Think Bigger Voices

How can communities ensure every student has the resources and support they need to succeed in one of America’s largest school districts, where 37% of students live in poverty?On this episode of Think Bigger Voices, Jennie Treby sits down with Dr. Lynette Henry, Executive Director of Educate Fairfax, a non-profit that serves over 183,000 students across 199 schools in the 10th largest district in the U.S. With 30+ years of experience transforming struggling schools in Tampa to community partnerships in Fairfax County, Dr. Henry shares her blueprint for success: connecting students to resources, opportunities and support systems that teach them to believe in themselves.In this transformative episode, you'll learn:● Dr. Henry’s personal story of coming to America from Barbados with only $200 and two suitcases to further her education and impact kids in need.● How strategic classroom and community partnerships can simultaneously boost attendance and reading achievement and decrease discipline referrals.● Strengthening social capital by connecting students with mentors, college resources and volunteers by meeting them where they are to guide future opportunities.● How Educate Fairfax’s strategic planning ensures students have what they need to thrive, from school supplies to food security, health care and vision support. This growth with purpose model is providing scholarships, grants, Innovators Fund programs and educator support.● The impact of business and community partnerships, including with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and Think Big for Kids, in co-creating pipelines for student success.From building trust to fostering teacher creativity and family support, this conversation highlights how intentional, strategic investment in education can change lives, create equity and prepare the next generation for the future workforce.Dr. Henry’s philosophy is simple: imagine the best for every child and make it happen. Because with the right access and encouragement, doors of opportunity open.Links:Educate Fairfax: https://www.educatefairfax.org/Fairfax County Public Schools: https://www.fcps.edu/Fairfax County Economic Development Authority: https://fairfaxcountyeda.org/Think Big for Kids: https://thinkbigforkids.org/More about Lynette HenryLynette Henry: https://www.educatefairfax.org/staff/lynette-henryLynette Henry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lynette-henry-246a55184/About host Jennie TrebyJennie Treby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-treby/

How can economic development organizations strengthen their communities by investing in the next generation of talent?In this episode, host Jennie Treby sits down with Mike Batt, Vice President of Talent for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (EDA), to explore how public, private and nonprofit partnerships are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.Mike shares how his 20-year career at Microsoft led him to a mission-driven role connecting companies with schools, why investing in students strengthens the whole community, and how innovative programs across the region are inspiring kids to dream bigger.Through collaboration with Think Big for Kids, Fairfax County Public Schools and Educate Fairfax, the Fairfax County EDA is creating a model for how economic development can begin long before the hiring stage – by helping students discover their potential, develop skills and connect education to real career opportunities. 💡 Key insights:●     The EDA’s approach to connecting regional talent, education and business growth through strategic partnerships, exposing kids early on to high-growth industries like technology, healthcare, government, space and cybersecurity.●     How economic development organizations can future-proof their regions by aligning business needs with education and youth development.●     How Think Big for Kids is shaping career pathways across the greater Washington, D.C. region by bringing businesses into schools to help students envision the careers available right here at home.●     The powerful impact of hands-on career showcases, field trips and STEM experiences, paired with mentorships and internships, to prepare students for success.●     Why investing in students is an economic strategy that strengthens local businesses, builds community equity and drives long-term growth.Tune in to hear how collaboration is helping tomorrow’s workforce discover what’s possible right in their own backyard.  ​​Links:Fairfax County Economic Development Authority: https://fairfaxcountyeda.org/Educate Fairfax: https://www.educatefairfax.org/Fairfax County Public Schools: https://www.fcps.edu/Think Big for Kids: https://thinkbigforkids.org/More about Mike BattMike Batt: https://thinkbigforkids.org/about-us/leadership/michael-batt/Mike Batt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-batt-4a95b6201/About host Jennie TrebyJennie Treby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-treby/

In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, Jennie Treby sits down with Effie Santos, former banker, author, TEDx speaker and founder of Madi’s Movement. After the devastating loss of her teenage daughter Madi, Effie transformed unimaginable tragedy into a legacy of hope and opportunity for youth aging out of the foster system.Effie shares her journey of resilience, the lessons behind her book The Power of the Pause, and how Madi’s vision inspired the creation of a nonprofit dedicated to helping teens and young adults aging out of foster care. Through services encompassing education, employment and empowerment, Madi’s Movement provides practical pathways to young people who often face homelessness, incarceration and other hardships. From GED support and driving programs to financial literacy and career pathways, the organization equips foster youth to become independent and thrive.Listen in to Learn:The inspiration behind Madi’s Movement and why the organization focuses on teens and young adults aging out of the foster care system.How the Advocate Program, Madi’s Movement Academy and Pathways to Employment work together to provide a comprehensive support system.The barriers foster youth encounter, from separation from siblings to limited knowledge of how to access education, jobs and even driver’s licenses.How Madi’s Movement equips teens and young adults with life skills like nutrition and wellness, financial literacy from budgeting to credit, and career readiness through resumes and interview practice.How anyone can “show up” to make a difference, no matter their background or resources.This episode highlights how Madi’s legacy is opening doors, providing consistent guidance and changing futures for foster youth who are too often left to navigate adulthood on their own.Links:Madi’s MovementThink Big for KidsMore about Effie SantosEffie Santos’ WebsiteEffie Santos on LinkedInAbout host Jennie TrebyJennie Treby on LinkedIn

