Think Bigger Voices

What if first-generation college students had a support system that started in kindergarten and stayed with them through graduation and beyond?In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, host Jennie Treby sits down with Dr. Deonte Brown, Director of the CARE Program at Florida State University (Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement), to explore how one of the country’s most comprehensive support systems is transforming outcomes for first-gen, low-income, and underserved students. From early intervention in rural elementary schools to mentorship, career prep, and financial aid navigation in college, CARE is redefining what it means to empower students for long-term success.Listen in to learn:●     How Title 1 schools offer very limited access to AP courses, IB courses or accelerated mechanisms like dual enrollment, placing students at an unfair advantage for college prep.●     How CARE helps students navigate college applications, housing, financial aid, and culture shock before they ever arrive on campus.●     Why community and connection are critical for first-gen student success, and how CARE builds both.●     The power of walking families through the college journey alongside their student.●     How CARE prepares students for life after college, from graduate school readiness to real-world mentorships.●     Why Dr. Brown’s own first-gen experience drives his passion for helping students thrive, not just survive.With nearly 3,000 students in its network, CARE proves that when you build trust, structure, and opportunity, students thrive.Links:The CARE Program at FSUThink Big for KidsMore about Dr. Deonte BrownDr. Deonte BrownDr. Deonte Brown on LinkedInAbout host Jennie TrebyJennie Treby on LinkedIn

What if a high school education could include AP classes, extracurricular activities, and corporate work experience, starting at age 14? In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, host Jennie Treby sits down with Dr. Patrick Liang, President and CEO of Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School, an educational model transforming the future for low-income students by blending rigorous academics and real-world corporate work experience in a warm, family-centered community. With a 100% college acceptance rate, Cristo Rey equips first-generation students to break the cycle of poverty by giving them what few high schools offer: opportunity, structure, and confidence.Listen in to learn:●     How Cristo Rey is a network of 40 schools across the country combining AP courses, corporate internships, and a values-based education.●     Why starting work study as a freshman helps students build confidence, soft skills, and career readiness.●     The importance of mental health support, food access, and trauma-informed care in student success.●     How Cristo Rey partners with 60+ universities and top employers to ensure students not only go to college—but graduate.●     What makes Cristo Rey Tampa’s students some of the most resilient, motivated, and employable young people in the region.From BayCare to JP Morgan, Cristo Rey students are showing the world what’s possible when hard work meets high expectations.Links:Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High SchoolThink Big for KidsMore about Dr. Patrick LiangDr. Liang on LinkedInAbout host Jennie TrebyJennie Treby on LinkedIn

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 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