CPA to CEO: How a Love for Service Transformed Beth Houghton's Career

23: Best of Standing In The Gap for Youth in Education & Mental Health

This "Best Of" episode showcases powerful stories and actionable solutions that address challenges in education and mental health. From breaking barriers to college access and expanding scholarship opportunities to equipping youth with tools for empowerment, these SPC guests provide invaluable insights and strategies for driving change. The episode also features Ryan Quattlebaum’s inspiring perspective on courageous leadership and Judge Moore’s compelling call to action for stronger community support. Together, their stories highlight resilience, innovation, and the importance of coming together to create lasting impact. Don’t miss these motivating conversations—tune in now! KEY POINTS:  - 2: From Student to Superintendent: Kevin K. Hendrick is Transforming the Future of Education - 14: Empowering Florida's Future: Addressing Skills Gap and Supporting Low-Income Students with Braulio Colón - 13: From The Ground Up: Choosing Courage Over Comfort in Healthcare Leadership & Innovation, with Ryan Quattlebaum - 8: The Power of Hope: How Zaneta Ellison is Transforming Lives Through Mental Health Awareness - 17: Faith, Fairness, and the Bench: The Honorable Patrice Moore’s Impact on Justice & Youth RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College [https://www.spcollege.edu/] Facebook | @stpetecollege [http://facebook.com/stpetecollege]  IG | @stpetersburgcollege [http://instagram.com/stpetersburgcollege] YouTube | @SPC [https://www.youtube.com/@SPC]  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college [http://linkedin.com/company/st--petersburg-college]  X | @spcnews [http://x.com/spcnews]  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/ [https://www.epyc.co/]

CPA to CEO: How a Love for Service Transformed Beth Houghton's Career

What does it take to lead with purpose and passion? In this inspiring conversation, we uncover how a career grounded in service and love for community transformed a CPA into a nonprofit CEO. From navigating law and accounting to finding her heart in advocacy for children, our guest shares invaluable advice for aspiring leaders, including the importance of pacing yourself and putting purpose first. Listen to the full episode here Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-from-cradle-to-career-ensuring-a-successful/id1736752420?i=1000678998439 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-from-cradle-to-career-ensuring-a-successful/id1736752420?i=1000678998439] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1aDpRoE5uC4RF6jXLNKtOZ?si=1f19ddf44dda4d57 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1aDpRoE5uC4RF6jXLNKtOZ?si=1f19ddf44dda4d57] Youtube: https://youtu.be/3_P3ydUPLpI?si=zM7mydFl6JfwsZgF [https://youtu.be/3_P3ydUPLpI?si=zM7mydFl6JfwsZgF] GUEST RESOURCES: Beth Houghton [https://www.jwbpinellas.org/team_members/beth-a-houghton/] LinkedIn | @beth-houghton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-houghton-676590a/] RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College [https://www.spcollege.edu/] Facebook | @stpetecollege [http://facebook.com/stpetecollege]  IG | @stpetersburgcollege [http://instagram.com/stpetersburgcollege] YouTube | @SPC [https://www.youtube.com/@SPC]  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college [http://linkedin.com/company/st--petersburg-college]  X | @spcnews [http://x.com/spcnews]  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/ [https://www.epyc.co/]

22: Best Of What It Takes To Be A True Leader

In this special "Best Of" episode, delve into how St. Petersburg College faculty and guests embody the essence of a TRUE LEADER by empowering their communities and extending support to those in need. From addressing education barriers to empowering mental health solutions, let’s reflect on important moments that inspire, take action, and showcase resilience. With insights on collaboration and strategies for impactful support, this episode is packed with takeaways for everyone. Tune in and discover what it means to lead and uplift. KEY POINTS:  - 1: Choose Courage Over Comfort: Dr. Kanika Tomalin on Leading Fearlessly & Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders - 13: From The Ground Up: Choosing Courage Over Comfort in Healthcare Leadership & Innovation, with Ryan Quattlebaum - 10: Leading with Heart: Gary Hartfield on Service, Entrepreneurship, and Social Justice - 7: The Power of Mentorship and Community: Leadership Stories from Dr. Williams and Melissa Seixas RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College [https://www.spcollege.edu/] Facebook | @stpetecollege [http://facebook.com/stpetecollege]  IG | @stpetersburgcollege [http://instagram.com/stpetersburgcollege] YouTube | @SPC [https://www.youtube.com/@SPC]  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college [http://linkedin.com/company/st--petersburg-college]  X | @spcnews [http://x.com/spcnews]  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/ [https://www.epyc.co/]

Nonprofit Careers: Choosing Purpose Over Profit with Habitat for Humanity’s Mike Sutton

