Make A Difference Minute: See the Heart First

Make A Difference Minute: Preparing for an AI-Driven Future

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Dr. Antoinette “Toni” Farmer-Thompson, president of Strayer University, as she discusses the rapidly changing role of artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. Dr. Farmer-Thompson says the question is no longer whether AI will transform the way we work. That transformation is already happening. The challenge now is making sure students, especially working adults who cannot afford to be left behind, have the skills, tools, and credentials necessary to remain competitive. She believes higher education must help people become more than observers of emerging technology. Students need the opportunity to develop AI fluency and become practitioners who can use these tools to transform themselves and the organizations where they work. At Strayer University, that means incorporating AI throughout the educational journey, redesigning programs to meet changing workforce demands, and staying connected with hundreds of employer partners to better understand the skills businesses need. As technology continues to change the workforce, the purpose of higher education must also evolve to prepare people not only for the jobs of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow. This MADM is brought to you by Premier Structures, Inc., proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Athens All-Stars 6U State Champions & World Series Bound

Tonight, we’re celebrating a group of young athletes who have given Athens, Alabama, plenty to be proud of! The Athens 6U Girls All-Stars won the pre-area tournament, the area tournament, and then went undefeated to capture the Alabama state championship in the gold bracket! Now, these state champions are headed to the World Series, and they won’t have to travel far. They’ll have the opportunity to represent Athens and compete right here at the Athens SportsPlex! Tonight, I’m joined by Coach David Gough and the entire team: Treasure Allen, Paisley Adams, Emma Pope, Noey Miller, Kinsley Moore, Jade Grimme, Jincee Faulkner, Ella Lott, Emerson Duncan, Willa Claire Zirbel, Betsey Gough, & Gracelyn Kelley. You’ll hear from Coach Gough and each of these young athletes as we talk about their championship season, their favorite moments, what it means to be part of this team, and their excitement about playing in the World Series! A special thanks to team parent Christen Lott for reaching out and helping make tonight’s show possible. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: See the Heart First

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have children’s book author Ashley Nicole Seals as she shares the inspiration behind A Friend Like Kip, a story inspired by her youngest son, Kohen. The idea began when Kohen was in preschool. Ashley watched as he faced challenges in social situations, not because he wasn’t friendly, but because other children sometimes misunderstood the way he communicated and interacted with the world around him. At first, Ashley simply wanted to write a book Kohen could take to school each year to help his classmates better understand him. Through her work in special education, however, she realized there were many other children facing similar challenges. Too often, she says, children are noticed for their differences before others take the time to see their hearts. A Friend Like Kip introduces readers to a little boy who loves music, dancing, fall, and, most of all, his friends. Through his story, Ashley hopes to encourage greater kindness, empathy, understanding, and inclusion in classrooms and communities. You can find A Friend Like Kip on Amazon. This MADM is brought to you by Athens Bible School, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

A Friend Like Kip: Seeing the Child Before the Differences

On this edition of The Mark White Show, I’m joined by Ashley Nicole Seals, gifted specialist and special education director with Winfield City Schools and author of the new children’s book, A Friend Like Kip. Inspired by her youngest son, Kohen, Ashley wrote A Friend Like Kip to encourage kindness, inclusion, empathy, friendship, and a better understanding of children who may communicate, interact, or experience the world differently. During our conversation, Ashley shares her journey in education, how being both an educator and the mother of a child with autism has shaped her perspective, and why behaviors are often a form of communication that others may misunderstand. She also discusses the emotional journey of writing and publishing her first book, Kohen’s reaction to seeing himself represented in the character of Kip, and the overwhelming response the book has received from families and educators. Ashley also shares her hope that A Friend Like Kip will become a resource in homes, classrooms, libraries, and schools, helping start meaningful conversations about differences, understanding, acceptance, and friendship. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Vets to Cowboys

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Jeremy Clark with Vets to Cowboys as he shares how farmers and ranchers can play an important role in helping veterans discover purpose after military service. Jeremy says veterans entering agriculture need more than pamphlets, presentations, or financial assistance. They need experienced farmers and ranchers willing to open their operations, share what they know, and provide opportunities for hands-on learning. It's an approach veterans understand well. During military service, skills are developed through training and repetition until performing a task becomes second nature. Jeremy believes the same principle applies to agriculture. By working alongside experienced farmers and ranchers, veterans can develop practical skills, build confidence, and prepare for success in their own operations. Through Vets to Cowboys, Jeremy hopes to bring generations of agricultural experience together with veterans who are ready to learn, work, and discover a new sense of purpose after service. This MADM is brought to you by Green's Dependable Hardware, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️