Free-ish in Higher Education

Voices that Move Policy: Michael Richardson and the Work of the National Skills Coalition

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:53:15 +0000

In this episode I sit down with Michael Richardson, Director of Worker and Student Voice at the National Skills Coalition (NSC), to talk about how policy can truly reflect the people it is meant to serve. Michael shares how NSC is working to build education and workforce systems that are more inclusive, more equitable, and better designed for students balancing school, work, and life.

As the leader of NSC’s Student Advisory Council, Michael helps bring lived experience to the policy table, shaping real solutions through initiatives like Making College Work. He opens up about his own journey from grassroots organizing to national advocacy and how storytelling continues to drive his passion for equity and opportunity.

Michael’s work reminds us that when students and workers are included in the conversation, policy becomes personal and that is when real change happens.

Be sure to check out the Making College Work publication using this link and visit nationalskillscoalition.org to see more of the incredible work happening at NSC.

Voices of Resilience: Elias Ramirez, Building a Better Future From the Ground Up

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:58:51 +0000

In this episode, I sit down with Elias Ramirez, a first-generation Mexican-American and proud Galveston County native whose story is nothing short of inspiring. From graduating with a degree in Public Service Leadership to leading food access programs at the Galveston County Food Bank, Elias has dedicated his life to fighting hunger, uplifting youth, and building stronger communities.

As President of the Hispanic Business Network of Galveston County, Elias is creating opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses while mentoring the next generation of leaders. He shares his journey of being first-gen, the challenges he’s faced, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up for his community.

Elias is more than a leader—he’s a warrior for equity, opportunity, and change. This conversation will leave you fired up and hopeful about the power of grassroots leadership.

To learn more about the Hispanic Business Network of Galveston County visit https://linktr.ee/hbngc

or follow on LinkdIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/hispanic-business-network-of-galveston-county/posts/

Women Who Lead: Paige Swanstein, Championing Student-Centered Solutions

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:20:02 +0000

In this episode, I talk with Paige Swanstein, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC), a national nonprofit working to end food, housing, and healthcare insecurity among college students. SBNC bridges technology, policy, and student leadership to drive systemic change — and has already connected students to over $27 million in SNAP and Medicaid benefits across 500 campuses nationwide.

Paige shares how SBNC’s programs, peer navigators, and policy advocacy efforts are helping restore the balance of power so students are included in creating solutions to basic needs insecurity. We also talk about how this work is shifting the conversation in higher education toward equity, well-being, and shared responsibility.

This episode is a powerful reminder that when students are part of the solution, change becomes not just possible, but unstoppable.

If you want to learn more or get involved, visit the Student Basic Needs Coalition: https://www.studentbasicneeds.com

Follow along on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sbnc

Women Who Lead: Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab and the #RealCollege Movement

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 19:10:00 +0000

In this episode of Free-ish in Higher Ed, I sit down with Dr. Goldrick-Rab, scholar activist and founder of the #RealCollege movement. Known for transforming student struggles into systemic solutions, Dr. Goldrick-Rab has spent her career centering students’ voices and fighting to make higher education more just and accessible.

From advising the Obama and Biden administrations to founding The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, Dr. Goldrick-Rab has been at the forefront of research and policy that redefined how we understand basic needs insecurity in higher education. Her work has illuminated the realities of food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship among college students while pushing for bold solutions like emergency aid, free community college, and national coalitions that put students first.

In our conversation, Dr. Goldrick-Rab shares what it means to lead as a woman in higher education, why a student centered approach matters, and how faculty, staff, and policymakers can step up to meet students’ essential needs.

Connect with Dr. Goldrick-Rab:

Website: https://saragoldrickrab.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saragoldrickrab

Learn more about #Real College: https://believeinstudents.org/advancing-the-realcollege-movement/

Women Who Lead: Dr. Kimberly Jones. Leading with Impact, Inspiring Change Through Representation

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:01:52 +0000

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kimberly Jones, a proud Latina, first-generation college graduate, and one of the less than one percent of Latinas in the U.S. who hold a doctorate. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Jones is a dynamic higher education leader and champion for equity and representation. She designs programs that empower student leaders, build belonging, and drive meaningful change from the inside out.

We talk about the power of representation, finding your voice in spaces that weren’t built for you, and what it truly takes to lead with authenticity. Dr. Jones shares how she broke through barriers, claimed her seat at the table, and uses her story to open doors for others.

Don’t miss her commencement speech, a moment of pride that perfectly captures her leadership and vision.

https://youtu.be/9t_5xgwwhIo?si=Gn03A3bmwPy-Oex2

To learn more about Dr. Jones and her work, follow her on LinkedIn or stay tuned for her upcoming speaking engagements and leadership projects.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyfjones/

Women Who Lead: Dr. Ja’Bette Lozupone, Transforming Lived Experience Into Meaningful Leadership

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:33:54 +0000

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Ja’Bette Lozupone, a former teen mom turned higher ed leader, executive coach, business owner, and unapologetic advocate for equity. Dr. Lozupone is the Founder of Wishful Doing LLC, a consulting firm built to awaken potential, amplify equity, and turn big visions into bold results. She also serves as Director of Student Affairs at Montgomery College, where she leads transformative work supporting student parents and vulnerable student populations.

In this raw and real conversation, Dr. Lozupone opens up about what it took to go from 16 and pregnant to a woman who leads systems, builds community, and holds space for others to rise. We also talk about how real impact often comes from the most personal places.

