From First-Gen to Faculty: Professor Heather Jimenez’s Journey

Connecting Cultures: Jade Stoltz on Education, Exploration, and Community

Featuring Jade Stoltz, Director of Development, Goodwin Foundation In this inspiring episode of Community Conversations: From Local to Global Engagement, we welcome Jade Stoltz, Director of Development for the Goodwin Foundation, for a conversation about education, personal growth, and the value of global experiences. Jade shares her college journey and reflects on the experiences that helped shape her career and passion for serving others. She discusses how travel has broadened her perspective, introduced her to diverse cultures, and deepened her understanding of communities around the world. The conversation also explores Jade’s enthusiasm for learning new languages and how language study has enriched both her personal and professional life. From navigating new cultures to building meaningful connections across differences, she highlights the importance of curiosity, lifelong learning, and embracing new opportunities. Join us for an engaging discussion about higher education, leadership, cultural exploration, and the experiences that connect us from the local level to the global stage. 🎙️ Tune in to hear Jade’s insights on travel, language learning, and the transformative power of stepping beyond your comfort zone.

From Advisor to Assistant Provost: Dr. Jaria C. Bush’s Journey in Higher Education Leadership

In this episode, Dr. Jaria C. Bush shares her journey through higher education—beginning as an academic advisor and rising to Assistant Provost for Student Management at the University of Bridgeport. She reflects on the pivotal experiences that shaped her leadership approach and how she intentionally supports and empowers her staff along the way. Since the recording of this episode, Dr. Bush has transitioned from her role at the University of Bridgeport and relocated to Atlanta, marking an exciting new chapter in her professional journey.

From Bond to Comic Books: Exploring Culture with Dr. Brian A. Dixon

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Brian A. Dixon, a cultural studies scholar and college English professor with over twenty years of teaching experience. Dr. Dixon shares insights from his work at Goodwin University and his research on popular culture, literature, and media—from comic book archetypes and detective fiction to British sitcoms and the cultural legacy of James Bond. Blending scholarship, teaching, and creative writing, Dr. Dixon reflects on how cultural studies helps us better understand storytelling, identity, and the world around us.

From Practice to Professor: Lessons from a Respiratory Care Leader

Michael Murphy, Program Director of Respiratory Care at Goodwin University, shares his journey from practicing respiratory therapist to professor and academic leader. He reflects on the experiences that shaped his career, his transition into teaching, and his passion for preparing the next generation of respiratory care professionals.

Feeding Hope: Aubrey Roscoe’s Journey to End Food Insecurity in Connecticut

In this episode, we sit down with Aubrey Roscoe, a passionate public health leader whose career has been driven by one purpose — putting people and communities first. From her beginnings in community health to her leadership at the Institute for Hunger Research and Solutions at Connecticut Foodshare, Aubrey has dedicated her work to tackling one of our most pressing challenges: food insecurity. Join us as Aubrey shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the hope she finds in communities coming together to ensure every family has access to nutritious food. Her story is a reminder that lasting change starts with compassion, collaboration, and the courage to act.