How can safe spaces, digital literacy and community-driven programs reshape the future for young women in Atlanta’s hardest-to-reach communities?In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, host Jennie Treby sits down with Danita Knight and Sooraya Williams of YWCA Greater Atlanta to explore how the organization is breaking down barriers and expanding access to opportunity. Grounded in three core areas - advocacy and safety, health and wellness, and education and economic empowerment - the YWCA’s mission is about creating pathways to empowerment with programs like TGI Teens and the newly reimagined Phillis Wheatley Center.They discuss how TGI Teens equips young girls with coding, digital literacy and problem-solving skills, empowering them to design solutions for real challenges in their own lives. At the Phillis Wheatley Center, women and families will be able to access wellness and empowerment classes, such as cooking and gardening to exercise and financial literacy - all in an environment that amplifies their voices rather than prescribes their futures.Listen in to learn:●     How YWCA Greater Atlanta has been guiding women and teens to recognize that they hold their future in their hands - for over 120 years!●     Why listening to girls’ voices and letting them build solutions to their own challenges creates lasting resilience.●     How practical tools, digital literacy and community support are creating ripples of change and building stronger, more connected communities across Atlanta.●     Why parent engagement is key to building lasting confidence and resilience for their daughters and themselves. The YWCA Greater Atlanta proves that empowerment isn’t about handing women and girls a script - it’s about giving them the opportunity, access and confidence to write their own.Links:YWCA Greater AtlantaThink Big for KidsMore about Danita Knight and Sooraya WilliamsDanita KnightSooraya WilliamsAbout host Jennie TrebyJennie Treby on LinkedIn

In the fight against pediatric health disparities, are we missing the most powerful tools: connection, education and access? TampaWell, activated by Tampa General Hospital (TGH), is redefining disease prevention and tackling social factors negatively impacting health at the root.In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, host Jennie Treby sits down with Dr. Tanuja Sharma and Rachel Hoyer of TGH to explore how one of Florida’s leading hospitals is addressing health disparities in underserved populations. With over 40% of the U.S. population struggling to make ends meet, this is not a niche issue — it’s a national reality.Dr. Sharma and Rachel Hoyer unpack how systemic gaps, from a lack of primary care to chronic stress, are impacting kids long before they ever reach a hospital. They explore how TampaWell is responding with real, community-centered solutions – based on the proven success of a similar model in Italy!Listen in to learn:-      Why many children in underserved communities go without routine care, and what’s lost in the process.-      How fragmented support, environmental exposure and chronic stress impact physical and mental health.-      Why access and education are the foundation of lasting change, and how wellness classes and conversations at a young age build habits that carry into adulthood.-      Why access to nutritious food, physical activity, stress reduction, and social connection are essential pillars of care rooted in equity, dignity and proactive care.-      How community-focused programs, including educational activities, wellness coaching and volunteering, empower families to heal and grow together through cooking, gardening, exercise and giving back. TGH is redefining pediatric health, bridging the gap between medical, mental and community care. Dr. Sharma and Rachel Hoyer offer a behind-the-scenes look at how TGH’s TampaWell, with empathy at its core, is equipping families with the tools they need to flourish. Links:TGH Tampa WellThink Big for KidsMore about Dr. Sharma and Rachel HoyerDr. Sharma on TGH WebsiteRachel Hoyer on LinkedInAbout host Jennie TrebyJennie Treby on LinkedIn

What if the key to ending generational poverty wasn’t just access, but advocacy, athletics, and accountability?In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, host Jennie Treby travels to Atlanta to sit down with C.J. and Kelli Stewart, the powerhouse couple behind the L.E.A.D. Center for Youth. L.E.A.D.—short for Launch, Expose, Advise, and Direct—is transforming the lives of Black youth in Atlanta through sports-based youth development. From baseball diamonds to life coaching certifications, CJ and Kelli share how they’re helping at-risk boys and girls overcome life’s “curveballs” including crime, poverty, and racism with confidence, discipline, and purpose.Listen in to learn:●     Why sports like baseball and tennis are powerful tools for social-emotional growth and academic self-efficacy.●     How L.E.A.D. integrates trauma-informed programming, civic engagement, and mentorship starting as early as 3rd grade.●     What “major league citizens” are—and why C.J. and Kelli hold every student to that standard.●     How L.E.A.D. is building future philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and leaders by turning kids into alumni investors.●     The Stewarts’ new venture to elevate coaching standards with Pedagogy for Pros.With the right support and structure, young people don’t just survive adversity; they lead through it.Links:LEAD Center for YouthThink Big for KidsMore about the StewartsCJ Stewart on LinkedInKelli Stewart on LinkedInAbout host Jennie TrebyJennie Treby on LinkedIn

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