Standing In The Gap

Hosted by St. Petersburg College

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Jan 2025

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Welcome to Standing In The Gap, a presidential podcast hosted by Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College. Through candid conversations and personal stories from our highly esteemed guests and St. Petersburg College administrators and students, each voice embodies the ethos of Standing In The Gap—offering second chances, speaking up for those without a voice, and fostering opportunity for all. Join Dr. Tonjua Williams on a journey towards positive change in education and empowerment for our community - whether it's providing advocating for colleagues, supporting students, or amplifying voices. Tune in to be inspired by the power of education and mentorship in shaping a brighter future - let’s explore together the profound impact of supporting others by Standing In The Gap.

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42 recent

January 28, 202521 min

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 Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

January 21, 20255 min

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 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1aDpRoE5uC4RF6jXLNKtOZ?si=1f19ddf44dda4d57 Youtube: https://youtu.be/3_P3ydUPLpI?si=zM7mydFl6JfwsZgF GUEST RESOURCES: Beth Houghton LinkedIn | @beth-houghton RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

January 14, 202521 min

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 Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

January 7, 20252 min

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 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7y8rfTG21yS34IVNROY8jz?si=85d15dd8618b4b05 Youtube: https://youtu.be/_ZlSREKZUic?si=enchnIqhDMYkMeln GUEST RESOURCES: Mike Sutton LinkedIn | @mesutton RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

December 31, 20241 hr 14 min

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 Raquel Hairston Ryan Hallstead Kimberly Jackson Ian Call RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

December 24, 20243 min

Rebuilding the Village: How We Lost—and Can Regain—Community Trust with The Honorable Patrice Moore

What happened to the strong sense of community we once had? In this heartfelt discussion, we explore the values of gratitude, giving back, and fostering trust with our neighbors. From lessons learned in childhood to the challenges of modern life, this segment examines how we can rebuild the bonds of community and support one another in meaningful ways. Listen to the full episode here Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/17-faith-fairness-and-the-bench-the-honorable/id1736752420?i=1000675718132 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OZzrlRDxKPYb7c0xrV54F?si=67c01a478ce747d0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/0sqHj7x_1B4?si=_OVRK2tb6naNATSb GUEST RESOURCES: Judge Patrice Moore | @the-honorable-patrice-moore/ RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

December 17, 202443 min

20: The Power of Mentorship: How Dr. Ernest McDonald Went From 6th Grade Dropout to Doctor

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Dr. Ernest McDonald to explore the themes of leadership, decision-making, and overcoming fear and inadequacy. Dr. McDonald shares his remarkable journey from dropping out of school in sixth grade to earning a doctorate in pharmacy and becoming a Clinical Pharmacist at Largo Medical Center. Through honest reflections, he discusses the challenges he faced, including financial struggles, academic setbacks, and feelings of inadequacy, and how he found the courage to persevere. With the support of programs like Brother to Brother and mentors who believed in him, Dr. McDonald emphasizes the transformative power of community, mentorship, and asking for help. He highlights the importance of continuous learning, leveraging technology for growth, and building a strong support network. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of education, offering hope and inspiration for anyone striving to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about breaking barriers and making an impact. KEY POINTS: [1:11] - Introduction to Dr. Ernest McDonald [02:25] - Dr. McDonald's early experiences at St. Petersburg College [06:42] - The pivotal role of the Brother to Brother program [09:12] - Dr. McDonald's journey after SPC [10:07] - The responsibilities and challenges of being a lead pharmacist [16:11] - The inner drive and determination that kept going [23:39] - Dr. McDonald's advice to his younger self and the importance of overcoming fears [31:33] - Leadership style:The value of authenticity and willingness to learn [36:36] - What’s next? Dr. McDonald’s vision the help the community QUOTABLES: "Don't run from fear. Lean into it. Overcome it." – Dr. Ernest McDonald "Individuals do not rise to the level of their expectation, they fall to the level of their training." – Dr. Ernest McDonald "Your fear and your lack of knowing, of feeling inadequate, don't let it feed into that, because it's an endless pit." – Dr. Ernest McDonald GUEST RESOURCES: Dr. Ernest McDonald LinkedIn | @ernest-mcdonald-pharmd-cph-bcps RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

