Welcome to Together for Together for Change, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of systems change and civic infrastructure. In this episode, we interview a Cradle to Career Network member who won the Bill Henningsgaard Cradle to Career Champion Award at our 2024 Cradle to Career Network Convening and learn more about the work that won them this award. Learn more at StriveTogether.org . Learn more at StriveTogether.org ....
Jun 03, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Welcome to Together for Together for Change, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of systems change and civic infrastructure. In this episode, we interview Cradle to Career Network members who won the Cheryl Broadnax Award for Innovation and Results at our 2024 Cradle to Career Network Convening and learn more about the work that won them this award. Learn more at StriveTogether.org ....
Mar 17, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Welcome to Together for Together for Change, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of systems change and civic infrastructure. In this episode, we interview Cradle to Career Network members who won the Nancy Zimpher Courage in Leadership Award at our 2024 Cradle to Career Network Convening and learn more about the work that won them this award. Learn more at StriveTogether.org .
Feb 14, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Welcome to Together for Together for Change, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of systems change and civic infrastructure. In this episode, we reflect on the Cradle to Career Network’s largest in-person gathering to date — the 2023 Cradle to Career Network Convening. We also look back at some of our favorite moments from recent episodes as we close out this season of the podcast. Learn more at StriveTogether.org ....
Oct 03, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Policy plays a critical role in the work of systems transformation. In this episode, we explore different approaches to policy work and show why it can be effective for achieving results at scale. Featured guests include: Ryan Lugalia-Hollon, Chief Executive Officer of Up Partnership in San Antonio, Texas. Haley Simmons, Chief Public Policy Officer at Seeding Success in Memphis, Tennessee, and Stacy Schweikhart , Chief Executive Officer at Learn to Earn Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Learn more at Stri...
Sep 18, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Part of the work in transforming systems is understanding how different social systems intersect: education, housing, health, criminal justice, etc. On the flip side, there is a large cross section of social impact organizations who have different but overlapping approaches. In this episode, we’ll talk about the role civic infrastructure plays in building collaborative relationships where organizations can work toward a common vision. And, we’ll discuss how this approach can transcend internatio...
Sep 04, 2023•40 min•Season 3Ep. 7
When it comes to solving large problems and creating population-level results, the idea of treating urgent symptoms often seems in conflict with developing a cure. In this episode, we talk about a both/and approach in addressing issues to get “population level results.” And, we finally get consensus on what “population level results” means. Featuring Marian Urquilla, co-founder at the Center for Community Investment. Learn more at StriveTogether.org ....
Aug 21, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 6
To achieve economic mobility for every child, we must organize systems around youth, not institutions. This is the fundamental shift network communities make as they change the way they work together. To achieve economic mobility for every child, we must organize systems around youth, not institutions. This isn’t just a talking point, it’s really taking a very different approach to the work of policy and developing relationships within a community. This episode features Richard Raya, chief strat...
Aug 07, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 5
When people talk about evidence-based decision making, they’re really talking about data. Data can support good decision making about policies, the allocation of resources, and provide a real-time look at how solutions are faring. But how do we make decisions on what to measure? Why does StriveTogether love data so much? And, does the data love us back? This episode features Sarah Rosen Wartell, president of the Urban Institute, and Ashwina Kirpalani-Vasanjee, vice president of insights and anal...
Jul 24, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 4
From schools to systems, we often talk about transformation as if it we were resetting or rebuilding things. But what if we instead approached this work as a rethink? What would this mean for our work in education, in policy, and elsewhere? This episode features Frederick Hess, senior fellow and the Director of Education Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, and one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Cradle to Career Network Convening. For more information on the Great School ...
Jul 10, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Zig Ziglar once said, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” To achieve results, it is necessary to have a clear, measurable, and defined targets. Even though different social impact organizations might have different approaches to the work, it is important to be aligned in vision. For example, how does one define systems transformation and economic mobility? How can it be defined in a way that is scalable and sustainable but also meaningful for those at the center of that work? Th...
Jun 26, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 2
The North Star is the only bright star whose position relative to a rotating Earth does not change. For StriveTogether, that North Star is economic mobility and creating equitable pathways for every child to have the best possible opportunity. This involves both transforming systems and delivering outcomes. And, it involves placed-based communities. So what does it mean to get better results? This episode features Jennifer Blatz, President and CEO of Strive Together and Lisandra Gonzales, CEO of...
Jun 09, 2023•37 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In our field, we often talk about the importance civic infrastructure, the connection between people, institutions, and systems in a community. We also love to engage in discussions power. But have you ever stopped for a moment to really break down what those words mean or thought about how people outside the Cradle to Career movement engage with those ideas? In this episode, we dive into this deep world of power, civics, and democracy with founder of Citizen University, Eric Liu. Eric is one of...
Aug 25, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Many organizations are hindered by the very funding mechanisms that make their work possible because they aren’t able to move upstream...but there is another way. Outcomes Financing is an innovative way for governments to invest in better results for their communities and only pay for what works. These projects start with a critical community need and local leadership. This episode features Andi Phillips, co-founder and managing partner at Maycomb Capital, and Mark Sturgis, founder and CEO of Se...
Aug 18, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 9
When we think about the audacious vision of a more equitable world and what it takes to get there, those of us in this sector can often lose sight of an important component of what it means to build something that lasts. Specifically, I’m talking about ourselves. Burnout is something that is all too common in helping roles so today, we’re going to focus on the role of resilient leadership in unleashing large-scale social change. Our guest is Becky Margiotta principal and owner of Billions Instit...
