Ep. 12 | The Arts as a Lifeline with Debora Wondercheck

Ep. 12 | The Arts as a Lifeline with Debora Wondercheck

For some children, the arts are more than enrichment. They are a way to feel safe, seen, and connected. Debora Wondercheck, Founder and CEO of Arts & Learning Conservatory, joins FutureCurrent for a moving conversation about the role of the arts in the lives of young people. Drawing from her own family's story and more than two decades of work serving students across Orange County, Debora reflects on how access to high-quality arts experiences can change the trajectory of a child's life. The conversation explores why representation matters in arts education, how Arts & Learning Conservatory brings world-class productions into schools regardless of zip code, and the moments when a young person finds their voice, their courage, and a sense of belonging through music, theater, and creative expression. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Connect with Debora Wondercheck:Arts & Learning Conservatory: https://www.artsandlearning.org [https://www.artsandlearning.org] About Our Guest:Debora Wondercheck exemplifies impactful leadership and a commitment to social equity, drawing from nearly three decades in education and arts advocacy. As the founder and CEO of the Arts & Learning Conservatory, she has significantly advanced culturally inclusive artistic training for thousands of children in Southern California, believing strongly in the transformative power of the arts for youth and marginalized communities. In addition to her leadership role, Debora is a professor of string pedagogy, a skilled cellist, and an accomplished conductor, contributing to projects like "Gospel Voices of OC" that celebrate African American heritage. Her influence extends through numerous accolades, including being named the Arts Commissioner and Board Chair for Costa Mesa in 2024 and recognized as a Woman of Distinction by She Leads California. Debora's contributions have earned her spots among the most influential individuals in Orange County and recognition from prestigious outlets like the LA Times and Forbes Magazine. She actively supports various organizations, serving on multiple boards, and has received awards, including Woman of the Year for Costa Mesa. Under her leadership, the Arts & Learning Conservatory has won several honors, including Outstanding Arts Organization of the Year. Through her dedication, Debora Wondercheck inspires a commitment to inclusivity and equity, fostering a vibrant community for all.

Ep. 11 | The Path to Bright Futures for All with David Blair

Innovation in education often begins when someone is willing to do things differently. David Blair, Executive Director of Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation, joins FutureCurrent to share how a foundation built to serve all 28 school districts in Orange County is acting as a catalyst for change. From the new Future Innovators Initiative with Hyundai to the creative classroom solutions that deserve to be spotlighted, the conversation explores what becomes possible when private philanthropy, public education, and community partners are aligned around the same vision. David also reflects on his own path from professional opera singer to nonprofit leader, why he believes the answer should always come after the question, and how the foundation works alongside districts, schools, and local foundations rather than in place of them. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Connect with David Blair Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation: ⁠ocschoolsbff.org⁠ [https://www.ocschoolsbff.org] About Our Guest: David Blair serves as the inaugural Executive Director of the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation. A product of Orange County’s public schools and now a parent raising the next generation in the same community, David brings a deeply personal connection to the Foundation’s mission, and more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience to carry it forward. Before joining the Foundation, David spent over a decade serving youth across Orange County, building and strengthening partnerships with donors, educators, corporate sponsors, and civic leaders to expand college access, career readiness, and youth engagement programs reaching thousands of young people across multiple cities. David’s commitment to community extends well beyond his professional roles. He is actively engaged in community and civic leadership through local chambers of commerce and serves on the boards of multiple organizations dedicated to bettering Orange County. He has completed both the Philanthropy Leadership Institute and the Developing Annual Sustainability program through Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. A classically trained vocalist and former opera singer, David brings the same creative energy and ability to connect with an audience to his work in philanthropy, whether he’s on a stage, in a boardroom, or standing beside the students and educators this Foundation was built to serve.