December 10, 20243 min

Why Construction is a Career You Shouldn’t Overlook | Joshua Bomstein

In this segment, Dr. Tonjua Williams and Joshua Bomstein, President of Creative Contractors Inc., dive into the "war for talent" in the competitive real estate and construction market. They discuss the challenges of finding skilled workers, the importance of career and technical education, and how the construction industry offers rewarding, impactful careers. Discover what makes construction a viable career choice and how education can help fill the talent gap. Listen to the full episode here Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/16-giving-back-building-up-joshua-bomstein-on-creating/id1736752420?i=1000673942021 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2etZEdRcFLZE9LdAerNsOS?si=46a91866a275422c Youtube: https://youtu.be/Aqe4frRi0sY?si=ne0ISB91SpbMFuc5 GUEST RESOURCES: Joshua Bomstein LinkedIn | @joshua-bomstein-leed-ap-6389952 RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

December 3, 202430 min

19: From Cradle to Career: Ensuring a Successful Start for Every Child with Beth Houghton

In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Beth Houghton, CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB), for an eye-opening discussion about supporting children and families. Beth shares JWB’s mission to create brighter futures by focusing on critical areas like early childhood development, mental health, and family well-being. From the astonishing fact that 80% of brain development occurs by age three to JWB’s innovative programs that bridge gaps in childcare, education, and wellness, this episode dives deep into what it takes to nurture a thriving community. Beth also offers actionable advice for pursuing a purpose-driven career and highlights the importance of understanding the unique needs of those you serve. Whether you’re passionate about child welfare, community leadership, or personal growth, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in to explore how bold leadership and strategic initiatives are transforming lives one child at a time. KEY POINTS: [1:25] Beth's career background and transition to the Juvenile Welfare Board [2:43] JWB’s three main ways of engaging with the community [4:00] On learning JWB's five strategic pillars [5:05] The importance of early childhood brain development [09:10] Key efforts to provide resources and support for parents [13:07] JWB's focus on early mental health interventions [17:07] Heart in service: Beth on being a CPA to CEO [21:32] Challenges and responsibilities faced as a CEO [24:26] Beth's legacy to stand in the gap – JWB in caring for children & families [26:15] The need for better pay and support for early childhood educators QUOTABLES: "Stay focused on where you want to go in the long run, and some of the chapters won't be as good — but if you're focused out there on the right things, you'll see opportunities as you go." – Beth Houghton "We engage in the community. We fund programs that exist in the community [or] programs that are developed for kids and families. We want to see this in Pinellas County. We also borrow or create campaigns within the community where educating all parents or all folks who take care of kids is our goal." – Beth Houghton GUEST RESOURCES: Beth Houghton LinkedIn | @beth-houghton RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

November 26, 20248 min

Why Every Girl Deserves a Circle of Support Like Girl Scouts

Why Girl Scouts? In this segment, we explore the unique power of Girl Scouts to create a supportive, non-competitive environment where girls can thrive. From building resilience and embracing uncertainty to fostering respectful disagreements and mental well-being, we discuss how Girl Scouts prepares girls to lead with empathy, curiosity, and confidence in today’s complex world. Listen to the full episode here Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/15-cultivating-confidence-compassion-and-community/id1736752420?i=1000671375172 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pScRHfSHhDQezG8zy9g1Z?si=4ec849c4912a4fb3 Youtube: https://youtu.be/quypwpbHbIY?si=NvbKJ4yvOM4OpGTM GUEST RESOURCES: Mary Pat King LinkedIn | @marypatking RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college X | @spcnews Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/