Apr 27, 2022•51 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In recent years, attacks against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States of skyrocketed. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been over 10,300 documented incidents of hate. Today, we’re joined by Manjusha P. Kulkarni, Executive Director of AAPI Equity and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, to learn more about how data is being collected and shared in the movement to stop Asian hate. Learn more at StriveTogether.org ....
Feb 23, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 7
This week, we’re speaking with Christian Rhodes, Chief of Staff for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the Department of Education, to not only hear about his own personal journey, but to get a better understanding how the government can fulfill its role with nonprofits and intermediaries doing this work. We’ll also be talking through some recent developments and what the Cradle to Career field can expect in upcoming years. Learn more at StriveTogether.org ....
Dec 29, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Many of us in this field have used the phrase “holding equity at the center” but what does it mean? What does it look like in practice? Some of you might be imagining a solar system with planets in orbit around the sun. In this case, the sun itself has a gravitational pull that keeps everything on track. Others might be thinking of what it’s like to be at the center of things – maybe the main street of a town, or to be the life of the party. In that case, it has more to do with proximity and to ...
Dec 13, 2021•53 min•Season 2Ep. 5
We often talk about youth in future terms. You’ve probably heard or use terms like “the next generation” or “future leaders” but the reality is that if we really want to build to last, we need to have those who are inheriting the future involved right now. This isn’t just more equitable – it’s more effective. True youth engagement is an untapped potential for shifting power and transforming systems Today, we’re going to be speaking with two Lisa Marie Gomez, Senior Director of Collaborative Acti...
Nov 30, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Today, we’re going to speak with a couple that has traveled over 100,000 miles into the heart of America over discover what those stories would be. Jim and Deb Fallows are the writers and researchers behind the Our Towns book, documentary, and series for The Atlantic. We’ll also be joined by Bridget Jancarz, chief of staff at StriveTogether. Together, we’ll unpack some of those stories and the lessons that can be learned for changemakers across the country. Learn more at StriveTogether.org ....
Nov 08, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 3
We often hear about the divide between rural and metropolitan areas but today we’re going to explore what that really means, the challenges that we face, and why, to really reach systems transformation, we need to face them together. This episode features Tony Pipa, a Senior Fellow of Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution, and Dream Gentry, the executive director of Partners for Education at Berea College. Learn more at StriveTogether.org ....
Oct 20, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Have you ever noticed that behind every superhero is a good origin story? It’s the tale of they got their superpowers and how they made the decision to fight for the good of others. But whether you are talking about one extraordinary person or a team of uncanny strength, the real superpower is the movement that they create. By planting the seeds of justice and hope, they can create real lasting change. Today, we going to explore the origin story of the Cradle to Career national movement and how ...
Sep 27, 2021•56 min•Season 2Ep. 1
As we get ready for Season 2, our host Christian Motley takes a few moments to look back at some of the most impactful conversations from Season 1 while sharing some stories from his own journey as well. Highlights include wisdom shared from Angela Glover Blackwell, Colin Groth, Geoffrey Canada, Jennifer Blatz, Dan Heath, Bernadette Merikle, Toyin Anderson and more. Season 2 is going to be even more exciting as we talk with change makers across the country about building to last. Subscribe now! ...
Jun 14, 2021•23 min0
In this final episode of the first season of Together for Change, StriveTogether Executive Vice President talks with Enterprise Community Partners about housing and education. StriveTogether communities are working across housing and education to improve outcomes for young people and families. Hear examples from Memphis, Tennessee and Racine, Wiconsin. Learn more at StriveTogether.org .
Dec 04, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In episode 11, Harlem Children's Zone President Geoffrey Canada joins StriveTogether President and CEO Jennifer Blatz to discuss their life's work, improving outcomes for young people. This work is rooted in place. Canada explains, "You can't think about dealing with problems without understanding place." Learn more at StriveTogether.org .
Nov 23, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In episode 11 of Together for Change, our host Christian Motley talks with community leaders from Rochester, New York, and StriveTogether President and CEO Jennifer Blatz on how parents can lead change in their communities. Jackie Campbell, director of ROC the Future, describes how the Parent Engagement Collaborative Action Network is leading efforts to address inequities for children of color and children living in poverty. One parent leader, Toyin Anderson, explains how parents advocated for t...
Nov 11, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In episode nine, we invite PolicyLink President and CEO Michael McAffee and the Equity Research Institute Director Manuel Pastor to share how the new Racial Equity Index arms activists and community members with data to support equitable policies. They explore with host Christian Motley why we need to look at the data to reimagine institutions designed to serve a multiracial society. Learn more at StriveTogether.org ....
Nov 02, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In episode eight, host Christian Motley asks community leaders how they're tapping into the knowledge and expertise within their communities to share an equitable recovery. He's joined by StriveTogether Vice President of Equitable Results Parv Santosh-Kumar, Baltimore Promise Senior Director of Data Initiatives Bridget Blount and Community Center for Education Results Executive Director Bernadette Merikle. They touch on timely topics such as the role of youth and parents in advocating for police...
Oct 19, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In episode seven of Together for Change, host Christian Motely talks with StriveTogether Vice President Josh Davis, Harlem Children Zone CEO Kwame Owusu-Kessee and Thrive Chicago Interim President Sonya Anderson about a national initiative called Stay Covered Together why public health during the pandemic is critically important in the Black community. Learn more at StriveTogether.org .
Oct 05, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In episode six of Together for Change, StriveTogether's Christian Motley explores how one community applied the Theory of Action to pivot quickly to meet urgent needs of their community at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rocky Mountain Partnership, formerly known as the Rocky Mountain Cradle to Career Partnership, is one of nearly 70 communities that make up the Cradle to Career Network. Together, this network impacted the lives of more than 12 million youth last year including six million c...
Sep 09, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 7
