Voices of Impact

S2, Ep 1: Student Who Fled Venezuela Tells His Story (Ricardo Jugeshuarsingh)

Welcome to Voices of Impact. Listen to Shane, Isabella, and guest co-host Jim discuss SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, featuring Ricardo Jugeshuarsingh, a student who fled Venezuela with his father, a prominent opposition leader. The team explores the collapse of democracy through Ricardo's eyes, tracing his harrowing journey from the Maduro regime to safety in the United States. Key themes include the sensory reality of the refugee experience, the dangers of state propaganda, and the critical need for information literacy. The conversation highlights the personal value of freedom, challenging listeners to recognize the resilience required to survive authoritarianism and to never take democratic institutions for granted. To stay connected with the Voices of Impact Team, be sure to check out our website voicesofimpact.world. And PLEASE support their efforts by subscribing to the show and sharing it with friends and family all over the world. Voices of Impact has been made possible by the University of San Diego Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, PPC Profit Pros, and SchoolCAST, a Cloudcast Media program.

Ep. 12: Partnership for the Goals (Dr. Leon, Ahrens-Víquez)

Welcome to Voices of Impact. Listen to Shane, Isabella, Amulya, and Kenneth discuss SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, featuring Dr. Roberto Leon and Ms. Ashley Ahrens-Víquez, two leaders at the intersection of global collaboration, education, and international development. Dr. Leon and Ms. Ahrens-Víquez explored how cross-sector partnerships—between governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, and private organizations—are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Key themes include the role of international cooperation, capacity-building, and equitable resource sharing, as well as the challenges of aligning diverse stakeholders across borders. The conversation highlights real-world examples of successful partnerships, the importance of trust and accountability, and how youth engagement and local communities can amplify global impact. To stay connected with the Voices of Impact Team, be sure to check out our website voicesofimpact.world.  And PLEASE support their efforts by subscribing to the show and sharing it with friends and family all over the world. Voices of Impact has been made possible by the University of San Diego Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, PPC Profit Pros, and SchoolCAST, a Cloudcast Media program.

Ep. 11: Climate Action (Julian Thompson)

Welcome to Voices of Impact. Listen to Shane, Isabella, Amulya, and Kenneth discuss SDG 13: Climate Action, featuring Mr. Julian Thompson, a leading figure in community-driven climate initiatives. Drawing on Thompson’s work with Community Climate Action UK, the Great Collaboration, and grassroots sustainability projects, the episode explores urgent climate challenges including global warming, deforestation and biodiversity loss, and ocean conservation. The discussion weaves together global data, international policy efforts, and local action—highlighting how community engagement, innovative climate strategies, and cross-sector collaboration can drive meaningful progress in the fight against climate change. To stay connected with the Voices of Impact Team, be sure to check out our website voicesofimpact.world.  And PLEASE support their efforts by subscribing to the show and sharing it with friends and family all over the world. Voices of Impact has been made possible by the University of San Diego Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, PPC Profit Pros, and SchoolCAST, a Cloudcast Media program.

Ep. 10: Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions (ft. Dr. Andrea Briseño)

Welcome to Voices of Impact. Listen to Shane, Isabella, Amulya, and Kenneth discuss SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, featuring Dr. Andrea Briseño, a faculty researcher at Virginia Tech with a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Affairs. Dr. Briseño brought an academic and policy-driven lens to the conversation as the team examined three core global challenges: violence and conflict prevention, access to justice and legal protections, and institutional integrity and good governance. Drawing on global statistics, international case studies, and real-world governance frameworks, the discussion explores why conflict, corruption, and weak institutions persist—and what effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions can do to promote lasting peace and justice worldwide. To stay connected with the Voices of Impact Team, be sure to check out our website voicesofimpact.world.  And PLEASE support their efforts by subscribing to the show and sharing it with friends and family all over the world. Voices of Impact has been made possible by the University of San Diego Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, PPC Profit Pros, and SchoolCAST, a Cloudcast Media program.

Ep. 9: Gender Equality (ft. Exec Director Cooper, EIS)

Welcome to Voices of Impact. Listen to Shane, Isabella, Amulya, and Kenneth explore SDG 5: Gender Equality, featuring Ms. Sarah Cooper, Executive Director of the Elementary Institute of Science. Drawing on research, global statistics, and Cooper’s experience at the intersection of education, technology, and inclusion, the team examines three core challenges: eliminating gender-based discrimination, ending violence against women and girls, and ensuring equal participation and leadership opportunities across all sectors of society. The discussion highlights persistent global inequalities, alarming data on gender-based violence, and barriers to leadership and economic equity, while engaging with solutions ranging from education and cultural change to institutional reform and inclusive leadership models. To stay connected with the Voices of Impact Team, be sure to check out our website voicesofimpact.world.  And PLEASE support their efforts by subscribing to the show and sharing it with friends and family all over the world. Voices of Impact has been made possible by the University of San Diego Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, PPC Profit Pros, and SchoolCAST, a Cloudcast Media program.