Episodes

  • EmpowerED E11: Kristen Hardnett—From Stuck to Salaried

    EmpowerED E11: Kristen Hardnett—From Stuck to Salaried
    Jan 23 2026
    Kristen felt stuck in a low paying job, and as she watched her autistic son excel in school, she knew she wanted to be shining example to him. Discover how adult ed helped Kristen turn her life around and provide a salaried position that gives her and her son everything they need and more.
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    5 mins
  • EmpowerED E10: Angel Jimenez—From Newcomer to Navigator

    EmpowerED E10: Angel Jimenez—From Newcomer to Navigator
    Dec 21 2025
    Angel began his journey with limited English proficiency, and today he is paying it forward—helping others practice their English and launching an award-winning program that strengthens language skills within his community.
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    8 mins
  • EmpowerED E9: Marcos Bonilla-Cruz—"Experience How Much YOU Can Do"

    EmpowerED E9: Marcos Bonilla-Cruz—"Experience How Much YOU Can Do"
    Dec 11 2025
    This must-see episode discusses how adult education helped Marcos Bonilla-Cruz reach his full potential after coming to America. His advice for adult learners is something you won't want to miss.
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    4 mins
  • EmpowerED E8: Mary Baker—Overwhelmed to Optimistic

    EmpowerED E8: Mary Baker—Overwhelmed to Optimistic
    Oct 7 2025
    When Mary Baker decided to get her education, she walked in feeling afraid that she couldn't succeed. Once she realized that comparison was the death of her happiness, she began to give herself the space and room to grow at her own pace. Today, Mary is a property manager who feels confident in her abilities and no longer feels overwhelmed to learn new skills! Her whole future is spread before her.
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    5 mins
  • EmpowerED E7: Samia Omran—Frustrated to Flying High

    EmpowerED E7: Samia Omran—Frustrated to Flying High
    Aug 17 2025
    Samia Omran has faced many challenges in her life, but with her four children by her side, and adult education pushing her toward her goals, Samia took charge of her future and dreams of writing her story one day.
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    4 mins
  • EmpowerED E6: Raylena Hayes—Careerless in Columbus to Keynote at Commencement

    EmpowerED E6: Raylena Hayes—Careerless in Columbus to Keynote at Commencement
    Aug 13 2025
    Raylena Hayes came to adult education after dropping out as a teenage mom. After getting married and having four children, Raylena couldn't see a career path forward for herself, until she enrolled in a career adult education program. After failing the exam 6 times, Raylena persevered and finished her HSE. Her teachers asked her to be the keynote speaker at her graduation, and today she has a fulfilling career as a motivational speaker!
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    4 mins
  • EmpowerED E5: Rita Rogers—Computer Science Major, Community Award Winner, and Career Navigator

    EmpowerED E5: Rita Rogers—Computer Science Major, Community Award Winner, and Career Navigator
    Aug 1 2025
    Rita Rogers originally encountered adult education while learning more English to pass her citizenship exam. After two years of volunteering at her program, Rita fell in love with adult education, and today has been promoted to a leadership role as her program's career navigator.
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    8 mins
  • Empowered E4: Victoria Garcia Montoya—Dropout to Dreamer

    Empowered E4: Victoria Garcia Montoya—Dropout to Dreamer
    Jul 24 2025
    Victoria Garcia Montoya came to adult education to finish her HSE, but when she walked that stage, she walked away with so much more than a diploma. She now works as an administrative assistant for a college, and she dreams of someday having her own food truck, opening her own restaurant, and becoming the state senator of her county.
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    7 mins