The Connector

Apr 17, 2024

From Unbanked to Banked

In this episode of The Connector, The Collaborative Executive Director Marquita Robertson and Center for Responsible Lending Director of NC Policy Rochelle Sparko discuss what it means to be unbanked and how those without traditional bank accounts can protect their money.

Mar 26, 2024

How Benefits Can Support Financial Resilience

In this episode of The Connector, SaverLife Vice President of Research and Policy Mat Despard discusses how the benefits employees receive through their jobs - such as health insurance, retirement savings accounts and more - can help support financial resilience.

Image announcing episode 24 of The Connector Podcast featuring IEI Director Sarah Hall and IEI National Advisory Board Member Jack Cecil as guests.

Feb 15, 2024

Connecting the 2022-2024 Emerging Issues Forums

In this episode of The Connector, IEI Communications Intern Adam Sichel speaks with IEI Director Sarah Hall and National Advisory Board Member Jack Cecil about the 2022-2024 series of Emerging Issues Forums and how they tie together to support North Carolina's economic development.

Jan 17, 2024

Getting a Personal Finance Education

In the latest episode of The Connector, IEI Communications Director Jennifer Heiss interviews NC State and UNC finance instructor Melissa Hart about how students of all ages are getting an education in personal finance.

Dec 18, 2023

What Gives You Hope?

As the first full year of The Connector Podcast comes to a close, IEI Director Sarah Hall and IEI Director of Community Initiatives Samantha Graham ask the question: What gives you hope?

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.

The Connector podcast graphic. Featuring Kyla Hollingsworth, Executive Director, Wake Forest University Pre-College Programs.

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.