Ep. 10 | Mentorship, Connection, and Showing Up for Youth with Sloane Keane

Mentorship can begin with one person who sees something in a young person before they fully see it in themselves. Sloane Keane, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, joins FutureCurrent for a conversation about mentorship, social capital, and the power of helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported. The discussion explores how trusted relationships can strengthen attendance, confidence, wellbeing, and a young person’s sense of what is possible.This episode also highlights OCDE’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters to bring mentorship directly to ACCESS students during the school day, reducing barriers and meeting students where they are.Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.Connect with Sloane Keane:Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire: https://www.ocbigs.org [https://www.ocbigs.org]Sloane Keane is currently chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, the second largest of 250-plus agencies nationwide. She currently serves on the California Volunteers Board of Commissioners and is Chair of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of California, the largest mentoring state association in the country. She joined the organization in 2013 as director of development and played a key role in tripling revenue. In her most recent position as chief development officer, she helped establish financial stability for the organization and steer new funding strategies. During Sloane’s tenure leading the development team, Big Brothers Big Sisters purchased a 57,000 square ft office building in an underserved neighborhood of Santa Ana and have developed it into the largest nonprofit hub in Orange County. Her efforts have supported ongoing growth in serving more than 4,000 youth annually across Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties with quality mentoring relationships. Sloane has an intrinsic belief in the power of mentoring, which has fueled more than 20 years of experience directing growth in business development, marketing and media sales for companies across the country, including the Discovery Channel and Orange County Register. Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters in a professional capacity, Sloane volunteered as a mentor with the organization from 2013 to 2015. Raised in Orange County, Sloane graduated from Pennsylvania State University and currently lives in Newport Beach with her husband and two sons.

Ep. 9 | Different, Not Disabled with Adán Correa

Adán Correa brings humor, honesty, and heart to a conversation about autism, advocacy, creativity, and what it means to be seen for our strengths. A proud graduate of Santa Ana High School and cast member of Love on the Spectrum, Adán reflects on the educators, coaches, counselors, and family members who helped him keep going. From wrestling and choir to voice acting, 3D printing, speaking, and advocacy, his story is a reminder that support can change the direction of a life.This episode invites us to see difference as strength, recognize the power of encouragement, and remember that no one moves forward alone. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.Connect with Adán Correa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrcorreaadan [https://www.instagram.com/mrcorreaadan]TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrcorreaadan [https://www.tiktok.com/@mrcorreaadan]Email: adancorrea15@gmail.com

Ep. 8 | Arts, Access, and Community with Casey Reitz

The arts play a powerful role in how young people see themselves and the world around them.Casey Reitz, President and CEO of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, joins FutureCurrent for a conversation about the importance of arts access, youth engagement, and community partnerships. The discussion explores how meaningful arts experiences support creativity, confidence, and connection for students across Orange County.This episode invites listeners to reflect on why the arts matter, how schools and community organizations can work together, and what becomes possible when creative expression is treated as essential, not extra. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.' Segerstrom Center for the Arts: https://www.scfta.org/ About Our Guest: Casey Reitz is the President and CEO of Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange County’s premier multi-disciplinary nonprofit arts organization, and a leader in innovation and community engagement. Since joining the Center in December 2019—just before the onset of the global pandemic, Casey’s steady leadership and clear vision guided the organization through unprecedented challenges. His commitment to transparent communication and financial stewardship ensured the Center’s resilience, allowing it to safely welcome audiences back to live performances and continue serving as a cultural cornerstone for the region. Driven by a lifelong passion for the performing arts, Casey has championed initiatives that deepen the Center’s impact and accessibility. Under his leadership, Segerstrom Center secured American Ballet Theatre as its Official Dance Company and launched dynamic new programs such as the Headliners and Speaker Series, broadening the Center’s reach and relevance. Casey’s vision is rooted in building a vibrant, inclusive arts community—one where everyone feels welcomed and inspired. Before his tenure at Segerstrom Center, Casey served as Executive Director of New York City’s acclaimed Second Stage Theater, where he led the historic acquisition and revitalization of Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theater. This transformative project not only expanded Second Stage’s footprint to Broadway, making it one of only four nonprofits with a permanent Broadway home, but also set new standards for accessibility, sustainability, and design. Under his guidance, Second Stage experienced significant growth, tripling its annual budget and eliminating its accumulated deficit, while hosting celebrated productions including Tony Award® winner The Humans and Tony nominee What the Constitution Means to Me. Casey’s extensive experience also includes leadership roles at The Public Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, Actor’s Express in Atlanta, and Webb Management Services. He has contributed his expertise as an Associate Consultant at the DeVos Institute of Arts Management and as a guest lecturer at leading universities including Yale, Columbia, NYU, and the University of Alabama. A three-time Tony Award® nominee and winner for Best Musical Producer of Dear Evan Hansen, Casey is an active member of the Broadway League, the Performing Arts Center Consortium, and serves as a Tony Awards voter. His influence has been recognized by the Orange County Business Journal’s OC500, Riviera OC Magazine’s Top 50 Power Players, and his recent appointment to the PBS SoCal Board of Directors. Casey holds an MFA in Theater Management from Yale University and a BA in Theatre from the University of Alabama. Beyond his professional achievements, his work is deeply personal: “The arts changed my life by giving me direction, purpose, and a greater capacity for happiness. I hope to bring the transformative power of the arts into the lives of our friends and neighbors, enriching our community with joy, meaning, and connection. He lives by the motto: “Take the work seriously, but not yourself.”