In this thought-provoking segment, Dr. Tonjua Williams talks with Mike Sutton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, about finding purpose in the nonprofit world. Mike shares insights into balancing personal fulfillment and financial realities, dispelling myths around nonprofit salaries, and why he remains dedicated to Habitat’s mission. They discuss Habitat’s focus on sustainability, community investment, and how building a strong organizational culture can attract passionate, driven individuals to long-term nonprofit careers. Join us as we explore the meaningful rewards of nonprofit work, building culture, and how Habitat for Humanity changes lives beyond the homes it builds. Listen to the full episode here Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/18-how-habitat-for-humanity-empowers-families-communities/id1736752420?i=1000682421222 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/18-how-habitat-for-humanity-empowers-families-communities/id1736752420?i=1000682421222] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7y8rfTG21yS34IVNROY8jz?si=85d15dd8618b4b05 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7y8rfTG21yS34IVNROY8jz?si=85d15dd8618b4b05] Youtube: https://youtu.be/_ZlSREKZUic?si=enchnIqhDMYkMeln [https://youtu.be/_ZlSREKZUic?si=enchnIqhDMYkMeln] GUEST RESOURCES: Mike Sutton  LinkedIn | @mesutton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesutton/] RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College [https://www.spcollege.edu/] Facebook | @stpetecollege [http://facebook.com/stpetecollege]  IG | @stpetersburgcollege [http://instagram.com/stpetersburgcollege] YouTube | @SPC [https://www.youtube.com/@SPC]  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college [http://linkedin.com/company/st--petersburg-college]  X | @spcnews [http://x.com/spcnews]  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/ [https://www.epyc.co/]

21: How SPC Faculty Are Standing In The Gap for Students

How do educators bridge the gap between students' potential and their reality? In this episode, we sit down with an inspiring group of faculty from St. Petersburg College to explore the profound impact educators can have on their students' lives. Joining this conversation are: * Susan Demers – Dean of Public Policy, Public Safety, Ethics, and Legal Studies * Raquel Hairston – Principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School * Ryan Halstead – Principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, North Pinellas * Kimberly Jackson – Executive Director of the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions * Ian Call – Principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, Gibbs Campus Together, they share personal stories, teaching philosophies, and strategies to help students overcome gaps in confidence, resources, and opportunity. From building meaningful relationships to recognizing untapped potential, these educators reveal what it truly means to "stand in the gap." Tune in for an empowering discussion that highlights the transformative role of educators in shaping future leaders. KEY POINTS: [0:51] Susan's journey and teaching philosophy [9:55] Challenges and support for SPC’s students [18:25] How Susan stands in the gap  [19:08] Raquel's path to education and advocacy [27:43] How Raquel supports students as a principal  [28:42] Ryan's transition to education and leadership [37:08] Leadership as a cornerstone for students  [40:52] Tough job? An honor to be a principal of high school students  [45:10] What makes Collegiate High School stand out?  [50:32] Kimberly's staunch support for neurodiverse students [1:03:40] Ian's inspiration and mission for Collegiate High School QUOTABLES:  “The most common one is a gap in self-confidence. They do not feel like they know enough to even ask a question, so they're silent.” – Susan Demers  “It's important for us to examine those systemic structures, and just because we've done it this way for millions of years does not mean it's a path that we should continue, especially as we examine and see it's not working for a particular group of students.” – Raquel Hairston “Relationships are one of the key components to helping students be successful and just being a part of seeing what those relationships look like—-from predecessors that came in empowering students.” – Ryan Halstead “Standing in the gap means that you can't be what you can't see. [Students] may not have a straight line as they move on to whatever is in their future, but we have to have these tough conversations with our students who are struggling to understand and figure out what they want to do with their lives.” – Kimberly Jackson “It's important for everyone to stand the gap because these students are our future they're our future leaders. They're your future employees. What kind of employees do you want?” – Ian Call GUEST RESOURCES: Susan Demers [https://www.spcollege.edu/friends-partners/about/leadership/leadership-directory]  Raquel Hairston [https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-hairston-ed-d-6b6795ab/] Ryan Hallstead [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-halstead-39863858/]  Kimberly Jackson [https://isps.spcollege.edu/executive-director/]  Ian Call [https://www.fox13news.com/news/collegiate-high-school-in-st-petersburg-earns-award-for-providing-quality-education]  RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College [https://www.spcollege.edu/] Facebook | @stpetecollege [http://facebook.com/stpetecollege]  IG | @stpetersburgcollege [http://instagram.com/stpetersburgcollege] YouTube | @SPC [https://www.youtube.com/@SPC]  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college [http://linkedin.com/company/st--petersburg-college]  X | @spcnews [http://x.com/spcnews]  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/ [https://www.epyc.co/]