Podcast

Nov 20, 2023

Navigating Conflict at the Holidays

In the latest episode of The Connector, IEI Director Sarah Hall speaks with MDC Vice President of Partnerships and Programs Calvin Allen and MDC Program Director Kathryn Gaasch about navigating conflict during the holidays. 

Nov 6, 2023

Previewing the 2024 Emerging Issues Forum

In the latest episode of The Connector, IEI Assistant Director Pat Cronin introduces the 2024 Emerging Issues Forum, Weathering Financial Storms: A Resilient Future for North Carolina Families. 

Oct 16, 2023

Checking in with Wake Forest University Pre-College Programs

In the latest episode of The Connector, Wake Forest University Pre-College Programs Executive Director Kyla Hollingsworth discusses the long-term impact of their College LAUNCH for Leadership program - a free, nine month leadership program that prepares high school juniors in Winston-Salem, Charlotte and surrounding communities for college. 

Oct 2, 2023

Expanding Digital Access in Western NC

In episode 18 of The Connector Podcast, IEI Digital Inclusion Initiative Leader Samantha Graham is joined by High Country Council of Governments GIS Analyst and Planner Tatiana Magee, and Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Regional Library Regional Director Amber Briggs to discuss how they got involved in digital inclusion planning, the biggest successes and challenges they’re seeing in the communities they serve, and how implementation funding will directly impact residents of western North Carolina. 

Sep 26, 2023

The Role of Libraries in Digital Inclusion

In episode 17 of The Connector Podcast, Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) Digital Inclusion Initiative Leader Samantha Graham and BAND-NC Project Specialist Jess Epsten are joined by State Library of North Carolina Digital Literacy Skills Coordinator Lori Special to talk about the critical role libraries play in expanding digital literacy and access across North Carolina communities. 

Sep 18, 2023

National Support for Bridging North Carolina’s Digital Divide

In episode 16 of The Connector, guest host and IEI Digital Inclusion Initiative Leader Samantha Graham is joined by National Digital Inclusion Alliance Policy Director Amy Huffman for the first installment in our newest series exploring the challenges and opportunities of bridging North Carolina’s digital divide. 

Aug 14, 2023

Checking in with Wilson Education Partnership

In episode 15 of The Connector, host James Herrick is joined by Institute for Emerging Issues Assistant Director Pat Cronin and Wilson Education Partnership Executive Director Robin Williams for the third installment of our “Checking In” series with members of IEI’s Educational Attainment Community Cohort. 

Aug 1, 2023

Checking in with Isothermal Community College

In episode 14 of The Connector, host James Herrick is joined by Institute for Emerging Issues Assistant Director Pat Cronin and Isothermal Community College Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Greg Thomas for the second installment of our “Checking In” series with members of IEI’s Educational Attainment Community Cohort. 

Jul 21, 2023

Checking in with Communities Supporting Schools of Wayne County

In episode 13 of The Connector, host James Herrick is joined by IEI Assistant Director Pat Cronin and Communities Supporting Schools of Wayne County Executive Director Selena Bennett.  

Jun 30, 2023

Pathways to the Workforce

In episode 12 of The Connector, host James Herrick is joined by Institute for Emerging Issues Director Sarah Hall and NC Tech Paths Director of Strategic Partnerships Ariana Williamson. Williamson talks with Herrick and Hall about her time on the Talent First Economics Task Force, the common barrier she has seen faced by groups of underrepresented workers, and the impact learning pathways are making in preparing workers for jobs.