Advertise on podcast: Fresh Perspectives

Joining the conversation this week is Aimee Katz, an inspiring educator whose lifelong curiosity has shaped her career in the classroom. From teachers who pushed her to be her best self to meaningful school experiences, Aimee now strives to create those opportunities for her own students every day. They discuss the lasting impact of COVID-19 on academics and relationships, the need to rebalance subject focus, and how project-based learning can spark creativity and address gaps. Aimee reflects on the realities of teacher burnout and the ever-growing to-do lists, while celebrating the joy of watching children grow, flourish, and find their voices.

In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, hosts Nick Monzi and Calvin Sibert sit down with George Lee, an energetic Los Angeles educator who’s transforming his community through his enthusiasm, empathy, and purpose. George opens up about his own struggles in school and how these experiences shaped his mission to make a difference. From the challenges of burnout and turnover to the joy of seeing realized potential, this heartfelt conversation highlights what it means to lead with intention and the role neighborhoods can play for teachers and students alike.

Brian Scott, a dedicated science educator from Minnesota, joins the conversation to discuss the power of experiential learning. Brian shares his journey into the classroom, from a baseball coach to a teacher, channeling his passion for uplifting the youth. Swapping anecdotes, Brian discusses how his personal life guided his own teaching style by leveraging real-world experiences to engage students. From tackling stormwater pollution through art projects to empowering young scientists with field experiences and community engagement, Brian talks about the challenges in education and how creativity and collaboration can overcome them.

In the season premiere, hosts Nick Monzi and Calvin Sibert sit down with Tania Vellejo, a passionate program specialist with Communities In Schools, whose journey has been driven by one mission - to be the person she needed when she was younger. Tania shares her journey from a high school volunteer to growing into a leader who now supports students, families, and educators across 20 campuses through the ACE after-school program. She shares how these types of services play a crucial role in providing support and structure. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of today’s education landscape, from technology to social media, the lasting impact of mentorship, and a reminder that being present can change a life.

In this season finale, Nick and Calvin sit down with Jordan Thew and Josh McQuillan from the Boys & Girls Club of Fox Valley to explore how out-of-school-time (OST) programs are transforming student outcomes across Wisconsin. Jordan and Josh share their personal journeys into youth work, how leading with purpose brought them to the Boys & Girls Club, and what keeps them dedicated. They discuss how OST programs fill important gaps left by the school day—offering everything from educational support to enrichment activities, sports, and exposure to the arts—and how expanding that impact without losing community trust requires meaningful relationships and leadership rooted in care. Along the way, they highlight the real-world challenges OST providers face, from funding to transportation, and why personal relationships remain at the heart of educational success. Find a club near you: https://www.bgca.org/

Ron Ottinger, a pioneer in out-of-school STEM education and Executive Director of STEM Next Opportunity Fund, joins the hosts to discuss the untapped potential of afterschool programs and summer learning. From the success of the Million Girls Moonshot to the creation of community-driven ambassador programs like Flight Crew, Ron emphasizes the importance of creating environments where students can experiment, fail, and discover what makes them tick. With the launch of STEM Ready America, the conversation highlights why shifting the STEM narrative matters, especially for students historically excluded from the STEM pipeline, and how out-of-school programs are uniquely positioned to do just that. Learn more at: https://stemnext.org

S5: E3 – Emily Ong on Equity, AI, and the Future of Girls Who Code Emily Ong, Director of Partner Development at Girls Who Code, joins us for a powerful conversation about community, culture, and coding. Rooted in her background in organizing and a deep belief in doing “good work with good people”, Emily shares how Girls Who Code is evolving its strategy to meet the moment and the importance of inclusion in building a future where technology works for everyone. It’s not just about teaching the essential skills; it’s creating a community of support that extends beyond graduation, providing access and pathways for success in tech. Emily reminds us: saving one student isn’t enough. To learn more about their work, visit: https://girlswhocode.com/

What does it take to launch a professional sports team and embed purpose into every play? Veronne Clark, the first Director of Community for the Golden State Valkyries, joins our hosts to reflect on her path through the NFL, NBA, and more—and the question that’s guided her throughout it all: what am I good at? This episode dives into how sports and education can team up for real change. Check out the Valkyries at https://valkyries.wnba.com/

In this season’s debut episode, Nick and Calvin sit down with Jordan Toma, motivational speaker and author of "I’m Just a Kid with an IEP,” for an inspiring conversation. Jordan shares his personal journey through school, what social-emotional learning (SEL) truly means for students, and why educators must meet students where they are. Jordan brings lived experience and heartfelt insight into building confidence, self-worth, and hope—especially for those who feel unseen. To learn more about Jordan's story, visit: https://www.jordantoma.com/

In our season finale, Nick and Calvin are joined by Rico Francis, the first Social Impact Director at the Pacers Foundation, the public charity founded by Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Rico shares his journey from attending after-school programs to leading them in college, ultimately shaping his career in youth services. The conversation dives deep into the realities of nonprofit work, strategies for creating sustainable programs, and the critical importance of mental health in supporting youth. Don't miss this powerful exploration of impact and resilience!  Check out their work at: https://pacersfoundation.org/ CW: 43:00 - 44:00

Nick and Calvin talk with Ebony Grace, CEO of New Jersey's Afterschool & Out-of-School Time Professional Network, to explore the significance of non-traditional educational spaces. Ebony shares the innovative tools her organization employs to uplift students and service providers alike, showcasing the power of building strong networks from the ground up. Through personal anecdotes, they discuss how their backgrounds led to their current roles in supporting students towards brighter futures. Learn more about their work at: https://www.njsacc.org/

Join us for a special feature of the Mizzen Meets webinar hosted by Carlos Santini, CEO of Mizzen, a nonprofit providing free resources to educators across the country, featuring our host Nick Monzi. The two reflect on their professional journeys since first connecting in 2015, sharing insights on creating impactful learning experiences and the critical importance of STEM equity in education. As Carlos says, “Attention + Intention = Retention,” their discussion delves into strategies to engage and inspire both educators and students to create successful programs. https://www.mizzen.org/

In this episode, Nick and Calvin welcome Henry Donahue, Executive Director of Save The Music, a nonprofit dedicated to providing equitable music education across the U.S. through access to instruments and programs. Henry opens up about the life-changing power of music in the classroom and its role in shaping his own career. Together, they discuss how music empowers youth, fosters creativity, and strengthens communities, as well as the innovative J Dilla Music Tech Grant that bridges technology and art. Tune in to explore how music is a vital tool for self-expression and empowerment! https://www.savethemusic.org/

In this season premiere, Nick and Calvin talk with former NBA TV personality and podcaster, Leigh Ellis. He takes us through the moment he turned his career around, leaving the booth in search of pick-up games around the world and the stories in between – like the infamous shoot-out with Steph Curry. Tune in as they discuss career exploration, the life lessons travel teaches you, and the beauty of cross-cultural exchange from playing 3x3 pick-up basketball. To learn more about Leigh's work, visit: https://basketballpassport.net/