Podcast
Who decides the future of education? We all do.
Our State of Education is The Skillman Foundation’s monthly show featuring a variety of voices, together forming a new vision for Michigan’s K-12 schools.
Tune in to hear students, parents, teachers, business leaders, policymakers, and more, hashing out the most pressing needs and promising solutions in schools. Our State of Education lets you know what’s happening in education and what you can do to support it.
Our State of Education airs on WJR radio (channel 760 AM) and is available to livestream online at WJR.com. Every episode recording will be available here, on YouTube, and on all podcast platforms.
We want to hear from you!
What questions do you have about Our State of Education? Submit your questions about education in Detroit and Michigan for a chance for your question to be featured on the podcast and answered by our guests.
This month on Our State of Education
Strong communities are built by people who choose to show up for one another.
Across Michigan, nonprofits, foundations, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations work every day to tackle challenges, create opportunity, and improve lives. While their approaches may differ, they share a common goal: helping communities thrive.
On this episode of Our State of Education, hosts Angelique Power and Lloyd Jackson explore the role that philanthropy and nonprofits play in strengthening communities and supporting long-term change. From investing in new ideas and building partnerships to responding to community needs and supporting the people doing the work, these organizations help create the conditions for progress.
Hear from Yazeed Moore of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Dave Egner of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Wendy Lewis Jackson of The Kresge Foundation, and Kelley Kuhn of the Michigan Nonprofit Association as they discuss leadership, collaboration, community investment, the challenges facing the nonprofit sector, and what gives them hope for Michigan’s future.
All Episodes
Featuring: Senator Darrin Camilleri, president & CEO of Bridgwater Interiors and The Skillman Foundation Board Chair Ron Hall, and Senator Ed McBroom
Featuring: Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Genesse County Sheriff Chris Swanson
Featuring: Professor john powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute
Featuring: Messiah Bethel, senior at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy; Leela Dahabra, junior at International Academy–Oakland; and Grace Geresy, junior at Grosse Pointe South High School
Featuring: CEO of Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Lawrence Hood & Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District Dr. Nikolai Vitti
Featuring: former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, president & CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy Monique Stanton, & data, research, and communications organizer for 482Forward Kayla Tate
Featuring: assistant superintendent of family and community engagement of Detroit Public Schools Community District Sharlonda Buckman, president & CEO of Detroit Parent Network Jametta Lilly, and parent perspectives from Angela Khater and Brandon Sylvester
Featuring: Bethany Little, managing principal at EducationCounsel, and Regina Bell, chief policy officer at the Council of Michigan Foundations
Featuring: Lori Higgins, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Detroit, Isabel Lohman, education reporter at Bridge Michigan, and Sascha Raiyn, news reporter at WDET
Featuring: State Senator Sarah Anthony; Venessa Keesler, president & CEO of Launch Michigan; and Craig Thiel, research director of Citizens Research Council
Featuring: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Glenn Maleyko
Featuring: Mayor Mary Sheffield; Dr. Chanel Hampton, senior director of youth and education & special liaison to the mayor; Jerjuan Howard, director of youth affairs, City of Detroit; Imani Foster, communications lead of 482 Forward
Featuring: Director of MiLEAP Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Chief Operating Officer of Henry Ford Health System Denise Brooks-Williams, Chair of Huntington Bank Gary Torgow, and former Michigan Representative and Partner at Plunkett Cooney Tom Leonard
Featuring: Yazeed Moore, director of Michigan programs at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation; Dave Egner, president & CEO of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation; Wendy Lewis Jackson, managing director of Detroit program at The Kresge Foundation; and Kelley Kuhn, president & CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association