To learn more about Ja’Bette’s work, visit wishfuldoings.com or explore her leadership at montgomerycollege.edu.

Student Spotlight: Lynne Hamblin, Adult Education Advocate and Peer Leader at Rogue Community College

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:52:17 +0000

In this episode, I sit down with Lynne Hamblin, a passionate advocate for adult education and peer leader at Rogue Community College in Oregon. After earning her GED in 2021, Lynne returned to school while raising her twins and working on campus as a student employee. She recently launched a parenting club to support other student parents and has shared her story at conferences across the state.

Lynne speaks openly about what motivated her to finish her GED, how she pushed through fear and self-doubt, and why she believes in creating community for students who are often overlooked.

If you're thinking about going back to school or earning your GED, visit GED.com to explore your options.

Visit https://www.roguecc.edu/dept/PCE/default.asp to learn more about Rogue Community College Adult Education Programs

Texas residents can also explore local adult education and workforce resources here: https://tcall.tamu.edu/MAWAE.html

Real College Spotlight: Christina Hasaan, Community Builder and Creator of The Speakeasy

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:16:37 +0000

In this episode, I sit down with Christina Hasaan, a first-generation college graduate, teen mom, and community builder who has spent over a decade using education and storytelling to drive change. Christina currently serves the city of Philadelphia as a community leader in many ways. Christina leads workshops and builds meaningful connections across neighborhoods.

We talk about her journey through higher education, the barriers she overcame, and how she created a support system that helped her stay true to herself. Christina also shares about The Speakeasy, her new community event series designed to hold space for honest, unfiltered conversations rooted in joy and healing.

This episode highlights the power of showing up authentically and believing in your own story — especially when the world expects you to fit a certain mold.

If you want to learn more or connect, find Christina on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/christina-hasaan and stay tuned for updates on The Speakeasy.

Real College Spotlight: Frederick Shegog, Founder, Speaker & Advocate for Recovery and Equity

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:00:13 +0000

In this episode, I sit down with Frederick Shegog, founder of The Message LLC, motivational speaker, and advocate for recovery, mental health, and equity in education. Freddy’s story is one of transformation, from battling homelessness and addiction to becoming a college graduate and a national voice for student support.

He shares how real, personal support changed his life, what it means to create systems that truly serve students, and why he believes education should touch both the mind and soul. Freddy opens up about his mental health journey, how he stays grounded, and the legacy he’s building by using his voice to uplift others.

His journey reminds us that every student deserves to be seen, supported, and believed in.

Learn more about Freddy’s work at freddyshegog.com.

Explore the Real College Curriculum at believeinstudents.org/realcollege-curriculum

Real College Spotlight: Alisha Small, Wellness Coach, Advocate & Higher Ed Changemaker

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:00:15 +0000

In this episode, I sit down with Alisha Small, founder of Living Fulfilled Coaching & Consulting, a personal development coach, mentor, and advocate for student parents, students with disabilities, and workforce development. Alisha’s story shows the power of personal growth and mentorship to create real change.

She shares how her experiences as a non-traditional student and parent shaped her passion for helping others build confidence and break barriers. Alisha reminds us that representation matters — not just for her, but for everyone who comes after.

Her journey inspires us to lean into growth, advocacy, and community support so more students can thrive.

Learn more about Alisha’s work at livingfulfilledcoaching.com.

Explore the Real College Curriculum at believeinstudents.org/realcollege-curriculum

Creating Spaces for Critical Dialogue and Learning ft. Dr. Lance Bennett

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:38:09 +0000

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Lance Bennett, founder of The People’s Institute for the Common Good, an organization dedicated to creating spaces where people come together for honest conversations, shared learning, and imagining a better future rooted in justice and community.

Dr. Bennett’s work shows what’s possible when we create new spaces for connection and change. We discuss the impact his Institute is making, the conversations it’s sparking, and what’s coming next for this growing movement.

This episode reminds us that building space for everyone to be seen and heard is essential if we want real equity in higher education and our communities.

If you want to learn more or get involved, check out The People’s Institute linktree at: https://linktr.ee/instituteforcommongood and their upcoming July Lunch & Learn event on power and policy at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/power-in-policy-whats-at-stake-for-us-all-registration-1396500633989.

Student Spotlight: Jasmine Crawford, Dual Credit Trailblazer and Future STEM Leader

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:40:05 +0000

In this episode, I sit down with Jasmine Crawford, a dual-enrollment student who is deeply involved in her school’s STEM program, student council, spirit team, and varsity tennis. Her story shows what is possible when students are supported. When families stay involved and professors empower their students, students like Jasmine succeed.

Jasmine is a future STEM leader and a voice we need to hear. Her journey reminds us that representation matters and equity in higher education is non negotiable. We have to keep paving the way for students like her to succeed.

Juneteenth Spotlight: TABPHE

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:08:11 +0000

In this special Juneteenth episode, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Leslie to spotlight the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE). Dr. Leslie honors the legacy of the founders—pioneers who created space when there was none—and shares how the impact of their work is still being felt today. He also invites listeners to be part of the movement.

Learn more or get involved at TABPHE.org.

Why Free-ish?

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:49:46 +0000

In this first episode of Free-ish in Higher Ed, I share the story behind the name and why I had to start this podcast. This conversation is about what it means to be told you're free while still navigating barriers that say otherwise.

Free-ish is personal. It’s about chasing a degree in a system that wasn’t built for us, making space for all voices in higher ed, and telling the truth about access and equity. Whether you're a student, educator, or policymaker, this episode is an invitation to listen deeper.