#6 Why Digital Access Matters—and What’s at Stake

#11 Leading with Purpose: A Conversation with PIQE’s new CEO and President Reyna Hernandez

In this special episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, host Iliana Gallego sits down with PIQE's new CEO and President, Reyna Hernandez, for an inspiring conversation about the experiences that shaped her life, her passion for educational equity, and her vision for PIQE's future. Reyna shares her personal journey, reflecting on her childhood, the unwavering support and advocacy of her parents, and the moments that inspired her lifelong commitment to empowering families and expanding educational opportunities. She also discusses what drew her to PIQE, the challenges facing families and educators today, and how communities can partner with PIQE to create brighter futures for every student. Join us as we welcome Reyna Hernandez and learn how her story, values, and vision will help guide PIQE into its next chapter.

#10 Academic Stress and How Families Can Support Their Students?

In this episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, host Iliana Gallego speaks with Dr. Kelly Greco, licensed clinical psychologist and Professor of Clinical Education at the USC Rossier School of Education, about the growing impact of academic stress on students. Together, they discuss the pressures students face today, warning signs families should watch for, healthy coping strategies, and practical ways parents and caregivers can support their children's mental health and academic success.

#9 Summer Break or Summer Build? What High School & College Students Should Really Be Doing

Should students spend summer relaxing or preparing for the future? In this episode, college counselor Maria Jose Lamadrid, founder of Admitology, shares how high school and college students can use summer break to grow personally, strengthen college applications, and still avoid burnout. A practical conversation for parents and students navigating academics, extracurriculars, and admissions. Scholarship Resources: https://www.fastweb.com/ https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search https://www.scholarships.com/ https://bold.org/scholarships/

#8 Voices of Change: Meet PIQE’s Inspiring Parent Ambassadors

In today’s episode, we highlight PIQE’s inspiring Parent Ambassadors—parents and caregivers who completed a PIQE workshop and stepped up as leaders to uplift their communities. Meet Julia Sosa, Myra Vera-Rizo, and Francisco Sanchez, three dedicated advocates using their voices and experiences to help families engage in their children’s education, build stronger partnerships with schools, and create meaningful change so all children can thrive.

#7 Women Who Lead: Breaking Barriers and Creating Opportunity

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode highlights the leadership and impact of three remarkable women who are helping shape stronger communities and expand opportunities for students and families. Rachel Hernandez, Mayor of Riverbank, California; Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, Deputy Director of Californians Together; and Gabriella Barbosa, Senior Portfolio Manager at Ballmer Group join host Ileana López, Vice President of External Relations at PIQE, for a conversation about how women across government, advocacy, and philanthropy are opening doors and creating lasting change.