KConnect PACE Forward Podcast

Inside KConnect: A Year in Review

As we wrap up a pivotal year, members of the KConnect team come together to reflect on the wins, challenges, and lessons learned in 2025, and to share what’s ahead in 2026. From community impact and partnerships to moments that stretched us and sharpened our strategy, this conversation offers an honest look at how the work evolved over the past year. The team discusses what worked, what we’d do differently, and how those insights are shaping our priorities moving forward. Whether you’ve been alongside us all year or are just getting to know KConnect, this episode offers transparency, reflection, and a preview of what’s next.

Invest in MI Kids: Understanding the Movement

In this episode of the KConnect Podcast, we’re joined by Erika VanDyke, a longtime community leader and former organizer with the Urban Core Collective, to unpack the Invest in MI Kids ballot initiative and what it could mean for Michigan families. Whether you’re a parent, educator, advocate, or voter looking to better understand the issues impacting kids across Michigan, this conversation offers clarity, context, and a call to stay informed and engaged.

Countdown to Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

This episode provides a brief orientation to PACE 2026: Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?, framing how recent advocacy efforts and community needs are converging at a critical moment for children and families in Kent County. It explains the meaning behind the convening’s name, which reflects a real choice facing our region: fragmented responses that deepen instability, or coordinated action that strengthens systems and supports families. The episode also clarifies why this gathering matters now and how participants can prepare to engage thoughtfully and productively. The goal is to ensure registrants arrive with shared context, a clear understanding of the moment, and readiness to contribute to collective progress.

Reimagining the Future: Youth Voices Driving Systems Change

KConnect’s GRow1000 interns, Joseph Guerra-Sandoval and Sydnee Bos, reflect on their summer experience and share how it shaped their perspectives on creating change. Their conversation offers a glimpse into the ideas, lessons, and aspirations that emerge when young people are part of the work to build a stronger future.

Educators Turning Policy into Power

In this episode, we’re exploring the powerful intersection of education and policy with two inspiring guests who live at the heart of both. Dr. Christopher Cadogan of Lansing Public Schools and Yara Barbosa of East Kentwood High School are both current Teach For America Policy Fellows at KConnect. Join us to share how their experiences as educators are shaping systems-level change. Tune in for an honest conversation about advocacy, equity, and what it takes to bring classroom insights into policy rooms.