First in Future

Dec 21, 2021

First in Future: Conversation with Governor Cooper

In this episode, we talk with North Carolina's Governor Cooper on his look back at 2021 and forward to 2022. 

Dec 8, 2021

First in Future: Can Kitty Hawk Take Flight?

In this episode, we focus on a college solution for 1.5 million NC adults. 

Nov 23, 2021

First in Future: Where Are The Workers?

In this episode, we focus on "Where Are The Workers" with guest host Sarah Hall, Senior Policy and Programs Manager; Andrew Berger-Gross, NC Department of Commerce, LEAD Division; Barbara Brothers, Business Engagement Director, Capital Area Workforce Board; Trey Goodson, Marketing Director, NC East Alliance. They discuss the “the most difficult hiring environment for employers in a generation or more and the most promising labor market for jobseekers in recent memory." 

Nov 9, 2021

First in Future: What NC Can Do About Hunger

In this episode, we focus on "What NC Can Do About Hunger" with guests Shevani Metha, Hunt Intern and NCSU Senior; Ron Dumas, UNC-Asheville and Ronnie Smith, past President of NCACC and Martin County Commissioner. They discuss the work of IEI's Pilot 21 focus on hunger. 

Oct 27, 2021

First in Future: Mental Health Reaches Critical Mass

n this episode, we focus on "Mental Health Reaches Critical Mass" with guests Chris Suggs, Founder Kinston Teens and Dr. Nora Dennis, Director, Behavioral Health, BCBSNC. They discuss making progress on mental health challenges. 

Oct 12, 2021

First in Future: The Future of Telehealth

In this episode, we focus on "The Future of Telehealth" with guest host Maggie Woods - IEI Policy and Program Manager and BAND-NC Program Director and guests Kim Schwartz - CEO of Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center, NC Representative Donny Lambeth and Dr. Sebastian Gimenez of the DHHS Office of Rural Health. 

Sep 14, 2021

First in Future: After the Flood Waters Recede?

In this episode, we focus on "After the Flood Waters Recede" with guests Jim Fox, former Director of NEMAC; Mayor Zeb Smathers of Canton NC; Jeff Howell, Yancey EMC; and NC House of Representatives Majority Leader, John Bell. 

Aug 17, 2021

First in Future: Power Of Affordability In Increasing Attainment with Toni Blount, Martha Quillin and Abdur-Raqib Gant

In this episode, we focus on the "Power of Affordability In Increasing Attainment" with guests Toni Blount - Regional Impact Manager, myFutureNC; Abdur-Raqib Gant - NCA&T student, and Martha Quillin - News and Observer reporter. 

Aug 3, 2021

First in Future: Power of Sports with Gabbi Cunningham, Hill Carrow and David Joyner

In this episode, we focus on the "Power of Sports" with guests David Joyner of the Rocky Mount Events Center, Hill Carrow of the 2027 World University Games and Gabbi Cunningham - NCSU Alum and 100M Hurdles Olympian. 

Jul 21, 2021

First in Future: Power of STEM with Peter Harries, Jamila Simpson and Thomas Redd

In this episode, we focus on the "Power of STEM" with guests Peter Harries - Dean of NCSU Graduate School, Jamila Simpson of NCSU College of Science and Thomas Redd of NC A&T State.