, more inclusive future where America’s youth have the opportunity to thrive.Links:Grow Financial Federal Credit Union – https://www.growfinancial.org/ Think Big for Kids – https://thinkbigforkids.org/ About Host Jennie Treby

What if solving childhood hunger is about more than just food?Thomas Mantz, President and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, joins host Jennie Treby to explore the deeper challenges of food insecurity and how it impacts our communities, especially children. In this episode, they discuss:The staggering reality of food insecurity in the U.S.Why prevention is key to breaking the cycle of hunger and transforming livesHow Feeding Tampa Bay connects families to critical resources beyond foodNew research that shows why Weekend Backpack programs are not effectiveTune in to discover how we can all play a part in creating a world where nobody goes hungry—and why Mantz believes, "Nobody wins unless everybody wins."Links:Think Big for Kids - https://thinkbigforkids.org/Feeding Tampa Bay - https://feedingtampabay.org/More about Thomas Mantz:Thomas on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mantz-a8a13b33/About host Jennie Treby

All of us know families who are considered ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed). But we don’t always know how to support them.In United Way Suncoast’s 5-county area, 2 in 5 residents are considered ALICE – and today, host Jennie Treby interviews CEO Jessica Muroff about solutions they’ve seen break the cycle. Listen in as they discuss: 3 strategic areas of focus (early learning, youth success, financial stability)How to turn $1 into $1.75What’s changed in the 100 years since United Way fundraisers rode on horseback through the streets of TampaHow the United Way is leveraging data to implement community-specific programs throughout the U.S.Tune in to discover the one simple action YOU can take to change a child's future and how we can all play a part in creating a brighter future for our youth and families in need.Links:Think Big for KidsUnited Way SuncoastMore about Jessica Muroff:Jessica on LinkedInRecent posts and blogsActs of Impact: How Jessica Muroff Helps Others Rise (St. Petersburg College article and podcast)[Video] Jessica Muroff: State of United Way Suncoast 2024 and maximizing MacKenzie Scott’s giftAbout host Jennie Treby

Growing up, Freddy Williams was told his mouth was either going to get him in big trouble or do some good in the world. The Boys & Girls Club alumnus-turned-CEO joins host Jennie Treby to do some good in this podcast episode, discussing: How the iconic organization saved his lifeWhat strategic shifts are changing the approach they’ve taken for the last 20 years How prevention programs benefit communities and taxpayersWhat you may not know about Denzel Washington Freddy’s passion for helping the next generation shines through as he discusses the long-term impact of education, financial literacy and the support systems that ensure no child (or young adult) is left behind.Links:Think Big for KidsBoys & Girls Clubs of Tampa BayBoys & Girls Clubs of the SuncoastBoys & Girls Clubs of AmericaMore about Freddy:Freddy on LinkedInFreddy Williams tapped to become Chairman of the National Board of Directors for Boys & Girls ClubsBusiness Observer profileFreddy Williams to lead Tampa Bay Area Boys & Girls ClubsAbout host Jennie Treby